Business Setup in UAE — Mainland & Freezone
Business setup in UAE is one of the smartest moves any entrepreneur or international brand can make in 2026 — with 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and full profit repatriation removing every barrier to growth.
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- Compliance focus
Business Setup in UAE — Mainland & Freezone Company Formation
But business setup in UAE isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you need mainland and freezone company setup in UAE, or a specific SHAMS, Meydan, SPC freezone setup — each comes with different licensing rules, visa packages, and cost structures. Pick the wrong one and you’re paying more than you should. That’s where Nextmove steps in. Our business setup consultants in Dubai guide you through the entire process — from freezone company formation UAE to trade licences, government paperwork, and visa processing — so your business setup in UAE is fully operational from day one, stress-free.
- Full business consultation and structure selection (mainland, freezone, or offshore)
- Trade name reservation and activity/license compliance review
- Query handling with the licensing authority
- Trade license delivered digitally
- Post-license visa, Emirates ID & PRO support
- Post-approval customs support
Product categories we register.
From single-SKU indie launches to full multinational portfolios, we handle every cosmetic sub-category regulated under CPRE.
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Company Formation
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the UAE’s most affordable and flexible freezones — built specifically for media professionals, digital marketers, content creators, influencers, and freelancers who want a legitimate UAE business without the heavy costs. With 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and a fully remote setup process, SHAMS lets you launch your business from anywhere in the world — no office required, no local sponsor needed. Whether you’re a solo freelancer wanting a UAE visa, a digital agency expanding into the Gulf, or an influencer needing a legal business entity — SHAMS gives you the fastest, most cost-effective path to a licensed UAE company. Nextmove Services handles the entire process for you, from licence selection to visa processing, so you’re operational from day one.
Meydan Dubai Freezone Company Formation
Meydan Free Zone sits at the heart of Dubai — one of the most prestigious business addresses in the UAE — making it the ideal choice for consultants, tech startups, e-commerce brands, and trading companies who want a Dubai presence without mainland complexities. One of the biggest concerns for entrepreneurs is choosing the right free zone and then getting stuck in paperwork. Meydan eliminates that frustration with a streamlined, digital-first registration process, flexible office and flexi-desk options, and visa packages that scale as your team grows. With 100% ownership, full profit repatriation, and access to Dubai’s global business ecosystem, Meydan is the smart choice for businesses that want credibility, speed, and flexibility all in one place. Nextmove Services is an official Meydan Free Zone partner — meaning faster approvals, direct processing, and zero back-and-forth for you.
SPC Freezone Company Formation
SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) Free Zone is one of the UAE’s most versatile freezones — supporting over 1,500 business activities across publishing, general trading, e-commerce, consultancy, and more. If you’ve struggled to find a free zone that fits your specific business activity, SPC almost certainly covers it. Located in Sharjah with direct access to Dubai, SPC offers some of the most competitive setup costs in the UAE — making it a top choice for startups, SMEs, and international businesses entering the Emirates on a lean budget without compromising on legitimacy or compliance. What sets SPC apart is its flexibility — multiple licence types, scalable visa allocations, and a straightforward renewal process mean your business can grow without constant regulatory headaches. As an official SPC Channel Partner, Nextmove Services gives you direct access to faster processing, expert guidance, and a smooth setup experience from start to finish.
A five-step pathway to approval.
Every engagement follows the same structured pathway. You always know what stage you're at, what's next, and who's handling it.
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Step 01
Consultation
Free 30-minute call to map your category, timeline and cost.
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Step 02
Dossier audit
We review formulations, artwork, and manufacturer documents.
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Step 03
Submission
Full CPRE submission via the Montaji portal with our specialist.
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Step 04
Query handling
We manage authority feedback and clarifications on your behalf.
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Step 05
Approval
Digital approval certificate delivered — ready for customs.
What you'll need to prepare.
Requirements vary slightly by structure (mainland, freezone, or offshore), but the core dossier is consistent. We audit every document before submission so nothing bounces back.
- Passport copies (all shareholders/partners)
- Proposed trade name (3 options, for approval)
- Business activity selection
- Tenancy contract / Ejari (mainland) or flexi-desk agreement (freezone)
- Notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) — if currently UAE-sponsored
- Passport-size photographs
- Visa & Emirates ID application (if applicable)
Transparent timelines. No hidden fees.
Indicative ranges based on typical business structures. Investment starts from AED 10,000 for freezone packages, with mainland and offshore costs varying by activity and licensing requirements. Exact scope and fees are confirmed after your free consultation.
| Category | Typical timeline | Common approvals |
|---|---|---|
| Freezone Company Formation (Meydan, SHAMS, SPC) | 3–7 working days | Free zone authority |
| Mainland Company Formation | 7–14 working days | DED |
| Offshore Company Formation (RAK ICC / JAFZA) | 3–7 working days (certificate only — no visa/office) | RAK ICC, JAFZA |
| Investor/Employee Visa Processing (post-license) | 2–4 weeks | GDRFA, MOHRE |
| Trade License Renewal / Activity Amendment | 3–5 working days | DED / Free zone authority |
Business Setup Mainland & Freezone, answered plainly.
Still have questions? Our regulatory specialists respond within 24 hours.
What is the difference between mainland and freezone company setup in UAE?
How much does it cost to set up a company in UAE free zone?
How long does business setup take in Dubai?
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Do I need a physical office to set up a company in a UAE free zone?
Ready to register your cosmetics in the UAE?
Book a 30-minute call with our regulatory specialists. We'll map the fastest pathway for your category and share a clear cost and timeline estimate.
- Maher
- +971 52 910 2088
- Maryam
- +971 50 536 3584
- Visit
- Iliya Tower 1, Office #207, Dubai, UAE
Fill out the form and our team will be in touch within 24 hours.
