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Are you a Belgian entrepreneur seeking international expansion beyond Europe’s borders? Setting up a company in Dubai from Belgium opens remarkable opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs. With strong bilateral ties, favorable tax agreements, and a thriving Belgian expat community, Dubai has become the destination of choice for ambitious Belgian businesses looking to access emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Dubai and Belgium share complementary strengths—Belgium’s expertise in logistics, pharmaceuticals, and international trade aligns perfectly with Dubai’s position as a global commerce gateway. Since 1992, the Belgian Business Council has supported hundreds of Belgian companies in successfully establishing their presence in the UAE, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers from Belgium.
Key advantages for Belgian businesses:
Belgian entrepreneurs across various sectors—from Antwerp’s diamond traders to Brussels’ fintech innovators and Flanders’ logistics experts—find Dubai’s ecosystem exceptionally well-suited for international operations. The emirate offers direct access to high-growth markets that are often challenging to reach from Europe, with simplified business setup processes that contrast sharply with Belgium’s more complex registration requirements.
For Belgian companies accustomed to navigating between Dutch, French, and German-speaking regions, Dubai’s multilingual business environment feels familiar. The city’s international character, combined with modern infrastructure and digital government services, makes market entry remarkably smooth for Belgian entrepreneurs seeking rapid expansion.
Discuss your business objectives, target markets, and planned activities with experienced consultants who understand Belgian business culture. Decide on the optimal structure: Dubai Mainland for direct UAE market access, Free Zone for international trading with tax benefits, or Offshore for holding structures and asset protection. Receive a customized roadmap with transparent cost estimates tailored to your specific needs.
Select from Dubai’s extensive range of business activities—over 2,000 registered activities are available across various commercial, industrial, and professional sectors. Propose several trade name options that comply with UAE naming conventions (avoid using abbreviations or personal names unless for professional firms). Reserve your chosen name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies or the relevant free zone authority. Confirm your permitted business activities and applicable license type based on your intended operations.
Collect passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement dated within three months), and business documentation for any corporate shareholders including Belgian company registration certificates. Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA) in Arabic with English translation, outlining your company structure and share distribution. If needed, arrange a Power of Attorney so the entire process can be completed remotely from Belgium without travel. Documents may need to be notarized in Belgium and attested by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy for mainland setups.
Submit your application with reserved trade name, company documents, and shareholder information to DET or your chosen free zone authority. Obtain initial approval confirming acceptance of your business activity and compliance with regulatory requirements. Pay applicable fees for license issuance, registration, and any security deposits required by your chosen jurisdiction. License fees typically range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000, though costs differ between free zones and mainland jurisdictions.
For Mainland companies, you need a physical office with a valid tenancy contract registered with Ejari (Dubai’s official tenancy registration system). Free zone companies can operate within designated areas with office agreements. Flexi-desk and virtual office solutions are now available in many free zones, providing cost-effective options for Belgian startups and service-based businesses. For certain mainland activities, you may need to finalize local service agent arrangements, though most business activities no longer require a local sponsor.
Complete final submission of all documentation to receive your trade license and incorporation certificate. Your official business license, commercial registration number, and incorporation documents will be issued, allowing you to legally commence business operations throughout the UAE or internationally, depending on your license type.
Prepare your comprehensive banking KYC package including company documents, shareholder and signatory identification, detailed business plan, and proof of business activity. UAE banks apply strict compliance checks, which can be challenging for non-residents, but proper documentation and working with experienced consultants streamlines the process significantly. Banks may request personal meetings or interviews—consultants can coordinate these on your behalf or facilitate remote submissions where possible. Once approved, receive account activation, online banking setup, and corporate cards for business operations.
Apply for investor and employee residence visas after receiving your trade license. Most visas last two or three years and can be renewed, with options to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents under your business. Complete mandatory health screening for residents 18 and older, including blood tests and chest X-rays (standard requirements across the UAE). Proceed with Emirates ID registration and visa stamping procedures. For employees relocating from Belgium or hiring locally, prepare employment contracts and apply for work permits as applicable.
Expand your business with confidence. Our Dubai-based experts handle everything from licensing and documentation to bank setup and visas.
Launch your company 100% remotely, with full transparency and dedicated support at every step.
Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to officially enroll your business, providing credibility and access to valuable networking opportunities with other Belgian entrepreneurs through the Belgian Business Council. Establish robust accounting systems compliant with both UAE and international standards, register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold of AED 375,000, and set up payroll for employees.
Understand ongoing compliance requirements including annual license renewals, VAT filing (quarterly for most businesses), corporate tax filing, and visa renewals. Proper calendar management prevents penalties and maintains your company’s good standing with UAE authorities.
Mainland company formation typically requires 2–6 weeks depending on activity complexity, required approvals, and any service agent arrangements. Document attestation from Belgium may add extra time.
Free zone company formation can often be completed in 5–14 days when documentation is prepared and the business activity is straightforward. Many free zones offer bundled packages that simplify the process.
Offshore company setup is usually the fastest option—often completed within a few days—since no physical office or visa sponsorship is required.
Pro tips for smooth registration:
Understanding investment requirements helps Belgian entrepreneurs budget appropriately for Dubai expansion. Starting a company involves setup costs, license fees, and potential capital requirements depending on business type and location.
Typical investment ranges:
Essential documentation for your Dubai company registration from Belgium:
Several free zones are particularly well-suited for Belgian businesses based on industry focus, infrastructure, and business community:
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – The world’s flagship free zone with over 26,000 companies from 180+ countries, ideal for trading (especially diamonds and precious commodities—perfect for Antwerp connections), consulting, fintech, and technology startups. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers with premium facilities and a thriving international community.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Excellent for logistics, manufacturing, and large-scale trading with direct access to Jebel Ali Port, one of the world’s busiest container ports. Ideal for Belgian logistics companies and businesses requiring warehousing facilities. Free zones often bundle services into packages, simplifying the setup process.
