Dubai Company Setup Costs and Registration Process, Decoded

Read our guide to setting up your business in the UAE or get in touch for more.

business in dubai 08 Dec 2023

It’s trickier than it seems to set up a business in Dubai. For individuals who are just starting out or who have recently entered the industry, this is especially true. You must abide by a lengthy list of rules imposed by the UAE government for company formation in Dubai UAE and go through a drawn-out registration process if you want to open a business in the UAE. 

But for forward-thinking business owners and financiers, a business setup in Dubai is quite profitable and provides access to a wide range of expansion opportunities. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a lot of incentives to people and businesses looking to set up business there, including a profusion of tax reductions, the formation of free zones, and a plethora of other advantages. 

Before we dive into the specifics of business setup costs in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, let us take a deeper look at the types of organizations that you can register in this fast-growing country

 

What Organization Types Are Allowed in Dubai? 

You can start a number of enterprises in Dubai. These include:

  • Organizations with branches in Free Zones 
  • Free Zone LLCs 
  • Branches 
  • Partnerships 
  • Limited Liability Corporations 
  • Both publicly traded and external investor-exclusive stock corporations 
  • Subsidiaries 

 

Offshore businesses 

An offshore company is an organization that was established and is run outside of the nation where it is based. 

 

LLC (Limited Liability Company) 

In a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the liability of the firm owners is restricted to the sum of their investment (LLC). A limited liability company (LLC) may conduct any lawful economic activity in Dubai, with the exception of financial investment, insurance, and banking, and must have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 50 shareholders. 

 

Onshore Companies 

A company that is established and run in the same country as its management and construction is said to be onshore. Being the owner of an onshore firm has many benefits, including access to favorable tax treaty networks, taxation policies for businesses operating outside of the economic zone, proper legislation, well-established banking, business, and supporting sectors, and more. 

These include companies established within the UAE, as well as free zone companies in the UAE and branch offices in the UAE.

 

What is the Dubai Company Formation Cost?

Dubai company registration fees depend on a lot of factors and can vary depending on the type of business that you are planning to set up. It is also influenced by changes in government fees or policies, jurisdiction and so on. It is essential to speak to an expert on business setup who can help you understand the precise costs involved. Whether you’re looking at free zones in the UAE or mainland companies, Bizvisor will offer you cost-effective and transparent setup. 

There are usually four types of costs, but all of them may or may not apply to your business. 

  • Company Registration Fee: This is usually a one time cost you incur at the beginning of the setup process 
  • License Fee: This is an annual fee that you will need to pay every year to renew your license 
  • Office Fee: This is for a physical office. Many entities in the UAE also now permit virtual offices 
  • Capital: Different free zones and entities have different requirements, and this can be as low as AED 1,000. The UAE Ministry of Economy states that capital has to be outlined within the company statutes, but that no minimum is specified by law. 

In addition to the costs mentioned above, there may be fees for application forms, trade name reservation, visa costs and so on. An experienced business setup company will break down all the costs for you so that you know exactly what and how much you’re paying as part of the company setup cost in Dubai.

 

Dubai LLC Company Registration Cost

With business setup experts like Bizvisor, you can streamline your Dubai business setup cost, with mainland fees starting at AED 14,999. This will include:

  • An LLC license with 100% ownership 
  • No paid-up share capital 
  • Right to engage in up to 10 business activities, 

And a whole host of other benefits. 

 

UAE Free Zone Company Setup Cost

Free Zone setup costs can vary a great deal depending on the free zone, and your specific company needs. Currently, Dubai company setup costs in a free zone start at AED 11,900 with Bizvisor, and for Sharjah Free Zones at AED 5,500. For other UAE free zones such as Ajman Free Zone, RAK Free Zones, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone and Fujairah Free Zones, prices can be quite affordable, well below AED 10,000 in many cases. 

To form a company in Dubai, however, there are specified steps that must be taken. Let’s check them out:

 

What Is The Documentation Required by Law For Company Formation in Dubai, UAE?

Let’s review the documentation you must submit to the necessary authorities in the United Arab Emirates before we go on to the actual procedure of company registration in Dubai. 

