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Complete Guide to Setting Up a Business in Dubai: Key Benefits, Process, and Costs

Looking to set up a business in Dubai in 2024? Benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and unmatched opportunities in Dubai’s thriving free zones. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, entering e-commerce, or expanding into logistics, our expert consultants can guide you through every step of the business setup process.

Why Set Up a Business in Dubai?

Starting a business in Dubai offers several options, including the Dubai free zone business setup, Dubai is globally recognized as a top destination for business setup, offering entrepreneurs and investors a host of advantages. Whether you are looking to start a consultancy, e-commerce business, or logistics company, Dubai’s business-friendly environment makes it ideal. Here’s why:

Key Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai

  • Zero Corporate Tax: With most sectors exempt from corporate tax, setting up a business in Dubai offers significant financial advantages, especially for foreign investors.
  • 100% Foreign Ownership: Thanks to recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted in most sectors without requiring a local sponsor, particularly in free zones like Dubai Internet City or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
  • Strategic Location: Dubai’s location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa gives businesses unmatched global connectivity, making it an ideal hub for international trade and commerce​.
  • Ease of Business: Dubai’s transparent regulations, high-quality infrastructure, and dedicated free zone business setup services simplify the process for foreign entrepreneurs.

How to set up Business in Dubai | What is the process of business setup?

Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup in Dubai

1. Choose Your Business Activity

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai offers over 2,000 business activities, from consulting and real estate to e-commerce and manufacturing. This decision determines your licensing and setup requirements, so choosing the right activity is crucial for compliance.

Pro tip: Free zones like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis are ideal for tech businesses, offering industry-specific incentives.

2. Mainland vs. Free Zone: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between mainland and free zones is one of the most critical decisions for your business. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits of each:

  • Mainland Setup: Allows for direct trade within the UAE. Mainland companies can engage with both local and international clients freely, making them ideal for retail and consulting sectors.
  • New Reforms: Mainland businesses can now enjoy 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
  • Free Zones: Offer benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and full profit repatriation. However, free zone businesses need a local distributor to trade within the UAE market.

Popular free zones include: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Internet City, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).

3. Trade Name Registration

Choosing a compliant trade name is essential. The DED’s trade name registration services help ensure your name adheres to UAE laws. Avoid religious or governmental references and ensure your trade name reflects your chosen business activity.

4. Business Licensing in Dubai

There are three main types of business licenses:

  • Commercial License: For businesses engaged in trading (e.g., imports/exports).
  • Professional License: Ideal for consulting or service-based businesses.
  • Industrial License: For companies engaged in manufacturing or production.

Pro tip: Free zones like DMCC and RAKEZ offer low-cost office packages, making them ideal for startups looking to minimize overhead costs.

5. Visa Process for Investors and Employees

Once your business is registered, you can apply for investor and employee visas. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Investor Visa: Grants residency for up to three years, renewable.
  • Employee Visa: The number of visas depends on your office size and business activity.
  • Family Visa: You can also sponsor family members once you secure your investor visa.

Pro tip: Free zones like RAKEZ and JAFZA often offer faster visa processing times due to their streamlined internal processes.

6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account is a crucial step. Dubai offers local and international banks, such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, and HSBC Middle East. You’ll need:

  • A valid trade license
  • Company registration documents
  • Proof of office address
  • Passport copies of shareholders

Costs Involved in Setting Up a Business in Dubai

While costs vary based on location and services, here’s a breakdown:

  • License Fees: AED 10,000 to AED 50,000.
  • Office Space Costs: Free zones offer flexible office solutions, while mainland setups require a physical office.
  • Visa Costs: Depends on the number and type of visas (investor, employee, family).

Pro tip: For a low-cost business setup in Dubai, free zones like RAKEZ offer packages starting from AED 5,499, covering licensing and visa quotas.

Best Free Zones for Tech Startups in Dubai

Looking to launch your tech startup in 2024? Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and Dubai Internet City (DIC) stand out as the best free zones for tech startups in Dubai. With 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and access to incubators like DTEC at DSO, entrepreneurs can tap into Dubai’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.

