Experts in Business Setup Consulting in Dubai

Dubai is an attractive destination for starting a business due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering access to a vast market. The city boasts a business-friendly environment with streamlined regulations, tax incentives, and various free zones tailored to different industries. Additionally, Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including world-class facilities and services, supports business growth and international trade.

Choosing the best location for your business in Dubai involves several key considerations:

1. Business Type: Different free zones cater to specific industries. For instance, technology firms might thrive in Dubai Internet City, while media-related businesses may benefit from Dubai Media City.

2. Customer Access:*Select a location that provides easy access to your target market.

3. Infrastructure: If your business depends on international trade, proximity to logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port or free zones can be crucial.

4. Cost: Compare rental and operational costs across different areas and zones to stay within your budget.

5. Regulations: Ensure the location aligns with your business’s regulatory requirements and industry-specific benefits.

The process to obtain a new business license in Dubai typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business, the type of license required, and the completeness of your documentation. Engaging with a business setup consultant can help streamline the process and potentially expedite the approval.

UAE Mainland: Businesses operating in the mainland can trade directly with the UAE market and have access to the local market without restrictions. They require a local sponsor or partner, and there are various regulatory requirements to follow.

Free Zone: Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and are ideal for businesses focused on export-oriented activities or specific industries. Companies in free zones benefit from tax exemptions and simplified administrative procedures but are generally restricted from operating directly in the UAE market without a local distributor.

Offshore: Offshore companies are typically used for asset protection, tax planning, and international trade. They are not allowed to conduct business within the UAE but can operate internationally. Offshore setups offer privacy and tax benefits but have restrictions on business activities within the UAE.

Once your documentation is approved and verified by the relevant authorities, you can expect to receive your mainland license within 2 working days.

Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership of a business in Dubai in several scenarios. Foreign investors can fully own businesses in various free zones, and recent updates to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors outside free zones as well. However, certain strategic sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, still have ownership restrictions.

Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai involves the following steps:

1. Select a Bank: Choose a bank that fits your business requirements.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the bank to arrange a meeting.
3. Prepare Documents: Typically, you’ll need your passport, proof of address, and proof of income. Additional documents may be required depending on the bank.
4. Complete Verification: The bank will perform a credit check and verify your identity.
5. Account Setup: The process usually takes between two to four weeks. Ensure you select the appropriate type of account for your business needs.

Choose based on your business goals, ownership preference, tax requirements and location. LLC suits mainland operations, free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, branches extend an existing company and offshore is ideal for international operations.

Yes, in many free zones foreigners can have full ownership. Mainland ownership may require a UAE national partner for certain activities, though recent reforms allow 100% ownership in most sectors.

Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE and deal directly with the local market but may require a local partner. Free zone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership but are restricted to operating within the zone or internationally.

Yes, mainland companies must have a physical office (Ejari registration). Many free zones offer flexible options like virtual offices or shared spaces.

Advantages include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, full repatriation of profits, simplified setup and access to free zone infrastructure.

Visa sponsorship in the UAE allows residents or companies to legally bring family members or employees into the country. The sponsor takes financial and legal responsibility for the visa holder during their stay. For details, What is visa sponsorship.

The process includes preparing documents, typing the application, paying government fees, and submitting it through the GDRFA or ICP portal. Once approved, a residence visa is stamped in the passport. For details applying for visa sponsorship.

Avoid submitting incomplete documents, missing deadlines, or providing incorrect sponsor details. These errors can lead to delays, rejections, or fines. For details mistakes to avoid during visa sponsorship.

Choose activities that match your business goals and meet DED regulations. Consulting an expert ensures compliance and avoids future restrictions. For details, Right Mainland Business Activities.

Activities like healthcare, education, and real estate need external approvals from specific government bodies before licensing. For details, Special Approvals or Permits.

Start by deciding your business activity, selecting the right jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), and choosing a trade name approved by the DED. For details, Steps to Take Before Registering a Company.

You must have a valid trade name, business license, office space, and approvals from relevant authorities like the DED or Free Zone. For details, Legal Requirements for Registering a Company.

Maintain proper bookkeeping, renew trade licenses annually, and comply with VAT, labor, and immigration laws. For details, Legal and Compliance Requirements.

You’ll need passport copies of both sponsor and maid, Emirates ID, salary certificate, tenancy contract, and maid’s photos. Attested documents may also be required. For details, Apply for a Maid Visa.

The maid visa typically costs between AED 5,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the agency and services. It is valid for one year and renewable annually. For details, Cost & Duration of a Maid Visa.

A Dubai residence visa allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE legally. It’s available for employees, investors, dependents, and property owners. The visa duration usually ranges from 2 to 10 years, depending on the category. For details, Who Can Apply.

