Open a company in Dubai:
end-to-end advisory.
Free Zone, Mainland, Offshore or Holding. We assess your project, define the optimal structure, and handle license, corporate bank account and accounting setup in a single coordinated workflow. Operational in 3–14 days.
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How we open your company
in the Emirates.
Eleven structured steps from the first call until you're operating. Each point with its owner and estimated timing.
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01
Initial contact
Book a free consultation with one of our experts to discuss your project and answer your questions.
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02
Tailored quote
Receive a custom proposal that fits your business needs, detailing every cost associated with the process.
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03
Name selection
Pick up to three options for your company name, making sure they're unique and comply with local regulations.
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04
Required documentation
Provide the necessary documentation, including a copy of your passport and a passport-size photograph.
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05
Business activity and legal structure
Define the main activity of your business and the legal structure that best fits your goals (LLC, Holding, etc.).
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06
Legal process
We prepare every legal document required for incorporation, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the official forms required.
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07
Government fees
Payment of the corresponding fees is made for company registration and to obtain the commercial license.
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08
Registration and commercial license
You receive confirmation of your company's registration and obtain your commercial license, allowing you to operate legally.
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09
Visas and immigration
We manage visas and work permits for you and your employees, easing immigration into the UAE.
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10
Bank account opening
We open corporate bank accounts with UAE banks, ensuring access to the right financial services for your business.
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11
Ready to operate
Your company is fully operational within 3 to 14 days. Start enjoying the benefits of operating with 0% tax up to AED 375,000.
Advantages of setting up a company
in Dubai.
100% foreign ownership
In Dubai's free zones, foreign investors are allowed to hold 100% of the shares without the need for a local partner.
Full repatriation of capital
Transfer your profits and the company's capital back to your country of origin without restrictions.
Attractive tax regime
No personal income tax. Corporate Tax is 9%, applied only to profits exceeding 375,000 AED.
Strategic location
Dubai sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, making it ideal for trade, logistics and regional expansion.
Top-tier infrastructure
Modern airports, ports, business hubs, industrial areas and service zones that make day-to-day operations significantly more efficient.
Business-friendly environment
Regulations designed to attract foreign investment, streamlined procedures, multiple specialized free zones, and a legal framework that simplifies setup.
Which type of company
can we set up in Dubai?
Sole establishment.
Registered on the mainland, with the owner assuming full legal liability. It allows you to operate in the local market and hire employees. More requirements than a freelance license, but broader commercial reach.
International offshore.
Designed for asset management or international trade, without operating in the local market. Allows 100% foreign ownership, no mandatory physical office, and few requirements. Simple and with low regulatory burden.
Discover →Free Zone.
Located in Dubai's special economic areas, it offers tax advantages and full foreign ownership. Requires an office within the zone and a specific license. Medium complexity and certain limitations on operating outside the free zone.
Discover →Mainland LLC.
Operates freely across the entire UAE. 100% foreign ownership permitted in most activities. No geographic restrictions: you can open branches in any Emirate and bid for public tenders.
Quick comparison
| Type | Complexity | Foreign ownership | Local operations | Requirements | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Permit | Very low | 100% | Only inside the Free Zone | Free Zone license, no office, no partners | Independent professionals and consultants |
| Sole Establishment | Low | 100% (sector-dependent) | Yes | DET license, physical office, full liability | Self-employed with local clients |
| Offshore | Medium-low | 100% | No | Simple registration, no physical office | Holding, asset management or international trade |
| Free Zone | Medium | 100% | Limited (only inside the zone) | Office in Free Zone, specific license | Startups and international companies |
| Mainland LLC | High | 100% (activity-dependent) | Full | Physical office, local licenses, visas | Companies operating across the UAE |
Tax obligations
in Dubai.
Value Added Tax
- Mandatory registration
- If sales exceed 375,000 AED.
- Voluntary registration
- If sales or expenses exceed 187,500 AED.
- Standard rate
- 5%
- Zero rate
- 0% — healthcare, exports, transport, etc.
Corporate Tax
- Registration
- Mandatory for all companies (except natural persons < 1M).
- Exempt threshold
- First 375,000 AED of profit: 0%.
- Standard rate
- 9% on everything above 375,000 AED.
- Special regimes
- Small Business Relief, Qualifying Free Zone Activity at 0%.
Most common mistakes
Dubai Law 13/2011 + Federal Law 32/2021. Fines of up to AED 50,000, plus suspension or closure of the company until the situation is regularized.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023. Fines of 10,000 AED for late registration and 5,000–20,000 AED for failing to submit required information.
