Company Registration in Dubai from Australia

Australian Entrepreneurs — Launch Your UAE Business Quickly, Confidently and Remotely

Do you want to expand into the UAE, access Middle-East/Asian markets, and enjoy 100% ownership and tax-efficient operations — all while remaining based in Australia? At Setup Dubai Business, we specialise in helping Australians register a company in Dubai without uprooting their lives.

Why Australians Are Choosing Dubai

100% ownership & full capital repatriation: Free Zones such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) allow complete foreign ownership with no local sponsor required.

Tax-efficient operations: Many Free Zones offer 0% corporate tax for qualifying businesses that meet QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) criteria. Note: A 9% corporate tax applies to non-qualifying income, including most mainland UAE transactions. Professional tax planning is essential.

Remote setup possible: You can complete much of the registration from Australia and only travel when ready for visa stamping or banking setup. Most Free Zone incorporations can be done entirely online.

Strategic global hub: Dubai affords access to Africa, Middle East, Asia and Europe — ideal for export, trading and regional operations.

Fast incorporation: Many Free Zone setups are completed in 5–10 working days with complete documentation, though banking and visa processing may add 2-3 weeks to the full operational timeline.

Our End-to-End Process for Australian Clients

Setting up a company in Dubai from Australia may sound complex — but with our local presence in the UAE and dedicated Australia-based support team, it’s a smooth, fully managed process.

Here’s exactly how we take you from concept to launch:

Step 1: Strategy Call & Jurisdiction Planning (Day 1–2)

Your journey starts with a one-hour strategy session via Zoom or Google Meet with one of our senior UAE consultants.

During this call we:

• Assess your business goals — trade, consulting, e-commerce, or holding company
• Recommend the best jurisdiction:
  • Free Zone – Ideal for remote ownership, 100% control, potential 0% tax on qualifying income
  • Mainland – Ideal for operating within the UAE market and accessing government contracts
  • Offshore – For asset-holding, international trading or privacy-driven structures
• Explain licensing options, QFZP tax requirements, costs, renewal requirements and potential visa needs
• Create a custom setup plan with a transparent quote in AED and AUD

This consultation ensures you invest in the right setup from day one — no surprises later.

Step 2: Documentation & Trade Name Reservation (Day 3–5)

Once you confirm the jurisdiction, we handle all documentation and name approvals.

You’ll only need to provide:

• Passport copy of shareholders and directors
• Proof of address (utility bill or driver’s licence)
• Business plan or activity description
• Passport-sized digital photo

We then:

• Draft your company’s Articles of Incorporation and share certificates
• Reserve your preferred trade name with the relevant authority (e.g., Dubai DED or the selected Free Zone)
• Handle all notarisation, Arabic translation and digital document submission

Most Free Zones issue name approval in 24–48 hours — we keep you updated every step of the way.

Step 3: Licence Issuance & Company Registration (Day 6–10)

After name approval, we submit your full company application to the selected authority.

This stage includes:

• Licence type confirmation (e.g., Commercial, Professional, or Industrial)
• Company registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (for Mainland) or the Free Zone Authority
• Payment of setup fees and issuance of your Certificate of Incorporation

Once issued, you officially own a UAE company — legally recognized and ready to operate or open a bank account.

Average timeframe: 5–7 business days from submission (depending on authority workload and documentation completeness).

Step 4: Corporate Bank Account & Operational Setup (Day 11–25)

With your licence in hand, we move to financial setup — the most critical part for Australian clients.

We collaborate with major UAE banks such as Emirates NBD, RAK Bank, Mashreq, WIO Bank, and international banks like HSBC.

Our team assists with:

• Preparing KYC forms and corporate profiles
• Scheduling bank interviews (some banks now offer video KYC; others require in-person visits)
• Providing a compliant business plan & transaction forecast — often required for non-resident owners
• Coordinating with your Australian accountant to ensure proper cross-border documentation

You can also opt for a digital-first UAE bank account (ideal for startups or e-commerce firms) that can sometimes be opened online.

