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Mainland company formation
For businesses that want to operate directly in the UAE market.
Dubai business setup experts
Launch your Dubai company with a premium, fast, and compliant setup
Premium UAE company formation services tailored to your ambitions. From mainland and free zone setup to offshore incorporation, we handle the complexities so you can focus on building your business.
Ready to establish your business in the UAE? Speak with our experts today and discover the right setup for you.
- Mainland and Free zone Company Setup
- Corporate banking assistance and accounting services
What we deliver
Talk to Formation Expert End-to-end formation and launch services
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Free zone incorporation
Optimized for startups, consultants, traders, and digital businesses.
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Offshore structures
Built for holding, asset protection, and international structuring needs.
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Investor and team visas
Complete visa processing, medicals, biometrics, and Emirates ID support.
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Bank account readiness
KYC-first documentation and introductions to suitable banking partners.
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Tax and compliance setup
Corporate tax, VAT registration, accounting, and renewal continuity.
Choose right from day one
Choose the Right UAE Company Structure
Compare the three structures by where you plan to trade, which activities you need and what your company must be allowed to do. The points below show the main differences to consider before you decide.
Broader market. Greater possibilities.
Mainland Company Formation
A mainland licence lets you work directly with customers across the UAE, within the activities your licence covers.
Explore Mainland SetupLicensed activities
Your licence must cover every activity you plan to carry out. Office and visa rules depend on the activity and the licensing authority.
Built for the local market
Generally suited to businesses that serve UAE customers directly, within their licensed activities and approvals.
Wider customer access
A strong choice when local operations and reaching a wide range of UAE customers are central to your plan.
Tax position
Corporate tax depends on your taxable income and the rules that apply to your activities.
Focused sectors. Global opportunities.
Free Zone Company Formation
Free zones are business parks with their own rules, ideal for specialist sectors and companies serving international clients.
Explore Free Zone SetupZone-specific rules
Each free zone sets its own permitted activities, licence options, facilities and application requirements.
Visas and workspace
Check the zone’s visa allocation and workspace rules before you pick a package.
International focus
May suit approved specialist sectors or businesses serving customers across international markets.
Check your activity
A free zone licence does not automatically allow every mainland activity. Confirm the rules for your intended work.
Possible 0% corporate tax
A Qualifying Free Zone Person may pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income when all conditions are met. Other income may be taxed at the standard rate.
International reach. Strategic structure.
Offshore Company Formation
An offshore company is used for holding and international structuring, not for day-to-day trading inside the UAE.
Explore Offshore SetupSpecific purposes
Generally considered for international or holding purposes rather than day-to-day UAE trading.
Not an operating licence
It is not a substitute for a mainland licence and generally cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland market.
No residence visa
Offshore incorporation does not, by itself, give you UAE residence visa eligibility.
Holding and ownership
May be considered for holding eligible assets or planning ownership arrangements, subject to the jurisdiction’s rules.
Confirm before you proceed
Check that your purpose, ownership and activities are permitted by the chosen registration authority.
Our approach
How we help you choose the right setup
Dubai offers many formation routes, and the neighbouring emirates add more. Our consultation turns the choice into a practical shortlist based on your goals, operations and growth plans.
- Business-focused advice
- Clear recommendations
- A practical shortlist
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Understand your business
We start with your business model, target market and where your revenue will come from.
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Check activities & approvals
We confirm your activities can sit on one licence and flag any external approvals.
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Ownership & management
We review shareholders, management and document needs, including attestation or translation.
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Plan your visas
We estimate visa needs, check package eligibility and outline medicals, Emirates ID and insurance.
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Assess premises & banking
We advise on office or facility needs and prepare you for the corporate bank account.
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Taxes & future growth
We look at tax registration, compliance and how your structure supports future change.
Our process
How to set up a business in Dubai
Five steps from first call to being trading ready.
Book a consultation-
Step 1
Free consultation
A 30-minute call. We learn your business, ownership and where you plan to trade.
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Step 2
Structure recommendation
Mainland or free zone. We pick the best fit for your plans. No pressure to commit.
