What is Included in Business Setup Services in UAE? (2026 Complete Guide)
Business setup services in UAE encompass end-to-end support for company registration, licensing, and compliance, tailored for Dubai's mainland, free zones, or offshore. One Desk Solution, the leading VAT, tax, bookkeeping, and audit provider in Dubai, UAE, delivers comprehensive packages that streamline this process for seamless launches.
Table of Contents
- What Business Setup Services Entail
- Key Components of Business Setup Packages
- PRO Services Included
- Visa and Immigration Support
- Office and Workspace Provisions
- Compliance and Tax Registrations
- Banking and Financial Setup
- Post-Setup and Ongoing Services
- Package Tier Comparison
- Mainland vs Free Zone Inclusions
- Customized Services by One Desk Solution
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Related Articles
What Business Setup Services Entail
Professional business setup services handle administrative hurdles, from activity selection to operational readiness, saving entrepreneurs 20–30% time and costs versus DIY approaches. Core inclusions span PRO (Public Relations Officer) tasks, legal structuring, and post-setup integration like visas and banking.
In Dubai's vibrant ecosystem—boosted by global trade ties—providers like One Desk Solution ensure UAE compliance amid 2026 regulations like 9% corporate tax. These services transform complex bureaucratic processes into streamlined, manageable steps.
Whether you're establishing a mainland trading company, free zone consultancy, or offshore holding entity, professional setup services provide the expertise and resources needed for successful market entry.
Key Components of Business Setup Packages
Standard packages bundle essentials for mainland or free zones, with variations by provider and jurisdiction. Understanding these core components helps you evaluate what you're actually paying for.
| Component | Description | Mainland Inclusion | Free Zone Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | Unique name approval via DED/zone portal | Yes | Yes |
| Initial Activity Approval | Business scope validation (2,000+ activities) | Yes | Yes |
| License Issuance | Trade/professional/commercial license | Yes (DED) | Yes (Authority) |
| MOA/AOA Drafting | Legal entity agreements, notarized | Yes | Simplified |
| Office Solution | Ejari lease or flexi-desk arrangement | Required (physical/flexi) | Flexi-desk standard |
| Establishment Card | Immigration file setup | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Account Assistance | Corporate account opening support | Guidance | Often full liaison |
Packages start at AED 12,000 (free zone) to AED 30,000 (mainland) depending on inclusions.
PRO Services Included
PRO (Public Relations Officer) services handle government liaisons, which are vital for 80% of business setups. These professionals navigate bureaucratic systems efficiently, saving you countless hours and potential frustrations.
Standard PRO Inclusions:
- Document attestation/legalization: Passports, educational certificates, NOCs
- Special approvals: Municipality, civil defense, environmental (if required)
- License amendments/add-ons: Adding activities or making changes post-setup
- Renewal processing: Annual license and visa renewals
- Government correspondence: Handling all official communications
- Document collection/delivery: From various government departments
One Desk Solution's PRO expertise covers UAE-wide jurisdictions, including emerging areas like Umm Al Quwain for cost-effective setup options.
Visa and Immigration Support
Most business setup packages include 1–3 investor/employee visas as standard. Visa processing is a complex area where professional services add tremendous value.
Typical Visa Inclusions:
- Entry permits: Application and processing
- Medical fitness tests: Arrangement and coordination
- Emirates ID biometrics: Appointment scheduling and follow-up
- Residency stamping: 2–3 year residency visa processing
- Visa cancellation/transfer: When employees change
Flexi-packages often allow adding extra visas at AED 3,500–7,000 per visa. Advanced providers like One Desk Solution integrate visa processing with payroll setup for ongoing compliance.
Office and Workspace Provisions
1. Flexi-Desk Solutions:
Shared business address (AED 5,000–10,000/year) with mail handling and occasional access to meeting rooms. No physical dedicated space needed—ideal for consulting and service businesses.
2. Co-Working Spaces:
Access to professional hubs like DMCC Nook or AstroLabs with full amenities. Often included in premium free zone packages, these spaces offer networking opportunities and professional environments.
3. Leased Offices:
Mandatory for mainland companies, physical offices require Ejari registration (included in service packages). Providers help secure tenancy contracts, reducing setup time by 1–2 weeks.
Important: Office solutions significantly impact your licensing costs and visa quotas, making this a critical inclusion to understand.
Compliance and Tax Registrations
2026 regulatory mandates make compliance services more valuable than ever. Quality setup services include:
- VAT Registration: Mandatory if turnover exceeds AED 375,000 (5% rate)
- Corporate Tax Registration: Free registration, with 9% tax on profits >AED 375,000
- Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Reporting for relevant activities
- Chamber of Commerce Membership: AED 1,200 enrollment and processing
- Industry-Specific Compliance: Healthcare, education, trading approvals
One Desk Solution bundles these compliance services with ongoing filings, helping avoid penalties that can exceed AED 10,000 for non-compliance.
Banking and Financial Setup
Corporate banking remains challenging for new businesses in UAE. Quality setup services include banking assistance:
Banking Support Typically Includes:
- Bank selection guidance: Matching your needs with appropriate banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, etc.)
