Business Setup in Dubai: Start Your Business in with 100% Foreign Ownership
Looking for reliable business setup consultants in Dubai? ABT Company is a leading business advisory firm. Starting your business setup in Dubai with ABT is effective and time-saving.
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Business Setup in Dubai | Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore Company Formation
You can start your business in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership with ABT. We handle your full company formation in Dubai, from licensing to tax registration, step by step with professional support and well-defined procedures within a specific timeline, while adhering to UAE rules and official standards.
Our services are backed by an expert team of financial consultants, dedicated accountants, professional tax agents, and UAE administrators specializing in UAE regulations. We don’t just set up your business; we keep it compliant from day one.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction in Dubai
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
A mainland license gives unrestricted access to the UAE market. With 100% foreign ownership now allowed across most sectors, this license is considered the most common type for companies trading with individuals and government entities, though it requires a physical office and corporate tax registration.
Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai
Dubai’s free zones (DMCC, IFZA, DAFZA, and others) are better suited for international trade, cluster formation by industries, and faster and cheaper incorporation. Companies are allowed foreign ownership and tax exemption if they qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and generate taxable income.
Offshore Company Formation in the UAE
Offshore solutions are suitable for international business, asset management, and wealth structuring purposes without the need for an office or physical presence in the UAE. No requirement for office space or visa qualifications; neither is there any need for trading in the UAE.
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Business Setup Cost in Dubai: What to Budget in 2026
The cost of business set up in Dubai depends on the jurisdiction and business activity that you choose. The license in free zones would cost approximately between AED 5,500 and 12,000. In mainland jurisdictions, it would be around AED 12,000-25,000, while for an offshore company it would start from approximately AED 9,000 without including other elements like visa arrangements, office space rental, and the renewal cost. Most of the entrepreneurs would need to consider the total cost in the first year rather than just the cost of the license itself. That is what we offer at ABT.
What Factors Affect Your Business Setup Cost in the UAE?
Jurisdiction
Type of license
Cost of free zone selection
Business activity
Requirement of office space
Visa quota
What we offer
How to Set Up a Business in Dubai: 10-Step Process
Setting up a company in Dubai doesn’t have to be complicated. At Alsun Bookkeeping and Taxation Company, we simplify every step of the business setup process, helping you establish your company quickly and efficiently while taking full advantage of Dubai’s business-friendly environment. From planning to registration, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Choosing Business Activity
We understand your objectives and select the proper licensed business activity, which determines the jurisdiction and the type of the license you have to get before any other procedure takes place.
2. Determine The Legal Structure
We recommend mainland, free zone, or offshore legal structure considering your objectives, access to market, and visa requirements, a necessity for any other stage of your business formation.
3. Registrating Trade Name
We assist in registering your trade name according to UAE trade name regulations and ensuring that it is not used by anybody else prior to the approval stage.
4. Obtain Initial Approval
We receive initial approval from the relevant authority confirming there are no objections to performing certain business activities in your chosen jurisdiction.
5. Office Space and Tenancy Contract
After receiving initial approval, we assist in finding the right office, flexi-desk, or warehouse and obtaining the Ejari or similar tenancy contract to meet your licensing requirements.
6. Preparing Legal Documents
We prepare your MOA and all other relevant legal documents, which correctly document the structure and operations of your shareholders.
7. Obtain Approvals and Licenses
We submit your application and coordinate any additional regulatory approvals, securing your final trade license so your company is officially registered and ready to operate.
8. Processing Visa
We take care of your entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and the process of residence visa stamping, making sure your company is able to sponsor your employees.
9. Opening Bank Account
We assist you in setting up your corporate bank account by providing all the necessary documents and arranging communication with banks to navigate compliance checks and get your account active faster.
10. Bookkeeping and Taxation Services
We arrange VAT and corporate tax registrations in compliance with the FTA’s regulations and provide you with accurate bookkeeping services right from day one so your business stays compliant from launch.
Tax & Regulatory Compliance After Your Business Setup in Dubai
While the formation of your business is a mere starting point, it’s continued compliance with the UAE tax laws that guarantees its smooth operation and ongoing growth. As a registered tax agency by FTA, ABT takes care of your registration and subsequent filings on your behalf, leaving you no chance to miss any deadlines.
