Business Setup in Dubai & The UAE

• Define your business activity.
• Select a jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore).
• Secure a trade name.
• Submit an application for a business license.
• Get permissions from appropriate authorities for business setup in Dubai.
• Rent the office area and complete the process of documentation.
• Open a corporate bank account to record business transactions.

• Commercial License: Issued for trading and general business activities.
• Professional License: Issued to businesses that offer expert service.
• Industrial License: Issued for manufacturing and production activities.
• Tourism License: Issued for travel, hospitality, and tourism-related businesses.

Business setup in Dubai can take approximately 1 to 7 working days. It usually depends on the type of business and jurisdiction.

When setting up a business in Dubai, the general costs include the trade name registration expense, license fees, visa fees, office rental, and document processing. AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 is approximately the starting cost. It depends on the jurisdiction and type of business activity.

Yes, an entrepreneur in Dubai can own 100% foreign ownership for multiple activities in Free Zones and selected activities in the Mainland.

Yes! It is easy to start a business in Dubai with the help of business setup consultants in Dubai like Start Any Business (SAB). SAB provides best business setup services for business setup.

When it comes to low-cost business setup, then one name comes to mind that Start Any Business (SAB) consultants who will assist you during the business setup process at an affordable cost.

Before setting up a business in Dubai, you need to have any of the three business licenses, namely, Mainland, Freezone, or Offshore. Moreover, business setup in Dubai involves the following:

• Acquiring initial approval for the commencement of the business from the competent authority.
• Legal and official approval from the authority after thoroughly verifying the documents like investor’s identity, qualifications, resident status, financial stability, etc.
• Lastly, getting the official and commercial space like AOA, MOA, etc… examined by the authorities to ascertain the feasibility of the business.

The cost of business setup in Dubai UAE involves the following in 2025:

• Company Registration in Dubai- The company registration in Dubai is a one-time charge and ranges from AED 7,000 to AED 25,000 whether it is freezone or mainland.
• License Fee- Trade License fees in Dubai are recurring and cost approximately AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year.
• Office Fee- Offices for rent in Dubai typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 25,000.
• Share Capital- The minimum share capital amount ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 1,000,000 and the average share capital requirement for the Dubai Freezone is AED 50,000.

Companies with import and export activities require business license Dubai. For the license, you need to have a business or startup in the Emirates of Dubai. Also, the owner must be above the age of 21 years. The license should be issued from the residential site only and you need to have more than one license.

The visa requirement is based on the type of business formation in Dubai.

• Mainland businesses should require a resident visa for the management and other responsible members. It also helps you recruit employees for the business.
• The size of the Freezone company will be evaluated by the governmental agencies before issuing a visa for its staff.
• But, an offshore business need not require a resident visa.

According to the business setup consultants in Dubai, business setup in UAE takes up to 4 to 5 working days depending on the factors and certifications obliged to the company’s establishment.

The advantages of Mainland business setup in Dubai involve:

• 100 percent corporate tax exemption
• No capital involved for a local Dubai mainland license
• Straightforward processing of employment visas.
• Offers 100 percent repatriation of capital and profits

The minimum investment required for offshore company formation in Dubai ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 1,000,000.depending on the nature of the business activities and types of licenses.

Yes, Dubai business advisors or consultants help you in the company registration in Dubai as it will help you in acquiring 100 percent foreign ownership, appoint employees anywhere across the world despite their citizenship.

• 100% foreign ownership.
• Tax advantages.
• Zero customs duties on imports/exports.
• Complete repatriation of profits and capital.

• Select a business activity.
• Obtain approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Finalize a trade name.
• Secure office lease and register the tenancy.
• Present documents and get the license published.

An e-commerce license is granted by the DED (for the mainland) or the appropriate free zone authority.

Get a Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) license and finish the needed exams and training.

Get a trade license, food safety permissions, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai Municipality.

Register with the DED, secure a trade name, and provide proof of qualifications or certificates in your professional domain.

Yes, by getting a freelance permit from free zones like Dubai Media City or Dubai Knowledge Park.

• Passport copies of shareholders.
• Proof of residence or UAE entry stamp.
• Business activity description.
• Trade name approval certificate.
• Office lease agreement.

No, you can start your business without a residence visa, but acquiring this visa is advantageous for handling your business and opening a bank account.

Dubai provides corporate tax exemptions for free zone businesses and a 9% corporate tax for mainland enterprises on profits surpassing AED 375,000.

To open a business bank account for your business setup in UAE, provide your trade license, passport, visa, and other business-related documents. Banks will verify your application based on your company profile.

Renew your license yearly by submitting lease agreements, shareholder information, and renewal costs to the licensing authority.

Yes, you can relocate your already established business by setting up a branch or subsidiary in Dubai. Get clearances and register with the suitable authority.

Dubai delivers incubators, accelerators, and financial support programs like Dubai SME.

Free zones and government bodies usually provide discounts, fee waivers, or co-working spaces for startups.

Offshore businesses are for asset management or international trade, whereas free zone businesses are for running a business within Dubai or globally.

To guarantee that your business setup in UAE complies with UAE labor laws, constantly check the UAE Labor Law, revise contracts as required, and consult with legal professionals to stay current with any modifications in laws.