Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore — we guide you to the right structure for your goals. 100% foreign ownership, full DED & free zone compliance, bank account assistance.
Why Business Setup in UAE
The UAE offers one of the globe’s most attractive environments for entrepreneurs and investors — 0% personal income tax, strategic global location, world-class infrastructure, and a growing market of 3.5 billion people within a 4-hour flight.
Whether you’re a startup, SME, or multinational expanding to the region, choosing the right company structure is critical. ENSIJAM’s experts have helped 3,500+ businesses find their optimal UAE structure since 2013.
Company Structures
Three distinct structures — each optimized for different business goals. Our experts will recommend the right one for you.
A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows you to conduct business anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most activities.
Ideal for businesses that want to serve the local UAE market directly, bid for government contracts, or establish a physical retail or office presence across the Emirates.
We help you select the correct business activity and reserve your trade name with DED — typically completed within 24 hours.
Obtain initial approval from DED. We draft the Memorandum of Association and have it notarized at the Notary Public.
Secure a physical office address in Dubai. We provide flexi-desk, serviced office, or full office options. Ejari registration handled by us.
Submit all documents to DED, pay government fees, and receive your mainland trade license — usually within 3–5 working days.
Apply for investor and employment visas. We assist with bank account opening at leading UAE banks.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DED Trade License Fee | AED 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Name Reservation | AED 620 |
| MOA Notarization | AED 800 – 1,200 |
| Ejari (office lease registration) | AED 200 – 2,000 |
| ENSIJAM PRO Service Fee | AED 2,500 |
| Total (approx.) | AED 14,120 – 21,320 |
Costs vary based on business activity, number of visa quotas, and office type. Contact us for a precise, no-obligation quote tailored to your requirements.
UAE free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% import/export duties, full profit repatriation, and an expedited setup process. With 40+ free zones across the UAE, ENSIJAM partners with 16 of the most popular zones.
Best for businesses focused on export, e-commerce, consulting, technology, and international trade. Free zone companies cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland without a local distributor.
We match your business activity and budget to the optimal free zone from our network of 16+ partners.
We prepare and submit your application package including passport copies, business plan, and KYC documents.
Receive your free zone trade license and Certificate of Incorporation — often within 1–3 working days.
Apply for your investor and employee visas. Free zone establishment card obtained for future visa applications.
We facilitate corporate bank account opening with our banking partners — UAE and international options available.
| Free Zone | Annual License |
|---|---|
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | AED 5,750+ |
| IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis) | AED 12,900+ |
| Shams (Sharjah) | AED 11,500+ |
| DMCC (Jumeirah Lakes) | AED 18,000+ |
| JAFZA (Jebel Ali) | AED 15,000+ |
| DIFC (Financial Centre) | USD 12,000+ |
| ENSIJAM Service Fee | AED 1,500 – 3,000 |
Free zone costs vary by zone, package, visa quota, and office type. We negotiate the best rates with our free zone partners on your behalf.
A UAE offshore company is a legal entity registered in the UAE but not permitted to conduct business within the UAE locally. It is ideal as a holding company, for international trading, asset protection, or as a tax-efficient vehicle for global operations.
The two primary offshore jurisdictions in the UAE are JAFZA (Jebel Ali) and RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) — both offering strong confidentiality protections and legal frameworks.
We advise on JAFZA vs RAK ICC based on your ownership goals, asset protection needs, and banking requirements.
Compile and notarize required documents: passport copies, proof of address, source of funds declaration.
Offshore company registered and Certificate of Incorporation issued within 3–7 working days.
Receive full corporate kit (MOA, AOA, share certificates). We assist with international banking introductions.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| RAK ICC Registration (1 year) | AED 3,500 – 5,000 |
| JAFZA Offshore Registration | AED 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Registered Agent Fee | AED 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Apostille / Notarization | AED 500 – 1,000 |
| ENSIJAM Service Fee | AED 1,500 |
| Total RAK ICC (approx.) | AED 7,000 – 9,500 |
Offshore companies cannot issue UAE residency visas. They are optimized for international holding, IP management, and global trade structures.
From initial consultation to license issuance, visa processing, bank account opening, and ongoing renewals — ENSIJAM is your single point of contact for your entire UAE business lifecycle.
Start TodayWhy Business Setup with ENSIJAM
Beyond the license — we deliver an end-to-end business launch experience that sets you up for long-term success.
Our advisors analyze your business model and recommend the exact activity codes, jurisdiction, and structure before any fees are charged.
We have official channel partner agreements — meaning we often have access to exclusive packages and pricing not available directly.
We identify the most cost-efficient structure for your goals, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dirhams annually.
MOA drafting, notarization, attestation, Ejari — every document is prepared and submitted by our team. Zero paperwork for you.
We prepare your banking pack and introduce you to our banking partners — dramatically improving approval chances and speed.
We send reminders and manage your license renewal every year, so you never risk cancellation or penalty for late renewal.
FAQ
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