- March 22, 2025
- Posted by: fatma zahra
- Categories: Business Consultancy, Business Setup, Business Setup in UAE, Business Setup Services in Dubai, Company Registration, Cost of Business Setup in Dubai
How to Open Company in UAE? The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world’s top destinations for entrepreneurs and businesses. Its tax-free environment, global connectivity, and thriving economy make it an attractive place to start a business. Whether you want to establish a startup, small business, or multinational company, the UAE provides various business-friendly options to help you grow.
Suppose you are wondering how to open company in UAE. In that case, this guide will walk you through the process, from choosing a business structure to obtaining the necessary licenses and visas.
Table of Contents
Why Start a Business in the UAE?
The UAE is ranked among the top business-friendly countries in the world due to:
✅ 0% tax on personal & corporate income
✅ 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones
✅ Access to global markets through strategic location
✅ Easy business setup process with minimal bureaucracy
✅ Government initiatives to support entrepreneurs & startups
Whether you choose to register your business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, you’ll benefit from a stable economy and a pro-business environment.
How to Open Company in UAE: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Before setting up a company, you must decide what type of business activities you plan to conduct. The Department of Economic Development (DED) and Free Zones offer over 2,000 approved business activities, covering industries like:
✔ E-commerce
✔ Consulting services
✔ Manufacturing & trading
✔ Tourism & hospitality
✔ Technology & IT services
💡 Choosing the right business activity is crucial, as it determines the type of license you need.
Step 2: Select the Business Structure- How to Open Company in UAE?
The UAE offers different business structures, depending on your business goals:
✔ Mainland Company – Allows you to trade within the UAE market and internationally
✔ Free Zone Company – Offers 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but requires a local distributor for mainland trade
✔ Offshore Company – Ideal for international businesses with no operations in the UAE
💡 Not sure which structure suits your business? Dubai Business Service can guide you!
Step 3: Choose a Business Name- How to Open Company in UAE?
The UAE has strict naming guidelines for businesses. Your company name:
❌ Cannot contain offensive or religious words
❌ Cannot include abbreviations of personal names
✅ Must be available for registration
💡 Dubai Business Service will verify and register your business name for you.
Step 4: Apply for a Business License- How to Open Company in UAE?
Your business must have a valid trade license to operate legally in the UAE. The main types of business licenses in the UAE include:
✔ Commercial License – For general trading & retail businesses
✔ Professional License – For consultants & service providers
✔ Industrial License – For manufacturing businesses
✔ Tourism License – For travel agencies, tour operators & hospitality businesses
💡 Applying for a business license requires expert guidance to avoid errors or delays.
Step 5: Get Your Visa & Employee Visas- How to Open Company in UAE?
Once your business is registered, you need to apply for a UAE residency visa. This process includes:
✔ Medical test & Emirates ID application
✔ Biometric verification
✔ Sponsorship for employees & dependents
💡 Dubai Business Service handles visa applications to ensure smooth processing.
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account- How to Open Company in UAE?
To operate legally, your company needs a corporate bank account in the UAE. The UAE offers various banking options, including local and international banks.
However, foreign business owners may face challenges in opening an account due to strict compliance rules. That’s why it’s best to work with business setup experts who can assist in choosing the right bank.
💡 We help entrepreneurs open secure business bank accounts quickly!
Cost of Opening a Company in UAE
The cost of setting up a company in UAE depends on several factors, such as:
✔ Business license type
✔ Business structure (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
✔ Visa & immigration costs
✔ Office rental or virtual office fees
On average, the cost starts from AED 10,000 – AED 30,000, but this may vary based on business activity and location.
💡 Contact Dubai Business Service for an exact business setup cost estimate.
Benefits of Starting a Company in UAE
🌍 Global Business Hub – Connect with international markets
📉 0% Corporate Tax – No tax on profits or personal income
🏦 Secure Banking System – Access to world-class financial services
🚀 Fast Business Setup – Register a company in just a few days
👨💼 Business-Friendly Laws – Full repatriation of profits & no currency restrictions
💡 UAE is the perfect destination for startups & established businesses!
Why Work with Dubai Business Service?
Setting up a company in the UAE requires careful planning and compliance with government regulations. Dubai Business Service provides:
✅ Expert business setup guidance
✅ Hassle-free trade license & visa processing
✅ Fast company registration in Mainland & Free Zones
✅ Bank account assistance for smooth financial transactions
📞 Contact Dubai Business Service today & start your business in UAE effortlessly!