Business Setup in Dubai

In straightforward cases, a free zone licence can be issued in a few days once documents are ready. Mainland setups may take longer due to additional approvals. Visas, Emirates ID and bank account opening add time. Realistically, expect 2–6 weeks from decision to being fully operational, depending on complexity.

Yes. Most commercial and professional activities now allow 100% foreign ownership in both mainland and free zones, subject to the specific activity and regulator. Some strategic or restricted activities still have special rules. We confirm your activity’s ownership options before incorporation.

If you mainly serve UAE residents or need a physical presence (retail, restaurant, clinic, on-site services), mainland is often better. If you serve international clients, operate online, and want lower setup cost, a free zone may be ideal. The right answer depends on your sector, clients, and future plans.

Many free zones and some mainland processes allow remote incorporation via digital signing, especially for new companies. However, you will typically need to be present for visa processes (medical, biometrics) and sometimes bank meetings. We’ll advise you precisely based on your nationality, bank and chosen structure.

Common documentation includes: passport copies, proof of address, passport-size photos, business plan or profile for certain activities, and sometimes reference letters or corporate documents if a company is a shareholder. Regulators and banks may request additional KYC documents depending on your profile.

Many free zones and mainland structures have no paid-up capital requirement or only a nominal requirement (e.g., stated but not blocked in a bank). Some activities or free zones may set specific capital requirements. We clarify this upfront so you can plan investment and documentation accordingly.

For most commercial activities, the previous 51/49 local sponsorship model has been relaxed, and 100% foreign ownership is possible. Certain professional licences may still use a local service agent on a fixed-fee basis, but without equity in the company. Exact requirements depend on your activity and emirate.

Yes. Dubai is a leading hub for e-commerce and online services. You can obtain a free zone or mainland licence suitable for online business, e-commerce, or service delivery, then integrate with payment gateways, logistics partners and marketplaces, subject to category and platform policies.

You may be subject to corporate tax (9%), VAT (5%), and other levies depending on your activity and profits. Free zone companies can, in some circumstances, qualify for special tax treatment if they meet qualifying free zone person criteria. Personal income is generally not taxed. We assess your tax position as part of your setup.

Yes. Under corporate tax and other regulations, companies are expected to maintain proper, auditable accounts. Many free zones and mainland structures require audited financial statements periodically. We help you set up basic accounting systems, processes and timelines from the beginning.

A trade licence (or commercial/professional licence) is the official permission issued by the relevant authority that authorises your company to carry out specific activities. Without a valid trade licence, your business cannot legally operate, invoice, or hire employees in the UAE.

Yes, subject to regulator rules. Many authorities allow multiple related activities under one licence. Some combinations are restricted or require separate approvals. We help design an activity mix that is both compliant and commercially flexible for your current and future plans.

In many cases you can add activities, change premises, or upgrade licences over time. Some changes require approvals, documentation or restructuring. It is usually cheaper and cleaner to plan correctly at the beginning, but we also assist with amendments and restructuring when needed.

Banking has become more compliance-focused. For well-structured, legitimate businesses with clear documentation and a credible profile, opening a bank account is still very achievable. Challenges arise for high-risk sectors or inconsistent profiles. We help you prepare a realistic banking strategy.

Requirements vary. Some free zones allow flexi-desk or shared office models, while mainland entities often require a physical office or co-working agreement (Ejari). Banks and regulators may also expect substance that matches your declared activity and business plan.

You cannot usually “convert” a free zone licence directly into mainland, but you can set up a new mainland entity, migrate operations, and manage tax and contractual transitions. Structuring your initial setup with future plans in mind can significantly reduce complexity.

Certain activities such as headquarters, holding, distribution, finance, IP and DNFBP-related services (e.g., real estate brokerage, corporate services, accounting) may trigger ESR or AML obligations. We review your planned business and flag these obligations explicitly so you can comply.

In many cases, yes. Once you have a valid residence visa, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children and sometimes parents, subject to income thresholds, documentation and current rules. We guide you through sponsorship options and timelines.

Yes, but there are trade-offs. Low-cost packages can be a good entry point, but may limit visas, banking options or activity scope. We help you decide when a lean start makes sense and when it’s safer to invest slightly more upfront to avoid expensive changes later.

Each free zone has its own rules, costs, visa policies and positioning. Some focus on tech, some on media, some on trading or general business. We compare free zones based on your activity, budget, target markets, visa needs and banking profile.

Yes. Many clients use UAE holding or offshore companies to hold foreign subsidiaries, investments or IP. This can support structuring, treaty access and succession planning, subject to proper tax and legal advice in all relevant countries.

Non-compliance with corporate tax, VAT, ESR or UBO can lead to financial penalties, banking issues, licence problems and reputational risk. We help you implement a simple compliance calendar, documentation process and review cycle so you stay ahead of deadlines.

Yes. We specialise in business setup in Dubai and coordinate with experienced accounting, tax and compliance professionals to support you after incorporation. This includes bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, ESR, UBO and advisory as your business evolves.

Simply share a few details about your business idea, nationality, budget and preferred timeline. We’ll schedule a free consultation, outline your best options, and send you a clear 2025 cost and timeline estimate — with no obligation to proceed.