What Is ICP Smart Services in UAE?
ICP Smart Services is the official digital platform of the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port...
Our Business Setup Consultants in Dubai provide comprehensive support for business setup in Dubai, helping entrepreneurs and investors with company formation, licensing, visas, compliance, and banking solutions.
Dubai is one of the world's most business-friendly cities - combining zero income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and access to global markets in a single, strategically located destination.
Keep every dirham you earn. Dubai levies no personal income tax, making it one of the most attractive locations for entrepreneurs globally.
Strategically positioned between East and West, Dubai connects you to over 2 billion consumers across three continents within a 4-hour flight.
Full ownership is available across all free zones and most mainland business activities — your company, your complete control.
Get your trade license in as little as 3–5 working days. AE Setup's streamlined process removes the bureaucratic headaches for you.
The UAE's diversified, investor-friendly economy and one of the world's lowest crime rates make Dubai an exceptionally secure place to do business.
Premium office spaces, international airports, smart ports, and lightning-fast digital connectivity support every type of business here.
Dubai's time zone overlaps with both Asian and European business hours, making it the ideal base for international trade and operations.
Business owners and their families are eligible for UAE residency visas, enjoy living and working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
End-to-end company setup services across Dubai and the UAE, from your first consultation to your first transaction.
DED-licensed mainland company setup in Dubai for businesses targeting the UAE local market across all commercial and professional activities.
Learn More100% foreign ownership, zero tax, and easy banking — set up in IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC, DWTC, JAFZA, Ajman Free Zone, and 40+ others.
Learn MoreAsset protection, international trade, and full privacy. Ideal for holding structures, IP ownership, and global investors seeking a UAE base.
Learn MoreUAE investor visas, employee work permits, family residence visas, UAE Golden Visa, and freelance visa, all processed by our experts. .
Learn MoreWe help you open corporate and personal bank accounts with leading UAE banks, faster approvals, fewer rejections, and full guidance.
Learn MoreUAE VAT registration, corporate tax filing, bookkeeping, and financial advisory services to keep your business fully compliant.
Learn MoreGovernment liaison, document attestation, Emirates ID, GDRFA, ICP Smart Services, E-Channel, and license renewals, fully managed for you.
Learn MoreCommercial, professional, and industrial trade licenses across Dubai and the UAE, including multi-activity licenses and renewals.
Learn MoreTransparent, all-inclusive packages designed for every budget and business type.
Solo trader / micro business
SME & growing businesses
Established businesses
Large scale / Group setup
Click a Free Zone to view packages
3 Activities | 2 Visas
Manufacturing & Trade
Holding & International Trade
Most Affordable Offshore
Budget Offshore Option
Every business is unique. Let our expert consultants build a 100% custom package that fits your exact requirements, budget, and industry.
Not sure which jurisdiction fits your business? Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade in UAE Market | (via distributor) | ||
| 100% Foreign Ownership | |||
| UAE Residency Visa | |||
| Corporate Tax | 9% above AED 375K | 0% (qualified FZ) | 0% |
| Physical Office Required | Optional | ||
| Import / Export | |||
| Cost | Medium–High | Low–Medium | Very Low |
| Best for | Local Market Trade | International Business | Asset Holding |
Our team coordinates directly with government authorities to simplify approvals, licensing, and compliance requirements.






AE Setup's streamlined 4-step process gets your business running fast, with full guidance and zero confusion at every stage.
We understand your business goals and recommend the ideal jurisdiction and license type for your needs.
We guide you through all required documents, handle paperwork, company name reservation, and MOA drafting.
We submit your application to DED, the free zone authority, or the offshore registrar and track approvals in real time.
Receive your license, investor visa, Emirates ID, and corporate bank account. You're ready to trade in the UAE.
Retain 100% of personal earnings. Dubai levies no income tax on salaries or dividends, anywhere.
Transfer profits and capital freely without restriction. No exchange controls or capital lock-in.
Hire from 200+ nationalities through simplified work permit processes in Dubai.
Top-tier ports, airports, roads, and digital connectivity support seamless business operations.
The UAE has signed 100+ DTAAs, protecting your business from double taxation across key global markets.
Trusted by entrepreneurs from 100+ countries, AE Setup is Dubai's dedicated business setup consultancy, combining deep UAE expertise with genuine hands-on support.
Deep knowledge of UAE mainland, free zone, and offshore regulations built over a decade of hands-on company formation.
