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Partnering with Dhanguard for your business setup in Dubai, UAE guarantees a seamless, cost-effective process.
Here are five steps to establish your business in Dubai and the UAE.
Consult with our Business Setup Advisor
Schedule a meeting with our Relationship Managers to discuss your Dubai business setup and refine your strategy.
Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
We’ll help you choose the ideal jurisdiction for your Dubai company, according to your needs, whether Mainland, Free Zone, or offshore.
Trade License Application
Gather your registration documents; our experts will assist you with the requirements for starting your company in Dubai.
Initiating Visa and Emirates ID Applications
Secure residence visas for yourself, employees, and dependents before relocating to the UAE. Our team will assist you through the application process.
Corporate Bank Account Setup
Opening a corporate bank account is crucial for UAE business. Our specialists will assess your needs and prepare the necessary documentation for you.
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Dubai Freezone
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Dubai Mainland
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Ajman Freezone
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Complete A Few Steps To Find Out The Cost Of Business Setup. Be Prepared And Start Your Business Journey In Dubai After Knowing The Cost Required With Our Easy-To-Use Cost Calculator.
Cost CalculatorEstablish your company in Mainland and leverage the freedom to operate business across the UAE. Benefit from a favorable business environment and access diverse investment opportunities. Mainland setups offer a broad scope for trade and business activities within and outside the UAE.
Select the ideal jurisdiction for your business from over 50 free zones in the UAE. Enjoy advantages like full foreign company ownership, attractive low tax rates, and integration into the dynamic business ecosystem. Free zone setups are particularly advantageous for multinational companies seeking flexibility and efficiency.
Engage in business activities without physical presence in the UAE through offshore company setups. Enjoy a favorable business ecosystem with convenient operations. Access a wide range of services such as trade finance, business consultancy, and legal and financial advice, just like in Mainland and Free Zone setups.
Feeling uncertain about making your decision.
Our team creates customized solutions for businesses to focus on unique needs and goals.
DhanGuard provides comprehensive business support, ensuring success with its dedicated team.
Our efficient processes ensure a streamlined journey from inception to operation.
DhanGuard has a proven track record of helping numerous ventures establish solid foundations.
Establishing your business is merely the beginning of your journey towards success. With our comprehensive range of services, we equip you with all the necessary tools for the growth of your company.
We provide expert guidance through every stage, offering services such as tax and accounting assistance, PRO support, business loans, access to co-working spaces, and more.
Dhanguard specializes in business setup services, assisting entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their ventures in both the Dubai Mainland and Free Zones. Our dedicated team leads you through each stage, from selecting the ideal jurisdiction and legal structure for your company to acquiring the necessary licenses with minimal paperwork—all from the convenience of your own home. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive suite of support services, ensuring seamless operations for your business with end-to-end solutions available under a single roof.
Our team of specialists addresses frequently asked questions from individuals worldwide regarding establishing companies in the UAE.
The UAE offers numerous advantages, including a strategic location, minimal corporate tax, access to a global market, world-class infrastructure, and a favourable business environment. Additionally, the UAE provides 100% foreign ownership, no currency restrictions, and repatriation of profits and capital.
Businesses in the UAE can be established in three main categories: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. Each type has its benefits, legal structures, and regulatory requirements. Mainland companies allow access to the UAE market, while Free Zones offer tax exemption and other specific advantages. Offshore companies are mainly used for international trade and asset protection.
The type of license you need depends on your business activity. The main categories are:
Commercial License: This license is intended for businesses involved in trading activities. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including retail, wholesale, import/export, and transportation services.
Professional License: This license is designed for individuals and businesses offering professional services based on their expertise. It covers activities such as consultancy, legal services, accounting, and other specialized services like architecture.
Industrial License: This license is for businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities. It is required for companies that transform raw materials or natural resources into finished products through industrial processes.
Each of these licenses is regulated by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). When applying for a license, it is crucial to accurately define your business activities, as each license permits up to ten activities.
Additionally, businesses operating in specific Free Zones or those seeking to operate offshore may encounter different license types and requirements.
Setting up a business in Dubai involves several key steps. Here's a concise overview:
Decide on Business Activity and Jurisdiction: Choose your business activity and determine whether to set up in a Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore. This will influence the type of license and legal structure required.
Choose Legal Structure and Trade Name: Select a legal structure (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, LLC) and reserve a unique trade name that meets UAE guidelines.
Obtain Initial Approvals and Prepare Documentation: Secure initial approvals from relevant authorities and gather necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and No Objection Certificate (for expatriates).
Choose a Business Location: Select a physical or virtual office space required for obtaining your trade license.
Pay Fees and Obtain Final Approvals: Submit your application, pay the required fees, and receive final approvals from the authorities.
Receive Trade License, Register for Visas, and Open a Bank Account: Obtain your trade license, apply for visas for yourself, employees, and dependents, and open a corporate bank account.
Following these steps ensures a smooth business setup process in Dubai.
The cost of setting up a business varies based on the type of business, jurisdiction, and other factors such as visa requirements and office space. Mainland setups typically have different fee structures compared to Free Zones, where packages may include licenses, visas, and office space. It's important to get a detailed cost breakdown based on your specific needs.
No, you do not need a local sponsor or partner for your business in the UAE.
Business owners and their employees will need residency visas, which are linked to the business license. The number of visas you can obtain depends on your business type, office space, and jurisdiction. The process includes medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.
Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership in certain business setups in Dubai. Both in Mainland and Free Zones, foreign investors are allowed to have full ownership of their businesses.
However, it's important to note that some strategic sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, may have ownership restrictions.
Compliance requirements include annual license renewal, maintaining audited financial statements, renewing visas, and adhering to regulations related to VAT and Corporate Tax, etc.. Free Zones and Mainland setups may have different compliance obligations.
Yes, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE, but the requirements vary by bank and the type of business. Generally, you will need to provide your trade license, shareholder details, passport copies, proof of address, and a business plan. The process can take several weeks, depending on the bank’s due diligence.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program targeting investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. Unlike regular visas, which generally last up to 3 years, the Golden Visa offers residency for either 5 or 10 years, with the possibility of automatic renewal.
A key advantage of the Golden Visa is that it does not require a national sponsor, streamlining the application process. Additionally, it allows holders to fully own their business in the UAE. However, the Golden Visa has stringent eligibility requirements and is intended for individuals who are prepared to make significant investments in the UAE.
The time required to set up a business in the UAE varies by jurisdiction and the complexity of the business. On average, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the readiness of the documents, approvals, and the type of business setup.
Starting a small business in Dubai is a streamlined process with the right guidance. Connect with experts at Dhanguard to simplify your journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Determine Your Business Activity
Select Your Business Structure and Trade Name
Secure Initial Approvals and Compile Documentation
Pay Fees and Obtain Final Approvals
Receive Trade License
Open a Bank Account
Renting an office is a mandatory step in the company formation process, especially for Mainland businesses, to comply with local regulations. A private residence cannot serve as the official business address. However, Free Zones offer various flexible options that might include co-working spaces or virtual offices, depending on the nature of your business.