Federal Law No. 32 of 2021, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023. Fines of 10,000–20,000 AED and risk of being unable to renew the 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 tied to the company, allowing you to live, work and open bank accounts in the UAE. This visa is normally issued for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed as long as the company remains active and meets legal requirements.
There are different types of visa, with the most relevant being:
- Investor or partner visa — for owners or shareholders of a company registered in Dubai.
- Employee visa — for workers hired by a local or free-zone company.
- Dependent visa — for direct family members of the holder (spouse, children, parents).
- Golden Visa — for investors, entrepreneurs or highly qualified professionals, with a duration of up to 10 years.
Each visa type has its own requirements, but all of them require a valid commercial license, a sponsor or registered entity, and compliance with the residency and medical procedures established by UAE authorities.
See visa types →The LorcaBase advantage.
Whether you're considering expanding your business or starting from scratch in Dubai, at LorcaBase we walk you through every step. These are the reasons our clients choose us:
End-to-end advisory
A team of lawyers, tax advisors and finance specialists focused on the UAE. Full management of every legal, tax and administrative procedure.
Personal guidance
From the initial consultation through licensing and bank account opening, we manage every step: name, documentation, visas, licenses.
Operational in 3–14 days
Thanks to our experience and local relationships, our clients have their company registered, licensed and ready to operate in just two weeks.
End-to-end process
We don't stop at incorporation: we manage accounting, taxation, visas and ongoing regulatory compliance after registration.
Emirati expertise
Years working with European and international companies. We know the UAE's legal, tax and administrative environment in depth.
Bilingual by design
Every document, meeting and deliverable in your language — English or Spanish. No rough translations or misunderstandings on operations that move serious capital. A clear bridge between Spain, Latin America and the UAE.
What else do we offer?
Accounting and finance.
A complete accounting service that ensures regulatory compliance and financial control for your Dubai-based company, with full transparency and efficiency.
Discover → 03 · CorporateCorporate solutions.
Corporate bank account opening, license management, visas, company liquidation and corporate amendments.
Discover → 04 · TaxCorporate taxation.
We optimize your company's tax structure, ensuring compliance with all tax rules and maximizing the benefits of operating in a tax-friendly environment.
Discover → 05 · M&AMergers and acquisitions.
We advise on merger, acquisition or sale processes, performing thorough financial and legal analysis that secures safe and efficient transactions.
Discover →What people most often ask us.
How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai?
It depends on the jurisdiction (free zone or mainland), the activity and other factors such as offices or visas. In a free zone, formation costs start from approximately 7,500 USD for a basic license. There are slightly more affordable options in other Free Zones such as Sharjah.
Note: these figures are indicative — every case varies.
How much tax does a company pay in Dubai?
Since June 2023, UAE federal regulations set Corporate Tax at 0% for the first AED 375,000 of profit, and 9% on profits above that threshold. There is also a 5% VAT on goods and services.
Can a foreigner set up a business in Dubai?
Yes. The UAE allows foreign investors to hold 100% ownership in many structures, especially in free zones or under foreign direct investment regulations. Depending on the sector or company type, 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 currently hold 100% of the ownership in most sectors, particularly in free zones. Mainland 100% ownership 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 well?
A monthly income of between 20,000 and 25,000 AED supports a comfortable lifestyle for a single person. For families, a larger budget is recommended depending on schooling and housing costs.
What is the 6-month rule in Dubai?
This rule states that if a person stays outside the Emirates for more than 6 consecutive months, their residence visa may be invalidated. In that case, a new residency must be processed or reactivated upon return. The investor visa allows entry once a year.
Which jobs are most in demand in Dubai?
The sectors with the highest demand include: technology, engineering, construction, hospitality, digital marketing and healthcare. Companies look for qualified profiles with strong English, especially in technical and management roles.
What is the strictest rule in Dubai?
UAE laws are very clear regarding visa compliance, respect for local rules and public conduct. Penalties for administrative or legal breaches can be severe, so it is important to stay informed and always act within the legal framework.
How exactly can LorcaBase help me?
At LorcaBase we accompany our clients throughout the entire company formation process in Dubai, from the first consultation until the company is ready to operate. Our team of lawyers, tax advisors and finance experts handles every step: defining the right legal structure, preparing the legal documentation, obtaining commercial licenses, managing visas and opening corporate bank accounts. We also provide accounting, tax and real estate advisory.
The trust of those already
working with us
Your company in Dubai,
structured with precision
from day one.
Book an initial consultation, no commitment. You'll receive a tailored diagnosis covering structure, licensing, taxation and the right visas for your project.
Book a consultation →Dubai Marina, UAE