Business setup in
Dubai and the UAE

The UAE business landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Rules, fees, and requirements for setting up a company and obtaining residency change frequently. Doing everything on your own may lead to costly mistakes, unexpected delays, or even the inability to register a business.

Business consultants have up-to-date knowledge, long-term relationships with free zones and banks, and experience navigating UAE bureaucracy. They can offer solutions you may not even know exist — saving you time, money, and stress.

In most free zones, there is no actual requirement to deposit share capital — it is only declared on paper. However, in some jurisdictions (especially for certain regulated activities), you may be required to deposit the capital into a corporate bank account.
For mainland companies, the minimum capital depends on the activity but is usually declared only, without a deposit obligation.

There are over 40 free zones in the UAE, most of them located in Dubai. Each one has its own focus — such as media, technology, trade, or industry — and offers different types of facilities, visa quotas, and costs. 

Choosing the right one depends on:

• Your business activity
• Required infrastructure
• Budget
• Number of visas you need
• Preferred emirate

Business setup consultants like Emirabiz can help you find the best free zone based on your specific goals and requirements.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa valid for 10 years. There are several ways to qualify for it. The most common options include:

• Buying real estate worth AED 2 million or more
• Placing a fixed deposit of at least AED 2 million in a UAE bank
• Starting a company in the UAE
• Holding an executive position in a UAE company and having a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field

Each category has its own requirements. A setup consultant can help assess your eligibility and prepare your application.

To open a corporate bank account, you first need to register your company and obtain your UAE residency visa. Then, submit all required documents confirming your business activity and financial operations. Proper preparation of your file is key — working with experienced consultants in Dubai can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Not always. Some jurisdictions allow virtual office packages. However, most free zones require at least a flexi desk to issue the license. For mainland companies, having a physical office is mandatory.

The most common legal structures are:

• Free Zones:
  • FZE (Free Zone Establishment — single shareholder)
  • FZCO (Free Zone Company — multiple shareholders)
  • FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company). It has its own legal identity and can be owned by individuals or corporate entities. Similar to a Mainland LLC, it offers liability protection but operates under the rules of its specific free zone and is generally allowed to do business within the free zone or internationally, but not directly in the UAE mainland.
• Mainland:
  • LLC (Limited Liability Company)
  • Sole proprietorship (for certain professional activities)
• Others:
  • Local or foreign branch office
  • Offshore company
  • Foundation (in offshore or ADGM/DIFC jurisdictions)

A local sponsor is a UAE national who holds 51% of shares in a mainland LLC company. This arrangement is required for certain business activities but does not usually affect operational control or profits.

A local service agent (LSA), on the other hand, is appointed for professional licenses owned 100% by expats. They don’t hold any shares or decision-making power but are required for government liaison and documentation.

To legally register a company in Dubai, you need to follow these basic steps:

• Choose the right jurisdiction (mainland or a specific free zone)
• Select the appropriate business activity and structure
• Reserve your trade name
• Submit required documents and get initial approval
• Sign incorporation documents and rent a workspace (e.g., flexi desk or office)
• Obtain Dubai trade license
• Apply for visas and open a corporate bank account
• Comply with any additional requirements (e.g., UBO declaration, Economic Substance filing, bookkeeping)

Business setup consultants can help you stay compliant and avoid costly delays.

Dubai offers a wide range of business licenses — from freelance permits to full industrial licenses. You can start a company either in one of Dubai’s many specialized free zones or on the mainland.

• Commerciallicense — for trading activities
• Professional license — for service providers, freelancers, and consultants
• Industrial license — for manufacturing or light production

Setting up a business in Dubai is not only prestigious but also logistically convenient, thanks to excellent infrastructure and proximity to major business and tourist hubs. In some cases — like IFZA or DMCC — Dubai can also be one of the most cost-effective options.

While the cost depends on the specific setup, Dubai offers cost-effective solutions, especially in free zones, to cater to businesses of all sizes.

Business owners can apply for investor visas, Golden Visas, or partner visas to establish residency in the UAE and enjoy various benefits. Dubai business visa requirements depend on the registering authority, investment volume, and the applicant’s profile.

Dubai offers a dynamic economy, world-class infrastructure, tax incentives, and a strategic location connecting global markets, making it the perfect destination for business setup.

The setup process can be completed in as little as 1-2 weeks, depending on the business type and approvals required.

Yes, foreigners can fully own businesses in Dubai free zones. For mainland setups, recent regulations now allow 100% foreign ownership for many activities.

Free zone setups offer facilitated company formation procedures, tax relaxation and 100% foreign ownership, while mainland setups allow you to trade directly in the UAE market and work with government clients.

Starting a business in Dubai involves choosing a business activity, selecting a location (free zone or mainland), obtaining the required licenses, registering your company with the relevant authorities, and opening a bank account.

Key benefits include low corporate tax (9%) and VAT (5%), access to global markets, a stable economic environment, free zones with 100% foreign ownership, streamlined registration procedure, and flexible visa options.

The cost of business setup in Dubai varies based on the type of license, free zone, or mainland setup. Prices start from AED 5,500 for free zones.