Category · Q&A index
Corporate & Business
UAE corporate tax, FZE setup, mainland vs free zone.
0%CORPORATE TAX
UAE mainland corporate tax rate
AED 575MINIMUM
DED e-trader license annual fee
50FREE ZONES
Active free zones across UAE
7-10DAYS
Typical mainland business setup time
Start here
01
I want to start a business in Dubai
Explore licensing options, free zones vs mainland setup, costs, and step-by-step guidance for registering your company in Dubai with DED or free zone authorities.
02
I'm comparing free zones for my business
Compare major Dubai free zones like JAFZA, IFZA, DMCC, and Dubai Silicon Oasis on setup costs, eligibility, location, and suitability for your industry.
03
I need to understand licensing requirements
Learn about professional licenses, e-trader licenses, general trading licenses, and DED payment processes to ensure your business stays compliant in Dubai.
1 question
20 answered questions
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I need to understand licensing requirements
Other questions
- Provisional
How a Professional License in Dubai Actually Works
If you're a consultant, freelancer, designer, doctor, or service provider planning to set up in Dubai, you'll almost certainly need a professional license. It's the category that covers skill-based work — anything where you sel
- Provisional
List of Companies in SAIF Zone: How to Actually Find One
If you're trying to verify a supplier, run due diligence on a counterparty, or just confirm whether a business is really licensed at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, you want a real list of companies in SAIF Zone
- Provisional
Jebel Ali Freezone Setup Cost: What You'll Pay
Jebel Ali Freezone setup costs AED 30,000-50,000 year one for a standard FZCO plus facility fees. Suits trading, logistics, and industrial businesses with port access needs. Setup takes 4-8 weeks.
- Provisional
Companies in Dubai Silicon Oasis: Setup, Costs, Rules
If you're eyeing companies in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) as your launchpad — tech startup, e-commerce shop, consultancy, light industrial — you're looking at a free zone that's been operating since 2004 and now sits under the
- Provisional
How to Get a DED E-Trader License in Dubai
DED e-trader license costs AED 1,070/year and lets UAE, GCC, and expatriate residents sell online from home in Dubai with no physical office required.
- Provisional
Dubai DED Services: Licenses & Fees Guide
DED (now DET) issues mainland Dubai trade licences costing AED 10,000–15,000 yearly. Instant Licences available from AED 9,000. Standard setup takes 5–10 working days; renewals are same-day.
- Provisional
SAIF Zone Admin Building: Location & Services
SAIF Zone admin building in Sharjah handles licensing, immigration, and lease signing. Open Mon-Thu 7:30 am–3:30 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. Bring original documents and Emirates ID.
- Provisional
Do You Need an E-Commerce License in Dubai?
E-Commerce License Dubai: What You Actually Need in 2025 If you're selling online from Dubai — whether dropshipping abacayas, running a Shopify store, or flipping electronics on Noon — you need an e commerce license dubai issued by either the Department of Economy and Tourism (
- Provisional
Dubai Multi Commodities Center DMCC: What You Need to Know
If you're looking at setting up a free zone company in Dubai, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center DMCC sits near the top of most shortlists. Here's the practical version — what it actually is, what it costs, and where it
- Provisional
Dubai South Free Zone Location: Where It Actually Is
If you're scouting a free zone for logistics, aviation, or e-commerce, you've probably hit Dubai South on the shortlist. Good — but where is it, exactly? Most clients I deal with picture "somewhere near the airport" and stop
- Provisional
Meydan Free Zone Review: Is It Right for You?
Meydan Free Zone offers lean Dubai setup for freelancers and small businesses. Commercial licence starts ~AED 12,500/year with 5–10 day setup, but no physical office or warehouse activities allowed.
- Provisional
What's the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre?
The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (Dtec) is an incubator and coworking hub in Dubai Silicon Oasis; tech free zone licences start around AED 12,500.
- Provisional
How Do I Get a General Trading Licence in Dubai?
A general trading licence in Dubai comes from DET (mainland) or a free zone like DMCC, JAFZA or IFZA; setup runs from about AED 15,000 to AED 40,000+.
- Provisional
How to Pay Your DED Payment Voucher in Dubai?
Pay your DED voucher through Invest in Dubai portal, DED Trader app, smart kiosks, or service centres within 30 days to unlock your trade licence.
- Provisional
How Much Does a JAFZA Free Zone Company Cost?
JAFZA free zone company costs AED 30,000-50,000 first year plus rent. Setup takes 4-8 weeks. Best for warehousing, port, or logistics; overkill for consultants.
- Provisional
Free Zone vs Mainland Company in UAE?
Mainland companies in UAE allow 100% foreign ownership since 2021 and can trade with local customers; free zones offer 100% ownership and 0% tax on…
- Provisional
What Are Al Riyadi Corporate Services?
Al Riyadi Corporate Services is a UAE corporate service provider offering company formation, PRO services, accounting, and compliance support to handle paperwork and government dealings.
- Provisional
IFZA Dubai Free Zone: Costs & Setup Guide
IFZA Dubai offers free zone company setup from AED 12,900 base fee plus AED 2,000–2,500 per visa, covering 2,000+ activities with licences issued in 3–7 days.
- Provisional
What Is JAFZA 15? UAE Business Address Guide
JAFZA 15 is a standard office building in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Companies here hold JAFZA licences, not onshore DED licences, and are governed by JAFZA rules and Dubai Law No. 9 of 1992.