Dubai has long been known as a hub for business and innovation which makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish their companies. For Indians, in particular, Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities to establish and grow their ventures.
Over 30% of Dubai’s startups have Indian roots, and there are more than 90,000 Indian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce alone. This statistic highlights the strong presence and success of Indian businesses in the emirate.
The company registration in Dubai is streamlined and efficient which allows you to get your business up and running quickly. Entrepreneurs can choose from various types of licenses depending on the nature of their business, whether it be a commercial, professional, or industrial license. The costs involved to register a company in Dubai are also competitive, with options available to suit different budgets.
If you’re too considering establishing your business presence in Dubai, we got you covered. Here we will explain everything you need to know about company registration in Dubai including the business setup process, license requirements, costs involved, benefits, and much more. First, let’s understand why entrepreneurs consider Dubai as their favourite business destination.
Why Choose Dubai for Company Registration?
Dubai has become a major hub for international business, and for good reason. Here are some of the top benefits of registering your company in Dubai:
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
For most of the business activities in Dubai, foreign investors can retain full ownership of their businesses without the need for a local partner or sponsor. This level of ownership control provides greater autonomy and flexibility for international entrepreneurs and corporations.
2. Tax Advantages
One of the most attractive aspects of doing business in Dubai is its tax regime. There are very limited corporate and no personal income taxes. This significantly enhances profitability and reduces the administrative burden for businesses.
3. Free Zones
Dubai offers a variety of free zones, which are areas with relaxed regulations and even greater tax benefits. These zones can be particularly attractive for businesses in specific industries.
4. Ease of Doing Business
Dubai has a streamlined company registration process with government support. The business-friendly environment makes it easier to get your company up and running quickly.
5. Advanced Infrastructure
Dubai has world-class infrastructure, including airports, ports, and telecommunications networks. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective place to operate a business.
6. Access to Talent
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that attracts people from all over the world. This means that you will have access to a large pool of skilled talent for your business.
7. Strong Trade Ties with India
The UAE and India have a long history of strong trade ties. This makes it easier for Indian businesses to address regulations, find local partners, and establish themselves in Dubai. There’s a familiarity with Indian business practices and a large Indian expat community that can provide support.
8. Golden Visa Program
Dubai’s Golden Visa program offers long-term residency (up to 10 years) for entrepreneurs and investors. This can be a significant advantage for Indian business owners and their families.
Want to know more about why Indians are setting up a company in Dubai? Check this out – Why Indians Are Setting Up Companies In Dubai
Types of Company Registration in Dubai
Dubai offers a variety of company registration options, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. The best choice for you will depend on your specific business goals and needs.
1. Mainland Company
A mainland company, also known as an onshore company, is a business entity registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate in which it operates. It allows a company to conduct business anywhere within the UAE and beyond.
Why choose mainland company registration in Dubai?
- Direct access to the entire UAE market, allowing you to trade freely with local businesses and consumers.
- Greater flexibility in choosing business activities compared to free zones.
- Potential for government grants and subsidies (depending on the industry).
2. Free Zone Company
A free zone company is established within one of the many free trade zones in the UAE. These zones offer special incentives and benefits to foreign investors, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined business setup processes.
Some of the popular Dubai Free Zone options include the International Freezone Authority (IFZA), Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), etc.
Why choose Freezone company formation in Dubai?
- 100% foreign ownership allowed.
- Tax exemptions on corporate income and import/export duties (within the free zone).
- Streamlined company setup process.
- Access to world-class infrastructure and facilities within the free zone.
3. Offshore Company
An offshore company is a legal entity registered in a jurisdiction outside the country where its ultimate beneficiaries reside. In Dubai, offshore companies are established in designated free zones known as offshore jurisdictions.
Why choose offshore company registration in Dubai?
- Your personal assets are protected from business liabilities.
- Offshore companies generally benefit from complete exemption from corporate and income taxes.
- Offshore jurisdictions often offer a high degree of privacy for company ownership.
How to Choose the right company structure?
Consider these factors when deciding:
- Target Market: Do you want to primarily serve the UAE market or operate internationally?
- Business Activity: Does your chosen Free Zone cater to your industry?
- Ownership Preferences: Do you require full ownership control?
- Tax Efficiency: Are tax benefits a major priority?
We highly recommend getting a consultation from a reputed Business Setup Consultant in Dubai like Shuraa who’ll help you decide the right structure based on your business needs.
Types of Business Licenses for Company Formation in Dubai
There are several types of business licenses available for company formation in Dubai, each tailored to specific business activities and industries. Here are some common types of business licenses:
1. Trade License
This license is suitable for companies engaged in trading activities, including buying and selling goods. It covers a wide range of commercial activities such as retail, wholesale, general trading, and e-commerce.
2. Industrial License
This license is required for businesses engaged in manufacturing, assembling, or processing goods. It allows companies to utilize raw materials for production purposes.
3. Professional License
Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, consultants, and artisans require a professional license to operate in Dubai. This license is issued to individuals or firms providing professional services that require specialized skills and expertise.
4. Freelance Permit
Freelancers and independent professionals can obtain a freelance permit to legally operate their businesses in Dubai. This permit allows individuals to provide services on a contractual basis without the need for a physical office space.
5. Tourism License
This license is necessary for businesses operating in the tourism sector, such as travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and recreation facilities. It allows companies to provide tourism-related services to visitors in Dubai.
