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Simobi

Establish your business in the UAE.

Licensing sets which activities you can legally invoice for, who can own the company, how many visas you can issue, and what banks will accept when you apply for a corporate account. Choosing wrong is expensive to undo. We work through those consequences with you before anything is filed.

Included
  • 01Jurisdiction and activity assessment
  • 02Trade licence application support
  • 03Registration and corporate documentation
  • 04Visa and establishment card guidance
  • 05Bank account preparation support

Where founders get stuck

Mainland or free zone

Most founders pick free zone because it's cheaper. Then they need a local contract and have to set up again.

The answer depends on who your customers are, whether you need local contracts, and where you plan to hold offices. We compare both against your intended trade, not against a package price.

Activity codes

Banks flag mismatched activity codes before they flag anything else.

Businesses often licence one activity and then sell another. We map what you actually invoice for to the activities your licence must carry, including the ones you expect to add later.

Banking readiness

A licence without matching documentation is a six-month bank application.

Account opening asks for a coherent story: structure, activity, expected flows, and a real digital footprint. We prepare that documentation alongside the licence rather than after it.

How it runs

Four steps, each with a clear decision at the end.

01

Consultation

We go through the business model, ownership, expected revenue sources and hiring plans. You leave with a written comparison of the viable structures and their cost implications.

02

Documentation

Name reservation, shareholder documents, attestations and the supporting forms are assembled and checked before submission, so applications are not returned for detail.

03

Licence and registration

Submission, follow-up and issuance, then the establishment card and visa steps for owners and staff. You get a single point of contact through the whole sequence.

04

Operational handover

Licence, domain, email and accounts handed over in your name, with a short list of what needs renewing and when. Digital presence can continue straight into the next stage.

What comes next

Setup is stage one. Most clients continue into presence and systems.

Because we hold the licensing detail, the website, email domain and later software all reflect the entity correctly, and nothing needs re-explaining to a second supplier.

Good to know

Timelines vary

They depend on jurisdiction, activity and approvals. We give a realistic range at consultation, not a headline figure.

Costs are itemised

Government fees and our fee are quoted separately, so you can see what is fixed and what is service.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about UAE business setup.

How long does it take to set up a business in the UAE?

A trade licence is issued in 1 business day once all documents are submitted and approved by the relevant authority. The total engagement, including document preparation and any required pre-approvals, typically runs 3 to 7 business days from the point you engage Simobi.

What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone company in the UAE?

A mainland licence lets you trade directly with UAE customers, sign government contracts, and operate without a local distributor. A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership and potential tax advantages, but selling directly within the UAE market requires a local agent or distributor. The right structure depends on your customers, your activity codes, and your banking plans. Simobi maps both options against your intended trade before you commit to either.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE mainland company?

Yes. UAE law now permits 100% foreign ownership for the majority of commercial and professional activities on the mainland. A local partner or sponsor is no longer required for most business types. During the free consultation, Simobi confirms whether your specific activity qualifies and advises on any exceptions.

What documents are needed to set up a UAE trade licence?

The standard requirements are a passport copy, a recent passport photograph, and a proposed trade name. Certain regulated activities, such as healthcare, education, or financial services, require additional approvals from specific government authorities. Simobi identifies any extra requirements for your activity before submission so there are no surprises.

Do I need a physical office to get a UAE trade licence?

It depends on the jurisdiction and the activity. Many free zones allow flexi-desk arrangements, which keep costs low. Some mainland activities require a confirmed tenancy agreement before the licence is issued. Simobi advises on the minimum office requirement for your specific licence type so you are not paying for more space than you need.

How much does a UAE trade licence cost?

Costs vary by jurisdiction, activity, visa package, and whether a physical office is required. A free zone licence and a mainland licence for the same activity can differ significantly in price and ongoing renewal fees. Simobi provides a full, itemised cost breakdown during the free consultation before any decision is made.

Do I need a website to open a UAE business bank account?

Most UAE banks request evidence of a digital footprint, including a functioning company website, as part of the account opening review. A professional website with clear activity descriptions and contact information materially strengthens the application. Simobi can prepare both the licence documentation and the website in parallel so banking documents are ready the moment the licence is issued.

The consultation is free. The wrong licence isn't.

Tell us what you are trying to trade and where your customers are. We will tell you which structure fits, what it costs, and how long it takes. No package pricing on the first call.