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Are you a Swiss entrepreneur seeking international expansion into high-growth markets? Setting up a company in Dubai from Switzerland opens exceptional opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. With a robust double taxation treaty, strong bilateral ties, and an established Swiss business community, Dubai has become the destination of choice for ambitious Swiss companies looking to access emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Dubai and Switzerland share natural synergies—both are global commerce centers known for their business-friendly environments, international outlook, and commitment to excellence. The Swiss Business Council, established in 1996 and licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, has supported countless Swiss companies in successfully establishing their presence in the UAE, creating a welcoming ecosystem for newcomers from Switzerland.
Key advantages for Swiss businesses:
Swiss entrepreneurs across various sectors—from Zurich’s financial services to Geneva’s trading houses, Basel’s pharmaceutical companies, and Switzerland’s renowned precision manufacturing—find Dubai’s ecosystem exceptionally well-suited for international operations. The emirate offers direct access to high-growth markets that complement Switzerland’s established European presence, with simplified business setup processes and digital government services that match Swiss efficiency standards.
For Swiss companies accustomed to Switzerland’s multilingual environment and precision in business, Dubai’s professional infrastructure and international character feel familiar. The city’s commitment to quality, modern regulations, and transparent procedures aligns well with Swiss business values, making market entry remarkably smooth for Swiss entrepreneurs seeking regional expansion.
Discuss your business objectives, target markets, and planned activities with experienced consultants who understand Swiss business culture and regulatory standards. Decide on the optimal structure: Dubai Mainland for direct UAE market access and local trading, Free Zone for international operations with tax benefits and streamlined setup, or Offshore for holding structures and asset protection. Receive a customized roadmap with transparent cost estimates and clear timelines tailored to your specific needs.
Select from Dubai’s extensive range of business activities—over 2,000 registered commercial, industrial, and professional activities are available. Propose several trade name options that comply with UAE naming conventions (avoid abbreviations unless for professional firms, and ensure names don’t conflict with existing trademarks). 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 (Swiss or international), proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement dated within three months), and business documentation for any corporate shareholders including Swiss company registration certificates from the Commercial Register. Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA) in Arabic with English translation, outlining your company structure, share distribution, and governance framework. If needed, arrange a Power of Attorney authenticated by Swiss authorities so the entire process can be completed remotely from Switzerland without travel. Documents may need to be apostilled in Switzerland and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate for mainland setups.
Submit your comprehensive application with reserved trade name, company documents, and detailed 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, commercial registration, and any security deposits required by your chosen jurisdiction. License fees typically range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 (approximately CHF 2,500 to CHF 5,000), though costs vary 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 ensuring transparency). Free zone companies can operate within designated free zone areas with office agreements. Flexi-desk, co-working spaces, and virtual office solutions are now available in many free zones, providing cost-effective options for Swiss startups and service-based businesses. For certain regulated mainland activities, you may need to finalize local service agent arrangements, though most business activities no longer require a local sponsor following recent regulatory reforms.
Complete final submission of all documentation to receive your trade license and incorporation certificate. Your official business license, unique commercial registration number, and incorporation documents will be issued by the relevant authority, allowing you to legally commence business operations throughout the UAE or internationally, depending on your license type and jurisdiction.
Prepare your comprehensive banking KYC package including company documents, shareholder and signatory identification, detailed business plan with financial projections, and proof of legitimate business activity. UAE banks apply stringent compliance checks meeting international standards, which can be challenging for non-residents, but proper documentation and working with experienced consultants who understand Swiss banking standards streamlines the process significantly. Major Swiss banks with UAE presence (UBS, Credit Suisse) may facilitate relationships, though local UAE banks often provide better service for regional operations. Banks may request personal meetings or video interviews—consultants can coordinate these on your behalf or facilitate remote submissions where possible. Once approved, receive account activation, online banking setup with robust security features, 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. The Golden Visa program offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for significant investors and entrepreneurs meeting qualifying criteria. 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 biometric data collection, followed by visa stamping procedures. For employees relocating from Switzerland or hiring locally, prepare employment contracts compliant with UAE labor law and apply for work permits as applicable.
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Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to officially enroll your business, providing credibility and access to valuable networking opportunities with other Swiss entrepreneurs through the Swiss Business Council. Establish robust accounting systems compliant with both UAE regulations and international standards (IFRS), register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold of AED 375,000 (approximately CHF 95,000), and set up payroll systems for employees.
