• Additional approvals – This cost can significantly increase your required budget, depending on how many authorities you need approvals from. Read more about business setup in UAE here. It is advisable to speak with business set up consultants to find out exactly how many approvals you would need for your business idea, and how much they would cost. Once you have all the documents in place, you would then need to visit the economic department once again to apply for the trade licence. Provided that all the documents are in order, the trade licence will then be issued. Gulf News spoke with company formation specialists in the UAE to find out exactly how much setting up an LLC on the mainland can cost. While there are some mandatory costs that you need to budget for, there are also some factors that can increase your total expense. FZCO registration allows for multiple shareholders, who can be an individual , a non-individual or a combination of both to be part of the company.

The account is usually opened within two to four weeks upon successful application. The DED is the main authority responsible for business registration and licensing in the mainland areas of Dubai. You will need to submit your business application and required documents to the DED to obtain initial approval for business setup. A Free Zone Company offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions in specific cases, and streamlined setup procedures, making it particularly attractive for international businesses.

Equally, if you opt to use a co-working space rather than a permanent office, your setup costs will likely be lower. There are several trade license types in Dubai, with the most common being commercial, industrial, and professional.

Setup Process

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visa applications required to trade in the UAE. As well as handling your license application, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs. Learn about the advantages of choosing Cross Link International as your business setup partner.

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Hopefully, this guide has made clear that if you’re armed with the right knowledge, setting your business as a foreigner or non-resident doesn’t have to be overly complex. However, with so many variables involved when starting any new business, it is difficult to estimate the exact price without the full picture. If you are setting up in the mainland you should make you application to the relevant body such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development . If you are setting up in a free zone, then you can apply directly to the managing authority. Stay tuned for the upcoming sections where we will explore visa and immigration procedures, taxation in Dubai, and the benefits of partnering with Cross Link International. As Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy gears up to host Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup event, the guide release is timely. This landmark event will bring together the global tech community, connecting venture capitalists with unicorns, scaleups, and startups, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global digital capital.

If you opt for a mainland company, you’ll need a local sponsor or a service agent, depending on your business activity. While a local sponsor holds 51% of the shares, a service agent does not have any ownership but assists with government-related processes. Dubai’s magnetic appeal lies in its dynamic economy and diverse sectors, including tourism, real estate, finance, technology, and more. This diversity opens up a world of opportunities for businesses of all scales and industries to thrive. The city’s legal framework and regulations have been carefully designed to foster business growth while ensuring transparency and fairness. However, staying updated with the ever-evolving laws and policies is essential for a smooth business setup.

Although the most SMEs opt to register for a Limited Liability Company the type of legal entity you choose will depend on your own circumstances. Official figures put investments into airport infrastructure and development projects so far at around AED 1 trillion (approx. US$272 billion).

If a non-individual wants to be part of the shareholders for an FZCO in Jafza, the following Legal documents are required (duly Notarized and Attested by UAE Embassy/Consulate) for Registration of the Company. These are documents that are required – further to the details listed as the documents required for individuals. Once you have registered your interest in setting up your company online, you will need the following documents at the time of submitting your application to set up an FZCO company in Jafza.