The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the world’s most preferred destinations for global entrepreneurs, investors, and startups. With 0% income tax, 100% foreign ownership, world-class infrastructure, and one of the fastest business licensing systems on the planet, starting a business in the UAE is now easier, faster, and more profitable than ever.
This complete guide explains everything you need to know—business types, costs, documents, benefits, licenses, and the exact steps to follow to launch your business successfully.
The UAE is a global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, offering unmatched advantages for business owners:
No local sponsor required in most business activities.
One of the lowest tax regimes in the world.
Smart cities, global airports, ports & digital systems.
Get your license in 1–3 days, depending on business activity.
Politically stable, investor-friendly policies.
Entrepreneurs can easily sponsor employees & families.
Flexible structures for global expansion.
MAFAZAUAE is here to make the entire process simple, fast, and stress-free.
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Full cost breakdown + Best jurisdiction recommendation + Setup plan.
When starting a business in UAE, you can choose one of the following:
Best for:
Best for:
Best for:
UAE allows 2,000+ business activities, including:
Trading & import-export
E-commerce & online stores
Management consultancy
Real estate
Construction
Media & marketing
IT & software development
Tourism & hospitality
General trading
Health & wellness
Financial services
The cost depends on your business type, activities, visas, and location.
AED 7,500 – AED 15,000 (no visa)
AED 12,000 – AED 25,000 (with visa)
AED 15,000 – AED 35,000 (depending on license category)
AED 10,000 – AED 18,000
These costs vary based on activity, number of partners, and office space requirements.
Starting a business in UAE requires minimal paperwork:
Passport Copy
Passport-size Photo
Visa/Entry Permit Copy (if available)
Business Activity Details
Phone & Email
Company Name Options
Free zones require fewer documents than mainland setup.
Perfect for new investors & entrepreneurs:
✔ E-commerce business
✔ Consulting services
✔ Real estate brokerage
✔ Digital marketing agency
✔ Trading company
✔ Logistics & freight
✔ Event management
✔ Fitness & wellness
✔ Mobile app development
✔ Restaurant/café
✔ Cleaning company
Usually 1–3 working days, depending on the company type.
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of companies in most sectors.
No, but a visa is required to open a bank account.
Free zone licenses starting from AED 7,500.
Yes, UAE companies are globally recognized and ideal for international business.
Global investor visa
100% profit repatriation
Easy company renewal
Simple bank account opening
No annual audits in many free zones
High business stability
Zero capital requirements in most free zones
Starting a business in UAE offers unmatched opportunities for global entrepreneurs. With low costs, full ownership, easy licensing, and global credibility, the UAE is the best place to launch and grow your company in 2025 and beyond.
We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message and let’s start the conversation.