Thinking about expanding your business to Dubai? You’re not alone. Thousands of Indian entrepreneurs are choosing Dubai as their gateway to global markets — and for good reason.
At Setup Dubai Business, we handle everything from company formation and document attestation to bank accounts and visas. You focus on your business vision; we take care of the Dubai paperwork.
Why Indian Businesses Are Flocking to Dubai
Dubai isn’t just another market — it’s a strategic launchpad. Whether you’re in trading, IT, consulting, or e-commerce, here’s what makes Dubai attractive:
- 100% ownership — Keep full control of your business, especially in Free Zones. No need for a local partner in most cases.
- Gateway to global markets — From Dubai, you can reach the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with ease.
- Lightning-fast setup — Get your Free Zone license in as little as 1-3 days once your documents are ready.
- World-class infrastructure — Modern banking, logistics, and tech ecosystem that Indian businesses need to scale internationally.
Which Company Structure Works Best for You?
Not all company types are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:
- Free Zone Company: Perfect for exports, consulting, tech, and online businesses. You get 100% ownership and quick setup. Ideal if you’re not planning to trade heavily within the UAE mainland.
- Mainland Company: Go this route if you want to do business directly with UAE customers or need a physical presence. You’ll need an office space, and depending on your industry, you might still need a local service agent (though not a partner).
- Offshore Company: Best for holding assets, international trading, or managing IP. Great for privacy and tax planning, but you can’t conduct business within the UAE.
How We Help You Get Started (Step by Step)
Step 1: Free Consultation — Let’s Talk Strategy
Before anything else, we sit down (virtually or in person) to understand your business. What are you selling? Who are your customers? What’s your growth plan? Based on this, we’ll recommend whether Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore makes the most sense — along with upfront cost and timeline estimates.
Step 2: Pick Your Company Name & Activities
Once you’ve decided on the structure, we help you reserve your trade name and select the right business activities for your license. This is crucial because your license determines what you can legally do in Dubai.
Step 3: Get Your Indian Documents Ready
Here’s where things get a bit bureaucratic, but don’t worry — we guide you through it. You’ll need:
- Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months)
- Proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works)
- Business plan or activity description
- If a company is involved: Indian incorporation certificates, MOA/AOA, board resolution
All Indian documents need to be notarized, then attested by the UAE Embassy in India, and finally by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sounds complicated? We handle the coordination so you don’t have to chase paperwork.
Step 4: Company Registration in Dubai
With your documents in order, we submit everything to the relevant authority and secure your trade license. For Mainland companies, you’ll need to lease office space. For Free Zones, a flexi-desk or even a virtual office might be enough to get started.
Step 5: Open Your UAE Bank Account
Once your company is registered, it’s time to set up banking. We introduce you to banks, help prepare your KYC documents, and coordinate meetings. Some banks require you to show up in person — we’ll let you know upfront and help schedule it.
Step 6: Visas & Residency Permits
Want to live and work in Dubai? We handle investor visas, employee visas, and even family sponsorship. Our PRO team takes care of medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and all immigration paperwork.
What Documents Do You Need? (The Full Checklist)
Here’s what you’ll typically need from India:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity remaining)
- Recent proof of address — utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months
- Business plan or detailed description of your activities
- If your Indian company is a shareholder: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, Board Resolution
- All documents must be notarized, attested by UAE Embassy, and approved by UAE MOFA
Pro tip: Start the attestation process early. It’s the most time-consuming part.
How Long Does It Take? And What’s the Cost?
Timeline:
- Free Zone setup: 1-3 days (once all documents are submitted)
- Mainland setup: 3-7 days (depends on approvals and office lease)
- Bank account opening: 2-6 weeks (varies by bank and whether you visit in person)
Cost:
Free Zone packages tailored for Indian entrepreneurs typically start around AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 (roughly ₹2.3 to 5 lakh). This covers basic setup, one visa, and either a flexi-desk or virtual office. Mainland setups usually require a higher budget due to office leasing and additional approvals.
We’ll give you a detailed, transparent quote based on your specific needs — no hidden fees.
Things to Keep in Mind as an Indian Entrepreneur
- Document attestation takes time — Plan for 2-4 weeks. Start early to avoid delays.
- Understand tax implications — Check India-UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) rules, especially around dividend repatriation.
- Define your market — Are you targeting UAE customers (go Mainland) or exporting internationally (Free Zone is better)?
- Banking can be tricky — UAE banks are careful about compliance. We help you present a solid case.
Why Indian Entrepreneurs Trust Setup Dubai Business
- We specialize in helping Indians — We understand the unique challenges, from document attestation in India to cultural nuances in Dubai.
- End-to-end support — From your first call to your first invoice, we’re with you every step.
- Transparent pricing — No surprises, no hidden costs. Just clear timelines and honest communication.
- You stay in India; we handle Dubai — Our Dubai-based team manages everything on the ground so you don’t have to fly back and forth unnecessarily.