Start Your Company in Dubai.
Without the Confusion.
Tell us what you’re building and we’ll help you understand your company setup options, requirements and next steps — then connect you with the right professionals to complete your setup.
Free guidance · No consultation fee · Response within 24 hours
Supported by company formation partners with 25+ years of experience and 80,000+ incorporations.
A PLACE TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai & the UAE
From 0% UAE personal income tax to flexible office solutions and international business opportunities, discover why entrepreneurs from around the world choose the UAE to establish and grow their companies.
0% Personal Income Tax
The UAE generally imposes no personal income tax on employment salaries. Working founders and employees can receive properly structured, documented salaries; corporate tax rules and foreign tax obligations remain separate.
0% UAE Tax on Salaries
Flexible Office Solutions
Many UAE Free Zones allow eligible businesses to use approved business addresses, flexi-desks and shared workspaces instead of a traditional private office. Facilities and optional add-ons depend on your licence and package.
Start Without a Private Office
100% Foreign Ownership
International entrepreneurs can own 100% of many UAE businesses without a local shareholder. Ownership rules and exceptions depend on the selected business activity and company structure.
Own Your Business
Fast Company Formation
Streamlined procedures can make company formation efficient once documents and approvals are complete. Selected Free Zones offer remote registration; licence, banking and visa timelines vary.
Remote Setup Options Available
UAE Residency Options
Eligible founders can apply for UAE residency through suitable company structures. Sponsoring a spouse or children depends on eligibility and immigration requirements. Approval is not guaranteed.
Live & Work in the UAE
Built for International Business
Modern infrastructure and international connections support access to regional and global markets. Work with international customers subject to your company’s licensing and regulatory requirements.
Connect With Global Markets
Benefits, eligibility and requirements depend on the selected company structure, business activity and individual circumstances. Foreign tax obligations may also apply.
Ready to Start Your Business in Dubai?
Every business is different. Whether you need a Free Zone or Mainland licence, residence visas, a business address, banking guidance or additional office services, we can help you explore suitable options.
Multiple company formation options. No obligation to proceed.
Free guidance. Clear options. Your decision.
SetupDubai does not charge you a consultation or advisory fee. We help you understand your requirements, explore suitable company setup options and understand the practical requirements before you decide how to proceed.
If you choose to proceed through one of the professional company formation providers we introduce, SetupDubai may receive compensation from that provider. You don’t pay SetupDubai for our guidance.
No consultation fee
Ask questions and understand your options before making a decision.
No advisory fee
Our company setup guidance is free from first enquiry through the process.
No pressure
Understand the requirements first. Decide when you’re ready.
Pay Yourself a Salary.
0% UAE Personal Income Tax.
For working founders, the distinction between employment salary and company profit matters. A salary arrangement needs to reflect your actual role, with appropriate accounting and supporting records.
Salary must reflect genuine work and be properly documented. Owner salary deductions must meet applicable corporate tax market-value and business-purpose requirements. Company profits are subject to separate corporate tax rules. UAE residency does not automatically remove tax obligations in another country.
Your UAE Business Address.
Without the Cost of a Private Office.
Match your workspace to how you actually operate. Confirm which facilities your licence package includes, how often you can use them and which services can be added separately.
Registered Business Address
Use an approved address associated with your company licence. Mail handling or forwarding may be available depending on the provider.
Flexi-Desk & Co-working
Access shared office spaces or flexible working facilities without committing to a full-time private office, where your licence permits it.
Meeting Rooms & Business Facilities
Selected packages offer professional meeting rooms, reception services and additional facilities. Check access limits and any separate charges.
Upgrade When You Grow
Start with a suitable flexible package and explore dedicated desks, private offices or larger premises as your business expands, subject to availability and approvals.
Flexible premises are not suitable for every activity. Shops, warehouses, industrial or regulated businesses may need dedicated facilities. Confirm the approved address, visa capacity and authority requirements; a flexible package does not guarantee a residence permit or bank account.
Need More Than a Business Address?
Different businesses have different requirements. Whether you need a registered business address, co-working facilities, meeting rooms, mail handling, a dedicated desk or a private office, there are multiple options to explore.
Additional services and facilities may be available depending on the Free Zone and your selected company formation package. Tell us what you need, and we'll help you explore suitable options.
Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE — we’ll help you explore the right setup.
Company Formation Dubai
Planning to establish your business in Dubai? We’ll help you understand the available company structures, licensing requirements, residency options and setup requirements.
Company Formation UAE
Looking beyond Dubai or unsure which UAE jurisdiction fits your business? We’ll help you explore the available options based on what your company actually needs.
From idea to UAE company.
You don’t need to understand every licence, jurisdiction or residency requirement before contacting us. That’s what we’re here to help with.
- 01
Tell us what you’re building
Answer a few quick questions about your business, shareholders and residency needs.
- 02
We review your requirements
We look at what you’re planning to do and the practical requirements around your setup.
- 03
Receive your setup options
We’ll contact you with suitable options and the next steps.
- 04
Start your company
When you’re ready to proceed, we’ll connect you with the appropriate professionals and remain available throughout the process.
How to start a company in Dubai.
- 01Define your business activity
- 02Choose a jurisdiction — Free Zone or Mainland
- 03Reserve a trade name
- 04Prepare shareholder documents
- 05Apply for your licence
- 06Residency (if needed)
- 07Open a corporate bank account
- 08Register for tax
Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore?