Important: Some banks require physical presence. We can coordinate a short 2-3 day visit to complete multiple banking meetings efficiently.

Step 5: Investor Visa & Residency Services (Optional – Day 21–35)

If you wish to live or frequently work in Dubai, we help you secure a UAE Investor Visa under your company.

We manage the full visa cycle:

• Entry permit issuance
• Medical test + Emirates ID registration (requires physical presence)
• Residency visa stamping (valid 2–3 years)

You can also add dependant visas for family members or staff.

If you’re staying in Australia, we simply defer this step until your first planned visit — no rush required.

Step 6: Post-Incorporation Support & Compliance (Continuous)

Your partnership with us doesn’t end at registration.

We remain your ongoing compliance partner to keep your business active and growing.

Our after-setup services include:

• Annual licence renewal & government fee reminders
• Accounting, VAT registration and bookkeeping
• Office space / Flexi-desk renewals
• Visa renewals & PRO services
• Advisory for scaling into Mainland trade or multi-emirate expansion
• Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) compliance and reporting

Free Zone vs Mainland – Which Is Right for You?

Feature	Free Zone	Mainland
Ownership	100% foreign ownership	100% foreign ownership (most activities)
Market access	International & limited local UAE trade (can obtain mainland permit)	Entire UAE market including local clients
Physical office required	Usually flexi-desk or virtual option	Full office space often required
Tax status	0% tax on qualifying income (QFZP status required)	9% corporate tax on taxable income over AED 375,000
Setup cost & speed	Lower cost, faster setup	Higher cost, more formalities
Visa quota	Limited by package	Higher visa quota possible

For many Australian companies doing export, consultancy, digital services or holding-company functions — a Free Zone is sufficient and more cost-efficient.

If you wish to sell into the UAE local market, tender for government contracts, or operate a physical retail/service business there, Mainland may be the better fit.

Why Choose Setup Dubai Business?

✅ Australia-Friendly Support: We understand Australian time-zones, documentation standards, currency considerations, and speak your language

✅ Trusted Local Experts: Over 15 years’ experience in Dubai business setup — having helped 20,000+ companies

✅ Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. We deliver full cost-breakdown upfront in both AED and AUD

✅ Remote-Ready Service: Entire process manageable from Australia; you only travel when ready for visa/bank (if required)

✅ End-to-End Coverage: Licence, bank account, visa, ongoing compliance — one desk

✅ Tax Compliance Expertise: We ensure you meet all QFZP requirements to maintain 0% tax status where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a company in Dubai without visiting?

Yes — for many Free Zone jurisdictions the entire incorporation can be done remotely from Australia. A visit may be required later for visa stamping, Emirates ID biometrics, or bank account opening depending on your bank and business activity.

Is 100% ownership possible?

Yes, particularly in Free Zones. Mainland ownership rules also permit 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional activities as of 2025.

How quickly can I launch?

With all documents ready and the correct structure chosen, many clients obtain their licence in 5-10 business days. Full operational setup including banking may take 2-4 weeks total.

What about tax obligations?

Free Zone companies can qualify for 0% corporate tax by meeting Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) criteria. This requires adequate substance, qualifying income, and proper compliance. Our tax advisory services ensure you maintain compliant status.

What about Australian tax or residency implications?

We recommend you consult your Australian accountant or tax advisor regarding Australian tax obligations, residency tests, and CFC (Controlled Foreign Company) rules. We provide the UAE setup — you should ensure compliance with any Australian obligations.

Do I need a physical office in Dubai?

For many Free Zone setups a virtual or flexi-desk is sufficient. Mainland setups usually require a leased office space with an Ejari registration.

Can I open a bank account from Australia?

We assist you in the banking process. Some banks now offer video KYC for Free Zone companies, while others require in-person visits. We coordinate with multiple banks to find the best solution for your situation.