Start your UAE company with an expert by your side.
Mainland, free zone or offshore: we help you choose the right structure, prepare your application and handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your business. One adviser, one written quote, from first call to first invoice.
- Independent advice on jurisdiction, activity and licence type
- Application, documents, visas and bank account support in one place
- Clear written quote: our fee and government fees shown separately
ACOUP is a private business consultancy. We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with any UAE licensing or immigration authority. Licences and visas are issued by the relevant authorities, subject to their approval.
UAE trade licence package
starts from
AED7,500
Licence package only. Government and visa fees quoted separately.
Your Success is Our Strategy.
The right licence, not just the lowest price.
Too many founders buy a low-priced licence, then discover it doesn't cover their real activity, can't support the visas they need, or causes problems with the bank. That costs more time and money later. We start with your business, not with a package.
We understand your requirements
Your activity, clients, visas, office needs, banking, budget and where you want the business to go.
We match the right structure
Jurisdiction, licence type, activities and premises chosen to fit how you actually work. If a simpler option is enough, we tell you.
We get it done properly
Applications, documents, visas and bank support handled end to end, so you start trading without hassle or surprises.
Tell us about your business. We'll map the right setup.
Share your activity, where you're based and how many visas you need. An ACOUP adviser will recommend the most suitable structure and send you a written quote, with our fee and government fees listed separately.
Get your free setup consultation
Tell us your activity, location and visa needs. An adviser replies within one working day with a written quote.
- Takes about a minute
- The right structure matched to your business
- One adviser from start to finish
Prefer a call? 04 218 0400
What a UAE company can open up for you
Benefits depend on your jurisdiction, activity and personal circumstances. Your adviser confirms what applies to you.
Residence visa eligibility
Most company structures with physical or flexi-desk premises allow you to apply for an investor or partner residence visa.
Family sponsorship
Once you hold a residence visa, you may be able to sponsor your spouse and children, subject to the current income and accommodation rules.
Ownership options
Full foreign ownership is available for many activities in both free zones and mainland. Some regulated activities have specific requirements.
Work with clients worldwide
Invoice local and international clients through a UAE company, with a corporate bank account in the UAE.
A clear tax framework
No personal income tax. Corporate tax and VAT apply based on your income and activity, and we help you understand your obligations.
A base in a global hub
Access to strong logistics, banking and a large international talent pool, with direct flights to most major markets.
Visa, sponsorship and tax rules are set by the relevant UAE authorities, change from time to time and depend on individual circumstances. Approval is not guaranteed.
What ACOUP does vs what the authorities provide
We are a private consultancy. Here is exactly what our team handles for you, and what is provided by the government and other providers.
What our team handles for you
- Advice on structure, jurisdiction and activity
- Preparing, checking and submitting your applications
- Drafting company documents and coordinating attestation
- Coordinating your visas, medicals and Emirates ID appointments
- Bank account introductions and follow-up
- One adviser keeping you updated at every stage
Provided by the authorities and partners
- Trade licence, registration and initial approval
- Establishment card and immigration file
- Entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID
- Notary and attestation, where needed
- Office or flexi-desk, from the premises provider
- Their charges shown separately in your written quote, at cost
Honest from day one. ACOUP is a private consultancy, not a government office. You can apply directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism or any free zone authority. Our value is getting it right: the correct activity, the right structure and a smooth process from start to licence, and we do not charge for anything the authority provides free of charge.
Company setup & PRO support, end to end
From your first question to running your company day to day, one team supports you.
Mainland, free zone & offshore formation
Guidance on structure, jurisdiction and licence type, followed by full application support.
Licence applications & renewals
We prepare and submit your licence application and remind you well before renewal dates.
Company documents & attestation
Drafting of the MOA, power of attorney and shareholder documents, with notarisation and attestation coordinated.
Visas & PRO services
Establishment cards, partner and staff visas, labour quotas, renewals, amendments and day-to-day PRO tasks.
Corporate bank account assistance
Introductions to suitable local and international banks, and help preparing the documents they ask for.
VAT & corporate tax registration
Registration support and guidance on filing obligations, aligned with your bookkeeping from day one.
Your company setup in five clear steps
You always know what's next. Processing times depend on the authority and your documents.
Free consultation
We review your activity, ownership and plans, and recommend a jurisdiction.
Written quote
You receive an itemised quote with our fee and government fees listed separately.
Name & approval
We apply for your trade name and initial approval with the chosen authority.
Licence & documents
Company documents are prepared and signed, and your licence application is submitted.
Visas & banking
Establishment card, visas and bank account support, so you can start trading.
Advice you can rely on, updates you don't have to chase
A Dubai-based business services company with offices in Dubai and Edinburgh, supporting businesses with setup, PRO, HR, payroll and accounting.
Experienced consultants
Practical knowledge of UAE company structures, business activities and setup processes.
Itemised, written quotes
Every fee listed in writing before you commit. No hidden costs, no surprises later.
One point of contact
The same adviser from your first call to your licence, and beyond.
Support after setup
PRO, visas, accounting, payroll and HR from the same team as your business grows.
Company setup questions
Is ACOUP a government office?
No. ACOUP is a private business consultancy. We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with any UAE licensing or immigration authority. Licences and visas are issued by the relevant authorities. You can apply directly with them yourself; we charge for advice, preparation and coordination.
How much does it cost to set up a company?
Our licence package starts from AED 7,500. Your total depends on the jurisdiction, activity, number of visas and premises. After a free consultation we send a written quote with our fee and government fees listed separately.
Should I choose mainland or a free zone?
It depends mainly on where your customers are and what your activity is. Mainland suits businesses serving UAE customers directly; free zones suit consultancies, e-commerce and international trade. Your adviser recommends the best fit.
Can I own 100% of my company?
Full foreign ownership is available for many activities in both free zones and mainland. Some regulated activities have specific ownership or approval requirements, which we explain during your consultation.
Do I need to be in the UAE to start?
No. Many steps can begin remotely. You'll usually need to be in the UAE for your visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and some banks ask to meet you in person.
How long does setup take?
Timelines depend on the authority, your activity and how quickly documents are ready. Your adviser gives you a realistic estimate for each stage. Approval decisions and processing times are set by the authorities.
Can you help open a corporate bank account?
Yes. We introduce you to suitable local and international banks and help prepare the documents they ask for. Account approval is the bank's decision.
Do you handle PRO work after setup?
Yes. We support visas, labour quotas, renewals, amendments and attestations, as well as accounting, VAT, payroll and HR if you need them.
What documents will I need?
Typically a passport copy, a passport-size photo and, for some activities or visas, educational or professional certificates. Your adviser sends you a checklist based on your setup.
Launch your UAE business the right way
Tell us about your plans. We'll recommend the right structure and send you a clear, written quote, with no obligation.
Thank you, we've got your request
An ACOUP adviser will contact you within one working day.