UAE Business Setup
All the information you need to start your new business in Dubai
The first step is to decide where to establish your business, and what form it will take. You can set up a company either in “mainland” Dubai, or in one of its 20+ free zones – you’ll find information on both options, and the differences between them, below.
100% Foreign ownership
Both mainland and free zone companies can be 100% owned by non-Emirati investors – but mainland companies operating in strategically significant sectors cannot have 100% foreign ownership.
0% Free zone tax
Free zone companies are exempt from the UAE's 5% VAT and 9% Corporate Tax.
5 Mainland licence types
Choose from a range of licence types – including a Dual Licence, which allows companies in certain free zones to operate in the mainland as well.
UAE Mainland Company Formation
UAE is a centre for trade in the Middle East and one of the safest nations in the world. Businessmen view the UAE mainland as the perfect location to set up a corporation and a bank account since it is a tax haven with a robust bank network.
In the UAE’s mainland, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) business form is common. The new cabinet decision eliminates the need for local sponsors for the chosen commercial activities and industry sectors, granting foreigners 100% ownership in mainland companies in certain industries. Because of this, investors can form a limited liability company without a local sponsor.
Any organisation engaged in commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural, real estate, or other types of economic operations on the mainland is subject to the amendments made to Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies and Amended Law No. 26 of 2020.
The UAE Government’s Cabinet resolution establishes specific capital criteria and conditions that apply to the expat’s 100% ownership in the mainland firm. Obtaining 100% ownership of mainland (onshore) enterprises in the UAE requires a minimum share capital that ranges from around AED 2 million to AED 100 million, depending on the investor’s preferred industrial sector and line of business.
Mainland companies
Start the process of setting up a mainland company in Dubai
Free zone companies
Start the process of setting up a mainland company in Dubai
Get up and running
Once you’ve started your company you’ll need to find a space to work, hire your staff, and get up to speed with Dubai’s rules and regulations. Keep reading for detailed information on how to get up to speed quickly – and get your company working.
Manage employee residency with Work Bundle
The ‘Work Bundle’ streamlines employee residency procedures and work permits within private sector companies holding commercial licences issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism. This comprehensive bundle provides a unified platform for handling employment services in a single application.
Common business set-up questions
The most common business in Dubai includes real estate, retail, and tourism, driven by the city’s global appeal. Other booming sectors include construction, hospitality, and financial services.
Dubai offers lucrative opportunities in industries like technology, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce. The city’s strategic location and business-friendly policies make it ideal for startups in renewable energy, fintech, and retail.
Yes, Dubai is an excellent place to start a business due to its tax-free zones, modern infrastructure, and access to international markets. The city provides entrepreneurs with a supportive ecosystem and numerous growth opportunities.
Yes, foreigners can start a business in Dubai, especially in the free zones, where full ownership and tax benefits are available. The government actively encourages foreign investment with simplified regulations and streamlined procedures.
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