How To Set Up A Company In Dubai: The Complete Guide

Dubai has a growing startup ecosystem, with numerous accelerator programs, co-working spaces, and venture capital firms that support early-stage businesses. Additionally, the city has several free zones that offer tax-free and regulatory benefits to startups, making it easier to start and grow a business. Therefore, setting up a company in Dubai can be lucrative.

Our specialists at DNBC Financial Group have compiled this guide to help you navigate the process of forming a company in Dubai. Keep reading!

How To Set Up A Company In Dubai: The Complete Guide

Can you start a company in Dubai as a foreigner? 

Yes. There are several options available, including setting up a subsidiary, establishing a joint venture with a local partner, or registering a branch office of an existing foreign company. 

However, it's important to note that there may be restrictions and requirements, such as obtaining a residency visa, finding a local sponsor, and fulfilling certain legal and regulatory obligations. 

It's recommended to seek the advice of a professional or a consultant familiar with the local business environment before starting a company in Dubai.

The benefits of setting up a company in Dubai as a foreigner

Access to a large market

The market in Dubai is dynamic and diverse, with a growing economy and a strong focus on trade, tourism, and innovation. The city also has a large consumer market, with a growing middle class and a high demand for consumer goods and services. 

Favorable business environment

Dubai supports new businesses with a favorable business environment, including low taxes, modern infrastructure, and a pro-business government.

Strategic location

Dubai's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a convenient gateway for international trade. 

Free zones

There are several benefits to starting a business in a free zone in Dubai, which is a designated area with a special tax, customs, and regulatory benefits. Some of the key benefits include:

• Tax Benefits: Thanks to this feature, your business can be offered tax-free benefits, including exemptions from corporate and personal income tax, as well as value-added tax (VAT). It helps cut down a certain amount of cost of setting up a company in Dubai.
• Regulatory Ease: Free zones in Dubai offer a simplified and streamlined process for starting and running a business, with fewer regulations and restrictions compared to mainland Dubai.
• Custom Duties Exemption: Free zones in Dubai offer exemptions from customs duties, making it easier and cheaper to import and export goods.

A guide on setting up a company in Dubai from overseas

How to set up a company in Dubai can be challenging from overseas. However, it is still possible and can be done remotely, with the help of a professional or a consultant familiar with the local business environment. Here are the general steps involved in setting up a company in Dubai from overseas:

Choose a business structure

Decide on the type of company you want to set up, such as a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC), or a branch office.

Select a trading name

Decide on a distinguishable business name and register it with the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

Obtain approvals and licenses

Depending on the type of business you are setting up, you may need to obtain approvals and licenses from relevant government agencies, such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Economic Department.

Register the company

After you have secured all of the essential approvals and licenses, you will be able to register the firm with the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

Open a corporate bank account

To set up a company in Dubai, opening a corporate bank account is a must. Separation of personal and business finances: Having a separate corporate bank account helps to keep personal and business finances separate, which can be important for tax purposes and for maintaining good financial records. Furthermore, it also builds credibility with customers, suppliers, and other businesses, as it shows that your company is serious about its business operations.

Hire employees

In order to lower the cost of setting up a company in Dubai, you can hire employees to manage the day-to-day operations of your company. The more people you have working for you, the more likely it is that you will have access to a wide range of talents and expertise, both of which will boost your company's output. This means that businesses can gain access to a wide variety of talents that can aid in their pursuit of success.

About DNBC Financial Group

Since 2017, DNBC Financial Group has been established as a payment service institution. The company has opened offices in the EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada. It provides digital payment transactions, including transfers of funds, remittances of money acquiring globally to enable clients to use the global markets ecosystem to accomplish their business goals through a single trusted partner.