Company formation that complies with UAE regulations

  • UBO compliance
  • Economic substance
  • Anti-money laundering
  • Data protection policy
  • Ongoing KYC
  • Tax optimisation

4.8 by customer reviews

UAE business setup process

Learn how to register a company in the UAE by following the essential steps

5 steps to ideal company formation

from Emirabiz CEO Andrey Ovchinnikov

Step 1

Choose the correct activity

The choice of license will depend on your business specific needs and the business activities you will be conducting. A variety of business licenses and legal entity types are available in the UAE, so it is important to choose the one that is right for your business.

Step 2

Decide on the place of registration

There are 3 main jurisdictions available for company formation in the UAE:

  • Mainland
  • Free zone
  • Offshore

The right jurisdiction for your business will depend on the type of business you are starting, your target market, and your budget. In most cases, businessmen face a common dilemma: UAE free zone or mainland company? Both jurisdictions have their pros and cons, which should be carefully analyzed before proceeding with the UAE company incorporation process.

Step 3

Get a list of requirements and approvals

Depending on your business, obtaining special licenses and permissions from the relevant Emirates authorities may be required. Contact your consultant on business setup in Dubai for an up-to-date list.

Step 4

Register your company and get the visa

Prepare the documents required for business setup in Dubai, apply for company registration, pay the fees, and obtain the visa and work permits for you and your employees.The visa quota for a business is determined by the amount of office space it occupies.

STEP 5

Open a bank account

Once you have all the incorporation documents in hand, apply for personal or corporate bank accounts and get started!

Andrey O.

Want to learn more about UAE business setup services?

UAE TAXes

Find out essential details on UAE tax regulations

Tax Legislation updates and insights

from Emirabiz Managing Partner
Elena Ovchinnikova

Corporate tax 9%

Taxation is one of the most critical aspects to understand before setting up a business in Dubai. Corporate tax for businesses in the UAE is just 9%. All UAE companies need to register with the FTA and submit annual tax returns. Also, there are options to optimize taxes and to lower the tax burden. This is the important issue to consider before even launching the business setup process as it will save you money and will enable you to grow your UAE company faster.

Learn more

VAT

VAT in the UAE is one of the world's lowest - only 5%. Businesses with an annual revenue exceeding 375,000 AED are required to register for VAT with the FTA. Some goods and services are subject to a 0% rate. These conditions make the business setup in the UAE a profitable idea.

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Zero personal TAX // Exemption certificate

There is no personal income tax in the UAE, maintaining the country's appeal as a tax-friendly environment for individuals to start a business in Dubai.

Learn more

Elena O.

How to optimize your taxes?

What does it cost to establish a company in the UAE?

When starting a business in Dubai, the first and most important question will likely be about the associated expenses. Prices for company formation in the UAE depend on the registering authority, license type, types and number of business activities and the number of visas required.

UAE free zones

license from5,750 AED

Best choice for

  • UAE residency
  • Business operations within and beyond UAE
Learn more

Dubai offshore company

license from9,500 AED

Best choice for

  • Holding company
  • International business operations
Learn more

Dubai free zones

license from12,750 AED

Best choice for

  • UAE residency
  • Business operations within and beyond UAE
Learn more

Dubai mainland license

license from16,500 AED

Best choice for

  • Doing business in UAE local market
  • Opening retail business
  • Unlimited visas
Learn more

Andrey O.

Do you want to know how much your company setup will be?

Start your business in the UAE free zones

There are over 40 different freezones in the UAE to match all business needs

Elena O.

We'll find the ideal free zone for your business

Best office locations for Dubai company formation

Explore multiple business districts with rich infrastructure and find the best one to start a business in the UAE.

    Downtown

    Downtown, next to Burj Khalifa, is Dubai's most prestigious office rental area, adding significant value to businesses. Even the tallest tower of the city has commercial units for rent, but the prices will be higher.

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    Deira

    The city's oldest part, known for retail traders in electronics, mobile phones, and furs. Narrow roads make commuting challenging. It's becoming a tourist spot due to its beautiful landscape and historical significance.

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    Bur Dubai

    An old town area with most UAE bank HQs, business centers like Burjuman, and hotels. Home to Dubai Immigration and Police HQ, it offers easy metro and car access. Offices are older but affordably priced.

    Learn more

    Tecom

    Tecom, hosting both free zone and Mainland office rentals, includes the Internet City free zone, reserved for its companies. It's well-located for those in Dubai Marina, The Palm, or Al Barsha, offering convenience and accessibility.

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    Sheikh Zayed Road

    Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) offices are highly sought after as it's Dubai's main artery. The busiest section, the Trade Center area, is surrounded by skyscrapers and offers numerous business facilities, including banks and exchange houses, with DXB airport nearby.

    Learn more

    JLT

    JLT, located along Sheikh Zayed Road with 2 metro stations nearby, is one of the best districts for renting office space in Dubai. It's exclusively available to companies registered in the DMCC free zone, as JLT itself operates as a free zone.

