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Business Setup in Dubai | Company Formation Services

Legacy Partners provides complete business setup services in Dubai, covering mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation, trade licensing, visas, and DED approvals. From choosing the right license type to opening your corporate bank account, our team manages the process end to end so your business is operational without unnecessary delay.

Why Start a Business in Dubai

Dubai combines global connectivity, a diversified economy, and a regulatory environment built to attract international investors, making it one of the most competitive cities in the world to launch or expand a business.

Dubai's role as a regional commercial hub
Dubai serves as the primary commercial gateway between the GCC, the wider Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, giving businesses based here direct access to fast-growing regional markets.
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Dubai's ports, Dubai International Airport, and logistics networks place businesses within hours of major global markets, supported by advanced digital and telecommunications infrastructure.
Tax-efficient business environment
Dubai offers 0% personal income tax, a competitive 9% corporate tax rate above the AED 375,000 threshold, and continued tax incentives for qualifying free zone companies.

Choosing Your Jurisdiction in Dubai

The right jurisdiction depends on your target market, business activity, and ownership preferences, and directly affects licensing costs, office requirements, and where you can trade.

Dubai Mainland (DED-licensed)
A Dubai mainland license, issued by the Department of Economic Development, allows a business to trade freely across the UAE and bid for government contracts, with flexibility on office location and visa allocation.
Dubai Free Zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA, DIFC, Dubai Internet City)
Dubai's free zones, including DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA, DIFC, and Dubai Internet City, each cater to specific industries and offer 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and streamlined incorporation, making them a strong fit for trading, consulting, financial services, and technology businesses.
Offshore company setup
An offshore company in Dubai is typically used for holding assets, international trade, or tax structuring, and does not require a physical office or UAE residency visa.

Business License Types in Dubai

Your license type must match your core business activity and determines what your company is legally permitted to do in Dubai.

Commercial license
A commercial license covers trading activities, including import, export, and general buying and selling of goods.
Professional license
A professional license covers service-based and consultancy activities, including IT services, management consulting, and other skill-based professions.
Industrial license
An industrial license permits manufacturing, processing, and industrial or production activities within approved industrial zones.
E-commerce license
An e-commerce license authorizes the sale of goods and services through online platforms and digital marketplaces.
Media license
A media license covers publishing, broadcasting, advertising, and other media production and distribution activities, often issued through Dubai's dedicated media free zones.

Business Setup in Dubai: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Select your business activity
We help you identify the correct business activity code, which determines your license type and jurisdiction options.
Step 2: Choose mainland or free zone
Based on your target market and ownership goals, we recommend the mainland or free zone structure that best fits your business.
Step 3: Trade name reservation
We check availability and reserve your trade name with the relevant licensing authority.
Step 4: Initial approval and MOA
We obtain initial approval from the authority and prepare the Memorandum of Association where required for your chosen structure.
Step 5: License issuance
Once documentation and approvals are complete, your trade license is issued and your company becomes legally operational.
Step 6: Visa and Establishment Card
We process your Establishment Card and investor or employee visas, including Emirates ID applications.
Step 7: Corporate bank account opening
We prepare your banking file and support your application with a suitable UAE bank based on your business activity and structure.

Documents Required

The exact document list varies by jurisdiction and activity, but most Dubai company formations require the following.

Passport copies
Clear passport copies of all shareholders and, where applicable, appointed managers or directors.
Business plan
A brief business plan outlining your activity, target market, and operational scope, required by some free zones and banks.
Proof of address / NOC (if applicable)
Proof of residential address for shareholders, and a No Objection Certificate from a current UAE sponsor or employer where applicable.

Cost of Business Setup in Dubai

Business setup costs in Dubai vary by jurisdiction, license type, office requirement, and visa quota, typically ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams depending on the structure chosen.

Why Choose Legacy Partners in Dubai

Legacy Partners is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm operating across the UAE, GCC, India, and UK, giving Dubai-based clients access to company formation, tax, audit, Virtual CFO, and corporate advisory services from a single team. We work directly with Dubai's free zone authorities and the DED, and our involvement does not end at license issuance. We continue supporting clients with VAT, corporate tax compliance, and financial reporting as the business grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs vary by jurisdiction and license type, but most free zone setups start in the lower thousands of dirhams, while mainland setups can cost more depending on office leasing and visa requirements.

Yes. Many free zones allow full remote incorporation, though a visit is generally required at the visa stage for Emirates ID biometrics and a medical test.

Free zone licenses are typically the fastest route, with some jurisdictions issuing a license within a few working days once documentation is complete.

No. Following reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, the vast majority of mainland business activities now permit 100% foreign ownership without a local Emirati sponsor.

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