Corporate Tax Registration for New Dubai Companies
Once your taxable supplies exceed the FTA threshold, you will be required to register for VAT. However, most businesses decide to register early because they want to reclaim their input VAT. We check your VAT obligations, submit your VAT applications, and take care of all your VAT returns.
VAT Registration After Company Formation in the UAE
Once your taxable supplies exceed the FTA threshold, you will be required to register for VAT. However, most businesses decide to register early because they want to reclaim their input VAT. We check your VAT obligations, submit your VAT applications, and take care of all your VAT returns.
Who Can Set Up a Business in Dubai?
Dubai’s excellent business landscape welcomes foreign investors, SMEs, and entrepreneurs alike. ABT tailors the jurisdiction, license, and compliance setup to fit your goals perfectly.
Foreign Investors
We structure the right jurisdiction, multi-entity setup, visas, and corporate tax registration for market entry or expansion into the UAE.
(SMEs)
We select the right license, manage visas and registration, and handle ongoing compliance as you scale into the UAE.
Entrepreneurs
We handle end-to-end setup, jurisdiction, license, visa, and tax registration so you can launch quickly with minimal overhead.
Why Choose ABT as Your Business Setup Consultant in Dubai?
ABT offers comprehensive services to support your business set up in Dubai, guiding every step of your formation so you can establish a strong and compliant presence in the UAE.
Local Market Expertise
Our team is well versed in UAE regulations, laws, and processes. We rely on our extensive experience dealing with these official producers at the local level to form your business efficiently, effectively, and without delay.
Tailored Setup Strategy
Our process begins with understanding your business objectives before making any recommendation. Our strategies will be tailored to ensure that it meets your objectives. We are here to guide you during the process of forming your business.
Fast Turnaround
We realize that timing is an important factor in setting up any business. This is why ABT ensures fast and timely delivery of all its services to enable you to form your business without any unnecessary delays.
Ongoing Client Support
Our team will support you after the setup process to assist you in all aspects related to accounting, tax-related issues, and more. Our company will guide you through the realities of operating business in Dubai to stay compliant.
Full-Service Support
ABT offers all services related to setting up business in Dubai, including licensing and compliance. Using a one-stop office approach allows saving on time and effort, and avoids the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors.
Legal Accuracy
New businesses must adhere to various tax and legal regulations from the first day. ABT keeps itself updated with UAE laws, thus ensuring that your business meets all legal requirements without any complications.
Setup Is Just the Start, We Handle Your Compliance Too
From your initial business consultation until your tax filings, you have comprehensive cover for your business formation in Dubai from ABT: business setup, licensing, visa requirements, banking, and compliance, all taken care of by our dedicated team of expert tax agents, financial consultants, and professional accountants.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about tax and accounting services in the UAE.
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
The cost of business formation varies according to business activity, license type, official requirements, and additional services, such as accounting, tax registration, VAT registration, office rent, and so on.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a business in Dubai?
Yes, across most mainland activities (following 2021 ownership reforms) and all free zone companies.
How to calculate corporate tax UAE?
You calculate corporate tax by determining the annual net accounting profit, making the tax adjustments, and applying the standard rate of 9% to the portion that exceeds the threshold of AED 375,000.
What is the difference between a mainland and free zone company in Dubai?
The mainland company will operate freely within the UAE with a chance to bid for projects from the government but will need a physical office, whereas the free zone company will be fully owned by foreigners with tax benefits, although it will not have access to the UAE market directly.
How long does business setup in Dubai take?
Business setup in Dubai ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on business activity, license type, official requirements, and approvals.
Do I need to pay Corporate Tax after setting up in Dubai?
Yes, every taxable person in the UAE must register for Corporate Tax with the FTA after setting up, regardless of revenue. Tax is charged at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that.
Do I need to register for VAT when setting up a business in Dubai?
VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies cross the FTA’s mandatory threshold, though many businesses register voluntarily earlier to reclaim input VAT.
How it Works
Ready to Set Up Your Business in Dubai?
Get a free consultation and a clear recommendation on the right structure for your business. Choose ABT for legal compliance and steady growth from day one.