Business setup in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most attractive tax markets in the world. Business setup in Dubai has many advantages: starting from zero income tax up to capital repatriation. This city is a white-listed jurisdiction. It makes this place highly competitive and favorable for foreign investors.

UAE complies with international rules and legislation. It is becoming more regulated. We make sure that your business setup is done according to all the laws and requirements.

Dubai business setup might seem full of hassles. On top of the paperwork, compliance with all regulations may be a headache. The cost of a mistake can be high.

Business setup services in Dubai will make sure that you are fully compliant with the local and international rules. Economic substance, CRS, VAT, profit tax, AML regulations - you have it all covered.

Apart from that, business ongoing maintenance and support services will make sure that your company always meets UAE government requirements, remaining an optimal tool for your needs.

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What setup option is best for your business?

UAE offers various business setup options. The best option for your business can be determined by your requirements and purposes.

How we help you to choose business setup option?

We carefully study your business and tailor a solution

  • Identify the main objective of opening the business

    We need it in order to pick the correct place for your business registration.

  • Check where your business will operate

    It will help to plan UAE VAT liabilities if any.

  • Consider the country where you are residing

    To plan your personal tax obligations and UAE tax residency status.

  • Evaluate the model of your business operations

    To plan bank account opening and business activities on your license.

  • Make your business compliant with all UAE laws and regulations

    To avoid large penalties from the UAE government for non-compliance.

The process of business setup in Dubai

A way to successful business in Dubai consists of 5 steps

  • Prepare the documents and information

    Generally, those will be:

    • passport copy
    • utility bill
    • email and phone number
    • options of company name
    • business activity
  • Apply for company registration

    Prepare an application form and submit it to the company registration authority together with supporting documents and payment.  It is important that your business activity and the registering authority were chosen correctly - it will make account opening easier and faster.

  • Get a business license

    Have your company registered. The process takes from 1 day to a few weeks depending on the registration authority you choose.

  • Apply for UAE residence visas

    If you need UAE residency, this is the time when you would apply for the visas. The process takes 1-3 weeks.

  • Open a bank account

    Having your license and visas ready, it is the best time to apply for bank account opening. You can choose any of the UAE local banks. They have different terms and conditions, so it is better to get a consultation before applying. It will make your application more successful.

Start your business in the UAE

  • Open a company in the United Arab Emirates and take advantage of the world-class business environment

    The UAE is a land of opportunity for businesses of all sizes. The country has a strong economy, a stable government, and a business-friendly environment.

    If you are looking to start a business in a safe, stable, and business-friendly environment, the United Arab Emirates is a great option.

    Emirabiz company consultants have years of experience in helping businesses start and grow.

    We can guide you through the whole process of opening a company in the UAE, from choosing the right legal structure to obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.

    We can also help you find a suitable office space and hire the right employees.

    We are here to help you every step of the way.

  • Here are some of the benefits of starting a business in the country:

    - 100% foreign ownership: You can own 100% of your business without the need for a local partner.

    - Low corporate and no personal income tax: You won’t pay personal income tax and the corporate tax is only 9% which can be reduced to 0%.

    - Free trade zone: The country hosts about 40 free zones, which offer even more benefits for businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate or personal income tax, and no customs duties.

    - Strategic location: It is located in the heart of the Middle East, making it a great gateway to the region.

    - Highly skilled workforce: The UAE attracts professionals in all spheres from around the world, with a strong focus on English language skills.

    - Modern infrastructure: Great airports, largest seaports, and world-class roads.

Best office locations for Dubai company formation

Dubai has multiple business districts with rich infrastructure

  • Expo City Dubai Free Zone

    Expo City Dubai is the youngest yet one of the most promising free zones in Dubai situated at the site of the renowned Expo 2020 international exhibition. It offers modern offices with nice interiors, seamless transportation connectivity, proximity to a metro station, ample parking facilities, comprehensive infrastructure, and competitive business setup and office rent pricing. Expo City is a modern mini-city with a state-of-the-art exhibition center and the future center of attraction for entrepreneurs and event organizers from around the world.

  • Office for rent 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.

  • JLT

    JLT is a popular district which is located along Sheikh Zayed road and has 2 metro stations next to it. JLT is one of the best places if you are looking for office space for rent in Dubai.  Offices in JLT can be only rented by companies registered in DMCC free zone. Technically, all the area of JLT is a free zone.