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    Business bay

    Adjacent to Dubai Downtown, it is full of modern buildings that can suit any needs. Prices are affordable, but pay attention to parking and logistics - roads in Business Bay might be tricky and guest parking is not available in all the towers.

    Learn more

    Expo City Dubai Free Zone

    Expo City Dubai is the youngest yet promising free zone at the Expo 2020 site. It features modern offices with excellent metro connectivity and competitive pricing. It's an eco mini-city with a state-of-the-art exhibition center, drawing global entrepreneurs.

    Learn more

Open bank account in the UAE

Learn about bank account types, terms, and requirements

    Corporate bank account

    Establish a strong financial foundation for your business and grow your business domestically and internationally

    OPENING CORPORATE ACCOUNT 7 days

    Account opening guaranteed100%

    Learn more

    Resident bank account

    Manage your finances in a stable economic environment, making both local and international transactions with ease

    OPENING RESIDENT ACCOUNT 7 days

    Account opening guaranteed100%

    Learn more

    Non resident account

    Access banking services, conduct financial transactions, and secure your savings without the requirement of residency

    OPENING NON-RESIDENT ACCOUNT 7 days

    Account opening guaranteed100%

    Learn more

    Offshore bank account

    Benefit from international banking facilities, privacy, and potential tax benefits that open for your business

    OPENING OFFSHORE ACCOUNT 7 days

    Account opening guaranteed100%

    Learn more

Become the UAE resident

Apply for the UAE residence visa and enjoy all the benefits

    Real estate investor visa

    Invest in UAE real estate from AED 750,000

    Learn more

    Digital nomad visa

    Live in the UAE and work globally

    Learn more

    Employee visa

    Join the UAE's workforce for career growth and a diverse lifestyle

    Maid visa

    Work safely in the UAE with legal protection

    Family visa

    Bring your family to the UAE, live and enjoy life together

    Learn more

    Pensioner visa

    Retire in comfort enjoying stability and safety

    Learn more

Andrey O.

Do you need a UAE residence visa?

Dubai trade license

Compare the available business licensing options in Dubai and choose the one that best suits your needs for company formation in the UAE.

    E-commerce license

    Transform your digital business ideas into reality with an E-Commerce License in the UAE, selling products and services online hassle-free.

    Learn more

    Beauty salon license

    Embark on a beauty entrepreneur journey in the UAE by obtaining a Beauty Salon License, delivering top-notch beauty services and treatments.

    Learn more

    Car lease license

    Enter the automotive market with a Car Lease License in the UAE, providing flexible and reliable vehicle leasing options.

    Learn more

    Restaurant license

    Serve delectable cuisines and create a culinary experience by acquiring a Restaurant License in the UAE.

    Learn more

    Tourist license

    Dive into the hospitality industry with a Tourist License, offering unforgettable experiences to visitors in the UAE.

    Learn more

    Crypto license

    Explore the future of finance with a Crypto License in the UAE, navigating the world of digital currency and blockchain technology.

    Learn more

    General trading license

    Expand your horizons in the UAE's commercial sphere with a General Trading License, engaging in various trading activities.

    Learn more

    Real estate license

    Become a part of the dynamic real estate market in the UAE by obtaining a Real Estate License, facilitating property deals and services.

    Learn more

    Manufacturing license

    Venture into production and manufacturing sectors in the UAE with a manufacturing license, creating and distributing quality goods.

    Learn more

    UAE teaching license

    Do what you love, teaching children and passing on your experience and knowledge. Get a job in UAE public or private schools.

    Learn more

    Grocery store license

    Establish your grocery store business in the UAE by acquiring a Grocery Store License, providing essential goods to communities.

    Learn more

Elena O.

Find the optimal license type for your business

Business Setup Cost Calculation in Dubai

Type of activity (optional)
Office requirements (optional)
Number of shareholders (optional)
Number of employees (optional)
Contact information (required)

*Applications are processed during working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Dubai time)

Key benefits of starting a business in Dubai

Low taxes

Corporate tax in the UAE is 9%. This is a competitive rate compared to many European countries. While registration for corporate tax is mandatory for all businesses, it is not necessarily the case that your UAE company will have to pay this tax. If your income hasn’t reached 375,000 AED for a tax period, no payment will be due. Also, if a free zone company qualifies for special conditions as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, corporate tax is 0%. UAE jurisdictions are diverse, so there is a wide range of solutions that can be offered to a prospective UAE company.

Strategic location

The United Arab Emirates holds an unmatched position for business purposes. It’s a proven ideal place for networking, partnerships, investment, and growth, as thousands of entrepreneurs flow here from all parts of the world. Conveniently located between Asia and Europe, it facilitates travel and serves as a hub for numerous industries—business, IT, finance, and trade. Thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure, high level of security, and flexible legal framework, expats choose Dubai as their ultimate destination of choice for a company formation in UAE.

Free zones

The UAE has more than 40 free economic zones that were created to facilitate doing business and attract foreign capital to the country. Most of the free zones are located in Dubai. They offer a long list of activities across different industries—from media and art to manufacturing and heavy industry. UAE free zones can boast streamlined registration procedures for a new company setup, lower setup costs, flexibility and variety, and even tax relief under certain conditions.

