Service · Lucent Legal

Company setup in Dubai and the UAE with legal support

Registering a company in the UAE takes days. Picking a structure you won't have to rebuild a year later is harder: it decides your clients, visas, tax and bank. We help you choose and handle the registration.

When people come to us

  • You can't decide between mainland and a free zone.
  • You need visas for yourself, your family and staff.
  • Banks refuse to open a corporate account.
  • You're starting with a partner and want shares and exit terms in writing.
  • You already have a company and need to change activity, move zones or close it.

What we do

  1. We look at the business model: where your clients are, how many visas you need, what activity you run.
  2. We choose the jurisdiction and emirate and work out tax: 9% corporate tax on profit above AED 375,000 and the conditions for the 0% free zone rate.
  3. We prepare the documents and founding agreements and apply for the licence.
  4. We help with visas and Emirates ID, FTA registration and the corporate account.
  5. We draft a shareholder agreement if there are several founders.

Timelines and what drives the cost

Some free zones issue the licence on the day you apply (RAKEZ Instant Licence, Meydan Fawri); on the mainland the timeline depends on the activity and approvals from the relevant authorities. The visa, tax registration and bank add weeks.

Official free zone price lists (checked 16 Oct 2026) start at AED 5,750 (SPC), 5,760 (SHAMS) and 6,000 (RAKEZ) without a visa; packages with one visa cost AED 14,000 at RAKEZ and 43,780 at DMCC. Mainland cost depends on the activity, Ejari-registered office and visas. We quote our fee after the review, separately from government fees.

Why Lucent Legal

  • An honest assessment first. If you have no case, you hear it at the review, before you pay anything.
  • UAE-licensed advocates. We handle the review, strategy, paperwork and negotiations; in court you are represented by an advocate licensed in the UAE whom we work with.
  • English and Russian. We explain your case in plain language.
  • Confidential. Your documents and messages stay with us.
  • Office in Dubai: Oxford Tower, Office 307, Business Bay. LUCENT LEGAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCIES CO. L.L.C, DET licence No. 1192929.

FAQ

Can I open a company in Dubai without living there?

Yes, you can apply remotely. Many free zones accept applications and documents online, and on the mainland you file through Invest in Dubai. For the visa you have to come in person: the medical test and biometrics happen on site.

How much does company setup in the UAE cost?

Official free zone price lists (checked 16 Oct 2026) start at AED 5,750 (SPC) without a visa; a package with one visa starts at AED 14,000 (RAKEZ). Mainland cost depends on the activity, an Ejari-registered office and visas. We quote our fee after the review, separately from government fees.

Mainland or free zone?

A mainland company can trade directly with clients across the UAE and bid for government contracts. A free zone company is built for business outside the country and inside its own zone. Where your clients are decides it.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company?

Yes, on the mainland since June 2021 (Decree-Law No. 26/2020). Strategic sectors such as defence, security, and oil and gas remain exceptions.

Is a free zone company tax-free?

Not automatically. FTA registration is mandatory, and the 0% rate applies only to a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Late registration costs a fixed AED 10,000 penalty.

How many visas can I get?

The licensing authority sets the quota from the office size or the zone package; a flexi-desk usually gives one or two visas.

How long does registration take?

Some free zones issue the licence the same day (RAKEZ, Meydan). On the mainland it depends on the activity and approvals. An investor visa adds time for the medical and Emirates ID.

Related guides

This material is for information only and is not legal advice. UAE law changes — a lawyer will assess how it applies to your situation.