Dubai Business Setup Guide: Starting Your Company 2025

Dubai offers attractive business opportunities with strategic location, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations. Understanding setup options, licensing requirements, and procedures helps entrepreneurs establish successful companies in the emirate. **Free Zone vs Mainland Companies** Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified setup but restrict business activities to free zone and international markets. Mainland companies can operate throughout UAE but may require local sponsors depending on activity. **Popular Free Zones** DMCC, JAFZA, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis cater to specific industries. Each free zone offers tailored packages, facilities, and benefits for different business types. **Business License Types** Commercial licenses for trading, professional licenses for services, industrial licenses for manufacturing, and tourism licenses for hospitality businesses. Choose appropriate license based on planned activities. **Company Structure Options** Limited Liability Company (LLC), sole proprietorship, branch office, or free zone establishment. Each structure has different ownership requirements, liability implications, and operational flexibility. **Setup Procedures** Process includes choosing business activity, selecting trade name, obtaining initial approval, finding office space, applying for license, and registering with relevant authorities. Timeline varies from few days to several weeks. **Required Documents** Passport copies, visa copies, business plan, proof of address, and bank reference letters typically required. Specific requirements vary by business type and jurisdiction. **Office Space Requirements** Physical office space mandatory for most licenses. Options include flexi-desks, serviced offices, or dedicated spaces. Free zones often provide flexible, affordable office solutions. **Visa Allocation** Business licenses include visa quotas based on office space and license type. Additional visas can be purchased. Investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas available. **Banking and Finance** Opening corporate bank accounts requires business license, office lease, and shareholder documents. Multiple banks offer business banking services with varying requirements and benefits. **Professional Services** Business setup consultants, PRO services, legal advisors, and accounting firms assist with establishment procedures, ongoing compliance, and administrative requirements.