- KYC document preparation: License, passports, business plans
- Application support: Form completion and submission
- Liaison services: Following up with bank relationship managers
- Reference letter coordination: From previous banks if required
With professional assistance, corporate account opening success rates approach 90%, with accounts typically operational within 1–2 weeks post-license issuance.
Post-Setup and Ongoing Services
Premium packages extend beyond initial setup to ensure your business operates smoothly from day one:
- HR/Payroll Setup: WPS (Wage Protection System) compliance implementation
- Bookkeeping Initiation: Setting up accounting systems and processes
- Internal Audit Setup: Establishing controls and procedures
- Advisory Services: Strategic guidance for expansions and optimizations
- Renewal Management: Proactive handling of annual renewals
One Desk Solution excels in this area, seamlessly integrating business setup with their core strengths in 24/7 bookkeeping, VAT returns, and comprehensive audit services.
Package Tier Comparison
Understanding package tiers helps you select the right level of service for your business needs and budget.
| Package Tier | Inclusions | Price Range (AED, 1st Year) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (0 Visa) | License, name, flexi-desk, basic PRO | 12,000–18,000 | Freelancers, solo consultants |
| Standard (1–2 Visas) | + Visas, bank assistance, VAT registration | 20,000–35,000 | SMEs with small teams |
| Premium (3+ Visas) | + Physical office, tax setup, 1-year bookkeeping | 40,000+ | Enterprises, trading companies |
| All-Inclusive (One Desk Style) | Full PRO, compliance integration, financial advisory | Custom (from 15,000) | Startups needing integrated financial services |
Note: Prices vary based on jurisdiction, activities, and specific requirements.
Mainland vs Free Zone Inclusions Comparison
The jurisdiction you choose significantly impacts what's included in your setup package and the ongoing requirements.
| Aspect | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% in most sectors | 100% in all sectors |
| Trading Scope | UAE-wide without restrictions | Zone/export focused |
| Office Inclusions | Physical office or flexi-space required | Flexi-desk standard, fast track options |
| Setup Time | 1–4 weeks | 3–7 days |
| Tax Benefits | Standard UAE corporate tax applies | 50-year tax holidays in many zones |
| Visa Allocation | Based on office size | Package-based, often limited |
Free zones like RAKEZ and IFZA often offer visa-inclusive deals, while mainland provides greater flexibility for local trading.
Customized Services by One Desk Solution
One Desk Solution's "Complete Business Setup & PRO Services" stand out through their integration with comprehensive financial services:
Unique One Desk Solution Inclusions:
- End-to-end registration and licensing with guaranteed approval
- Visa processing and government approvals with 24/7 tracking
- Seamless integration with VAT and corporate tax services
- Bookkeeping setup from day one of operations
- Umm Al Quwain extensions for cost-effective licensing (from AED 8,000)
- Compliance calendar with proactive renewal reminders
Their Comprehensive Process Includes:
- Initial consultation and activity/jurisdiction analysis
- Document preparation and submission management
- Government liaison and approval follow-up
- License issuance and establishment card processing
- Visa processing and Emirates ID coordination
- Bank account opening assistance
- Tax registration and compliance setup
- Ongoing financial service integration
Tailored specifically for Dubai startups and enterprises, One Desk Solution offers free quotes with transparent breakdowns of all inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It depends on the provider and package. Most reputable providers clearly distinguish between their service fees and government fees. Typically, service packages include:
- Included: Professional fees for documentation, liaison, consultation
- Usually excluded: Government charges (license fees, visa fees, registration fees)
- Sometimes included: In premium packages, some government fees may be bundled
Post-setup services vary by provider but often include:
- Standard: PRO services for document renewals (1 year)
- Premium: Annual license renewal processing
- Enterprise: Ongoing compliance monitoring and advisory
- Financial: Bookkeeping, VAT filing, corporate tax support (if bundled)
Yes, most providers offer customizable packages. Common customization options include:
- Adding or removing visa allocations
- Upgrading office solutions (flexi-desk to physical office)
- Including or excluding specific compliance services
- Bundling with financial services like bookkeeping or tax filing
Key differences in inclusions:
- Office solutions: Free zones typically include flexi-desks; mainland often requires physical offices
- Processing time: Free zone packages emphasize speed (3-7 days vs 1-4 weeks)
- Visa allocations: Free zones often have predefined visa quotas in packages
- Tax registrations: Mainland packages more commonly include VAT/corporate tax setup
- Banking assistance: Often more comprehensive in free zone packages
While most reputable providers are transparent, watch for:
- Government fee exclusions: License issuance fees, name reservation fees
- Additional document costs: Attestation, translation, notarization
- Hidden PRO charges: Per-visit or per-document fees not disclosed upfront
- Post-setup necessities: Chamber of commerce membership, additional approvals
- Renewal costs: First-year vs subsequent year pricing differences
Get Your Comprehensive Setup Service Breakdown
Contact One Desk Solution today for a FREE, detailed analysis of what should be included in your business setup package.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +971-52 797 1228
🌐 Website: https://onedesksolution.com/
✉️ Email: info@onedesksolution.com