There isn’t one company structure that’s right for everyone. The right choice depends on what your business does, where it operates, your residency requirements and how you plan to use the company.
Free Zone
A popular route for many international entrepreneurs and businesses. Different Free Zones support different activities, facilities and operating requirements.
Mainland
A mainland company can be appropriate for businesses that need a UAE mainland structure, particular licensed activities or specific local operating capabilities.
Offshore
Offshore structures can be relevant for specific international ownership, asset or corporate structuring requirements, but they serve a different purpose from an operational UAE company.
What does your company setup need?
Your setup should match your activities, shareholders, customer markets, premises and residence visa needs. Additional permissions may be required for regulated activities.
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll help you understand the requirements relevant to your setup.
Need UAE residency too?
Company formation can also form part of the UAE residency process. Depending on your setup and eligibility, the process may involve an establishment file, residence visa, medical fitness test, biometrics and Emirates ID.
Tell us whether you need residency when submitting your company requirements and we’ll include it when reviewing your setup.
Include Residency in My SetupYour company is only the beginning.
A UAE company may also need a corporate bank account, accounting, tax registration and other operational services. We can help you understand what’s required and connect you with professional support where needed.
UAE Corporate Banking Assistance
Get help understanding banking requirements, preparing your application and navigating the onboarding process. Final account approval always remains with the bank.
Explore Business BankingClear answers to the questions that actually matter.
How to Start a Company in Dubai
The company formation process explained step by step.
Planning Your Dubai Company Setup
Prepare the requirements before choosing your setup.
Free Zone vs Mainland
Compare the two main routes before deciding.
Can I Start a Dubai Company Remotely?
Understand what can be completed without being physically present.
UAE Corporate Tax Explained
Understand the basics and why Free Zone does not automatically mean tax-free.
Business Bank Account Dubai
Understand the banking process after company formation.
Latest Dubai news
All newsNo news has been published yet.
Experience behind your setup.
SetupDubai is supported by company formation partners with more than 25 years of experience and over 80,000 incorporations.
That experience gives us access to established company formation expertise while allowing SetupDubai to focus on something simple: helping you understand what you actually need before you proceed.
Clear guidance. Relevant options. No pressure.
Built around your business
We start with what you’re planning to do — not with a licence we’re trying to sell you.
Dubai-based guidance
Practical support focused on setting up and operating a business in the UAE.
Clarity before commitment
Understand the setup requirements before deciding how to proceed.
Support beyond the licence
Banking, residency, accounting, tax and other business services can be coordinated when required.
Questions.
What is the total cost of setting up a company in Dubai?
The total depends on Free Zone or Mainland registration, activities, premises and residence visa needs. Owner-confirmed indicative Free Zone packages can be around AED 10,000–12,000; more exclusive packages can start from AED 30,000. These are planning examples, not all-inclusive offers or binding quotations. Confirm registration, licence, approved address, immigration files, residence permits, medical checks, Emirates ID, approvals and annual compliance separately. Compare the initial total with renewals before deciding.
Read the detailed guide →Do I need to visit Dubai to open a company?
Not necessarily. Some authorities allow parts or all of company registration to be completed remotely, depending on the legal form, documents and verification requirements. Residency medical examinations, biometrics, bank meetings or particular signing requirements may require a UAE visit. A remote no-residency setup may be possible, but must be confirmed for your circumstances.
Read the detailed guide →Can I get a residence visa for myself and my family?
Many company structures can provide a basis to apply for an investor, partner or employee residence permit, subject to eligibility and capacity. Once you have qualifying UAE residency, you may be eligible to sponsor a spouse and children. Family sponsorship can require suitable accommodation, evidence of relationships and sufficient income under the applicable rules. Permits, Emirates ID, medical checks and sponsorship have separate requirements and fees. The immigration authority decides each application; approval is not guaranteed.
Read the detailed guide →Can I open a UAE business bank account as a non-resident?
It may be possible, depending on the bank and company, but it is not guaranteed. Banks assess activities, ownership, beneficial owners, expected transactions and source of funds. They may request a trade licence, incorporation records, passports, proof of address, contracts, invoices and a business plan. Some banks require UAE residency or an in-person meeting. Consider banking eligibility before choosing the company structure; incorporation alone does not secure an account.
Read the detailed guide →Do I need a physical office or can I use a flexi-desk?
Eligible Free Zone activities and packages may use an approved registered address with a shared workspace or flexi-desk instead of a traditional private office. Confirm activity eligibility, visa capacity, access limits and optional facilities. Mainland, retail, warehouse, industrial and regulated operations may require dedicated premises. Flexible facilities do not remove the need for an accepted address or guarantee banking or residence approval.
Read the detailed guide →Do I pay UAE corporate tax if all my customers are overseas?
Possibly. Overseas customers do not automatically exempt a UAE company. Under the standard regime, taxable income up to AED 375,000 has a 0% corporate tax rate, with 9% on the excess. Qualifying Free Zone Persons have separate rules and conditions for qualifying income. Eligible businesses may elect Small Business Relief when all conditions are met. Corporate tax registration, recordkeeping and filing can apply even with no tax payable. Company profit taxation is separate from 0% UAE personal income tax on employment salaries.
Read the detailed guide →Tell us what you’re building.
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll review your requirements, setup options and requirements.
Free guidance · No consultation fee · Response within 24 hours