Mainland
Licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism. Suits businesses that sell to customers across the UAE or work for government bodies. Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and a few strategic sectors need an Emirati partner.
Dubai business setup
Open your Dubai company without the paperwork run-around.
BYCT takes care of the licence, the visas and the bank account file, then stays on for renewals, VAT and accounting. You deal with one team from your first call to your first invoice.
100% foreign ownership
allowed in most mainland activities
Source: Dubai government portal
0% on the first AED 375,000
of profit; 9% above that
Source: UAE corporate tax guidance
AED 375,000 turnover
is where VAT registration becomes mandatory
Source: Federal Tax Authority
Tell us about your company
Answer a few questions and a BYCT advisor will come back with the structure and costs that fit your activity.
Thank you
We have received your enquiry. A BYCT advisor will contact you shortly with the structure and costs for your company.
What we handle
The whole setup, and what comes after it
Most founders need more than a licence. These are the pieces BYCT takes off your plate.
Company formation
Mainland, free zone and offshore companies. We pick the activity, reserve the trade name, draft the documents and file the licence.
UAE visas and residency
Investor, partner and employee visas, Emirates ID, medical tests and family sponsorship, handled with the right authorities.
UAE Golden Visa support
Help with documents and the application for investors and entrepreneurs. Applications go through the official channels, and the authorities decide the outcome.
Bank account assistance
We prepare your corporate account file and introduce you to banks that suit your business. Banks make the final decision, so we never promise approval.
Tax and accounting
Corporate tax and VAT registration and filing, bookkeeping and payroll, delivered with registered tax agents and licensed auditors where the law requires them.
PRO and renewals
Licence renewals, amendments, visa renewals and cancellations, so deadlines do not slip and your company stays in good standing.
Legal documents
Shareholder agreements, contracts and company documents prepared with licensed lawyers.
Office and address
Flexi-desks, shared offices and tenancy contracts (Ejari) to meet the licence requirement.
Company types
Mainland, free zone or offshore
The right choice depends on who your customers are, what you sell and how many people you need to sponsor. We recommend one after a short call.
Free zone
A licence from a zone such as DMCC, Meydan or RAKEZ, each with its own rules and fees. Dubai also offers an operating permit (AED 5,000 per six months) that lets eligible free zone companies work on the mainland.
Offshore
Used to hold assets or run international structures. Offshore companies usually cannot trade onshore in the UAE, so we confirm the permitted activities before you commit.
How it works
From first call to first invoice
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Consultation
We learn what you plan to sell, where your customers are and how many visas you need.
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Structure and licence
You get a recommended jurisdiction and licence, with a written breakdown of government fees and our fees before you pay anything.
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Licence, visas and bank file
We file the licence, process the visas and Emirates ID, and prepare your bank account application.
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Support as you grow
Renewals, VAT, corporate tax and accounting stay with one team, so nothing needs to be re-explained.
Before you decide
FAQ
How do I start a company in Dubai?
You choose a business activity, a company type (mainland, free zone or offshore) and a licence. Then the trade name, documents and approvals are filed, visas are processed and the bank account is opened. BYCT manages each step and tells you what is needed from you.
Can a foreigner own 100% of the company?
In most mainland activities, yes. A few strategic sectors need an Emirati partner, and free zones have their own ownership rules. We check your activity before you commit.
How long does setup take?
It depends on the company type, the activity and how quickly approvals and documents come through. We give you a realistic timeline in your written quote.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the licence, the number of visas and your office needs. Government fees differ by authority and free zone, so we give you a written breakdown of government fees and BYCT's fees before you pay.
Will you guarantee my bank account?
No one can. Banks decide each application on their own checks. We prepare a complete file and introduce you to banks that suit your business, which improves your chances.
Do you help after the company is set up?
Yes. We handle licence and visa renewals, VAT and corporate tax registration and filing, bookkeeping and payroll. Tax filing is done with registered tax agents, and audits with licensed auditors.
Ready to plan your Dubai company?
Book a free consultation. You will leave with a recommended structure and a clear list of costs.