What types of companies can you set up in the UAE?

We handle mainland limited liability companies, all major free zone jurisdictions — DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, and 40+ others — and offshore structures in RAK ICC and JAFZA. Our team advises on the right structure based on your activity, ownership requirements, and banking needs.

What is the difference between mainland, free zone, and offshore?

Mainland companies can trade directly in the UAE market and hold government contracts. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and sector-specific licences but restrict direct mainland trading without a local distributor. Offshore structures are used for holding, asset protection, and international contracting — they cannot operate commercially in the UAE.

How long does the company formation process typically take?

Most mainland LLCs are incorporated within 7–14 working days. Free zone formations typically complete in 3–7 working days. Bank account approvals vary by institution — we coordinate all submissions in parallel to minimise total elapsed time.

Can I set up a UAE company without being physically present in Dubai?

Yes. For most free zone jurisdictions, the full formation can be completed remotely through notarised and apostilled documents. Certain mainland activities and some bank account openings may require a brief in-person visit, which our team coordinates to minimise disruption to your schedule.

Do you provide ongoing support after company registration?

Our engagements are structured as ongoing advisory relationships, not one-time transactions. Post-formation, we provide corporate tax compliance, VAT filing, annual audit, visa processing, and corporate secretarial services — all under one engagement team.

Dubai Trade License Guide | Marhaban Group

A trade licence is the legal permit that allows you to operate a specific business activity in Dubai. The type of licence you need depends entirely on what your company does.

Types of trade licences

Professional licence — for consultants, lawyers, and other service providers
Commercial licence — for businesses buying or selling goods
Industrial licence — for manufacturing or industrial activity
General trading licence — for trading across a wide range of unrelated goods
E-commerce licence — for businesses selling online

Free zone, mainland, and offshore licences

A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and directly with the local market. A free zone licence permits trading within the zone and internationally, with full foreign ownership and tax exemptions. An offshore licence is used purely for international business and cannot trade within the UAE.

Benefits of holding a trade licence

Access to the UAE's tax advantages
Freedom to import, export, and trade across sectors
A strategic base between East and West
Improved credibility with customers and partners
Ability to sponsor dependents and employees
Fast, government-backed registration process

Documents you will need

Trade licence application signed by all managers
Memorandum of association
Company name approval document
Passport copies for all managing partners

Indicative licence costs

Fee type	Approximate cost (AED)
Licence registration fee	600
General trading activity fee	15,000
Trade name fee	1,000 – 3,000
Typical total range	11,000 – 50,000

Figures above are indicative placeholders — final costs depend on your activity, structure, and jurisdiction.

Renewing your licence

Start the renewal process at least a month before expiry: confirm your tenancy is valid, clear any outstanding fines, gather your renewal documents, and submit them along with payment to the relevant authority.

We review your intended activity list against every available jurisdiction to find the licence path that gets you operating fastest. Estimate your licence cost or speak with an advisor.

Dubai Trade License Guide