Calculate The Cost Of Your Business Setup

Costs vary depending on the jurisdiction you choose, the type of business activity, number of visas, and office requirements. As a general guide, free zone packages start from approximately AED 12,900/year and mainland setups from around AED 14,999/year. These are indicative ranges — your dedicated advisor will provide an exact, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific needs after a short consultation.

Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup processes (often 1–3 days), and are ideal for international trading, e-commerce, consulting, and tech businesses. Mainland companies can trade freely across the entire UAE, bid on government contracts, and have unlimited visa capacity. The right choice depends on your target market, business activity, and growth plans — your advisor will help you compare both options side by side.

Free zone company formation can be completed in as little as 1–3 business days once documents are submitted. Mainland setups typically take 7–14 business days due to additional government approvals. Visa processing usually takes an additional 5–10 working days. Your advisor will provide an exact timeline based on your chosen jurisdiction and the specific authorities involved.

Absolutely. Virtuzone supports fully remote company formation — we handle the entire process on your behalf, from document preparation to license issuance. You will typically need to visit the UAE once for biometrics (Emirates ID and visa stamping), but we can also arrange power of attorney for a completely remote setup in many jurisdictions. Our team coordinates across time zones to keep the process seamless.

The basic requirements are a valid passport copy (with at least 6 months validity), a passport-sized photograph, and a description of your intended business activities. Depending on your chosen jurisdiction, you may also need a No Objection Certificate (if currently employed in the UAE), proof of address, and a brief business plan. Free zone setups tend to have simpler documentation. Your dedicated advisor will provide a personalized checklist so you know exactly what is needed before you begin.

Not necessarily. Most free zone companies can operate with a virtual office or flexi-desk arrangement, which is the most cost-effective option. Mainland companies require an Ejari-registered office address, but shared workspaces and business centres qualify. Virtuzone offers a range of office solutions — from virtual addresses to fully furnished private offices — so you can choose what fits your budget and operational needs.

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective from June 2023. Small businesses earning below this threshold are taxed at 0%. Qualifying free zone companies may be eligible for a 0% rate on qualifying income under specific conditions. There is no personal income tax in the UAE.

While it is technically possible to set up a company independently, the process involves multiple government authorities, regulatory requirements, and documentation standards that vary by jurisdiction. A specialist like Virtuzone handles everything end-to-end — from name reservation and license application to visa processing and bank account opening — saving you weeks of research and preventing costly application rejections. Our fee is often offset by the time saved and errors avoided, plus you get ongoing compliance support.