How to start a business in Dubai as a foreigner or non-resident

In the UAE, the most affordable Free Zone for a trade license is IFZA . They provide a budget-friendly company license in Dubai, which doesn’t include visas, for just AED 12,900. This is currently one of the most cost-effective options for a Dubai free zone license in 2023. Dubai’s free zone structures are among the world’s most advanced, offering diverse options to investors. Popular choices include the International Free Zone Authority for Small & Medium Enterprises and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority , known for its strategic location near a major port, ideal for international trade. A free zone license is like your permission slip for doing business in a specific area in Dubai. It’s a crucial document that allows all kinds of companies, whether they’re small startups or big multinational corporations, to take advantage of various benefits when they operate within that free zone.

b). Single License for Multiple Goods:

Boasting one of the best global ocean linkages, the free zone offers more than 150 shipping lines that can handle over 19 million containers per year. And the cherry on the top is the Etihad rail which, once finished, will link JAFZA to the entire Arabian Peninsula. “Depending on your business activity, you would need special approvals from relevant authorities, like the municipality, civil defence or other bodies,” Thompson said. At DMCC, we have a wide range of office solutions perfect for new businesses and start-ups. A company formation specialist can help here, and advise you on the best bank to suit your specific needs. Once you’ve decided on the type of business you wish to start, the next step is determining which free zone is right for you.

Types of Free Zone Licenses in Dubai

Launch your e-commerce business and promote through different channels including social media. Read more about business setup in UAE here. You can assign the task to a professional agency if the budget allows it.

• Rent – Depending on the size and location of your office, you would also need to factor in the rent. With MOHRE, you would need to apply for the establishment cardand with GDRFA, you need to apply for the immigration card. With both these cards, you will be able to apply for work permits and visas as a company.

Business Activity

Along with the application for your company name and the acivity, you need to provide copies of the shareholders’ passports. As you might know, there are different “free zones” in Dubai and depending on the nature of your business, you can choose the home base of your business in a zone that offers maximum benefit. Depending on the nature of your business, obtain the required licenses from relevant authorities, such as the DED, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre , or the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority . Dealing with government departments and navigating bureaucratic procedures can be time-consuming.

This, along with the introduction of long-term visas, has further cemented Dubai’s reputation as the perfect location for overseas entrepreneurs. As veteran consultants, we assist with planning, itemising and budgeting the total cost of your business set up in Dubai. Company setup in Dubai does not always require a minimum share capital, and is based on the size and structure of the organisation. Office rental charges too vary greatly, with choices ranging from virtual spaces and hot desks on 1-year contracts, to workshops, warehouses and large offices on long-term leases of up to 25 years.

In order to understand how to start a business in Dubai, you need to understand and choose the appropriate business structure for you. The absence of personal income tax and lower corporate tax in most industries plus exemption in certain cases allows businesses to reinvest their profits, fueling further expansion and development. Additionally, the UAE’s double taxation treaties with several countries offer a strategic advantage for international companies.