Starting a company in Dubai: activity, licence and budget

Quick answer: where should I start?

Start with the activity and customer location, rather than the company name. Mainland or free zone selection follows the business plan. Consider licence scope, premises, approvals and visa needs together.

Compare mainland and free zone routes

Dubai’s official setup guidance states that many mainland activities allow full foreign ownership, with exceptions in strategic areas. For a free zone business, access to the mainland market requires assessment of the appropriate permission or licensing route. No single structure suits every business model.

Describe an actual business workflow

Instead of saying only that you want to trade, explain what you will sell, how customers will find you and where delivery takes place. Consultancy, software, physical goods and local services have different operations. A clear description helps the licensing authority assess the activity scope.

• Product or service and intended customers
• Sales countries and delivery method
• Partners, employees and intended premises
• First-year budget and intended launch date

Separate setup and renewal budgets

A setup quotation is only part of the comparison. Our proposed budget lists initial applications, renewals, premises, accounting, staffing, visas and operating costs separately. Request written exclusions. Once the scope is agreed, our service quotation is expressed in approximate USD, with the payment currencies of official and third-party charges explained separately.

Plan company, residence and banking separately

Company formation, individual residence applications and bank assessment are separate stages. Preparing documents supports them, but approval of one does not automatically secure the others. Our team can organise the sequence, responsible parties and outstanding information into a practical plan. For families relocating, housing, schooling and transport can be considered through life planning.

Ask the right accounting and tax questions

A free zone company is not automatically exempt on all income. The Federal Tax Authority distinguishes qualifying status and qualifying income. Discuss registration, record keeping and filing with a qualified tax professional before formation. Personal tax residence and activities in other countries also need separate assessment.

Apply local experience to your plan

Our Dubai teams draw on residence, life-planning and business experience, supported by specialist partners. Over the last four years, we have supported 172 residence-permit processes. We begin with your activity, team and intended market rather than recommending the same package to everyone. Send a short business summary through the form and we can discuss the next steps by email.