Everything you need to know about setting up a business in the UAE — from choosing the right jurisdiction to getting your trade licence in hand.
Setting up a business in the UAE has never been more straightforward — but the sheer number of options can make it feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise.
## Free Zone vs Mainland: The Core Choice
The first decision every business founder faces is whether to set up in a free zone or on the mainland. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and simplified licensing. Mainland allows you to trade directly with the UAE market without restrictions.
## Choosing Your Jurisdiction
The UAE has over 40 free zones, each with different specialisations, visa allocations, and cost structures. The most popular for international businesses are IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, and SHAMS.
## Timeline Expectations
A typical free zone setup takes 5–10 working days for the trade licence. Add another 2–3 weeks for a corporate bank account. You can be fully operational in 6–8 weeks from the day you start.
## What You Actually Need
Documents typically required: passport copy, proof of address, business plan (for some activities), and shareholder details. Most free zones have streamlined this significantly.
A goCorp specialist can walk you through the exact requirements for your chosen jurisdiction in a single call.
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