Offshore Company Formation in the UAE 2026: Cost, Process, and What the Regional Conflict Actually Changed
Quick Answer A UAE offshore company is a non-resident holding vehicle that cannot trade in the UAE or sponsor visas. Formation cost depends on the registry: RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, or ADGM. RAK ICC lists incorporation at AED 3,250 and renewal at AED 3,950 for one year. Offshore companies fall within the corporate tax scope, […]
Top 10 Cheapest Free Zones in the UAE for Entrepreneurs in 2026
Quick Answer UAQ Free Trade Zone and Ajman Free Zone currently post the lowest confirmed license-only fees, both close to AED 5,500. A license-only price isn’t your total cost. Visa processing, an establishment card, medical testing, and Emirates ID typically add AED 7,000 to AED 15,000 in year one. Several zones, including Dubai Silicon Oasis […]
How to Start an Amazon eCommerce Store Business in Dubai, UAE
Quick Answer You need a valid trade license, free zone, mainland, or eTrader to sell on Amazon.ae as a business account. A no-objection certificate from the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority is mandatory before you can trade through any UAE eCommerce channel. Free zone companies can sell internationally, but selling directly on Amazon’s […]
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 […]