Business Setup
Business Setup in Dubai
Practical guidance for setting up a business in Dubai — structure, licensing and the compliance foundation that keeps you out of trouble after launch.
Starting point
The decisions that matter before you launch
Business setup in Dubai covers more than picking a licence type — it includes deciding between free zone and mainland, understanding VAT and Corporate Tax implications from day one, and setting up accounting properly so your first year isn't spent catching up.
This page is the general starting point; see Company Formation, Free Zone Company Formation and Mainland Company Formation for more specific next steps.
- Free zone vs. mainland comparison
- Licensing & documentation guidance
- Tax registration planning from day one
- Accounting setup alongside incorporation
What's included
What our Business Setup service covers
Structure advisory
Guidance comparing free zone and mainland options for your activity.
Licensing support
Coordination of documentation required for your trade licence.
Tax planning
VAT and Corporate Tax registration planned in from the outset.
Accounting setup
Books and reporting set up ready for your first transaction.
How does company formation in Dubai work?
In short
How does company formation in Dubai work? it involves choosing a jurisdiction (mainland or a free zone), selecting a business activity and legal structure, submitting licensing documentation, and then registering for VAT and Corporate Tax once the entity is incorporated.
Our process
How we deliver Business Setup
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01
Discuss your plans
We discuss your activity, target market and ownership requirements.
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02
Compare options
You receive a comparison of relevant structures and indicative costs.
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03
Set up & register
We support documentation, then handle tax registration and accounting setup.
FAQs
Business Setup in Dubai — frequently asked questions
Start with a short consultation on your activity and target market — this determines whether free zone or mainland (and which specific option) fits best.
Costs vary significantly by jurisdiction and activity. We can give indicative ranges for the structures relevant to you during a consultation.
Yes — we regularly take over accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax compliance for businesses that set up independently or through another agent.
Talk to us about Business Setup
Get a clear scope and fixed fee before any work begins.