To apply, start with an entry permit, complete a medical test, and apply for Emirates ID. Then, submit documents for visa stamping through GDRFA or an authorized typing center. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays. For details, Step-by-Step Process.

Rejections usually occur due to incomplete documents, expired passports, or inaccurate information. Using unauthorized agents can also lead to denial. Always verify requirements and apply through licensed centers to avoid rejection. For details, Common Reasons for Residence Visa Rejection.

Mainland business activities are broadly categorized into three types: Commercial, Professional, and Industrial. A Commercial License is for trading goods, a Professional License covers service-based activities like consultancy, and an Industrial License is for manufacturing and production. The DED offers over 2,000 specific activities across these categories.

The initial cost varies widely, typically ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 40,000, depending on the business type, legal structure, and required approvals. Annual renewal requires submitting the current trade license copy and the Ejari registration certificate for your office space. Renewal fees also vary but typically range from AED 6,000 to AED 15,000, including DED and other service fees.

MOFA Attestation is the final and crucial process of legally validating a document's authenticity by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). It is required for official acceptance of documents (like educational, personal, or commercial certificates) within the UAE for purposes such as employment, visa processing, or legal transactions. Without this process, foreign-issued documents are not recognized as legally binding by UAE authorities.

The core requirement is the required document (unlaminated and undamaged) that has already undergone prior attestation from the issuing country's relevant authorities and the UAE Embassy/Consulate there. These pre-attestation steps and the original document are necessary because MOFAIC performs the final verification based on the stamps and seals of these preceding official bodies to ensure the document's chain of custody and authenticity.

The attestation process in the UAE typically takes 1 to 3 working days for standard service, though express options can complete it within 24 hours. The main factors affecting the timeline are the completion of all necessary pre-attestation steps (home country verification, UAE Embassy attestation), the document type (commercial documents can take longer), and whether the application has any inconsistencies or missing information.

Common rejection reasons include skipping mandatory pre-attestation steps (like the UAE Embassy stamp), inconsistencies in personal details (e.g., name mismatch across documents), and submitting poor-quality or damaged originals. Prevention involves ensuring all previous governmental and embassy attestations are complete, verifying all names and dates match exactly, and submitting only clear, undamaged original documents.

The MOFAIC fee for attesting personal and educational documents is approximately 150-450 AED per document, while commercial documents can cost significantly more. Applicants should also expect additional expenses for the mandatory pre-attestation steps (home country fees, UAE Embassy fees), certified translation services if the document is not in Arabic or English, and courier/delivery charges.

They follow the latest UAE regulations and ensure forms match required formats.
Typing centers minimize rejection by verifying documents and preventing common errors.
Their expertise helps residents and businesses complete government processes smoothly and on time.

They prepare accurate visa forms, submit applications through official portals, and ensure all documents meet UAE standards.
Typing centers guide applicants through medical tests, biometrics, status change, and stamping steps.
Their support reduces errors, saves time, and improves approval chances.

Costs vary by service type, government fees, and application complexity.
Additional charges may apply for translation, urgent processing, or corporate documentation.
Prices also depend on system fees from portals like GDRFA, ICP, Amer, and Tasheel.

Document requirements depend on the service, but usually include passport copies, Emirates ID, visa pages, photos, and attested certificates.
Visa and Emirates ID services often require sponsor documents, tenancy contracts, and medical results.
For business and labor services, trade licenses, establishment cards, and MoA copies are commonly needed.

Typing centers handle visa typing, Emirates ID forms, labor contracts, business documentation, and government applications.
They ensure accuracy, reduce errors, and speed up processing for residents and companies.
Their expertise helps applicants complete procedures correctly without delays or rejections.

Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership of a business in Dubai in several scenarios. Foreign investors can fully own businesses in various free zones, and recent updates to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors outside free zones as well. However, certain strategic sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, still have ownership restrictions.

Legal forms and documents in Dubai are managed through a structured process. To set up a business, you’ll need to prepare and submit required documents, including application forms and shareholder passports. Once submitted, these documents are reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities, leading to the issuance of your business license. Attestation involves having your documents verified and endorsed by official bodies to ensure their authenticity and compliance with local regulations. It’s crucial to keep all documents current to avoid penalties or issues with your business license.

Foreign company branches in Dubai can operate and generate profits but remain fully owned by the parent company and are not separate legal entities. Representative offices can only promote and source work for the parent company and cannot make a profit or conduct direct business activities within the UAE. Additionally, branches of free zone companies must appoint a UAE national agent. Certain sectors, such as commercial agencies, banking, telecommunications, and specific professional consultancies, are subject to restrictions on foreign ownership.