  • Your thorough business strategy and an endorsement letter from your present sponsor ( If applicable) 
  • Properly completed documentation of your company’s leadership, including notarized and translated passport copies, as well as trade registrar documents 
  • The LSA and MOA agreements, as well as the fee payments for company registration in Dubai UAE 
  • Legally binding lease of the property in the nation where it is located or sustainability agreement 

 

What Is The Process For Company Formation in Dubai?

Forming a company in Dubai is a smart move if you want to save money on startup charges, because of the support of the government. The actions listed below must be taken in order for you to start conducting business legally in the Emirates: 

 

Picking A Business Structure 

A legal structure must be chosen, as well as the kinds of business activities that will be conducted from Dubai, before a company may be set up in the UAE. 

You can pick from a wide variety of legal structures when opening a business in Dubai, depending on your individual needs, such as a branch office, an online firm, a Limited Liability Company etc. Consider this decision carefully and without rushing. If you want guidance from professionals before making a decision, get in touch with the staff at Bizvisor. 

A list of acceptable commercial pursuits has been described by DED i.e. the Department of Economic Development, Dubai. It is possible to choose from among the numerous activities in an economic zone based on a company’s location and legal status. 

 

Choosing A Trade Name 

The following step is choosing a company name. You should make a list and submit it for consideration to the appropriate regulatory agency if you wish to suggest any suitable candidates. 

Check here for some key points before choosing your trade name. What’s more, If you choose a name from another nation, there are some extra expenses associated. You cannot use a nickname while deciding on a business name. A person’s whole legal name, not simply their first, middle, or last initials, may be used for your business; nonetheless, this is permitted. 

 

Selecting A Good Location for Your Business

In the United Arab Emirates, there are various opportunities. However, the location where you choose to open up an office will determine exactly how many of these you will be able to access and convert.  

Any company that wants to be a national player should choose a location on the mainland. Access to the burgeoning Dubai market is only one of the many business prospects offered by this special economic zone. An extremely expensive error could result from inaccurately estimating the time and expense needed for relocation or re-setup. 

 

Renting a Building for Your Office

The search for a permanent site for your company might then begin. Renting an office in Dubai can provide a number of advantages. Rather than spending a tonne of money to buy an apartment or building, that expense is avoided. However, there are many other ways you might spend that capital more effectively to advance business growth. You might also decide on a virtual office in Dubai to launch your internet business. For people in charge of running a small business, this is the best option. 

 

Filling Out Forms

You must complete the Setup forms after locating a rental office. A number of certificates and paperwork are needed in order to register a business in Dubai, including an initial permission certificate, a payment receipt for reserving a trading name, etc. The approval of external parties may be required for some commercial operations and unique privileges. Your company’s license might not have the ones you require. 

You will be able to work risk-free and respectably for domestic and international investors by properly completing the documentation. Pay great attention to the documentation procedures and save all receipts for government fees and approvals for future use. 

 

Obtaining a Business License 

You can apply for a business license by getting in touch with the relevant agencies or the DED after completing the required documents. You must speak with a Local Service Agent to obtain a business license. 

 

Getting a New Bank Account Ready 

Finally, you’ll develop a banking relationship with a financial institution that serves businesses. Choose any significant domestic or international bank that best meets the demands of your business. Make sure your firm has access to outstanding banking facilities and trusted services by making a cautious bank selection. 

 

Approaching Residences 

There are four main processes in the residence application procedure in the Emirates. The process starts when you submit your residence application and is completed when you obtain your residence authorization. You are allowed to apply for up to four tourist residences at once to guarantee that you, your friends, coworkers, family, etc., have a secure and comfortable stay in Dubai. 

 

Use Bizvisor As Your Setup Guide For Businesses In Dubai 

If you’re planning to start a business in Dubai, speak with reputed advisors in the city like Bizvisor. Let us handle the application and business setup and decode the cost of company registration in Dubai so you don’t have to go through the hassle. Our knowledgeable advice will make establishing your business in the United Arab Emirates a breeze. Schedule a no-cost consultation today to speak to the most experienced business setup consultants in Dubai.

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