Besides these, there are specialized licenses for every business need including Media licenses, Event management licenses, Healthcare licenses, Real estate licenses, and Education licenses. For your specific business license need, contact an expert at Shuraa Business Setup today.
Company Registration Process in Dubai
Business formation in Dubai can be a smooth process with the right guidance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the general Dubai company registration process:
1. Choose Your Business Structure
Decide between a Mainland Company, Free Zone Company, or Offshore Company based on your target market, ownership preferences, and business activities.
2. Select a Business Activity
Identify the specific business activities you plan to undertake in Dubai. This will determine the type of business license you need to acquire.
3. Select a Company Name
Choose a unique and appropriate name for your company that complies with the naming guidelines set by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. Ensure that the chosen name is not already registered by another company and does not violate any trademarks or copyrights.
4. Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents, which may include:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) (If required)
- Copy of Existing Trade License/Registration Certificate (if already in operation)
- Lease agreement for a physical office (if applicable for Mainland Company)
- Business plan
- Additional documents specific to your chosen business activity and company structure
- Financial Reports or Bank Reference (as required)
5. Company Registration
Submit an application for Dubai company registration to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant authority based on the chosen business location (mainland, free zone, or offshore). Pay the registration fees and obtain the necessary approvals from the authorities.
6. Obtain a Trade License
Once the company registration is approved, apply for a trade license from the DED or the respective free zone authority. Specify the type of license based on your business activities (commercial, professional, industrial, etc.).
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in Dubai. Provide the required documents, including company registration certificate, trade license, passport copies of shareholders, and proof of address.
8. Rent Office Space (if applicable)
Mainland companies typically require a physical office space in Dubai.
9. Employment Visas and Permits
Apply for employment visas and permits for foreign employees, if required. Follow the immigration procedures and provide the necessary documents, including employment contracts, passport copies, and medical fitness certificates.
Once all formalities are completed and licenses are obtained, commence your business operations in Dubai. Also, if your company’s annual turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold, register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in Dubai.
Consider consulting with a business formation specialist in Dubai at Shuraa to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.
Online Company Registration in Dubai
Dubai’s government offers online portals to initiate and complete certain aspects of the Dubai company registration process. This can involve submitting initial applications, uploading documents, and potentially even paying some fees electronically.
While the portal simplifies the process, using a business setup consultant in Dubai can significantly improve efficiency and expedite approvals. They can handle complexities and ensure everything is submitted correctly.
What is the Cost of Business Setup in Dubai?
The cost for company registration in Dubai is around AED 12,500* to AED 28,500 for normal business activities, while it’s a bit lower for the free zones. However, the overall cost of company registration can vary depending on several factors.
1. Company Structure
Mainland companies generally have higher costs due to certain requirements and physical office space needs.
Free Zone companies can be more cost-effective due to simpler registration and potentially no need for a physical office (depending on the Free Zone).
2. Business Activity
Specific licenses required for your activities can have varying fees.
3. Number of Visas
Applying for visas for yourself and your employees adds to the overall cost.
Additional costs may include utility deposits, sponsorship fees (if applicable), branding and marketing expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The provided cost ranges are estimates and can vary depending on specific circumstances. It’s advisable to consult with a business formation specialist in Dubai for a more accurate cost assessment based on your unique business setup requirements.
Dubai Visa Options for Entrepreneurs
Dubai offers various visas for entrepreneurs depending on your business setup:
1. Mainland Investor Visa
Invest at least AED 1 million (approx. USD 272,200) to get a 3-year residency permit.
2. Free Zone Entrepreneur Visa
Varies by Free Zone, but usually involves approval, minimum investment, or a startup in their incubator.
3. Green Residence Visa
For broader self-employed categories, requires work contracts/income proof and government approval.
5. Golden Visa
Long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for high investment (AED 2 million+) or approval from a UAE startup incubator.
Taxation in Dubai for Businesses
Dubai’s tax system is known for being very business-friendly. There is no income tax levied on individuals in Dubai, which includes residents and non-residents. A corporate tax applies to businesses with net profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,100) per year.
Businesses making less than this threshold are exempt. There’s also a 0% tax rate for some specific businesses and those adhering to the global minimum corporate tax rate agreement.
A 5% VAT is levied on most goods and services provided within the UAE. This is a consumption tax ultimately borne by the end consumer. Businesses in Dubai must register for VAT if their taxable supplies (sales) exceed AED 375,000 per year. Voluntary VAT registration is also an option for businesses below the threshold.
Dubai’s tax system offers a more streamlined and business-friendly environment compared to India. This allows Indian entrepreneurs to retain a larger share of their profits and potentially achieve greater financial success.
Streamline Your Company Registration with Shuraa
Company registration in Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand their ventures into the dynamic business hub of the UAE.
However, the complexities of company registration in Dubai can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the local regulations and procedures. That’s where seeking assistance from a reputed business setup consultant becomes invaluable.
At Shuraa, we understand your aspirations. Our team of experts – consultants, lawyers, PRO executives, and company formation specialists will guide you through every step, from the initial concept to obtaining your business license. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including company registration, documentation, translation, sponsorship support, business licensing, office space solutions, and ongoing PRO services.
Don’t miss out on the chance to establish your presence in this dynamic business hub. Contact Shuraa Business Setup today and let us help you turn your Dubai dream into a thriving reality.