Mainland, free zone & offshore formation
Guidance on the best legal structure, jurisdiction and licence type for your business goals.
Company Setup & Corporate PRO Services
Start strong. Stay compliant. Company formation, government services and corporate PRO support, all in one place.
Setting up and running a business in the UAE means navigating government regulations, licensing and labour law. ACOUP is your one-stop partner for business setup in Dubai, company formation across the UAE and ongoing PRO services, whether you're starting a mainland company, opening a free zone office or expanding an existing presence.
Business setup at a glance
3Jurisdictions: mainland, free zone, offshore
MOHREPlus ICP, DED & free zone liaison
1 contactFor all government dealings
FixedService packages, clear timelines
Company setup services
Everything you need to launch your UAE company
From choosing the right structure to opening your bank account, ACOUP streamlines the journey from paperwork to approvals.
Trade licence issuance & renewal
End-to-end processing with the Department of Economy, free zone and other authorities.
MOA, legal documents & notarisation
Drafting and attestation of the Memorandum of Association, Power of Attorney and shareholder agreements.
Immigration & labour establishment cards
Corporate files set up with MOHRE and ICP for visa and labour quota access.
Corporate bank account assistance
Coordination with local and international banks to open your business account.
VAT registration & Corporate Tax advisory
FTA registration, tax filing requirements and accounting alignment. Tax services
How it works
Your company setup journey, step by step
One advisor guides you through every approval, with a clear timeline agreed up front.
- 01
Free consultation
We understand your activity, ownership and plans, then recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Name & initial approval
Trade name reserved and initial approval obtained from the licensing authority.
- 03
Licence & legal documents
MOA drafted and notarised, and your trade licence issued.
- 04
Government registrations
Establishment cards with MOHRE and ICP, bank account and VAT registration.
- 05
Visas & onboarding
Partner and staff visas processed so your team can start work.
Choosing a jurisdiction
Mainland, free zone or offshore?
Each structure suits a different way of doing business. We help you choose based on where you trade, who your customers are and how many visas you need.
MainlandFree zoneOffshore
Licensing authorityDepartment of Economy of each emirateThe relevant free zone authorityOffshore registry (e.g. JAFZA, RAK ICC)
Where you can tradeAcross the UAE market and internationallyWithin the free zone and internationallyOutside the UAE only
Foreign ownership100% for most activities100%100%
Office requirementPhysical office leaseFlexi-desk to full officeRegistered agent only
Residence visasYesYesNo
Best forRetail, services and government contractsTrading, consultancy, tech and startupsHolding companies and asset protection
General guidance only. Rules differ by emirate, free zone and business activity; your ACOUP advisor confirms the options for your company.
Corporate PRO services
Government liaison that keeps your company running
Once you're set up, ACOUP's PRO team handles the ongoing government work for your company and your people.
Visas for partners, staff & dependents
New visas, renewals, cancellations, medical fitness tests and Emirates ID coordination.
Labour quota & job offer processing
Efficient quota management and online MOHRE approvals.
Document attestation & clearances
Embassy, ministry and Chamber of Commerce attestations handled on your behalf.
Licence modifications & activity additions
Seamless updates to your trade licence as your business evolves.
Employee onboarding support
Labour contracts, offer letters and MOHRE-compliant onboarding.
Why ACOUP
Why choose ACOUP for company setup and PRO support
Licensing experts and experienced government liaison, with fixed packages and one accountable contact.
Expert consultants
Legal and licensing consultants who know UAE company law and procedures.
Government liaison experience
Established experience with MOHRE, ICP, DED and free zone authorities.
Transparent timelines
Fixed service packages and clear timelines agreed before we start.
One point of contact
A single advisor for all your government dealings.
Built for growing businesses
Ideal for SMEs, startups, family businesses and foreign investors.
Optional add-ons
HR outsourcing, payroll, bookkeeping and tax compliance when you need them.
Who it's for
Setup and PRO support for every kind of business
Startups launching their first UAE company
SMEs expanding to new emirates or free zones
Family businesses restructuring or adding entities
Foreign investors entering the UAE market
Frequently asked questions
Company setup & PRO questions
Should I choose a mainland or free zone company?
It depends mainly on where your customers are and what activity you'll carry out. Mainland companies can trade directly across the UAE, while free zone companies suit international trade and specific sectors. Your ACOUP advisor recommends the best fit during the free consultation.
Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes, for most business activities, in both mainland and free zones. Some regulated activities still have specific ownership rules, which we check for you.
Do you help open a corporate bank account?
Yes. We coordinate with local and international banks and help you prepare the documents they require.
Can ACOUP handle our PRO work after setup?
Yes. Our corporate PRO services cover visas, labour quota, attestations, licence renewals and modifications on an ongoing basis.
How are your services priced?
We offer fixed service packages with transparent timelines. Share your requirements and we'll send a quotation after your consultation.
How much does business setup in Dubai cost?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the activity: mainland, free zone and offshore structures carry different licence fees, and visa quota, office requirements and approvals change the total. We price the licence, the visas and the PRO work as one written quotation so the number you see is the number you pay.
Optional add-ons
View all services
Run your new company with ACOUP
End-to-End HR ManagementHire-to-retire HR for employers
Payroll ServicesWPS, gratuity and EOSB
Accounting, Tax & AuditBookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax
Permanent Staffing, Outsourcing & EORBuild your team in the UAE
Employer of Record (EOR)Hire before your entity is ready
Business Process OutsourcingCall center, customer service and helpdesk
Launch your business the right way, with ACOUP
Avoid paperwork overload, confusing approvals and unpredictable government processes. ACOUP handles every step quickly, legally and efficiently.