English
Company registration in Dubai opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic business environments. With a strategic location connecting East and West, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations, Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs and corporations seeking growth opportunities. Setup Dubai Business simplifies the Dubai company registration process, guiding you from initial consultation to fully operational business.
Dubai’s regulatory environment has evolved significantly, making 2026 an opportune time for business formation. The emirate now offers 100% foreign ownership across most mainland commercial and industrial activities, eliminating the previous requirement for local sponsors in many sectors.
Key advantages of registering a company in Dubai include:
Dubai’s economy continues to grow under the D33 Economic Agenda, with the government actively working to double the emirate’s economic output. This creates substantial opportunities for businesses across sectors from general trading to e-commerce ventures.
Choosing the right company structure is fundamental to your success. Each jurisdiction offers distinct advantages depending on your business activities, target market, and operational requirements.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) provides maximum flexibility for trading within the UAE market. Following the 2021 commercial law amendments, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most business activities.
Free zone companies operate within designated economic zones, each specializing in specific industries. Dubai hosts over 30 free zones including DMCC, JAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and DAFZA.
A professional license suits consultants, freelancers, and service-based businesses. This structure allows 100% foreign ownership and requires a local service agent rather than a sponsor.
Offshore companies are designed for international trade, holding assets, or corporate structuring. They cannot conduct business within the UAE but offer an efficient structure for global operations.
| Feature | Mainland LLC | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| UAE Market Access | Full | Limited (with permit) | None |
| Residence Visa | Yes | Yes | No |
| Physical Office Required | Yes (virtual options available) | Yes (within zone) | No |
| Setup Timeline | 5-10 business days | 3-7 business days | 3-5 business days |
The company registration process in Dubai has been streamlined through digital-first initiatives. With proper guidance, most businesses can be operational within one to two weeks.
Every successful Dubai business registration begins with understanding your specific requirements. During your free consultation, we assess your business activities, target market, ownership structure, and visa requirements to recommend the optimal jurisdiction and company type.
Key considerations include:
Once the company type is determined, we secure your trade name with the relevant authority. The name must comply with UAE naming conventions and be distinct from existing registered entities. Name reservation typically completes within one to two business days.
The primary application for your trade license in Dubai is submitted to the appropriate issuing authority. This stage confirms your proposed business activities, finalizes fees, and initiates the formal incorporation process.
Required documents typically include:
Upon approval, you receive your trade license and incorporation certificate. At this stage, your company is legally registered and can commence commercial operations. Our Corporate Service Officers guide you through each milestone to ensure a smooth process.
A functional business requires a corporate bank account. Opening a bank account in Dubai has become more documentation-intensive in 2026, with banks requiring comprehensive business plans and compliance documentation.
Setup Dubai Business maintains established relationships with reputable UAE banks, facilitating account openings for the companies we register. Banking facilities available include:
Bank accounts typically activate within five business days after documentation approval, with online access credentials and cards delivered to your address.
For businesses requiring residence visas, the immigration process follows company incorporation. The UAE offers several visa categories including investor visas, employment visas, and the prestigious Golden Visa for qualifying business owners.
The visa process involves:
Our dedicated PRO team handles all government liaison work, ensuring you only attend essential appointments while we manage the administrative procedures.
Understanding current compliance obligations is essential for sustainable business operations in Dubai.
The UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000. Profits up to AED 375,000 remain at 0%. Corporate tax returns must be filed within 9 months of your financial year-end.
5% VAT applies with mandatory registration at AED 375,000 annual turnover. Updated VAT rules effective January 2026 include simplified paperwork and a 5-year refund claim window.
Phased e-invoicing rollout begins July 2026 for businesses with AED 50M+ revenue. All B2B and B2G transactions will require FTA-certified accounting software through the national Peppol network. SMEs follow in later phases (July 2027).
Additional compliance requirements include annual trade license renewal, Economic Substance Regulations for relevant activities, and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) transparency requirements.
With over 15 years of experience in company registration services in Dubai, Setup Dubai Business provides comprehensive support from initial planning through ongoing operations. Our approach combines regulatory expertise with practical business understanding.
Our diverse client base includes entrepreneurs, investors, import-export professionals, consultants, and multinational corporations. Whether you are exploring starting a business in Dubai as a foreigner or expanding an existing operation, we provide the guidance to make your venture successful.
Disclaimer: Business regulations in Dubai are subject to change. This information reflects requirements as of January 2026. Specific situations may vary based on business activity, jurisdiction, and individual circumstances. Contact our team for personalized advice tailored to your needs. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
The Dubai company registration process need not be complicated. With expert guidance and clear procedures, your business can be operational and ready to capitalize on Dubai’s opportunities.
Contact Setup Dubai Business for a free consultation. Our team will assess your requirements, recommend the optimal company structure, and provide a detailed proposal with transparent pricing.
Call us today: +971 55 378 8000
Get a Quote
WhatsApp
Italiano
简体中文
Русский
日本語
عربى