Starting a company in the UAE means choosing between three fundamentally different jurisdictions — mainland, free zone, or offshore — each with its own licensing authority, cost structure, and rules on who you can trade with. This hub brings together UAE Wow’s business formation guides in one place, covering setup costs, jurisdiction comparisons, and the licensing process.
Free zones are independently regulated by their own authority, separate from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which is why setup costs, activity lists, and visa quotas vary significantly from one free zone to another. Mainland companies register directly with DET and face different rules entirely, particularly around which clients they can serve inside the UAE.
Setup Costs and Free Zone Comparisons
Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai — Real 2026 pricing across Dubai-specific free zones and lower-cost alternatives in neighboring emirates, plus the hidden annual costs most setup guides leave out.
Free zone license costs in the UAE range from roughly AED 4,888 to AED 15,000+ for a zero-visa package, before visas, establishment cards, or office space are added.
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What’s Coming to This Hub
Additional UAE business formation guides are in production, including mainland versus free zone comparisons, trade license renewal costs, and the visa quota rules that determine when a flexi-desk setup needs to upgrade to a private office.
Last verified: July 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: UAE Ministry of Economy — Free Zone Regulations
