Indicative all-in costs start around AED 12,500 for a free zone company and AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 for a mainland company, depending on your activity, number of visas and office type. Layerz gives a fixed quote up front, so there are no surprises later.
Contact Info
Phone
Email
Location
Office SH51, M Floor, Al Durra Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact Info
Phone
Email
Location
Office SH51, M Floor, Al Durra Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Set up your company in Dubai without the guesswork
About us
Your business setup partner in Dubai
Layerz helps entrepreneurs and companies start and run a business in Dubai. We advise on the right jurisdiction, secure your trade licence, arrange visas and corporate banking, and keep you compliant with accounting, tax and regulatory requirements. One team, fixed pricing and a dedicated advisor from your first question to your renewal.
500+
Companies formed across Dubai mainland and free zones.
What we do
Company formation in Dubai handled end to
end, with fixed pricing and
one advisor who stays with you
from licence to renewal.
Why Layerz
One team for every step of your setup
Most founders juggle a formation agent, a PRO, an accountant and a bank contact. With Layerz it is one advisor, one point of contact and one fixed price covering licence, visas, banking and compliance.
Free consultationYour Dubai company,
set up the smart way.
Our testimonials
What our clients say about
workingwith Layerz.
Layerz handled our free zone licence and three visas in under two weeks. Everything was explained upfront and the price never changed.
Aisha Khan
Founder, Consulting FirmThe corporate bank account was the part I dreaded. Layerz prepared the file, matched us to the right bank and we were approved on the first application.
Rohan Mehta
Director, Trading CompanyThey advised mainland over free zone for our activity and saved us restructuring later. Genuine advice rather than selling the easiest package.
Sara Al Habtoor
Managing PartnerOur accounting, VAT and corporate tax registration are all handled by Layerz now. Filings are on time and I never chase anyone.
James Whitfield
Operations Director Questions and answers
Business setup in Dubai, answered
The questions people ask us most, before they start a company in Dubai.
Contact us Contact us See all FAQs-
1. How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
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2. How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?Most Dubai companies are formed in 3 to 10 working days once your documents and business activity are confirmed. Free zone setups are usually the fastest; mainland and regulated activities can take longer when external approvals are required.
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3. Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?Yes. Foreign investors can own 100 percent of a free zone company, and 100 percent of most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms. A short list of strategic activities still needs an Emirati partner or agent, which we confirm for your activity before you commit.
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4. What is the difference between mainland and free zone in Dubai?A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts. A free zone licence gives 100 percent ownership, tax incentives and simple setup, but trades mainly within its zone or abroad. The right choice depends on where your customers are.
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5. Do I need a physical office to get a trade licence?Not always. Most free zones accept a flexi-desk or shared-desk package, which is enough for a licence and a few visas. Mainland licences need a registered tenancy (Ejari), and the space required scales with your visa quota.
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6. Can I get a UAE residence visa when I set up a company?Yes. A company licence lets you sponsor a UAE residence visa for yourself, your staff and your dependants. The number of visas depends on your office type and jurisdiction. Investors may also qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
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7. Do I have to pay tax on my Dubai company?The UAE charges 9 percent corporate tax on annual profits above AED 375,000, and 0 percent below that, plus 5 percent VAT once turnover passes AED 375,000. Most small companies pay little or nothing early on. Layerz keeps you registered and compliant with the Federal Tax Authority.
Our press
Highlights from the news
What the region's media says about setting up in Dubai, and where Layerz has been featured.
All news All news
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UAE corporate tax: what founders need to know in 2026
The 9 per cent regime, who it applies to, the small business relief threshold, registration deadlines and the records you need to keep to stay on the right side of the FTA.
Read more -
Golden Visa eligibility explained for investors and founders
Who actually qualifies for the ten year residency, what the investment and salary thresholds look like in practice, and the documents that hold applications up most often.
Read more