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Are you a German entrepreneur or business owner looking to expand into international markets? Setting up a company in Dubai from Germany opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. With its strategic location, business-friendly regulations, and strong economic ties with Germany, Dubai offers German businesses an ideal platform for regional and global growth.
Dubai has become increasingly popular among German entrepreneurs and established companies seeking international expansion. The emirate provides strategic access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, reaching over 2 billion consumers. German businesses benefit from streamlined company formation processes, modern infrastructure, and a stable regulatory environment that supports rapid market entry.
Key advantages for German businesses:
German companies—particularly in manufacturing, technology, engineering, consulting, and trading—find Dubai’s ecosystem exceptionally well-suited for international operations. Service providers in technology, software, and business advisory use Dubai as a gateway to global clients. The simplified bureaucracy and faster setup times contrast sharply with Germany’s more complex registration processes, making Dubai an attractive alternative for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency.
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.
Discuss your business objectives, target markets, and planned activities. Decide on the optimal structure: Dubai Mainland for direct UAE market access, Free Zone for international trading and tax benefits, or Offshore for holding and asset protection. Receive a customized roadmap and transparent cost estimate for your Dubai company setup.
Select from approved business activities—over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities now permit 100% foreign ownership in Dubai Mainland. Propose several trade name options that comply with UAE naming conventions. 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.
Collect passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of address, and business documentation for corporate shareholders. Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association or equivalent founding documents. If needed, arrange a Power of Attorney so the entire process can be completed remotely from Germany without travel. Translate, notarize, and arrange UAE attestation for documents when required by authorities.
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. Pay applicable fees for license issuance, registration, and any security deposits required by your chosen jurisdiction.
Provide a tenancy contract (Ejari registration) for mainland companies or office agreement for free zone companies. Virtual office solutions and flexi-desk options are accepted by many free zones. For certain mainland business activities, finalize any required local service agent arrangements and document the agreement properly.
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. You can now legally commence business operations throughout the UAE or internationally, depending on your license type.
Prepare your banking KYC package including company documents, shareholder and signatory identification, board resolution, and proof of business activity. Banks may require personal interviews or meetings—we coordinate these on your behalf or facilitate remote submissions where possible. Once approved, receive account activation, online banking setup, and corporate cards for business use.
Apply for investor and employee residence visas after receiving your trade license. Complete medical examinations, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping procedures. For employees relocating from Germany or hiring locally, prepare employment contracts and apply for work permits as applicable.
Register with Dubai Chamber of Commerce if required for your business sector and obtain any industry-specific permits or approvals. Establish accounting systems, register for VAT if your turnover meets the threshold, and set up payroll for employees. Plan for annual renewals including license renewal, office lease extension, and visa renewals—proper calendar management prevents penalties and maintains your company’s good standing.
Mainland company formation typically requires 2–6 weeks depending on activity complexity, required approvals, and any service agent arrangements.
Free zone company formation can often be completed in 5–14 days when documentation is prepared and the business activity is straightforward.
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:
Essential documentation for your Dubai company registration:
Several free zones are particularly well-suited for German businesses based on industry focus and infrastructure:
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – Home to over 26,000 companies from 180+ countries, ideal for trading, commodities, consulting, and technology startups. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers with premium facilities and strong business community.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Perfect for logistics, manufacturing, and large-scale trading with direct access to Jebel Ali Port, the busiest port in the Middle East. Excellent for businesses moving physical goods and requiring warehousing facilities.
Dubai Silicon Oasis – Technology and innovation hub offering competitive costs and strong support for tech startups, software development, and IT services companies.
Dubai Internet City – Specialized ecosystem for digital businesses, IT companies, and technology services with modern infrastructure and collaborative environment.
Dubai Media City – Tailored for media production, creative agencies, design firms, and content creation businesses.
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 following recent UAE ownership reforms. Offshore entities also provide 100% foreign ownership. Only certain strategic sectors still require local participation.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to register my company?
No, most registration steps can be completed remotely from Germany through a Power of Attorney and electronic document submission. However, some banks may request personal meetings for corporate account opening, though this varies by institution.
How does Dubai’s tax system compare to Germany’s?
Germany’s complex tax system requires nine annual tax payments totaling 218 hours of work, plus high payroll taxation. Dubai offers a much simpler system with 9% corporate tax only on profits above AED 375,000 (approximately €95,000), no personal income tax, and 5% VAT compared to Germany’s 19% standard VAT rate.
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 emirates. Select a Free Zone for international trading, e-commerce, or service-based work with tax advantages. Consider Offshore for holding companies, asset protection, or international investment structures.
Is VAT applicable in Dubai?
VAT applies at 5% in the UAE. Businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 must register for VAT. We provide comprehensive guidance on VAT registration and ongoing compliance requirements.
Can I relocate my existing German business to Dubai?
Yes, many German companies successfully expand to or relocate operations to Dubai. You can establish a branch of your German company, set up a new independent entity, or create a dual-structure approach to optimize both market access and tax efficiency.
Join thousands of global founders who launched their UAE companies with us. From licensing to banking , we handle it all.
We provide comprehensive end-to-end support for German entrepreneurs establishing companies in Dubai. Our services include expert legal guidance, assistance with all documentation and government procedures, coordination with local sponsors or 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 German businesses and the differences between German and UAE business practices. We provide guidance in German where needed and ensure a smooth, efficient setup process tailored to your specific business objectives. Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur, established SME, or large corporation seeking Middle East expansion, we’re here to make your Dubai company formation seamless and successful.
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