Starting a company in Dubai: costs, steps and ongoing obligations
Starting a company in Dubai is faster than many think. What matters is planning with realistic costs from the start and not forgetting the ongoing obligations. Here's the overview.
What you should budget for
- License fee of the Free Zone or the Mainland (annual).
- Visa costs per person (Residence Visa and Emirates ID).
- Optional: office or flexi-desk, depending on the Free Zone.
- Establishment Card and government fees.
The typical steps
- Define activity and legal form.
- Choose Free Zone or Mainland.
- Reserve name and apply for the license.
- Apply for Residence Visa and Emirates ID.
- Open a business account.
What's often forgotten after setup
The license isn't the end of it. Depending on turnover you must register for VAT, register for Corporate Tax, keep books and meet deadlines. This is exactly where many new founders fail, because they underestimate the ongoing obligation.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to start a company in Dubai?
In many Free Zones the license is issued within a few days. Visa and Emirates ID take an additional few days to weeks.
Note: This article is for general information only and does not replace individual tax advice.