From business license to visa to banking, one trusted partner handles everything your business needs in the UAE.
Our consultants speak Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and more — comfortably serving clients from over 100 countries.
Get your trade license in as little as 3 working days with our expedited processing and direct authority relationships.
No hidden charges, no surprise fees. All-inclusive packages with clear, upfront costs from the very first conversation.
You get a dedicated account manager from day one, a single point of contact who knows your business inside out.
We stay on top of the latest UAE regulatory updates so your business remains 100% compliant at every stage.
Direct relationships with DED, GDRFA, ICP, and key free zone authorities, for faster approvals and fewer delays.
We have deep expertise across all major industry verticals in the UAE.
AE Setup is a registered agent and approved partner with all major UAE free zones. We help you identify and set up in the best free zone for your business.












Hear directly from entrepreneurs and investors who chose AE Setup for their business setup in Dubai.
"As someone relocating from the UK, I was overwhelmed by the process. AE Setup guided me through every single step, mainland company formation, residence visa, and bank account, with incredible patience."
"The AE Setup team is highly knowledgeable about UAE business regulations. They helped us select the ideal free zone for our trading company and completed everything within 5 working days. Outstanding service!"
"I set up my offshore company through AE Setup for asset protection purposes. The entire process was smooth, confidential, and professionally handled. Their pricing is transparent with zero hidden charges."
"AE Setup helped me get my freelance visa and professional license in Dubai in record time. They were responsive on WhatsApp, answered every question, and made me feel completely supported throughout."
"As a foreign investor setting up in Dubai for the first time, AE Setup made the whole experience stress-free. Multilingual team, transparent pricing, and excellent support!"
"AE Setup's accounting team handles our VAT and corporate tax compliance flawlessly. It's peace of mind knowing experts are managing our finances. Great team overall!"
"We expanded our business from Singapore to Dubai through AE Setup. Their understanding of the UAE market, free zone options, and corporate banking requirements was unmatched. Best decision we made!"
"The AE Setup team is knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly efficient. What I thought would take months was done in under 2 weeks. Truly impressive service!"
"Best investment decision I made was choosing AE Setup for my Dubai business setup. Professional, reliable, and they genuinely care about your success. 10/10!"
"AE Setup helped us set up our e-commerce company in Meydan Free Zone within days. Bank account followed smoothly. Couldn't be happier with the entire experience!"
Stay informed with our latest blogs and articles, offering expert insights and tips on business setup in Dubai.
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Join thousands of entrepreneurs who trust AE Setup for expert guidance, transparent pricing, and seamless UAE business formation services.
With AE Setup, a free zone company can be set up in as little as 3–5 working days. Mainland companies typically take 7–14 working days, depending on the business activity and approvals required. We manage the entire process so there are no unnecessary delays.
Yes. Under the amended UAE Commercial Companies Law (2021), most mainland business activities now permit 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor. All free zone companies have always offered 100% foreign ownership. AE Setup can advise on which structure gives you the most ownership flexibility.
Business setup costs in Dubai start from AED 7,999 for a basic free zone license and go up depending on your jurisdiction, number of activities, visa allocations, and office requirements. AE Setup offers all-inclusive packages with transparent pricing and no hidden charges. Use our License Estimator for a personalised quote.
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE and are licensed by DED. Free Zone companies offer tax benefits and 100% ownership but have restrictions on direct UAE market trade. Offshore companies are for international operations, asset holding, and do not operate physically in the UAE. AE Setup helps you choose the right structure for your goals.
Many free zone and offshore companies can be set up entirely remotely. For mainland companies, a visit may be needed for certain document signings, but AE Setup facilitates as much as possible via Power of Attorney (POA). Contact our team to understand the remote setup options for your specific business type.
Yes. Business owners are eligible for UAE investor or partner visas. You can also apply for employee work permits and family residence visas. The number of visas depends on your license type, office space, and visa quota. AE Setup handles all visa and immigration processing end-to-end.
The UAE introduced a 9% federal corporate tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000 effective June 2023. Qualifying free zone businesses may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. AE Setup provides full tax advisory services and can help you structure your business for maximum tax efficiency.
The right free zone depends on your industry, budget, visa requirements, and business objectives. Options include IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC, DWTC, JAFZA, Ajman Free Zone, and 40+ others. Our consultants analyse your profile and recommend the best fit at no extra charge. Book a free consultation to find out.
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Our expert consultants are available right now to guide you through company formation, visas, and bank accounts.
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