Setting Up Business in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide FinancialContent Business Page

With all the above steps completed, apply for final approval in the designated department with the help of your business advisor and get your license done. Apply for initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism . Since there is lots of complexities in this it’s better to consult it with a reputable business setup expert like Adam Global. Upon receiving the initial approval from the licencing authority, submit the pending documents and make payments towards the company set-up process. Everything at Jebel Ali Free Zone has been conceived taking into account the specific needs of manufacturing and trading companies.

Our Services

Hopefully, this guide has made clear that if you’re armed with the right knowledge, setting your business as a foreigner or non-resident doesn’t have to be overly complex. However, with so many variables involved when starting any new business, it is difficult to estimate the exact price without the full picture. If you are setting up in the mainland you should make you application to the relevant body such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development .

The company registration fee is a one-time payment to the free zone authority at the early stages of registering your company. The exact fee will be determined according to the company’s legal structure, and of course, the chosen free zone. The costs for registering a company in a Dubai free zone is not exceptionally varied; it is usually around the range of AED 9,000 to AED 10,000. Free zone companies can even engage in multiple activities under one license.

This will be communicated by the sales and registration team in person or via email. If the Shareholder, Manager, Director or Secretary has an existing residence visa in UAE, then a No Objection letter on the company letterhead duly signed by the Local Sponsor must be included. Know your customer form to be filled in and submitted along with the application form. You will find a sample template of this on page 22 of the application form. Jafza is among the world’s best locations to establish your business and see it grow. Deciding on a name for your business is difficult no matter where in the world you choose to set up. Alternatively, there are also many broader free zone options available.

Read more about company formation in Dubai here. Additionally, it is essential to stay informed about any changes in labor regulations to protect the rights of your workforce and avoid penalties. Create a comprehensive MOA that outlines the company’s purpose, structure, and shareholder responsibilities. Dubai welcomes a diverse workforce, and there are no restrictions on hiring foreign employees.

Business Setup

Choose between setting up your business in a mainland area or a free zone based on your business requirements, target market, and industry. A Branch Office is ideal for foreign companies looking to establish a presence in Dubai without full independence. Branches are considered extensions of the parent company and must engage in similar activities. An LLC is a popular choice for those seeking local partnerships and limited liability protection.

Set up a corporate bank account to manage your business finances efficiently. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and various benefits like tax exemptions and simplified import/export procedures.

In 1985, Dubai launched Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority as the first free zone in the UAE and the Middle East. The small operation opened with only 19 companies, but within a decade became the first free zone in the world to be awarded ISO certification. The JAFZA success story became the blueprint for several free zones, each offering strategic benefits and advantages.

Foreign company registration in Dubai is a promising venture, and we’re here to guide you through each step. This comprehensive guide not only outlines the process but also highlights how you can benefit from expert assistance. Your chosen setup agent can help you with each step, as well as with aligning your company with one of the 2,000-plus permitted business activities. That’s why your first task should be to seek out a company setup agent who can guide you through each step, offering advice and support along the way. If you are already specialised in a certain field, choosing a business activity will pose no problem.

Beyond its strategic location and tax incentives, Dubai’s business-friendly policies lay a strong foundation for prosperity. The government’s commitment to ease of doing business is evident through streamlined registration processes, reduced bureaucracy, and a transparent legal system. The establishment of various Free Zones catering to specific industries further facilitates business setup for foreign investors, offering 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits.