Opening a company in Dubai: Advisory services
OUR STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO OPEN YOUR COMPANY IN THE UAE.
Start Your Business
Initial Consultation
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to discuss your project and get your questions answered.
2. Personalized Quote
Receive a tailor-made proposal that fits your business needs, detailing all associated costs.
3. Name Selection
Choose up to three options for your company name, ensuring they are unique and comply with local regulations.
4. Required Documentation
Provide the necessary documents, including a copy of your passport and a passport-size photo.
5. Determining Business Activity and Legal Structure
Define your company’s main activity and choose the legal structure that best fits your goals (LLC, Holding, etc.).
6. Legal Process
Our team will prepare all the legal documentation required for your company’s formation, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other official forms.
7. Payment of Fees
Pay the required fees for company registration and commercial license issuance.
8. Company Registration and Trade License
Receive confirmation of your company’s registration and obtain your trade license, allowing you to operate legally.
9. Visa and Immigration Procedures
We assist with the processing of visas and work permits for you and your employees, facilitating immigration to the UAE.
10. Bank Account Opening
We help you open corporate bank accounts, ensuring access to the right financial services for your business.
11. Ready to Operate
Your company will be fully operational within 14 days. Start enjoying the benefits of doing business with 0% taxes in Dubai!
ADVANTAGES OF SETTING UP A COMPANY IN DUBAI
100% Foreign Ownership in Many Structures
In Dubai’s free zones, foreign investors are allowed to own 100% of their business without the need for a local partner.
Full Repatriation of Capital and Profits
You can transfer your company’s profits and capital back to your home country without any restrictions.
Highly Attractive Tax Regime
There is no personal income tax. You only pay a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding USD 100,000.
Strategic Location and Access to International Markets
Dubai is located at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it ideal for trade, logistics, and regional expansion.
World-Class Infrastructure
Airports, seaports, business centers, industrial zones, and modern service areas help make operations much more efficient compared to other countries.
Favorable Business Environment
The UAE offers regulations designed to attract foreign investment, increasingly simplified proce
WHAT TYPES OF COMPANIES CAN WE SET UP IN DUBAI?
Sole Establishment
A sole proprietorship registered in the mainland, where the owner assumes full legal responsibility. It allows operating in the local market and hiring employees. It has more requirements than a freelance license but offers greater commercial reach.
Designed for asset management or international trade without operating in the local market. Allows 100% foreign ownership, no mandatory physical office, and minimal requirements. It is a very simple option with low regulatory burden.
Located in Dubai’s special economic areas, offering tax advantages and full foreign ownership. Requires an office within the zone and a specific license. It has moderate complexity and certain limitations for operating outside the free zone.
Mainland LLC
Can operate freely across the entire UAE territory. 100% foreign ownership is allowed (for most activities). No geographic restrictions: you can open branches or subsidiaries in any Emirate. Offers the possibility to participate in public tenders and government contracts.
| Type of Company | Complexity | Foreign Ownership | Local Operations | Requirements | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Permit | Very low | 100 % | ❌ Only within the Free Zone | Free Zone license, no office, no partners | Independent professionals and consultants |
| Sole Establishment | Low | 100 % (depending on sector) | ✅ Yes | DET license, physical office, full liability | Freelancers with local clients |
| Offshore Company | Medium-low | 100 % | ❌ No | Simple registration, no physical office | Holding, asset management, or foreign trade |
| Free Zone Company | Medium | 100 % | ⚠️ Limited (only within the zone) | Office in Free Zone, specific license | Startups and international businesses |
| Mainland LLC | High | 100 % (depending on activity) | ✅ Full | Physical office, local licenses, visas | Companies operating across the UAE |
TAX OBLIGATIONS IN DUBAI
| VAT | Corporate Tax |
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MOST COMMON MISTAKES
Activity outside license
Law 13/2011 Dubai + Federal Law 32/2021. Fines up to AED 50,000, as well as suspension or closure of the company until regularization.
Late Corporate Tax registration
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023. Fines of AED 10,000 for late registration and AED 5,000–20,000 for failure to submit required information.
Failure to maintain accounting records
Federal Law No. 32 of 2021, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, and Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023. Fines of AED 10,000–20,000 and risk of being unable to renew the business license.
CAN I LIVE IN DUBAI IF I HAVE A COMPANY THERE?
Yes. If you register a company in Dubai, you can apply for a residence visa linked to your business, which allows you to live, work, and open bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates. This visa is usually issued for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed as long as the company remains active and compliant with legal requirements.
There are different types of visas, the most notable being:
- Investor or Partner Visa: for owners or shareholders of a company registered in Dubai.
- Employee Visa: for workers employed by a local or free zone company.
- Dependent Visa: for immediate family members of the main visa holder (spouse, children, parents).
