Business setup in Dubai

International Business

verified by : Andrey Ovchinnikov

09 Apr 2024

Business setup in Dubai – who can apply

Dubai is extremely popular when it comes to international company registration. Its tax benefits, cheap offices and reliable banking attract people from all over the world.

Nearly any type of your global business can be relocated to the UAE. Business setup in UAE is mostly sought after by the following categories of entrepreneurs:

  • Brokers
  • Consultants
  • Traders
  • IT professionals
  • Investment and corporate management advisors
  • Manufacturers 
  • Resellers

Benefits of business setup in UAE:

  • Low taxes and tax exemptions
  • No public register of shareholders or directors
  • Double taxation avoidance treaties with most countries
  • Full repatriation of capital
  • Cheap offices and staff
  • Online banking in all UAE banks
  • Economic substance requirements are easily satisfied
  • No annual audit or accounts filing

How to start a business in Dubai

International business registration in Dubai or any other Emirate can be easily done by business consultants in Dubai. They help you to choose the best authority for your business setup: there are over 40 authorities in UAE, including offshore jurisdictions, free zones and departments of economic development in each of the 7 Emirates.

Contact a business setup company in Dubai, explain your business activity and requirements and they will suggest possible options for you. 

Business setup services in Dubai usually include:

  • Checkup and booking of trade name
  • Pre-approval of the business
  • Company registration
  • UAE residence visa services
  • Bank account application
  • Attestation and legalization of documents
  • Wills registration
  • VAT services in Dubai

Types of UAE companies for international business include offshore company formation in Dubai, business setup in the UAE free zones and local mainland company registration.

The most popular type of UAE company for international business registration is the free zone. It is owned 100% by a foreign individual or company and can do business in and out of the UAE. 

Best UAE company registration options to do international business

Free zone name Activities Visas Costs starting, AED / USD
RAK ICC trading, service no visas AED 11,340   $3,150
UMM AL QUWAIN FTZ trading, service no visas AED 8,000   $2,178
SHAMS trading, service no visas AED 5,750   $1,575
IFZA trading, service no visas AED 12,900   $3,535

Annual maintenance of UAE business

The UAE is a low tax country with no income tax and only 9% corporate tax, which can be reduced to zero in some cases, for example, when doing business in free zones.

Starting from 2023, all companies registered in the UAE must provide tax reports even if they are exempt from corporate tax.

In general, annual maintenance of the UAE companies is straightforward and includes the following:

  • Payment for license and office lease for the next year- Updating the bank about company renewal
  • Providing annual corporate tax reports
  • Annual bookkeeping

UAE VAT

Some companies who sell their products or services in the domestic market of the UAE may be liable for VAT. UAE VAT is very low in comparison to most global countries and it is only 5%.

In case a company’s local turnover reaches 375,000 AED, it needs to register with the Federal Tax Authority and file VAT reports quarterly. If the turnover is less then 375,000 AED, there is no obligatory registration.

However, VAT would not apply for most of the businesses that carry out the activity outside of the UAE. 

Conclusion

The UAE is becoming a primary choice of international entrepreneurs. It has been white listed by the EU, it strengthens relations with Europe, UK, Russia and India and other countries.

International business registration here is affordable as the prices start from 3,000 USD only.

Contact us to find the best solution for your business setup in UAE.

Benefits of business setup in UAE

  • Zero taxes
  • No public register of shareholders or directors
  • Full repatriation of capital abroad
  • Online banking in all UAE banks

Start business in UAE today

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