Business Setup in Dubai

Our Services

Business Setup Services in Dubai: Complete Company Formation Solutions

Establishing a commercial presence in Dubai requires structured navigation through regulatory frameworks, jurisdiction selection, and compliance requirements. Infico provides comprehensive business setup services that address every stage of company formation, from initial trade name reservation through final license issuance and operational readiness.

End-to-End Business Establishment Solutions for Dubai Market Entry

Dubai's business ecosystem operates through defined pathways managed by the Department of Economic Development for mainland entities and individual free zone authorities for specialized jurisdictions. Our licensed business consultants manage the complete formation cycle, ensuring alignment with current regulatory standards and company formation requirements specific to your business activity classification.

Business Setup Service Categories

Mainland Company Formation Services

Mainland company establishment through the Department of Economic Development provides unrestricted access to UAE markets and international operations. Our mainland company registration solutions cover commercial license applications, professional license processing, and industrial license arrangements. Limited Liability Company structures, sole establishments, and civil company formations each follow distinct regulatory pathways that we navigate on your behalf.

Free Zone Business Setup Solutions

Free zone jurisdictions offer 100% foreign ownership, streamlined approval processes, and tax optimization structures. Our free zone establishment packages include entity formation in DMCC free zone setup, Jebel Ali Free Zone licensing, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZA, and DIFC. Each authority maintains specific activity lists and operational parameters that determine jurisdiction suitability.

Offshore Company Establishment Services

Offshore structures facilitate international asset management, cross-border trade, and holding company arrangements without physical UAE presence requirements. These entities operate within defined regulatory boundaries suitable for specific business models focused on activities outside UAE domestic markets.

Core Service Components

Trade Name Reservation and Approval Management

Trade name selection follows strict compliance protocols that prohibit religious references, offensive terminology, and similarity to existing registered entities. Our trade license application services include comprehensive name verification, alternative option preparation, and submission through appropriate authority portals. Initial approval typically processes within 24 to 48 hours when applications meet all specified requirements.

License Application and Issuance Support

License categorization determines operational permissions and renewal obligations. Commercial licenses govern trading activities, professional licenses cover service-based operations, and industrial licenses regulate manufacturing processes. Tourism licenses address hospitality and leisure sectors. Activity code selection directly impacts license category assignment and subsequent compliance requirements.

Memorandum of Association Preparation

The Memorandum of Association defines shareholder structure, share capital allocation, management authority distribution, and profit-sharing arrangements. Our LLC formation services include complete MOA drafting, notarization coordination, and amendments when structural modifications become necessary during the formation process.

Office Space Solutions and Tenancy Contracts

Physical address requirements vary by jurisdiction and license type. Mainland operations typically mandate Ejari-registered lease agreements, while free zone arrangements may permit flexi-desk or virtual office configurations. Our Business Bay office solutions and alternative location services match workspace requirements to regulatory standards and operational needs.

Investor Visa Processing and Emirates ID

Investor visa allocation depends on license type, authorized capital, and physical office specifications. Processing includes medical fitness examinations, Emirates ID registration, entry permit issuance, and status adjustment procedures. Family sponsorship capabilities extend from primary investor visa status based on income thresholds and accommodation standards.

Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance

Corporate account establishment requires business plan documentation, shareholder identification, source of funds verification, and economic substance demonstration. Banking relationships in Dubai demand complete transparency regarding business model, anticipated transaction patterns, and regulatory compliance frameworks. We coordinate documentation preparation and bank liaison to address institutional due diligence requirements.

Regulatory Compliance and Tax Registration Services

The UAE tax framework introduced corporate tax effective from June 2023, with a 9% rate applicable to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. VAT registration becomes mandatory when annual turnover surpasses AED 375,000. Federal Tax Authority registration, Economic Substance Regulations compliance, and Ultimate Beneficial Owner declarations form mandatory compliance elements. Our government compliance services ensure adherence to Federal Tax Authority requirements, corporate tax filing obligations, and ongoing regulatory reporting standards.

Mainland vs Free Zone: Strategic Selection Support

Jurisdiction selection impacts market access, ownership flexibility, operational costs, and tax exposure. Mainland licenses permit unrestricted UAE market operations and direct consumer transactions. Free zone entities maintain 100% foreign ownership with customs duty benefits but face restrictions on mainland commercial activities without distributor arrangements. Strategic jurisdiction analysis considers client acquisition channels, supply chain requirements, physical presence needs, and long-term expansion objectives.

Business Setup Timeline and Milestone Management

Standard business formation in Dubai completes within seven to fourteen days when documentation meets all requirements and activities require no specialized approvals. Regulated sectors including financial services, healthcare, education, and food-related operations necessitate additional authority clearances extending timelines to four to eight weeks. Timeline acceleration depends on document readiness, stakeholder availability for signing procedures, and prompt response to authority queries.

Sector-Specific Business Setup Solutions

Activity classification determines license type, approval authority, and operational permissions. Trading activities require commercial licenses with specific commodity category approvals. Consulting services operate under professional licenses with qualification verification requirements. Technology companies select between mainland and free zone based on client geography and intellectual property considerations. E-commerce operations increasingly utilize free zone structures with mainland distribution partnerships for optimal market coverage.