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Step 3
Company setup application
We guide you through the application process from start to finish. Easy when you know how.
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Step 4
Company goes live
Your licence is approved in a few working days. Free zone routes are usually fastest.
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Step 5
Post-setup support
Banking and insurance introductions, plus accountants and tax specialists on hand from day one.
30 minAverage first response
Why Fortuna Nova
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Speak to Senior Advisor
Built for founders entering Dubai and the wider Middle East
Jurisdiction-neutral advice
We recommend the best fit for your business, not a single zone quota.
Senior consultants only
You work with experienced advisors from discovery to post-launch.
High-speed execution
Most free zone setups complete in days once documents are ready.
Banking-first approach
We structure your file to improve account onboarding outcomes.
End-to-end partnership
Formation, visas, tax, renewals, and growth support under one team.
Client outcomes
What founders say about our process
★★★★★
“Clear strategy from day one. We launched in Dubai on schedule and avoided expensive rework.”
S. RahmanFintech founder, UK
★★★★★
“The process felt premium and precise. Their bank-readiness support made a huge difference.”
N. KarthikConsultancy owner, India
★★★★★
“Responsive team, transparent costs, and strong follow-through for visas and licensing.”
D. PetrovTrading entrepreneur, CIS
★★★★★
“They compared mainland and free zone honestly and picked the option that actually fit our sales model.”
A. HassanE-commerce founder, Egypt
★★★★★
“Everything was handled remotely. My licence and visa came through without a single wasted trip.”
M. FischerConsultant, Germany
★★★★★
“Patient, precise and always reachable. The banking guidance alone saved us weeks of back and forth.”
P. NairImport-export owner, India
Frequently asked questions
Your Questions, Our Expert Answers
Clear answers to the most common questions about business setup in Dubai. Still have a question? Our team is here to help.
How long does business setup in the UAE usually take?
It can take from a few days to several weeks. The timeline depends on your business activity, jurisdiction, licence approvals and how quickly documents are ready.
Should I choose mainland or free zone for my company in Dubai?
Each offers different benefits. Mainland companies can access the UAE local market directly, while free zones offer jurisdiction-specific advantages. The right choice depends on your activity and goals.
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
Costs depend on your licence type, business activity, jurisdiction, office requirements and visa needs. An advisor prepares a tailored estimate after reviewing your requirements in the free consultation.
Can I get a UAE residence visa or Golden Visa through my business setup?
Eligible business owners may apply for a UAE residence visa through their company. Golden Visa eligibility is assessed separately under the applicable government categories and requirements.
Do I need a PRO service for my Dubai business?
PRO services help manage government paperwork, visa applications, licence renewals, document processing and other administrative tasks.
Can I obtain a residence visa with a UAE business setup?
Eligible company owners and investors can apply for residence visas through their UAE company, subject to immigration rules, establishment requirements and visa quota availability.
How long does it take to get a business visa in Dubai?
Processing times vary by visa category, application documents, medical fitness requirements and immigration approvals.
Can I own 100% of my company in Dubai?
Full foreign ownership is available for many mainland and free zone activities. Certain regulated activities and legal structures may have additional ownership conditions.
What documents do I need to start a business in Dubai?
Common documents include passport copies, proposed company names, application forms and business activity details. More may be required depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Can I open a corporate bank account after setup?
Yes. A UAE company can apply for a corporate bank account after incorporation. Banks run their own compliance checks and may request company, shareholder and business activity documents.
Can I start a business in Dubai if I am outside the UAE?
Yes. Many UAE company formation steps can be completed remotely, depending on the jurisdiction, business activity and authority requirements.
Why use a business setup consultant instead of doing it myself?
A consultant helps you compare jurisdictions, identify suitable activities, prepare applications and coordinate with the relevant authorities, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
What is the corporate tax in the UAE for new businesses?
UAE corporate tax generally applies at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold. Specific exemptions and free zone rules may apply.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements after setup?
These may include trade licence renewal, accounting records, corporate tax registration and filing, VAT compliance where applicable, and other activity-specific obligations.
Ready to form your Dubai company the right way?
Book your free consultation and receive a clear action plan tailored to your business model.