  • Downtown

    Downtown is the most prestigious place for office for rent in Dubai and adds a lot of value to your business.  Downtown area is the heart of Dubai just next to Burj Khalifa. Even this tallest tower of the city has commercial units for rent, but the prices will be on a higher side

  • Sheikh Zayed Road

    Offices along Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR)  have always been in demand because it is the main road of Dubai.  The busiest district along SZR is the Trade Center area. It is full of skyscrapers and has lots of business facilities around: banks, exchange houses, business centers, hotels and DXB airport in close proximity.

  • Tecom

    Tecom is an area where both free zone and Mainland companies can get an office for rent in Dubai. The Internet City free zone is located in this area. Buildings that belong to the free zone can be rented only by the free zone companies only. Tecom is convenient in terms of commuting if you live in Dubai Marina, The Palm or Al Barsha.

  • Office rent Bur Dubai

    It is an area of the old town, but it hosts headquarters of most UAE banks, business centers like Burjuman and many hotels. Dubai Immigration authority and Police head office is also located here.  Bur Dubai has easy access by metro and car. However, most office buildings are a bit old, but at the same time the prices are low.

  • Deira

    Deira is the oldest part of the city. It is mostly popular with various retail traders, who sell electronics, mobile phones and even furs.  Commuting in Deira is a bit difficult because roads are narrow. The whole district is mostly turning into a tourist destination due to its historical value.

VAT registration and accounting in the UAE

UAE has introduced VAT law in 2018. VAT is 5%, but not all the companies are liable to pay.

UAE VAT registration

Conditions to do VAT registration in UAE:

  • Taxable turnover more than 365,000 AED
  • Company registered in a free zone or Mainland

VAT registration can be voluntary and mandatory. Voluntary VAT registration threshold in UAE is 175,000 AED of taxable turnover. Mandatory threshold is 375,000 AED of taxable turnover. 

VAT registration in UAE is done through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Any business registered with FTA needs to keep the books and file VAT returns.

Economic substance UAE

UAE economic substance legislation concerns certain types of business activities which must comply with increased requirements from the government.

Economic substance activities

  • Banking Business
  • Insurance Business
  • Investment Fund management Business
  • Lease - Finance Business
  • Headquarters Business​​
  • Shipping Business
  • Holding Company Business 
  • Intellectual property Business 
  • Distribution and Service Centre Business​

Increased requirements mean that the companies having such activities and falling into the economic substance scope should demonstrate some evidence of their presence in UAE. Such evidence can be:

  • office
  • employees
  • local operational expenses
  • local management

UAE corporate tax

In June 2023 UAE started collecting corporate tax from certain types of businesses. The UAE corporate tax is 9%.

Do I have to pay UAE corporate tax?

It will not apply to all the businesses. UAE free zones will be able to enjoy their tax free benefits if they comply with requirements. 

UAE corporate tax will be mainly collected from businesses which receive income from UAE Mainland. The amount of such profit should be over 375,000 AED (102,700 USD).

We are Emirabiz - business setup consultants in Dubai

  • Emirabiz is a team of experts in corporate management and compliance:

    • Business setup
    • Company administration
    • Taxation
    • Bank accounts
    • UAE VAT 
    • Accounting and bookkeeping
    • Real Estate investment
    • UAE residency
    • Tax residency
    • AML and economic substance
    • Trademark registration
    • Trusts and estate planning
    • Cross-jurisdictional legal consultancy
    • Cryptocurrency solutions
    • FinTech registration
  • We are striving to provide our clients turnkey solutions for all their needs in the UAE. 

    To achieve that, we have gathered an experienced team of advisors and trusted partners, who focus on fast efficient results. 

    We are happy to share our knowledge and guide you through all the options, laws, regulations and opportunities in order to create a crafted solution that will tick all the boxes. 

    We target long-term relations with our clients and our main values are:

    • Transparency
    • Competency
    • Efficiency 

Сlients speak about us

  • Katalin

    Greece

    I am soooo so happy and grateful that everything went fine. You and your team are amazing! Thanks you very much for the great cooperation!

    And look,…

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  • Amir Zagidullin

    Tatarstan

    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…

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  • Lera Hermann

    United States

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

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  • Elisabeth

    Germany

    Your Service was fantastic and flawless! And a very, very special „Thank You“ for Nadia! She provided assistance to solve problems, responded…

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