Legal & Business Services in Dubai
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Business services in Dubai with Legarithm cover the whole path of setting up and running a company in the UAE’s leading commercial hub — from company formation to licences, visas, tax and accounting — either on the mainland, licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to trade directly with the local market and bid for government tenders, or in a free zone such as DIFC, DMCC, IFZA or Meydan for 100% ownership and 0% tax on qualifying income. Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, with 0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. Legarithm handles the whole path — the right structure, licence, office and visas, plus corporate-tax and accounting registration.
Ready to start? Compare a Dubai company formation, a common-law DIFC setup, a UAE offshore company, or the full UAE company formation hub.
Business setup in Dubai: key benefits
Why founders choose Dubai for business setup — the outcomes it is built to deliver.
Our business services in Dubai
Pick the route that fits — each links to the page that handles it end to end.
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you find the right solution for your business and support you at every step.
DIFC Business Setup
Launch in Dubai's financial centre under common law — ideal for funds, fintech and holdings.
Learn moreDMCC Company Formation
Base your company in Dubai's top trade free zone — ideal for commodities and crypto businesses.
Learn moreAccounting Services in Dubai
Outsourced accounting in Dubai: monthly bookkeeping, VAT compliance, cloud records and audit support.
Learn moreCompany Formation in Dubai
Company formation in Dubai — one of the world's most prestigious jurisdictions; swift setup with full support.
Learn moreIFZA Business Setup
A fully owned company in a cost-effective free zone with a Dubai address and remote setup.
Learn moreJebel Ali Offshore Company Formation
A JAFZA offshore entity for asset holding, UAE real estate ownership and premium banking.
Learn moreLicenses in Dubai
Licences in Dubai across mainland and free zones — activity selection, issuance and renewals.
Learn moreMeydan Free Zone Company Formation
A fully owned Dubai company with a prestigious central address and flexible visa options.
Learn moreDubai mainland vs free zone vs offshore
How the three Dubai routes compare — pick by what your business needs to do, not by price alone.
| Parameter | Dubai mainland | Dubai free zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell to UAE local market | Yes — directly | No (needs a distributor) | No |
| Government tenders | Yes | Limited | No |
| Ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% | 100% |
| Regulator / law | DET · UAE civil law | Free-zone authority (DIFC/DMCC/IFZA/…) | Registry only |
| Best for | Local trade, retail, services | Finance, trade, crypto, e-commerce, logistics | Holding, asset ownership |
| Physical office | Required | Flexi-desk to office | None |
| Residence visas | Yes — scales with office | Yes — per package | No |
| Licence from | ~AED 12,000–25,000/yr | from ~AED 5,750–15,000/yr | ~AED 8,000–15,000 |
*Mainland for local sales and tenders; a free zone like DMCC for trade, crypto or e-commerce; DIFC for regulated finance. For pure holding, a UAE offshore company. Compare all on our UAE company formation hub.
Planning your business in Dubai?
Tell us what your business does and we’ll scope your Dubai setup — the right structure, licence, office and cost — usually within one working day.
Business services in Dubai: FAQ
Still have questions?
How much does business setup in Dubai cost?
Indicatively for 2026: a free-zone licence from ~AED 5,750/yr, or a mainland (DET) licence from ~AED 12,000/yr, plus an office and ~AED 3,000–5,000 per visa. The exact figure depends on the route and activity — confirmed after a free call.
Mainland or free zone in Dubai — which is better?
Mainland (DET) lets you sell to the UAE market and bid for tenders; a free zone is often cheaper, gives 0% on qualifying income and suits trade, crypto and e-commerce but can’t trade locally without a distributor. Regulated finance belongs in DIFC.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai company?
Yes — 100% in every free zone, and for most mainland activities since the 2021 reform, with no local sponsor. A few strategic activities still require an Emirati partner or agent.
What tax will a Dubai company pay?
0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000 and 9% above; qualifying free-zone income stays at 0%. VAT is 5% over the threshold, and there is no personal income tax. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory even at 0%.
What is DIFC?
The Dubai International Financial Centre — a common-law financial free zone with its own courts and the DFSA regulator, used for regulated finance, funds and holding structures. We set up DIFC companies end to end.
Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi better for business setup?
Dubai suits global trade, logistics and the widest free-zone choice; Abu Dhabi suits government-linked and capital-city business. Many groups use both — we help you pick and, where useful, combine them.
How long does business setup in Dubai take?
A free-zone company can be set up in a few days once documents are ready; a mainland company usually takes 1–2 weeks. Visas and banking follow over the next couple of weeks.
Can I get a crypto licence in Dubai?
Yes — Dubai and the wider UAE license virtual-asset businesses (through VARA, and DIFC or DMCC for related activities). We handle the licence and the company end to end — see our Dubai crypto licence.
Get in Touch
Leave your inquiry, and our legal team will reply within one business day. Initial consultation is free of charge and confidential.
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