Business setup in Dubai
Steps For Company Formation in Dubai
Here’s your roadmap to a compliant, efficient Dubai company formation.
Key Benefits of Business Setup In Dubai
Business Activities for Business Setup Dubai
Types of legal forms in Dubai Mainland
Sole Proprietorship
Civil Company
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Partnership (General or Limited)
Public Joint Stock Companies
Essential Documents for Company Formation in Dubai
- 2.1 UAE Residence Visa: For this type of visa, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) form is required from the current person.
- 2.2 Tourist Visa: For this type of visa, a copy of the visit visa is required.
- 2.3 Cancel Visa: For this type of visa, a copy of the canceled visa is required.
- 2.4 On Arrival Visa: This type of visa is for British people, such as those from the USA, UK, and other countries. A copy of the on-arrival visit visa is required.
- 2.5 Golden Visa: For this type of visa, no NOC is required. Only a copy of the Golden Visa is required.
- A unique company name is required as per the company government guidelines.
- The proposed company name should be checked for availability and approved by the relevant authorities.
- 3.1 Business Plan: A business plan is not mandatory for some business activities, but it is required for certain activities, such as Ministry of Health and KHDA “Dubai Health Authority” to set up any pharmacy, institute, or other related activities.
- 3.2 Goods Standard Certificate, Resume, Personal Profile, and Education Certificate:
These documents may be required for certain business activities.
- Military trade (Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate)
- Education institute setup (Resume and Education Certificate)
- Chemical activity (Goods Standard Certificate and Personal Profile)
- Sports academy setup (Resume and Personal Profile)
- Military trade (Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate)
Business Setup In Dubai Cost
Our Business Setup services In Dubai include:
Our PRO services in Dubai manage governmental paperwork, visa processing, Emirates ID applications, and UBO filings. We liaise with the Dubai Economy Department, DED, and free zone authorities for seamless, fast compliance.
Renew your Dubai trade license promptly with our expert service—handling DED or free zone authority filings, document submission, Emirates ID updates, and Emirates ID renewal to ensure uninterrupted business operations in the UAE.
Register your business for UAE corporate tax with guidance—preparing financial records, submitting registration to the Federal Tax Authority, advising on tax planning, ensuring full compliance with UAE corporate tax regulations.
Register your UAE company for VAT with a service preparing VAT application, submitting to the Federal Tax Authority, ensuring invoicing compliance, advising on VAT returns, documentation to ensure seamless tax filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business setup In Dubai
To launch a Dubai company, first identify your business activity (retail, e-commerce, consulting), then choose mainland, Free Zone (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ), or offshore. Reserve your business name with the Dubai Economy Department or Free Zone Authority, draft your Memorandum of Association (MOA), apply for your trade license, and open a corporate bank account. Finally, process investor or employment visas (including Golden Visa UAE eligibility).
Define your activity and legal structure.
Choose jurisdiction: Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore.
Submit documents (passports, MOA, tenancy contract) to DED or Free Zone Authority.
Obtain your trade license and register for VAT/Corporate Tax.
Open a corporate bank account, apply for visas/Emirates ID, and start operations.
Yes—100% foreign ownership is available in many Free Zones (e.g., DMCC, IFZA). On the mainland, you can use a Local Service Agent or establish an LLC with UAE national sponsorship. Both options allow full company registration in Dubai UAE, visa issuance, and corporate bank account opening for non-residents.
Free Zone setup typically starts at AED 12,000 for license fees and flexi-desk packages. Additional costs include visas (≈AED 3,000 each), corporate bank account setup, and optional office space. Complex activities or specialized licences may increase fees—plan for low cost business setup in Dubai from AED 12,000–AED 20,000+.
Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, ideal for export/import, limited to zone boundaries.
Mainland: Unlimited market access across the UAE, no office-location restrictions, but may require a Local Service Agent for certain activities.
Choose based on your target market, visa quotas, and trade license approval needs.
Select a bank (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq), prepare your trade license, MOA, shareholder passports, and director’s Emirates ID. Submit KYC documents—including board resolutions and tenancy contract—then meet your relationship manager for account activation. Typical turnaround: 5–10 business days.
Shareholder/director passport and Emirates ID copies
Completed application form and business plan
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or Free Zone flexi-desk agreement
NOC from current sponsor (for visa holders)
Board resolution (if corporate shareholder)
Proof of corporate bank account relationship
Invest in a qualifying UAE company—mainland LLC or approved Free Zone entity with minimum share capital (varies by jurisdiction). Maintain active operations, a valid trade license, and properly audited financials. Submit your application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) with corporate documents, passport copies, and proof of bank account. Enjoy 10-year residency for you and your family.
