How to Start a Manpower Company in Dubai, UAE: Licence Types, Requirements, and Steps
Quick Summary A manpower or recruitment business needs two approvals: a DET trade licence and a MOHRE agency licence. MOHRE’s published fee schedule lists bank guarantees of AED 300,000 for a mediation licence and AED 1,000,000 for a temporary employment or combined licence. Ownership eligibility should be confirmed with DET before filing; a free zone […]
How to Start a Vending Machine Business in Dubai: A Complete Guide
Quick Answer A UAE trade licence covering the vending or automated-retail activity is required before placing any machine for profit. Mainland licensing allows citywide placement, while free zone licensing is often cheaper but usually needs a mainland branch permit for outside placements. A free zone vending machine licence with no visa allocation starts from AED […]
How to Start an Ecommerce Dropshipping Business in Dubai, UAE (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer Dropshipping is legal in the UAE, but only under a trade licence that carries an e-commerce activity code, per Federal Decree by Law No. 14 of 2023. Every e-commerce licence also needs approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Free zone trading licences start from AED 11,900 for a one-year, […]
How to Start a Coworking Space Business in Dubai, UAE
Quick Summary A coworking operator needs either a mainland trade licence from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone licence issued under the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s (MOET) free zone framework. Mainland licensing lets you serve clients anywhere in the UAE, while free zone licensing usually limits you to that […]
IFZA Business Setup in 2026: Why Consulting and Professional Firms Keep Choosing This Free Zone
Key Highlights IFZA’s 2026 professional licence starts at AED 11,900 for zero visas and rises to AED 20,900 for four or more visas. You get up to three business activities included, full foreign ownership, and no mandatory paid-up capital. Extra fees to budget for include the AED 2,000 cross-activity charge and AED 3,750 per two-year […]
Crypto and Commodities Trading Setup in DMCC: A Paperwork-Heavy, Not Ship-Heavy Business
Quick Answer A DMCC crypto or commodities setup is document-driven: passports, KYC files, and a signed Memorandum of Association matter more than shipping infrastructure. Proprietary crypto trading runs on a DMCC licence plus a VARA No Objection Certificate; client-facing crypto work needs a full VARA licence. DMCC’s trading licence costs AED 20,285 a year, plus […]
Renewable Energy Business Setup in UAE 2026: A Stable Operating Environment for Power Generation
Quick Answer Renewable energy in the UAE is backed by federal policy, not marketing language. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 commits AED 150 billion to AED 200 billion in energy investment by 2030. Free zones suit trading and consultancy activities with full foreign ownership. Mainland licences suit government tenders and physical installation work. Setup runs […]
Healthcare Business Setup in UAE (2026): Licensing Guide, Costs, and Why the Market Window Is Open Now
Key Highlights UAE healthcare licensing needs both a trade licence and a facility licence from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, and a licence from one emirate does not cover another. Foreign investors can typically own 100% of a mainland healthcare company under the UAE Commercial Companies Law, subject to activity-specific conditions. Healthcare investors and specialist doctors […]
What Is a UAE Free Zone and Why Do International Investors Choose One?
Summary UAE free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and independent regulation, distinct from mainland setup. The right zone depends on your activity. Commodities and trading favor JAFZA or DMCC. Cost-efficient multi-activity setups favor IFZA. Free zone entities can qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free […]
How to Choose the Right Free Zone in the UAE: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Key Highlights A free zone provides 100% foreign ownership and zero customs duties for international trading. Direct business-to-consumer trading within the local market requires a mainland company structure or a dual licence. Setup costs include the trade licence fee, establishment card, and residence visa processing. Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2025 legally codifies the ability […]