Understand ongoing compliance requirements including annual license renewals, quarterly VAT filing for most businesses, corporate tax filing on profits exceeding AED 375,000, employment visa renewals, and maintaining proper corporate records. Swiss entrepreneurs accustomed to Switzerland’s rigorous compliance standards will find Dubai’s requirements straightforward with proper systems in place. Proper calendar management and working with qualified accounting firms 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, document attestation timeframes, and any service agent arrangements. Swiss document apostille and UAE attestation may add extra time to the process.
Free zone company formation can often be completed in 5–14 days when documentation is fully prepared and the business activity is straightforward. Many free zones offer bundled packages that simplify the process and provide predictable costs.
Offshore company setup is usually the fastest option—often completed within 3–7 days—since no physical office, visa sponsorship, or local regulatory approvals are required beyond the offshore jurisdiction itself.
Pro tips for smooth registration:
Understanding investment requirements helps Swiss entrepreneurs budget appropriately for Dubai expansion. Starting a company involves setup costs, license fees, office requirements, and potential capital deposits depending on business type and location.
Typical investment ranges (converted to CHF for Swiss reference):
Essential documentation for your Dubai company registration from Switzerland:
Several free zones are particularly well-suited for Swiss businesses based on industry focus, infrastructure quality, 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 precious metals, commodities, and luxury goods—perfect for Swiss traders), consulting, wealth management, and technology companies. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers with premium facilities matching Swiss quality standards and a thriving international community.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – The region’s leading financial hub operating under common law with independent courts and world-class regulatory framework. Perfect for Swiss financial services, private banking, wealth management, investment firms, and professional service providers. DIFC’s standards and governance match Swiss expectations for financial services.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Excellent for logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, and large-scale trading with direct access to Jebel Ali Port, one of the world’s busiest container ports handling over 15 million TEUs annually. Ideal for Swiss manufacturing, precision engineering, and businesses requiring supply chain infrastructure.
Dubai Silicon Oasis – Technology and innovation hub offering competitive costs and strong support for tech startups, software development, IT services, and clean-tech companies. Excellent infrastructure for Swiss technology entrepreneurs and scale-ups focusing on innovation.
Dubai Healthcare City – Specialized free zone for pharmaceutical companies, medical technology, healthcare services, and biotechnology. Ideal for Basel’s pharmaceutical sector and Swiss medical device manufacturers seeking regional presence.
Dubai Science Park – Focus on life sciences, research and development, environmental sciences, and innovation. Perfect for Swiss companies in precision instruments, laboratory equipment, and scientific services.
The comprehensive double taxation treaty between Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, originally signed in 1992, renewed in 2011, and recently amended by protocol in November 2022, provides significant advantages for Swiss entrepreneurs operating in both jurisdictions.
Key treaty benefits:
For Swiss entrepreneurs accustomed to Switzerland’s complex cantonal and federal tax system (combining federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes that can reach 11.5%–24.4% depending on canton), Dubai’s straightforward 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 combined with the double taxation treaty provides substantial tax efficiency for international operations.
Swiss entrepreneurs arriving in Dubai benefit from an established and active support network. The Swiss Business Council, established in 1996 and officially licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, connects newcomers with experienced Swiss business owners already operating successfully across the UAE. The Council organizes regular networking events, business forums, and professional development opportunities, providing invaluable market insights, partnership opportunities, and the familiar sense of belonging that makes international expansion less daunting.
Dubai is home to thousands of Swiss expatriates, creating a vibrant community with Swiss restaurants, cultural events, and business networks. Swiss quality standards, precision, and reliability are highly respected in Dubai’s business community, giving Swiss entrepreneurs immediate credibility when entering the market. From connecting with potential partners to understanding local business practices, the Swiss community provides practical support that accelerates business success.
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 regulatory reforms. 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. This represents a significant advantage over some other international markets where local partnership is mandatory.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to register my company?
While physical presence is generally required for bank account opening (though some banks now offer video verification) and visa processing with biometric data collection, initial company registration can often be completed remotely through authorized service providers with a properly notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney. Most documentation, approvals, and licensing steps can be handled from Switzerland, though at least one visit to Dubai is recommended for banking relationships, office viewing, and market familiarization.
How does Dubai’s tax system compare to Switzerland’s?
The comparison is favorable for many Swiss entrepreneurs. Switzerland’s combined federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes create effective corporate tax rates ranging from 11.5% to 24.4% depending on canton (Zug and Lucerne being most favorable, Geneva and Basel higher). Dubai offers 9% corporate tax only on profits above AED 375,000 (approximately CHF 95,000), with 0% tax in qualifying free zones. Personal income tax is 0% in Dubai compared to Switzerland’s progressive system reaching significant rates. VAT is 5% in UAE versus 8.1% in Switzerland. For Swiss entrepreneurs seeking international expansion, Dubai’s tax efficiency allows greater profit retention for reinvestment and growth.
