Where Strategy Meets Execution

Business Setup Consulting
for DubaiIndependent Advisory

Independent UAE business advisory and corporate structuring support from Orion Axis. We help you weigh up Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore routes and land on the structure that suits your business activity, ownership goals and budget. No hidden costs, no surprises.

Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore Guidance 100% Foreign Ownership Eligible Business Setup Coordination Banking Guidance Free Structure Comparison

Disclaimer: Orion Axis Corporate Services Provider L.L.C. is a private, independent corporate services firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any UAE government authority.

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100% Secure and Confidential
100% Foreign Ownership Eligible
Market-Entry Advisory
Business Setup Coordination
UAE-Wide Coverage
Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore Specialists
Banking Guidance
Business Compliance Guidance
Operational Readiness Support
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Independent Private Advisory
100% Foreign Ownership Eligible
Market-Entry Advisory
Business Setup Coordination
UAE-Wide Coverage
Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore Specialists
Banking Guidance
Business Compliance Guidance
Operational Readiness Support
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Independent Private Advisory

Choose Your Jurisdiction

Company Setup Advisory
for Dubai

Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore — our advisors match your business activity, ownership goals and trading plans to the jurisdiction that actually fits.

Most Popular

Dubai Mainland

The right fit if you want to trade directly anywhere in the UAE. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform, 100% foreign ownership is available across most activities, with no restriction on your operating area.

Tailored Quote based on activity
  • Trade anywhere across the UAE
  • Eligible for government contracts
  • 100% foreign ownership permitted
  • Banking Guidance

Free Zone

Suited to exporters, international traders and businesses that don't need to sell directly onshore in the UAE. Quick setup, 100% foreign ownership as standard, and full repatriation of profits.

Tailored Quote based on activity
  • 100% foreign ownership as standard
  • Fast registration through a dedicated free zone authority
  • Business establishment guidance
  • Banking Guidance

Offshore

A good match for holding companies, asset protection and international structuring. Offshore entities can't trade within the UAE or lease a physical office, but they do offer full ownership and confidentiality.

Tailored Quote based on activity
  • 100% foreign ownership, no local partner
  • Well suited to holding companies and asset protection
  • No UAE office or visa quota required
  • Business establishment guidance

Simple Process

How Our Business Setup
Advisory Process Works

Our advisors walk with you through every stage of exploring company setup in Dubai, from the first conversation to becoming fully operational. Here's roughly what to expect.

1

Free Consultation

Message us on WhatsApp. An advisor reviews your business activity and ownership goals, then recommends Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore.

2

Business Setup Planning

We walk you through what business establishment actually requires and map your specific requirements to the process.

3

Registration Guidance

We brief you on the documentation and procedures your chosen structure needs, so nothing from the authorities catches you off guard.

4

Operational Readiness Support

We guide you through getting operationally ready and staying compliant once you're set up.

5

Business Launch Support

We advise on banking preparation and support you through launch — until you're actually trading.

Dubai skyline with modern skyscrapers, UAE

Why Dubai

One City, Three Ways to Structure Your Company

Dubai gives founders three distinct company setup routes, each built for a different kind of business. Getting the right one from day one saves you an expensive restructure later — our advisors match your business activity, trading plans and ownership goals to the option that fits.

  • Mainland — trade directly anywhere in the UAE and bid on government contracts, with 100% foreign ownership across most activities
  • Free Zone — quick, low-friction setup with 100% ownership as standard, well matched to international trade and export-led businesses
  • Offshore — a lean structure for holding assets, cross-border structuring and confidentiality, without a physical UAE footprint
  • 100% foreign ownership — open to you across all three routes for the vast majority of business activities
  • UAE-wide coverage — Orion Axis coordinates Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond through one dedicated advisor

All-Inclusive Service

What Our Business Setup
Advisory Covers in Dubai

No surprise invoices. Your dedicated advisor stays with you at every stage of exploring company setup in Dubai, whichever jurisdiction ends up fitting your business.