Infico Business Setup Advisory: Experience-Driven Execution

Our professional business setup consultants bring structured knowledge of Dubai's regulatory environment, authority relationships, and process requirements across all jurisdiction types. We focus on accurate document preparation, compliant structure selection, and efficient timeline management. Our approach prioritizes regulatory adherence and sustainable operational foundations over expedited shortcuts that create future compliance complications.

Initiate Your Dubai Business Setup Process

Business establishment in Dubai begins with activity classification, jurisdiction assessment, and structure selection. Contact Infico to discuss your specific business model, operational requirements, and formation objectives. We provide clarity on applicable processes, realistic timelines, and regulatory obligations relevant to your intended commercial activities in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions: Business Setup Services in Dubai

What are the primary cost components in Dubai business setup?

Business setup costs include license application fees, office space lease commitments, visa processing charges, document attestation expenses, and professional service fees. Total investment varies significantly based on jurisdiction selection, activity classification, visa quota requirements, and office specifications. Mainland setups typically require higher initial capital compared to certain free zone options.

Can foreign investors maintain 100% ownership in Dubai businesses?

Yes. Current regulations permit 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities in mainland Dubai. Free zones have always offered complete foreign ownership. Certain strategic sectors may still require local participation or specialized approvals. Activity-specific ownership parameters should be verified during initial consultation.

How long does business setup take in Dubai?

Standard business formation completes within seven to fourteen days for non-regulated activities with complete documentation. Regulated sectors requiring specialized authority approvals extend to four to eight weeks. Timeline variables include document readiness, stakeholder availability, and authority processing schedules during peak periods.

What trade license categories exist in Dubai?

Dubai issues commercial licenses for trading activities, professional licenses for service-based operations, industrial licenses for manufacturing processes, and tourism licenses for hospitality sectors. License category assignment depends on business activity codes selected during application. Multiple activities may appear on single licenses when categorically compatible.

Should I choose mainland or free zone for business setup?

Mainland licenses provide unrestricted UAE market access and direct consumer transactions. Free zones offer 100% ownership, tax benefits, and streamlined processes but limit mainland commercial activities without distributor arrangements. Selection depends on target customer geography, business model, physical presence needs, and import-export requirements.

What is the minimum capital requirement for Dubai companies?

Mainland Limited Liability Companies typically declare AED 300,000 share capital in constitutional documents, though deposit requirements vary by activity and jurisdiction. Free zones often permit lower declared capital starting from AED 50,000 or allow capital injection deferral. Share capital primarily serves as liability framework rather than mandatory deposit in most cases.

How many visas can I obtain with a Dubai business license?

Visa quota allocation depends on license type, office size specifications, and declared share capital. Mainland companies typically receive visa allocations based on physical office square footage. Free zones offer visa packages tied to license options. Additional visa quota becomes available through office expansion or license upgrades.

What are corporate tax obligations for Dubai businesses?

UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 annually. Qualifying free zone entities may maintain 0% rate on qualifying income when meeting specific conditions. All businesses must register with Federal Tax Authority, maintain compliant accounting records, and file annual returns within nine months of financial year end.

When is VAT registration required in Dubai?

VAT registration becomes mandatory when annual taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000. Voluntary registration is possible for businesses with taxable supplies between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000. VAT applies at standard 5% rate on most goods and services with specific exemptions for certain sectors including healthcare and education.

What office space requirements apply to Dubai business setup?

Mainland companies require Ejari-registered physical office space with minimum specifications based on license type and visa requirements. Free zones offer various options including flexi-desk arrangements, private offices, and virtual office packages. Office category selection impacts visa allocation, operational permissions, and annual renewal costs.

Can I conduct multiple business activities under one license?

Yes. Dubai licenses permit multiple activities provided they remain within compatible categories. Commercial and professional activities typically cannot combine on single licenses due to different regulatory frameworks. Activity additions incur supplementary fees and may require additional approvals depending on sector classification.

Can business setup in Dubai be completed remotely?

Yes. Many jurisdictions permit remote company formation through digital platforms and power of attorney arrangements. Document notarization, bank account opening, and visa processing typically require physical presence or authorized representative attendance. Digital infrastructure enables significant remote processing for initial establishment phases.

What does annual trade license renewal involve?

Trade license renewal occurs annually and requires updated office lease documentation, payment of renewal fees, and confirmation of compliance with activity-specific regulations. Timing varies by license issuance date. Renewal processes have been digitized across most jurisdictions for streamlined processing when documentation remains current.

Which business activities require specialized approvals in Dubai?

Regulated activities include healthcare services requiring Dubai Health Authority approval, food-related businesses needing Dubai Municipality clearance, educational services requiring Knowledge and Human Development Authority permissions, and financial services needing Central Bank or Securities and Commodities Authority approvals. Specialized approvals extend formation timelines.

What challenges exist in corporate bank account opening?

Banks conduct thorough due diligence on business model clarity, economic substance demonstration, and source of funds verification. Common challenges include incomplete business documentation, unclear transaction patterns, insufficient physical presence demonstration, and inadequate explanation of business rationale. Professional preparation significantly improves approval probability.

Can business structure be changed after initial setup?

Yes. Structural modifications including shareholder changes, activity additions, capital increases, and jurisdiction transfers are possible through formal amendment procedures. Changes require authority approvals, document updates, and fee payments. Significant modifications may necessitate complete re-registration depending on the nature of structural transformation.