Business Setup Packages in the UAE
Starting a business in the UAE shouldn’t mean guessing between a dozen free zones and mainland options with no clear sense of what you’re actually paying for. Below are Book Bliss’s complete business setup packages — real, transparent pricing across the UAE’s leading free zones and mainland options, with everything included clearly listed. No hidden fees, no “contact us for a quote.”
Whether you’re launching an e-commerce brand, setting up a general trading company, or need a Dubai Mainland licence to operate directly in the local market, there’s a package below built for it. Every package includes 100% business ownership, a virtual office agreement, and free business setup assistance from our consultants — and every option can be upgraded to include a visa if you need one.
Choose the best licensing option for your business in the UAE.
Which Business Setup Package Is Right for You?
With eight options on the table, the right choice usually comes down to two questions: where do you need to operate, and what kind of business are you running?
If you’re running an online, media, or e-commerce business: SHAMS is built specifically around this — it includes room for 3 media activities plus e-commerce in one licence, at one of the lowest entry price points on this page.
If you need flexibility across multiple activities: SRTIP allows 5 business activities on a single licence, combining trading and service activities — a strong fit if your business doesn’t sit neatly in one category.
If general trading is your core activity: RAKEZ is purpose-built for this, with a freezone licence specifically covering general trading activity.
If you want a lower-cost freezone entry with room to grow: SPC offers general trading and e-commerce together at a competitive price point, with the same 100% ownership and setup assistance as the other freezone options.
If you need multiple shareholders: Meydan stands out here — it’s the only package on this page explicitly built to support multiple shareholders alongside up to 3 different business activities.
If you need to operate directly in the Dubai local market: Dubai Mainland is the freezone alternative — an LLC structure with 100% ownership, plus room for 2 investors and 3 employees on the same licence.
If your business is general trading at real scale: Dubai General Trading is the highest-tier option here, built for businesses that need full mainland general trading capability with English company naming and the same investor/employment quota flexibility.
If your business is specifically project management: Project Mainland License is a purpose-built, narrower licence for exactly that activity, with an Arabic company name requirement and its own employment quota.
Not sure which of these fits your business? That’s exactly what a free consultation is for — tell us what you’re building, and we’ll point you to the right package rather than the most expensive one.
What's Included in Every Business Setup Package
Regardless of which package you choose, every option above includes:
- 100% business ownership — no local sponsor required, across every package listed
- Free business setup assistance — our consultants handle the process with you, not just hand you paperwork
- Virtual office agreement (freezone packages) — a genuine registered address, not just a mailing forward
- Visa upgrade flexibility — every package can be upgraded to include visa processing if you need it, so you’re not locked into a decision on day one
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a freezone and mainland licence?
A freezone licence (SHAMS, SRTIP, RAKEZ, SPC, Meydan) typically costs less and offers 100% ownership by design, but comes with restrictions on operating directly within the UAE mainland market. A mainland licence (Dubai Mainland, Dubai General Trading, Project Mainland License) allows direct trading anywhere in the UAE, generally at a higher setup cost.
Do I need a visa to set up my business?
No — every package above is priced without a visa by default, and can be upgraded to include one if you need it. Many business owners start without a visa and add one later once the business is operational.
Which package is the cheapest?
SRTIP is currently the lowest-priced freezone option at AED 5,500. For mainland options, Dubai Mainland at AED 14,999 is the lower-cost entry point compared to Dubai General Trading.
Can I change or upgrade my package later?
Yes — every package can be upgraded for a visa if required, and our consultants can advise on moving between licence types as your business grows.
How long does business setup typically take?
Timelines vary by package and by how quickly documentation is provided, but our consultants will give you a specific timeline for your chosen package during your free consultation.