Business Setup Planning

Clear guidance on the application journey, cost planning and paperwork across Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore, explained plainly by our team.

Licence Registration Guidance

We advise on the registration steps and documents needed with the relevant authority — DED/DET, the applicable Free Zone authority, or an Offshore registrar — plus what annual renewals involve.

Tax Compliance Guidance

Guidance on VAT and UAE Corporate Tax registration obligations, so you know your responsibilities from day one.

Workforce Compliance Support

Guidance on HR and labour requirements, including MOHRE labour contracts, establishment cards and Emiratisation obligations.

Banking Guidance

Document preparation and introductions to leading UAE banks. Most accounts open within 2 to 4 weeks of licence issuance.

Investor and Partner Visa

Advisory support on investor, partner and employee visa and residency requirements for your key people.

Ready to Explore
Company Setup in Dubai?

Fill in the quick form and our advisors will send you personalised guidance, a cost breakdown and a step-by-step overview via WhatsApp within 5 minutes.

  • Free consultation, no obligation, no pressure
  • Full cost breakdown disclosed before you commit
  • Advisors experienced across UAE company formations
  • Coordinated support from setup to operational readiness
  • Independent advisory — you get straight answers, not a sales pitch

Get My Free Business Setup Consultation

We reply within 5 minutes on WhatsApp

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Orion Axis regarding your business formation enquiry. We never share your data. Privacy Policy.

100% Secure and Confidential

Common Questions

Company Setup in Dubai
FAQs

Answers to what founders ask us most when weighing Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore options in Dubai.

What's the difference between Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore?
Mainland companies can trade directly anywhere in the UAE and bid on government contracts. Free Zone companies sit within a designated free zone, suit international trade well, and generally can't sell directly onshore without a distributor or Mainland presence. Offshore companies can't trade within the UAE or hold a physical office at all — they're used for holding assets, cross-border structuring and confidentiality. Our advisors walk you through all three against your specific business activity.
How much does business setup advisory in Dubai cost?
Total cost depends on the jurisdiction, entity type and activity you go with. Government registration fees, office or Ejari lease costs and initial approvals all vary by authority and are paid directly to the relevant government body. Orion Axis's advisory fee is separate, covers document preparation guidance and consultation, and is always disclosed before you engage us. Get in touch for a personalised, transparent breakdown.
How long does company setup in Dubai typically take?
Free Zone and Offshore entities are often fastest to register, sometimes within a few working days to two weeks. Mainland companies typically take 1 to 2 weeks for licence issuance once an Ejari (tenancy contract) is in place. Follow-on steps like VAT registration and bank account opening can add another 3 to 6 weeks for any jurisdiction. Timelines vary case by case.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, across all three jurisdictions. Free Zone and Offshore companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Mainland companies allow 100% foreign ownership across most activities too, with a small number of strategic activities still needing an Emirati local service agent or partner. Our advisors confirm eligibility for your specific activity during your free consultation.
Can a Free Zone or Offshore company get a UAE residency visa?
Free Zone companies can typically sponsor investor and employee residency visas, subject to the free zone's visa quota. Offshore companies generally can't sponsor UAE residency visas, since they're not permitted a physical office or staff in the UAE. Mainland companies can usually sponsor visas without a fixed quota. Orion Axis advises on visa eligibility for whichever structure you choose.
Which option is right for my business?
It comes down to where you plan to trade. Selling directly to customers or businesses within the UAE usually points to Mainland. International trade, e-commerce, or wanting a fast, cost-efficient setup usually points to Free Zone. Just need a holding structure for assets or international business — Offshore is typically the most efficient route. Orion Axis advises on all three and helps you weigh them against your activity, budget and growth plans, UAE-wide.

Ready to Start Your
Company Setup Consultation for Dubai?

Get straight, independent guidance from Orion Axis on the UAE business setup route that fits you. Free, no-obligation consultation on WhatsApp — our advisors typically reply within 5 minutes.

Independent Private Consultancy Reply in 5 Minutes UAE-Wide Advisory Full Fee Transparency