- Golden Visa: for investors, entrepreneurs, or highly qualified professionals, valid for up to 10 years.
Each visa type has its own requirements, but all require a valid business license, a registered sponsor or entity, and compliance with the residency and health procedures established by UAE authorities.
WHO ARE WE?
With a solid track record working with international companies and those based in the United Arab Emirates, at **LorcaBase** we specialize in assisting our clients with the incorporation, restructuring, and expansion of businesses in the Middle East, while also providing accounting and tax consulting services, with a particular focus on European companies. In addition, we offer specialized advice to clients looking to invest in properties in the region, efficiently managing all fiscal and administrative requirements.
At **LorcaBase**, we take pride in being a driving force for positive change in the business world. Our company offers a unique combination of strategic vision, innovation, and access to a favorable business environment in Dubai, creating the perfect foundation for business success.
Marina R. L.
ADVANTAGES OF LORCABASE
If you are considering expanding your business or starting from scratch in Dubai, at LorcaBase we guide you through every step. These are the advantages that make our clients choose us to turn their plans into reality:
Comprehensive advice from experts
With a team of lawyers, tax, and financial advisors specialized in the United Arab Emirates, LorcaBase offers complete management of all legal, fiscal, and administrative procedures.
Personalized support
From the initial consultation to obtaining the license and opening the bank account, LorcaBase handles every step: company name registration, documentation, visas, licenses, and more.
Speed: company operational in 3 to 14 days
Thanks to our experience and local contacts, we ensure our clients have their company registered, licensed, and ready to operate in just two weeks.
Comprehensive follow-up
We go beyond company formation — our team manages the entire post-setup process, including accounting, taxation, visas, and regulatory compliance.
Experience in the Emirati market
With years of experience working with European and international companies, we have in-depth knowledge of the UAE’s legal, fiscal, and administrative environment.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT OUR COMPANY FORMATION SERVICE IN DUBAI...
WHAT OTHER RELATED SERVICES DO WE OFFER?
Accounting and Finance
We provide comprehensive accounting services that ensure regulatory compliance and financial control for your company established in Dubai, with full transparency and efficiency.
Corporate Solutions
We offer customized corporate solutions, including bank account openings, license management, visa processing, company liquidation, and other options.
Taxation
Our tax team optimizes your company’s tax structure, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and maximizing the benefits of operating in a tax-free environment.
M&A
We provide advisory services for mergers, acquisitions, or company sales, conducting thorough financial and legal analyses to ensure secure and efficient transactions.
FAQs
How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai?
It depends on the area (free zone or mainland), the type of activity, and other factors such as office space or visas. For example, in a free zone, incorporation costs start at around **USD 7,500** for a basic license. There are slightly more affordable options in other free zones, such as Sharjah.
Note: These figures are indicative — each case may vary.
How much tax does a company pay in Dubai?
Since June 2023, UAE federal regulations establish that companies pay 0% corporate tax on the first AED 375,000 of profit and 9% on profits exceeding that amount. In addition, there is a 5% VAT on goods and services.
Can a foreigner start a business in Dubai?
Yes. The UAE allows foreign investors to hold 100% ownership in many structures, especially in free zones or under the foreign direct investment regulations. However, depending on the sector or type of company, there may be additional requirements such as a physical office or visas.
Is it possible to own 100% of a business in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can now hold 100% ownership in most sectors, especially in free zones. In the mainland, it is also allowed in many cases, except for strategic activities regulated by the government.
How much do you need to earn in Dubai to live comfortably?
A monthly income of 20,000 to 25,000 AED allows a single person to maintain a comfortable standard of living. For families, a higher budget is recommended, depending on housing and schooling expenses.
What is the 6-month rule in Dubai?
This rule states that if a person stays outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months, their residence visa may become invalid. In that case, a new residence visa must be processed or reactivated upon return. There is also an investor visa, which allows entry once per year.
What are the most in-demand jobs in Dubai?
The sectors with the highest demand include technology, engineering, construction, hospitality, digital marketing, and healthcare. Companies are looking for qualified professionals with strong English skills, especially for technical and management positions.
What is the strictest rule in Dubai?
UAE laws are very clear regarding visa compliance, respect for local regulations, and public behavior. Penalties for administrative or legal violations can be severe, so it is important to stay informed and always act within the legal framework.
How can LorcaBase help me exactly?
At LorcaBase, we guide our clients through the entire process of company formation in Dubai — from the first consultation to the moment the company is ready to operate. Our team of lawyers, tax advisors, and financial experts takes care of every step: defining the appropriate legal structure, preparing legal documentation, obtaining business licenses, managing visas, and opening corporate bank accounts.
In addition, we provide accounting, tax, and real estate advisory services, ensuring a fast, legal, and efficient establishment in the United Arab Emirates.
Contact us to learn more about our services!