- January 15, 2025
- Posted by: fatma zahra
- Categories: Business Setup, Business Setup in UAE, Business Setup Services in Dubai, Dubai Business Laws, Dubai Business Services

Setting Up Company in UAE: The UAE, and particularly Dubai, has become a global hub for entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses. Its appeal lies in a highly advantageous tax regime—0% personal and corporate income tax—and its strategic location, which provides unparalleled access to global markets.
Moreover, the UAE fosters a business-friendly environment with initiatives and support programs designed to help enterprises flourish. The Emirates consistently ranks among the top 10 in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index, thanks to its streamlined regulations and supportive infrastructure. Setting up a company in UAE is surprisingly straightforward, often requiring just six steps.
Table of Contents
Steps for Setting Up Company in UAE
1. Choose Your Business Activity
The first step to setting up a company in the UAE is selecting your business activity. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers over 2,000 approved activities across various industries.
Accurately listing your activities is crucial, especially if your business spans multiple sectors. A company formation expert, such as Dubai Business Service, can guide you through this step, ensuring you select activities that align with your business goals.
2. Decide on the Right Business Setup- Setting Up Company in UAE
Next, determine the type of license you need:
- Professional License: For service-based businesses.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing and production activities.
- Commercial License: For trading businesses.
Additionally, you’ll decide whether to set up on the mainland or in one of Dubai’s free zones:
- Mainland: Allows direct trade with the UAE market and access to government contracts.
- Free Zones: Offers 0% tax, full customs tax exemptions, and 100% profit repatriation.
Each option has unique advantages, and consulting a setup specialist like Dubai Business Service can help determine the best fit for your company.
3. Choose a Business Name- Setting Up Company in UAE
Naming your company in Dubai comes with specific guidelines:
- Avoid offensive or religious terms.
- Use your full name if including it in the business name.
- Ensure the name is available for registration.
Navigating these rules can be complex, but experts can suggest suitable options and verify name availability.
4. Submit Your Application- Setting Up Company in UAE
Once your business activity and name are finalized, submit your license application.
- Free Zone Setup: Submit your documents to the specific free zone authority.
- Mainland Setup: File your application with the DED.
The required documents vary based on factors like your business size and nature. Specialists from Dubai Business Service can handle your application, ensuring accuracy and avoiding delays.
5. Apply for Visas- Setting Up Company in UAE
After securing your business license, apply for necessary visas, including your own and those for employees or dependents. The number of visas allowed typically depends on your business setup and scale.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account- Setting Up Company in UAE
Opening a UAE bank account as a foreigner can be challenging due to varying requirements. Dubai Business Service can assist by recommending suitable banks and arranging introductions to streamline the process.
Why Work with Dubai Business Service?
While setting up a company in the UAE is relatively straightforward, any mistakes in the application process can cause delays or rejections. By partnering with Dubai Business Service, you can bypass these hurdles. Their team handles documentation, licensing, visas, and bank account setups, so you can focus on launching your business.
Setting up a company in UAE is an accessible and cost-effective opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide. With expert guidance from Dubai Business Service, you can navigate the process effortlessly and capitalize on Dubai’s business-friendly ecosystem.
Embrace the opportunity and start your UAE business journey today!