To start a business in Dubai, you have to follow these steps. 

• First, choose an industry and the business activity you will engage in.
• Next, you must identify the legal structure of your business. Take help from a consultant or lawyer in this step.
• Choose a location, such as the Mainland or a Free Zone, whatever suits your business.
• Apply for a legal trade name.
• Finalise the paperwork.
• Apply for a licence and get initial approvals. 
• Register your business and open a bank account.

The cheapest option to register a company is the IFZA (International Free Zone Authority). The location offers the cheapest Free Zone and General Trading Licence. You can start your company with AED 12,900* here.

There are plenty of benefits to starting a company in Dubai, but the key benefit is a Strategic location as Dubai is a trade city that connects different continents, which simplifies the import and export of goods. Therefore, the high-class infrastructure that comes with low corporate tax is a major advantage for investors who want to set up a company in Dubai. Additionally, 100% foreign company ownership is another boost for foreign entrepreneurs because of Dubai’s friendly business environment.

The timeframe of opening a company in Dubai is 4 to 5 working days but it all depends on different factors such as your industry and requirements of each licensing authority. Some business activities are quicker than the others but in general, it takes only a few days to setting up a new company in Dubai.

Yes, you can own 100% of your business in Dubai. In the past, only Free Zones have allowed 100% foreign ownership of businesses in Dubai. However, with a recent amendment, now foreigners can 100% own an LLC business in Dubai Mainland, too. For more information on this topic, you can visit our complete guide.

These are the most profitable businesses to start in Dubai – 

1. E-commerce stores 
2. Digital payments 
3. IT solutions 
4. Real estate development 
5. Tourism services.

Starting a company in Dubai offers many benefits that are not accessible in other countries. A few major reasons to set up a business in Dubai are:

• Global trading hub allowing you to start an international trading business instantly
• Easy to start a business
• 100% ownership for foreigners 
• Low corporate tax and zero individual income tax
• Full profit repatriation is allowed
• Strategic location for business with advanced infrastructure
• Business-friendly laws with a government that supports entrepreneurship

Yes, the visa issued in Dubai is valid throughout the UAE and allows you to travel to other emirates freely. 

To obtain an investor/partner visa, you must set up your own company in Dubai. You must fulfill all the company registration requirements and obtain a trade license. Next, you have to complete all the immigration authority’s formalities to receive your residency visa.

You can set up any business in Dubai as long as it’s not illegal as per the country’s law. UAE’s Ministry of Economy allows you to choose from more than 2,000 business activities for your business. You need one of these six licenses to start a company in the UAE:

• Industrial license 
• Commercial license 
• Crafts license 
• Tourism license 
• Agricultural license 
• Professional license

No, you can’t include all the business activities in a single business license, as they might require different licenses to operate. You will need a trading license if you are trading goods or products. For manufacturing, a manufacturing license is compulsory, and so on. However, a business owner trading multiple products can also get a general trading license in Dubai. Therefore, different business activities require different licenses in Dubai. 

Yes, you have to renew your trade license in the UAE annually. It is also worth noting that you must apply 30 days before the expiry date of the license. 

Yes, all types of businesses require a license to operate legally in the UAE. Operating without a business license is against the law in Dubai. 

Yes, it is mandatory for businesses to have an office space for a successful business registration process in Dubai Mainland. However, Dubai Economic Development (DED) has offered some leniency to investors and entrepreneurs by issuing virtual office licenses where you don’t need a physical space. Flexi desks are also a good alternative, as you can save a lot of rental costs and have physical space from the beginning. Another option is to get an instant license issued by DED, which does not require office space for the first year. 

The answer is both yes and no. You do not require a local partner for certain licenses and activities; a foreigner can hold 100% of the company shares. Some examples include professional service providers or small businesses such as coffee shops, consultancy, and salons. However, general trading companies or businesses that require a trading license must have a local sponsor who owns at least 51% of the shares in the company.

Dubai Mainland offers more than 2000 business activities from which to choose. These business activities fall into various categories and require respective business licenses to operate, including professional, commercial, industrial, and tourism. However, certain activities are not allowed in the UAE. You must consult with an expert before applying for a business license in Dubai. 

Foreign employees in the UAE require a standard work visa sponsored by the employer. There are certain conditions that the employer and employer must meet to obtain a standard work visa.

• The employer has a valid operating license
• The employer has no violations 
• Employee’s expertise and work is relevant to the company’s business activity 
• The employee has a high school diploma

The company setup in Dubai Mainland can be done within 5 days. However, depending on the nature of the business and its requirements, it may take a few weeks in certain scenarios. 

Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone license and apply for a new license with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again. 

It depends on the nature of your business and the business activity. Every Free Zone has its own set of regulations and provides certain benefits for specific business activities. You must choose a Free Zone that is the most advantageous for your business operations and requirements. For instance, IFZA is a good choice for ecommerce businesses. On the other hand, DMCC is best for global trading.

Yes, you can own 100% of your Free Zone company as a foreign investor in Dubai.

Yes, Free Zone companies cannot trade with the UAE Mainland. Business operations of Free Zone companies are limited to their jurisdictions only. However, you can engage with a local consultant if you wish to expand your activities on the Mainland. Our expert consultants can provide you with the right guidance regarding this issue. 

No, you do not need to be physically present in Dubai or the UAE to set up a Free Zone company. You can easily register and operate your business remotely in a Free Zone without the need for a local partner. 

You must register with the Customs Office to import or export goods in the UAE. For import, you need certain documents such as an import permit, certificate of origin, import goods declaration form, bill of lading/airway bill, etc. Similarly, to export goods, you need documentation that includes an export permit, declaration of customs clearance, and sales invoice.

Offshore companies are not legally allowed to trade within the UAE mainland. However, they become shareholders in any of the Mainland companies. 

Offshore companies are exempt from annual audits in Dubai. They do not have to submit their audited financial statements, which helps maintain their confidentiality. 

Yes, you can open a corporate bank account for your offshore company in Dubai. However, the chances of success are slim, and it is recommended that you engage a business consultant to help you out. 

The annual renewal fees associated with maintaining an offshore company depend on the jurisdiction, visa renewal charges, and bank account maintenance costs. For instance, a company in RAK ICC has to pay approximately $2200 in annual renewal costs, which includes a Certificate of Good Standing, a formal proof of the company’s renewal. 

Offshore companies are not allowed to trade in the UAE. However, certain activities are permitted for offshore companies to do in Dubai, such as shareholding in other companies or purchasing and managing real estate. Offshore companies are also allowed to offer wealth management, advisory, consultancy, and brokerage services.