If you’ve ever dreamed of living, working, and investing in one of the world’s most vibrant economies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers you the perfect opportunity. Through UAE Residency by Investment in Your Own Business, you can secure your place in the heart of the Middle East, enjoy tax-free income, and benefit from global mobility.
With Ramittics, a leading Dubai-based business setup and visa service provider, the process becomes smooth, transparent, and hassle-free.
Why Choose UAE Residency by Investment?
The UAE is more than just a business hub—it’s a lifestyle destination. By investing in your own business here, you can open the door to countless benefits:
1. Own a Business and Secure Residency
Setting up your own company in the UAE not only generates profits but also makes you eligible for a residency visa. This visa allows you and your family to live, work, and study in the UAE.
2. Pathway to the Golden Visa
Investors who purchase property can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa, offering long-term residency (up to 10 years), stability, and flexibility to travel in and out of the UAE without visa hassles.
3. Live, Work & Study in the Gulf
As a UAE resident, you can access world-class education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The UAE’s safe environment and cosmopolitan culture make it ideal for families and entrepreneurs alike.
4. Visa-on-Arrival Access to 25+ Countries
Enjoy global mobility with visa-on-arrival privileges in more than 25 countries—perfect for business professionals and frequent travelers.
The UAE is one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world, attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and multinational corporations. When starting a business here, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to set up in a Free Zone or on the Mainland.
1. Free Zone Company Formation
What is a Free Zone?
Free Zones are special economic areas within the UAE where businesses enjoy preferential tax and customs benefits. They are designed to attract foreign investment by offering 100% ownership to non-UAE nationals.
Key Benefits of a Free Zone Company:
- 100% foreign ownership (no need for a local sponsor)
- Tax benefits – zero personal income tax and corporate tax exemptions (up to certain limits)
- Full profit repatriation – send all your profits back to your home country
- No import/export duties within the Free Zone
- Easy setup process with minimal paperwork
- Specialized zones for different industries (e.g., Dubai Media City, JAFZA, DIFC)
Limitations:
- Cannot directly trade in the UAE mainland market without using a local distributor or agent
- Limited to operating within the Free Zone or internationally (unless partnered with a mainland business)
- Certain activities are restricted based on the Free Zone’s category
2. Mainland Company Formation
What is a Mainland Company?
A Mainland company is registered with the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) and is licensed to operate anywhere in the UAE, including direct business with local markets.
Key Benefits of a Mainland Company:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE without restrictions
- Ability to bid for UAE government contracts
- No limit on number of visas (depends on office space)
- Easier expansion into other emirates or branches
- Access to both UAE and international markets
Ownership Rules:
- In most activities, foreign investors can now own 100% of the company (previously required a UAE national partner with 51% shareholding, but many sectors are now fully open)
- Certain strategic activities still require a local sponsor or service agent
3. Choosing Between Free Zone & Mainland
| Feature | Free Zone | Mainland |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% in most sectors (some require local sponsor) |
| Market Access | International & Free Zone only | Anywhere in UAE & internationally |
| Setup Cost | Lower in most cases | Higher due to office requirements & licensing |
| Office Requirement | Often optional (virtual office allowed) | Physical office required |
| Government Contracts | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Trading with UAE Market | Through local distributor/agent | Directly without restrictions |
4. How Ramittics Can Help
At Ramittics, we make the UAE company formation process simple and fast. Whether you choose a Free Zone or Mainland setup, we guide you through every step:
- Business activity selection
- Trade name reservation
- License application
- Visa processing for you and your employees
- PRO and legal compliance services
- Assistance with banking, office space, and documentation
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for Free Zone and Mainland company formation in the UAE (as of 2025). Costs vary depending on the emirate, business activity, and additional services, but this will give you a realistic idea.
1. Free Zone Company Formation – Approximate Cost
Free Zone setup is usually cheaper and faster, especially for startups and small businesses.
Basic package (No visa, virtual office):
•Starting from AED 6,000 – AED 12,000 (USD 1,630 – USD 3,270)
With 1–3 visas & physical office or Virtual Office:
•AED 12,000 – AED 25,000 (USD 3,270 – USD 6,810)
Factors affecting Free Zone cost:
•Type of Free Zone (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)
•Number of visas
•Office size (Flexi-desk vs. private office)
•Business activity (consultancy, trading, industrial, etc.)
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2. Mainland Company Formation – Approximate Cost
Mainland setup offers full access to UAE markets but is generally more expensive due to physical office requirements and DED licensing fees.
Basic small-scale license (100% foreign ownership in eligible activities):
•AED 15,000 – AED 20,000 (USD 4,080 – USD 5,450)
Medium setup with office space (2–3 visas):
•AED 20,000 – AED 35,000 (USD 5,450 – USD 9,530)
Larger commercial setup (multiple visas, larger office):
•AED 35,000 – AED 60,000+ (USD 9,530 – USD 16,350+)
Factors affecting Mainland cost:
•Emirate (Dubai tends to be higher, other emirates lower)
•Office rent (mandatory for mainland)
•Number of visas
•Business activity (some activities have higher government fees)
•Municipality and Chamber of Commerce approvals
Quick Comparison – Cost
| Setup Type | Entry Cost (AED) | Typical Range (AED) |
| Free Zone | From 6,000 | 6,000 – 25,000 |
| Mainland | From 15,000 | 15,000 – 60,000+ |
💡 Tip: If your primary goal is to trade internationally or online, Free Zone can be the cheaper choice. If you want to do direct business in the UAE market or work with government contracts, Mainland is better despite the higher cost.
Why Work with Ramittics?
Ramittics specializes in P.R.O services, business setup, HR, tourism, general trading, e-commerce, and marketing. Our team ensures your UAE residency journey is fast, legal, and stress-free.
Our Services Include:
- Complete guidance for UAE business setup
- Assistance in property investment for Golden Visa eligibility
- Full documentation and legal support
- Family visa sponsorship services
- Ongoing corporate PRO and compliance services
UAE Residency by Investment – Step-by-Step Process
- Consultation – We assess your goals and recommend the best business structure.
- Business Setup – We handle all licensing and legal requirements.
- Visa Application – We prepare and submit your residency visa documents.
- Golden Visa Option – Guidance on property purchase for long-term residency.
- Post-Setup Services – PRO and HR support for smooth operations.
Contact Ramittics Today
📞 Phone: +971 (56) 915 6556 | +971 (55) 631 1159
📧 Email: hr@ramittics.com
🌐 Website: www.ramittics.ae
📍 Office Address:
18th Floor, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE