Category · Q&A index
Corporate & Business
UAE corporate tax, FZE setup, mainland vs free zone.
0%CORPORATE TAX
Tax rate for UAE mainland businesses
21DAYS
Standard FZE company setup timeline
AED 2,000
Minimum DED e-trader license fee
13FREE ZONES
Major zones across UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Start here
01
I'm starting a business and need to pick the right setup
Compare free zone vs mainland company options, explore Dubai's major free zones (JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, Silicon Oasis), and understand costs, licensing requirements, and which structure fits your business model.
02
I need to get a trading or e-commerce license in Dubai
Learn how to obtain a general trading license, DED e-trader license, or e-commerce license, including application steps, required documents, fees, and payment options through DED vouchers.
03
I'm applying for a professional or specialized license
Understand how professional licenses work in Dubai, explore sector-specific services like Al Riyadi Corporate Services, and navigate licensing for technology entrepreneurs and specialized business activities.
21 answered questions
- 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
How to Set Up a Business in Internet City UAE?
Internet City UAE is Dubai's largest ICT free zone offering 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax for qualifying businesses, and setup costs from AED 15,000–50,000 plus visa expenses.
- Provisional
What Are Al Riyadi Corporate Services?
Al Riyady Corporate Services is a UAE corporate services provider offering company formation, PRO services, accounting, VAT registration, and compliance support to simplify government paperwork.
- 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
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
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
Dubai South Free Zone Location: Where It Actually Is
Dubai South Free Zone is 40 km south of Downtown Dubai, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport. It spans 145 km² across eight districts including Logistics, Aviation, and Business Park.
- Provisional
Meydan Free Zone Review: Is It Right for You?
Meydan Free Zone offers commercial licences from AED 12,500/year with setup in 5–10 days, ideal for freelancers and e-commerce. No physical office, limited visa capacity, and no industrial activities.
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
- 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
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
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 Does Corporate Finance Work in UAE?
Corporate finance in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, with separate regimes for DIFC and ADGM. Rules vary by entity type and sector.