Business Setup in Al Ain
Licensed through Abu Dhabi and served from our Al Twar office in Dubai: tell us your activity and we quote in writing.
Our office is in Al Qusais, Dubai; we serve Al Ain clients remotely and by appointment.
Business setup in Al Ain: what it costs
Our packages and their prices, as we publish them.
Your route
Abu Dhabi mainland licence (Al Ain)
Price on request
Licensed through ADDED. Send us your activity and we quote in writing.
UAE Freezone Setup
Starting from AED 5,750
- Freezone trade license
- 100% ownership
- Trade license
- Multiple activities
- Free lease agreement
Prices as published on alainbcenter.com, checked 31 October 2026.
If you would rather license in Dubai
Fixed-price services for existing companies
Calculate your first-year cost
Pick a package and what you want us to run for you afterwards. The total only adds prices we publish.
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Al Ain Business Center in numbers
How it works
There are two routes for business setup in Al Ain on the mainland: apply online, or follow the standard process. Both are described in the UAE government guide to starting a business on the mainland.
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Start on Basher
The platform is connected with the federal and local government entities that provide commercial licence services.
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Apply for the instant licence
The Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi provides this service for investors starting a business online.
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Choose your activity and legal form
You identify your business activity and select the legal form before applying for the trade licence.
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Apply for the trade licence and register the trade name
Both steps come before the initial approval, and the licensing entity is the emirate’s Department of Economic Development.
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Get the initial approval
The UAE Government confirms it has no objection to the business, but this does not let you run or practise the activity.
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Sign the MoA and the local service agent agreement
UAE-based law firms, courts and notary public prepare and attest them.
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Select your location
All businesses must have a physical address that meets the requirements of the emirate’s Department of Economic Development and the local municipality’s land planning rules.
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Get additional approvals and collect your licence
Entities that govern certain activities may need to approve you before you collect the business licence.
What can slow it down
- A foreign investor who does not yet have General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs approval cannot move on to the initial approval.
- Activities related to legal affairs, security affairs, and financial securities and commodities need extra approvals before the initial approval.
- An MoA or service agent agreement that is not attested by a notary public or court holds up the process.
- A location that does not meet the Department of Economic Development or municipal requirements causes delays.
- Treating the initial approval as permission to trade is a common mistake, because it does not grant that authority.
Who it is for
Good fit
- Investors who want to start online. The Basher platform lets you establish a business in the UAE in 15 minutes.
- Founders who want an instant licence. The Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi offers an instant licence service, so you can get the commercial licence without visiting a service centre.
- Founders choosing a limited partnership, LLC, PJSC or PrJSC. These legal forms need a completed and signed Memorandum of Association (MoA).
- Foreign investors. You obtain the approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs before the initial approval.
- Businesses owned completely by non-GCC residents. You appoint a local service agent from the UAE.
Better suited to
- Founders in regulated fields. Activities related to legal affairs, security affairs, and financial securities and commodities need extra government approvals before you apply for the initial approval, so plan for a longer path.
- Founders who prefer a free zone. If a free zone suits your plans better than the mainland steps below, read Al Ain Freezone: A Complete Guide to Setup, Costs and Benefits.
- Founders planning premises in Dubai. In Dubai, the rental agreement must be registered with Ejari. Business Setup Services in Al Qusais, Dubai: A Practical Guide covers that location.
Documents you need
Tick it off, then send it on WhatsApp or bring it in.
For the owners
For the business
Where to find us
Call, message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during office hours.
Our office is in Al Qusais, Dubai; we serve Al Ain clients remotely and by appointment.
Languages English and Tagalog
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Questions people ask
What is business setup in Al Ain and who is it for?
It is the process of establishing a mainland business, either online through the Basher platform or through the standard process. It suits investors who want to start online, founders who want an instant licence, and foreign investors who obtain the required residency approval first. Some business activities require additional approvals from the government entities that govern them, so confirm which approvals apply to your activity and how they affect the process with the relevant licensing authority.
What documents do I need before I start?
Foreign investors need General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs approval before the initial approval. A signed Memorandum of Association is required for a limited partnership, LLC, PJSC or PrJSC. Businesses owned completely by non-GCC residents need an attested local service agent agreement, and all businesses must provide an office and warehouse rental agreement.
What is the first step?
Online, you start on the Basher platform, which is connected with federal and local government entities that provide commercial licence services. In the standard process, you first identify your business activity and select the legal form before applying for the trade licence.
Can a foreign owner use this service?
Yes, foreign investors can set up a business, but they must obtain the approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs before getting the initial approval. Businesses owned completely by non-GCC residents also require a local service agent from the UAE.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need and we quote in writing.
Shop 19, Arzoo Building, Al Twar, Al Qusais, Dubai · Monday–Friday 9:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00
Sources
Photo: UAE flag and date palms, 拜耳 闫, Unsplash licence · Photo: Dubai Creek dhows, Nick Fewings, Unsplash licence