Streamlined processes

Almost all steps of a business setup in UAE can be done remotely. A license is issued within a few days, while the entire company formation process usually takes 1–2 weeks. In free zones, residence visas are included in setup packages, making it a one-stop-shop service where you pay once and get everything done—license, visa, office rent, medical tests, and Emirates ID.

Business-friendly environment

The UAE government is very supportive of foreign businesses and provides investment incentives, flexible regulations, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The legal and regulatory framework is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay informed in a timely manner to take full advantage of these benefits.

Diverse talent pool

The UAE is a multicultural space that unites top talent and a skilled labor force from all over the world. It is beneficial for both sides—those who recruit talented specialists and those specialists seeking higher incomes and opportunities for growth.

Your Dubai Business-Setup Team

Experts in Company Formation Across the UAE. Contact us to get tailored support for your business needs.

  • Andrey Ovchinnikov

    CEO

    Heads operations of the company, overseeing financial and strategic planning, and spearheading marketing and brand promotion initiatives.

    View profile

  • Elena Ovchinnikova

    Managing partner

    Manages the sales department, consults on business setup and support questions, oversees training of employees, and controls the quality of services.

    View profile

  • Aidina Kursantbek

    Sales Manager

    Helps clients with company formation, residence visas, licensing, and business support.

    View profile

  • Faisal Sikander

    Head of Accounting & Tax Department

    In charge of tax and accounting services for UAE businesses, ensuring they remain confident and compliant.

    View profile

  • Timi Omatsola

    Senior Business Advisor / Sales Manager

    Manages business registration, residence visa and Emirates ID processing, and personal bank accounts.

    View profile

  • Qalib Altaf

    Accountant

    Specializes in accounting support and bookkeeping services, tax optimization, and financial planning

    View profile
  • Michael – Dubai Sales manager at Emirabiz

    Michael B. Owoseni

    Sales manager

    Handles business registrations, approvals, corporate bank account opening, and residency procedures.

    View profile

  • Artur Gallyamov

    Real Estate Expert

    Provides consulting services for real estate transactions, investment structuring, retail, and hospitality

    View profile
Pay the way you want
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Frequently asked questions about business setup in Dubai and UAE

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.

Client Reviews on Business-Setup Success in Dubai

Read verified Google & Trustpilot feedback from entrepreneurs we've helped open companies across the UAE

  • Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Looking to set up a Company in the UAE. I received first class professional advice. They also seem very fair on their charges. …

  • Positive: Professionalism, Quality Emirabiz was very professional and helped to set up our new company quickly and without any issues.

  • As Dubai grows you need the right partner to show you the way and to advise on the upcoming success of your business so all you have to do is to contact the Emirabiz.

  • Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Professional and friendly people was my first impression. Later on I came to realize their solid customers's relationships, deep…

  • When you are in the stock-market trading business in other country, you have to be in constant movement with experts in offshore consultation, and the most important is they have to be…

  • Hi, I am Eric, from France. I am very satisfied by the work performed for me by Emirabiz. I was based in Saudi Arabia last year and I wanted to create my Company in UAE. I did everything…

  • Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value I work for a European Client and they helped in managing everything we need in UAE. I would definitely recommend their service to anyone who wanted…

  • Positive: Professionalism The level of professionalism of this company is second to none. Within a few hours of contacting them online, they attended to me and gave all the guidelines to…

  • I have been assisted by Emirabiz for over a year now, they are extremely trustworthy and professional, very fast in delivering. In addition, they helped me fix a number of issues that were…

  • GEME FZE was setup by Emirabiz. They have been efficient and professional throughout the processes, well organised and helped to get us set up and compliant with ease. We continue to use…

  • I have always been a freelancer, and when the UAE started to grow, I immediately turned my attention to this country. The question of finding a good country to start a business was not a…

  • Positives: Quality, Attitude towards customers, Professionalism, Price/Quality I recommended Emirabiz to a client from Germany. They selected the best set-up for him, which was by far the…

  • Amazing service, my Emirates ID card was ready very quickly. Very professional company, will definitely use their services again.

  • Conveniently located office, pleasant staff, able to hear client needs and be flexible in the solutions offered. Responsiveness and transparency in all processes. Exceptionally positive…

  • I would like to acknowledge an outstanding customer service and comprehensive business development advice provided to me by Natalia. Her high level of professionalism and thoughtful…

  • I contacted Emirabiz for help in choosing and registering a company in a free zone in the United Arab Emirates. Natalia Maslina, a Business Setup Advisor, provided me with comprehensive…

Why Emirabiz is the best business setup company in Dubai

Put your case in the hands of the best setup company in Dubai. Join over 25,000 clients who’ve received effective solutions for business setup, UAE residency, corporate tax, and compliance by referring to Emirabiz. With over 12 years of experience, our expert team ensures you stay confident and fully supported every step of the way.