Dubai Silicon Oasis – Technology and innovation hub offering competitive costs and strong support for tech startups, software development, and IT services. Excellent infrastructure for Belgian technology entrepreneurs and scale-ups.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – The region’s leading financial hub, perfect for Belgian financial services, investment firms, and professional service providers. Operates under common law with independent courts and regulatory framework.
Dubai Healthcare City – Specialized free zone for pharmaceutical companies, medical technology, and healthcare services—ideal for Belgian life sciences and pharmaceutical businesses.
Dubai Media City – Tailored for media production, creative agencies, design firms, and content creation businesses. Excellent for Belgian creative industries and digital media companies.
The double taxation treaty signed between Belgium and the United Arab Emirates in 1996 provides significant advantages for Belgian entrepreneurs operating in both jurisdictions, preventing income from being taxed twice.
Key treaty benefits:
The treaty applies to personal income tax, corporate income tax, non-resident income tax, and the complementary crisis contribution in Belgium, as well as corporate income tax and similar local taxes in the UAE.
Belgian entrepreneurs arriving in Dubai benefit from an established support network. The Belgian Business Council, founded in 1992, connects newcomers with experienced Belgian business owners already operating successfully in the UAE. The Belgian Club Dubai offers social networking, business events, and member benefits including discounts at selected locations throughout Dubai.
This active community provides invaluable market insights, partnership opportunities, and the familiar sense of belonging that makes international expansion less daunting. From networking events to business forums, Belgian entrepreneurs find partners, clients, and collaborators quickly in Dubai’s welcoming environment.
Can I own 100% of my company in Dubai?
Yes—full foreign ownership is now permitted in most free zones and in the majority of mainland business activities. You no longer need a local sponsor for most business sectors, though a Local Service Agent (LSA) may be appointed for administrative purposes in certain mainland activities. Free zones and offshore companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to register my company?
While physical presence is generally required for bank account opening and visa processing, initial company registration can often be completed remotely through authorized service providers with a Power of Attorney. Most steps can be handled from Belgium, though some banks may request personal meetings for compliance purposes.
How does Dubai’s tax system compare to Belgium’s?
The contrast is dramatic. Belgium has one of Europe’s highest tax burdens with corporate income tax at 25% and personal income tax rates reaching up to 50%, plus 21% VAT. Dubai offers 9% corporate tax only on profits above AED 375,000 (approximately €95,000), zero personal income tax, and just 5% VAT. For Belgian entrepreneurs accustomed to heavy taxation, Dubai’s system provides substantial savings that can be reinvested in business growth.
Which business structure should I choose?
The optimal structure depends on your business model. Choose Mainland if you need direct access to the UAE market, government contracts, or want to operate throughout all seven emirates without restrictions. Select a Free Zone for international trading, e-commerce, consulting, or service-based work with tax advantages, 100% ownership, and streamlined setup. Consider Offshore for holding companies, asset protection, or international investment structures without requiring physical presence or visa sponsorship.
What about the double taxation treaty?
The Belgium-UAE double taxation treaty, signed in 1996, prevents Belgian investors from being taxed twice on the same income. Income taxed in the UAE is generally exempt from Belgian taxation, though it may affect your progressive tax rate calculation in Belgium. The treaty provides clear guidelines on which country has taxation rights for different types of income, offering significant protection and benefits for Belgian entrepreneurs.
Can I bring my family to Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers excellent family relocation opportunities. Once you obtain your investor visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents under your business. Belgian children have access to world-class international schools and universities, ensuring continuity in education. Healthcare standards are impressive with modern hospitals and clinics, and Dubai consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities, offering a multicultural and welcoming environment where families thrive.
How long does the entire process take?
From initial consultation to receiving your trade license, the process typically takes 2–6 weeks for mainland companies and 5–14 days for free zone companies. The process can be completed in a matter of days with all documents ready and straightforward business activities. Additional time is needed for bank account opening and visa processing.
What ongoing costs should I expect?
Annual costs include license renewal (similar to initial license fees), office space rental, visa renewals for yourself and employees, accounting and bookkeeping services, and VAT compliance if applicable. Budget for these recurring expenses to maintain your company’s good standing.
Join thousands of global founders who launched their UAE companies with us. From licensing to banking , we handle it all.
Since 2010, we have been supporting Belgian entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses in Dubai. We provide comprehensive end-to-end support including expert legal guidance, assistance with all documentation and government procedures, coordination with local service agents where required, facilitation of banking introductions and account opening, complete visa processing support, and ongoing post-incorporation compliance assistance.
Our consultants understand the specific needs of Belgian businesses and the key differences between Belgian and UAE business practices. We maintain strong relationships with both Belgian and UAE authorities, the Belgian Business Council, and the wider Belgian community in Dubai to ensure a smooth, efficient setup process.
We manage the entire process—from selecting the right setup in either a free zone or mainland, to preparing visa applications and opening corporate bank accounts. By taking care of licensing, compliance, and administration, we remove the stress and confusion that often comes with establishing a company in another country. For Belgian entrepreneurs, the benefits are clear: quicker company formation, reduced risk of mistakes, and peace of mind that every step is being handled correctly.
Whether you’re a startup founder from Brussels, an established SME from Antwerp, or a large corporation from Flanders seeking Middle East expansion, we facilitate every step of your Dubai journey. Let us help you navigate the cultural and regulatory landscape while you stay focused on strategy, growth, and building your footprint in new markets.
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