Pro tip: Whether you’re in software development, AI, or blockchain technology, setting up your business in Dubai’s free zones offers unmatched strategic advantages.

Why GloboPrime Corporate Services is Your Best Choice for Business Setup in Dubai

Business Activity Consultation

We analyze your business model and recommend the best structure, ensuring compliance and long-term growth potential.

Trade Name Registration

We manage the trade name verification and registration process with DED, ensuring your business name complies with UAE regulations.

Licensing and Approvals

We handle all aspects of business licensing and approvals, ensuring complete regulatory compliance in the UAE.

Office Space Solutions

Whether you need a physical office or a virtual one, we help you find the right space to establish your business in Dubai.

Visa Processing

Our experts manage investor and employee visas, making the visa process easy and efficient for your business.

Corporate Banking Assistance

We assist in setting up your corporate bank account, guiding you through all the document requirements to ensure a smooth process.

Trusted Attestation Services in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Attestation Services in Abu Dhabi: Fast and Reliable Document Attestation

Looking for reliable attestation services in Dubai & Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE? In addition to our expert Business setup services, we provide fast and reliable document attestation through official authorities. Our attestation services ensure that your documents are legally recognized and accepted for official use within the UAE.

Our Attestation Services in Abu Dhabi Include:

  • Birth Certificate Attestation in Abu Dhabi
  • Marriage Certificate Attestation
  • Educational Diploma Attestation
  • Legal Document Attestation
  • Commercial Document Attestation

Ensure your documents are attested quickly and correctly with our comprehensive services. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with your document attestation needs in Abu Dhabi.

Educational Documents
  • Degree Certificate Attestation
  • Master Degree Attestation
  • Diploma Certificate Attestation
  • Engineering Certificate Attestation
  • Bachelor Certificate Attestation
  • PhD Degree Attestation
  • Mark Sheets Attestation
Personal Documents
  • Marriage Certificate Attestation
  • Birth Certificate Attestation
  • School Leaving Certificate Attestation
  • Divorce Certificate Attestation
  • Transfer Certificate Attestation
  • Medical Certificate Attestation
  • Death Certificate Attestation
  • Experience Certificate Attestation
Commercial Documents
  • Board Resolution Attestation
  • Commercial Invoices Attestation
  • Certificate of Origin Attestation
  • Memorandum of Article Attestation
  • Shareholders Resolution Attestation
  • Certificate of Incorporation Attestation
  • Memorandum of Association Attestation
  • Articles of Association Attestation

Contact GloboPrime Today!

Ready to set up your business in Dubai? Contact GloboPrime Corporate Services today for a free consultation and discover how we can streamline your business setup process, ensuring compliance and maximizing your benefits in Dubai’s thriving economy.

GloboPrime UAE Corporate Services in Prime Abu Dhabi Location

For those in Abu Dhabi looking for professional translation services, our office in Al Khazna Building is the ideal choice in Abu Dhabi . Conveniently located near Al Wahda Mall, we offer fast and reliable attestation services to meet all your needs, making it easily accessible for both residents and businesses in the surrounding areas including Al Nahyan and Madinat Zayed.
For those in Dubai We have our Office in Al Qusias Dubai for Business set up and attestaiton services, Expert visa assistance. Our branch office in dubai is convenitly located for those looking for business setup and attestation services in dubai Marina. We are closed to main area’s like business bay, Jumeirah and other area’s in Dubai for expert business setup and attestation services.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a business in Dubai offers several options, including the Dubai free zone business setup, which provides 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and industry-specific incentives. Entrepreneurs can choose from over 30 free zones, including Dubai Silicon Oasis for tech startups or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) for trading businesses. Each free zone has its own set of benefits tailored to different industries, making it crucial to select the right one based on your business needs.

When setting up your business, you will need to secure the appropriate business licenses in Dubai. There are three primary types of licenses: commercial, professional, and industrial, depending on your business activity. Free zones often bundle license costs with office space and visa services, which can simplify the process. However, businesses looking to trade directly within the UAE market might opt for a mainland setup, which offers its own benefits, including wider market access.

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