Anyone over the age of 18 can start a business in Dubai, regardless of nationality. Foreign investors can establish companies in Free Zones, Mainland, or Offshore jurisdictions, depending on their business activity and structure.

• Business Setup in Dubai is a comprehensive service that covers everything from Dubai business registration, trade license acquisition, office space solutions (including Dubai office space rental), and UAE visa processing to post-incorporation services like PRO assistance, Dubai business consulting, and compliance with UAE Business Regulations. This turnkey solution is ideal if you’re exploring Dubai investment opportunities and need guidance on aspects such as Dubai startup costs, whether you’re establishing a Dubai Mainland Company, Dubai Free Zone Company, or even considering an offshore company in Dubai.

• Company Formation in Dubai, on the other hand, specifically focuses on the legal incorporation process. This involves steps like Dubai company incorporation through the drafting of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), obtaining initial approvals from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for Mainland entities or the respective Free Zone authority, and securing the required trade license. This process is essential for establishing the legal foundation of a business, such as Dubai LLC formation, which may then benefit from 100% foreign ownership in many cases.

In summary, while company formation lays the legal groundwork for your business, business setup offers an all-encompassing package that includes registration, licensing, visa processing, and operational support to help you smoothly launch and run your venture in Dubai.

Every business operating in Dubai requires a valid trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for Mainland, or the relevant Free Zone authority.

A local sponsor is typically a UAE national or a UAE-owned corporate entity. They hold a 51% share in the company under traditional rules unless the business activity qualifies for 100% foreign ownership (as per updated laws).

• Choose a business activity
• Select the legal structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)
• Register the trade name
• Apply for initial approval
• Secure office space
• Submit documents for trade license issuance
• Open a corporate bank account
• Apply for residence visas if required

Costs vary by jurisdiction and activity.

• • Free Zone company formation starts from AED 12,500

  • Mainland LLC setup typically starts at AED 15,000 to AED 50,000
    Fees cover license issuance, registration, office lease, and visa applications.

You can register with Free Zone authorities such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), Dubai South, or Dubai Internet City (DIC), depending on your industry and activity.

Dubai offers 0% personal income tax, strategic geographic location, modern infrastructure, and full repatriation of profits. These make it one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs globally.

Foreigners can establish a business by:

• Choosing a Free Zone for 100% ownership

• Opting for Mainland LLCs under updated foreign ownership laws

• Appointing a local service agent for professional licenses

You’ll typically need one of the following:

• Commercial License (trading businesses)

• Professional License (services or consultancies)

• Industrial License (manufacturing or production)

The cost varies depending on the Free Zone and the license type.
Basic Free Zone packages start at AED 12,500, including shared desk options and visa quotas.

Dubai CommerCity, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and DMCC are among the best Free Zones for e-commerce startups, offering dedicated support, warehousing, and customs facilitation.

Benefits include:

• 100% foreign ownership
• No import/export duties
• Tax exemptions
• Easy repatriation of profits
• Streamlined licensing processes

The timeframe depends on the jurisdiction:

• Free Zone company: 5 to 10 working days

• Mainland company (LLC): 7 to 14 working days, depending on approvals

As of June 2023, the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000. However, Free Zones with qualifying activities can remain tax-exempt.

You’ll need:

• Company trade license
• Shareholder documents (passport copies, visas)
• Proof of address
• A valid business plan for certain banks
  Top banks include Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, and Mashreq Bank.

In some sectors, a local sponsor (UAE national) is required to fulfill legal requirements and ensure compliance with UAE commercial laws. However, many activities are now open to 100% foreign ownership.

• Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, limited to activities inside Free Zone or international trade
• Mainland: Access to UAE market, ability to work with government entities, requires DED licensing

Yes. Mainland companies require a physical office lease (Ejari) to obtain a trade license and issue visas.

• Department of Economic Development (DED) for Mainland companies
• Free Zone authorities for Free Zone companies
• Ministry of Economy for offshore companies

Dubai offers:

• No personal income tax
• Free zones with zero corporate tax
• Double taxation avoidance agreements with over 100 countries

Yes. Mainland and Free Zone companies can apply for investor visas, typically valid for 2-3 years, extendable upon renewal of trade licenses.

• Expert advice on license selection
• Handling legal documentation
• Faster approvals and licensing
• Avoiding compliance issues and fines
• Bank account assistance

Applications are filed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Free Zone authority where your company is registered.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) and RAKEZ are popular for low-cost setups, offering packages from AED 12,500.

• Choose between Mainland or Free Zone
• Obtain logistics or freight forwarding license
• Comply with customs regulations
• Secure warehousing and fleet solutions
  Top zones include Dubai South and JAFZA.

No. To trade directly within the UAE Mainland, a local distributor or Mainland branch office is required.

• Apply through VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority)
• Register in DMCC Crypto Centre or DIFC Innovation Hub
• Obtain crypto-specific licenses and bank accounts (subject to compliance)

Reputable consultants like Commitbiz, KWS Middle East, and Shuraa offer affordable PRO packages for document clearance, visa processing, and license renewals.

• World’s #1 Free Zone (7 years in a row)
• Crypto-friendly licensing
• Commodity trading support (gold, diamonds, tea, coffee)
• Access to Dubai’s commercial hubs