While it’s hard to predict which industries will thrive, some sectors in Dubai have proven to be particularly promising for business:

– IT-related Services
– E-commerce
– Real Estate
– Travel and Tourism
– Cleaning and Maintenance
– General Trading

Visa processing times in Dubai generally range from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of your application and documents. Fees vary widely based on the visa type and any additional services required.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program in the UAE that targets investors, entrepreneurs, and high-skilled professionals. It offers residency for 5 or 10 years, with options for automatic renewal, unlike standard visas, which are usually valid for up to 3 years. The Golden Visa does not require a national sponsor, simplifying the application process and allowing for 100% business ownership in the UAE. In contrast, regular visas often need a local sponsor and come with shorter validity periods. The Golden Visa program is intended for those making substantial contributions to the UAE’s economy or possessing exceptional skills.

To renew your business license in Dubai, follow these steps:

1. Check Tenancy Contract: Ensure your tenancy contract is valid for at least three more months from the renewal application date.
2. Prepare Documents: Complete the renewal form and gather necessary documents, including attested authorization and approval letters, photographs of business partners, and the payment number for renewal fees.
3. Submit Application: Submit the completed form and documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED).
4. Pay Fees: After approval, pay the renewal fees.

Once these steps are completed, your business license will be renewed.

Costs include annual trade license renewal, office rent (Ejari for mainland), employee visas, corporate bank account maintenance, accounting/audit fees, VAT compliance and miscellaneous expenses like insurance and utilities.

Choose business activity and legal structure → reserve trade name → obtain initial approval → draft MOA/LLC agreement → lease office space → apply for trade license → register with authorities and open bank account.

Passport copies, visa copies, proof of address, business plan, Memorandum of Association (MOA), lease agreement for office and relevant approvals from government authorities.

Yes, company registration allows you to sponsor yourself and employees for UAE residence visas, depending on the business type and structure.

No, only businesses with annual taxable turnover exceeding 375,000 AED must register. Companies below this threshold may opt for voluntary registration.

UAE citizens, residents with valid Emirates IDs, and registered companies can sponsor dependents, employees, or domestic workers. Eligibility depends on salary, accommodation, and relationship requirements. For details, Who can sponsor a visa in the UAE.

Visa sponsorship costs vary depending on the visa type and duration, typically ranging from 2000 AED to 6000 AED, including typing, medical, and Emirates ID fees. For details fees for visa sponsorship.

Business activities define the type of operations your company will perform in Dubai. They determine your license type, legal structure, and approval requirements. For details, Company Registration.

Mainland businesses can trade across the UAE, Free Zone companies operate within designated areas, and Offshore entities handle international business. For details, Differences Between Mainland, Free Zone.

Research DED’s approved activity list and align it with your business model. Seeking professional guidance helps ensure proper license classification. For details, Mainland Company.

Choose between LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch office based on your ownership goals, liability preferences, and target market. For details, Choose the Right Business Structure.

Evaluate your business size, activity type, and ownership preference to pick the structure that supports growth and compliance. For details, Right Business Structure.

Residents earning the minimum salary set by UAE authorities can sponsor a full-time maid. The sponsor must live with the maid and provide accommodation. For details, sponsor a maid visa.

Apply through a typing center, submit required documents, complete medical and Emirates ID procedures, and finalize visa stamping. For details, Obtaining a Maid Visa.

Renew through an authorized typing center before expiry to avoid fines. For cancellation, submit the maid’s passport and visa copy to immigration. For details, Maid Visa in Dubai.

Dubai offers several residence visa types, including employment, investor, family, and property owner visas. Each category has its own income, documentation, and sponsorship requirements. Choosing the right visa depends on your purpose of stay. For details, Types of Residence Visas.

If your visa expires or is cancelled, you must renew or exit the UAE before the grace period ends. Overstaying leads to daily fines and possible travel restrictions. Always track your visa expiry date to stay compliant. For details, Dubai Residence Visa Expires.

A Dubai Mainland License is a trade permit issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) to operate within the main commercial areas of Dubai. It is essential as it grants your business legal status to trade and conduct activities anywhere in the UAE, including with government entities. It offers the most comprehensive scope, allowing maximum access to the local and international markets.

The process involves selecting your business activity and legal structure, reserving a trade name, and obtaining Initial Approval from the DED. Next, you must secure an office space (Ejari registration), acquire external approvals if needed, and submit all documents to pay the final license fees. The process can be streamlined using the "Bashr" digital platform.

Key benefits include unrestricted trade across the entire UAE and internationally, and the flexibility to bid for lucrative government contracts. Recent reforms allow for 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities, and companies can obtain an unlimited number of employment visas based on office space.