Which business structure should I choose?
The optimal structure depends on your business model and strategic objectives. Choose Mainland if you need direct access to the UAE market, government contracts, or want to operate throughout all seven emirates without restrictions. Mainland allows maximum flexibility but requires physical office space. Select a Free Zone for international trading, professional services, consulting, e-commerce, or technology-based work with tax advantages, 100% ownership, streamlined setup, and bundled office solutions. Consider Offshore for holding companies, asset protection, international investment structures, or intellectual property management without requiring physical presence or visa sponsorship.
What about the double taxation treaty?
The Switzerland-UAE double taxation treaty, originally signed in 1992, renewed in 2011, and amended in 2022, prevents Swiss investors from being taxed twice on the same income. Switzerland applies the exemption with progression method for most UAE income, meaning UAE-sourced income is generally exempt from Swiss taxation but may affect your progressive tax rate calculation in Switzerland. The treaty provides clear guidelines on dividends (5% or 15% withholding depending on participation), interest and royalties (favorable rates), and capital gains taxation. For Swiss entrepreneurs, this creates highly tax-efficient structures for international operations while maintaining full compliance in both jurisdictions.
Can I bring my family to Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers excellent family relocation opportunities with quality of life matching Swiss standards. Once you obtain your investor visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents under your business. Swiss families have access to world-class international schools offering Swiss, German, IB, and other curricula, ensuring educational continuity for children. Healthcare standards are excellent with modern hospitals staffed by international specialists. Dubai consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities with low crime rates, and the multicultural environment welcomes families from over 200 nationalities. The Golden Visa program offers long-term residency (5-10 years) for qualifying investors and their families.
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 when all documentation is properly prepared. Document apostille in Switzerland and UAE attestation can add 5–10 days. Banking relationships may require an additional 1–2 weeks. Complete setup from decision to operational company typically requires 4–8 weeks for comprehensive mainland establishment or 2–4 weeks for streamlined free zone setup. The Golden Visa application (if applicable) adds additional processing time but provides long-term residency security.
What ongoing costs should I expect?
Annual costs include license renewal (similar to initial license fees, typically AED 10,000–20,000), office space rental or flexi-desk fees, visa renewals for yourself and employees (AED 2,000–5,000 per visa including Emirates ID), accounting and bookkeeping services (AED 1,500–5,000 monthly depending on transaction volume), VAT compliance and filing if applicable, and audit requirements for larger entities. Swiss entrepreneurs should budget CHF 15,000–30,000 annually for complete compliance and operational costs beyond direct business expenses.
Is my Swiss social security affected?
Switzerland has social security agreements with many countries but not currently with the UAE. Swiss nationals relocating to Dubai typically remain in the Swiss social security system for their first five years abroad through voluntary continuation (Article 2 LAVS), maintaining pension rights and contributions. After five years, or if you formally deregister from Switzerland, you’ll need to arrange private health insurance and pension planning. Many Swiss expatriates maintain both Swiss and international insurance coverage. Consult with Swiss pension specialists before relocating to optimize your social security situation.
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 specifically tailored for Swiss entrepreneurs establishing companies in Dubai. Our services include expert legal guidance meeting Swiss standards of precision, assistance with all documentation and government procedures, coordination with Swiss authorities for apostille and attestation, facilitation of banking introductions leveraging relationships with both Swiss banks in UAE and leading local institutions, complete visa processing support including Golden Visa applications, and ongoing post-incorporation compliance assistance.
Our consultants understand the specific needs of Swiss businesses and the key differences between Swiss and UAE business practices. We maintain strong relationships with Swiss and UAE authorities, the Swiss Business Council, and the wider Swiss community in Dubai to ensure smooth, efficient setup processes that meet Swiss quality expectations. We provide guidance in German, French, and English as needed, matching Switzerland’s multilingual business environment.
We manage the entire process—from selecting the optimal jurisdiction (free zone, mainland, or offshore) to preparing comprehensive documentation, managing apostille and attestation procedures, facilitating banking relationships, processing investor and Golden Visas, and establishing ongoing compliance systems. By handling all licensing, regulatory compliance, and administrative procedures, we remove complexity and allow Swiss entrepreneurs to focus on strategy, market development, and business growth.
Whether you’re a startup founder from Zurich’s tech scene, an established SME from Geneva’s trading sector, a financial services firm from Basel, or a large corporation seeking Middle East expansion, we facilitate every step of your Dubai journey. Our track record with Swiss companies—from precision manufacturing to financial services and technology startups—demonstrates our deep understanding of Swiss business culture and expectations.
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