Frequently asked questions

How to setup a business in the UAE? What is the difference between a Mainland, Freezone, Offshore? What are the procedures of business setup in Dubai? Which kind of trade licenses are available? If these are the questions bothering you, then talk to a business setup consultant from Shuraa Business Setup for Free! We do not only help you through all your doubts but also support you with complete solutions on your aim of starting a business in Dubai.
You may take a quick look at the FAQ’s section for better understanding:

To establish a limited liability company in Dubai Mainland or anywhere else in the UAE, you need to reserve a trade name and obtain preliminary approvals. You also need to get a memorandum of association of the company and submit the lease contract and other necessary documents to the Department of Economic Development.

You will also need to partner with a UAE national and may require additional certifications from authorities, a rented office space also is a must. With Shuraa Business Setup you can start a business in Dubai and relax about the requirements.

We offer all inclusive, affordable packages starting at just Rs. 5,00,000. However, each business has different demands and may cost different. To get the accurate cost of LLC business setup in Dubai contact our business setup consultants in India.

Dubai’s pivotal role as the economic epicenter of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has propelled the nation to prominence as a leading business hub in the Middle East and on the global stage. Entrepreneurs are drawn to Dubai’s diverse business landscape, which spans multiple sectors and offers lucrative opportunities for growth and expansion. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE benefits from its geographically advantageous location, facilitating international trade and commerce.

Business setup in Dubai is characterized by its modern infrastructure, innovative policies, and robust regulatory framework, which collectively foster entrepreneurship and investment. The city’s well-developed transportation networks, including world-class airports and seaports, ensure seamless connectivity with major markets worldwide. Additionally, Dubai’s business-friendly regulations, such as free zones with 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions, further enhance its appeal as an ideal destination for establishing businesses.

The UAE government’s strategic vision, as outlined in initiatives like Dubai Vision 2021 and Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, underscores a commitment to fostering innovation, diversifying the economy, and promoting sustainable development. Combined with Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and high quality of life, these factors contribute to its allure as a preferred location for businesses seeking success and prosperity on a global scale. 

Setting up a business in Dubai involves several steps but can be streamlined with careful planning and adherence to local regulations. 

  • Research and Planning: Start by researching the market, identifying your target audience, and understanding the legal requirements for your business type. 
  • Choose a Business Structure: Decide on the most suitable business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or setting up in a free zone. 
  • Register Your Business: Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED) if you’re operating on the mainland or with the relevant free zone authority if you’re setting up in a free zone. 
  • Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on your business activity, you may need specific permits and licenses from various government authorities. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. 
  • Secure Premises: Find suitable office space or commercial premises for your business operations, keeping in mind location, size, and budget considerations. 
  • Open a Corporate Bank Account: Choose a reputable bank and open a corporate bank account to manage your business finances efficiently. 
  • Visa and Sponsorship: Arrange visas and sponsorship for yourself and any employees, if necessary, to legally reside and work in Dubai. 
  • Comply with Taxation RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with Dubai’s taxation system and ensure timely compliance with all tax obligations. 

Business setup in Dubai costs 19,500* AED, which covers various administrative and licensing fees. This initial investment opens doors to the vibrant economy of the United Arab Emirates, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and expansion. Dubai’s strategic location, business-friendly policies, and state-of-the-art infrastructure attract entrepreneurs from around the globe. 

Beyond the financial investment, establishing a presence in Dubai grants access to a diverse market with high purchasing power, positioning businesses for success in regional and international markets. The city’s dynamic ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration, providing fertile ground for startups and established enterprises alike to success. 

Moreover, Dubai’s tax-free environment and streamlined regulatory procedures further enhance its appeal as a business destination, minimizing operational costs and maximizing profitability. With a robust legal framework and a supportive government actively promoting entrepreneurship, the cost of business setup in Dubai represents not just an expenditure but an investment in a prosperous future. 

In the UAE, companies can be started as mainland businesses, free zone, or offshore businesses. For a business setup in the UAE mainland, a local service agent is required, and the license is provided by the Department of Economic Department in Dubai. In a free zone, you can operate only within a limited geographical region, and the business is licensed by the respective free zone authority.

Note that you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership of your business in both these business zones, i.e., mainland and free zones. The company formation experts at the Shuraa India branch help you incorporate your dream venture in the UAE by taking care of licensing, documentation, translation work, and much more.

An offshore business in UAE allows you to safeguard your wealth and assets, but you can only trade outside UAE. A certificate of incorporation is provided to the company and not a trade license.

Mostly all types of companies can be started in the UAE and there are more than thousands of activities registered and allowed by the Economic Department. Yet, it is best to be sure before getting started. So, speak to a business setup consultant for Free! Send us an inquiry!

As a mainland UAE company, you can do business with any country and trade freely. You get access to affordable rental office space as you are not geographically-limited, compared to free zone companies who are only forced to do business inside the free zones and have limited business scope.

Free Zones are areas designated for international businesses, which need 100% foreign ownership. Companies in each free zone can trade only within the same free zone and nowhere else in UAE.

As a freezone company, you can have full ownership of your company and get access to free-hold property anywhere in Dubai. Not all but some of the free zone business setups in Dubai are exempted from paying taxes and import or export duties.

With Shuraa Business Setup, company formation in Dubai Mainland can take less than 72 hours, however, it is must that you have the right documents at hand. Being trusted partners and over 18 years of association with the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, we can establish businesses in UAE in just three days. Company formation in UAE free zones can take anywhere between 3-10 days.

There are four types of Business License or Trade Licenses in the UAE; Commercial License –issued to a company engaged in any kind of trading activity, Industrial License –issued to a company engaged any king of manufacturing or industrial activity, Professional License – issued to service providers, artisans, professionals and craftsmen and the last one is Tourism License – issued to travel, tourism and hospitality companies in the UAE.

To renew your trade license, you need to provide a certificate of authenticity for the lease contract issued from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency as well as a new Memorandum of Association, with the necessary modifications.