How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?

Dubai is now one of the most favored Hub for entrepreneurs, investors and startups across the world — and particularly in India. Recognized for its tax-free milieu, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and booming business communities, the city presents unparalleled prospects to create and grow your business. When opening a business in Dubai, you should know the list of documents, legal formalities and setup cost needed. If you want to set up a small trading company, or a tech start-up, or even if it’s just a virtual office business setup in Dubai, having the proper paperwork ready makes things prompt and hassle-free. This article provides a comprehensive list of the Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai, UAE, guiding you through the process of starting a business in Dubai and the associated costs – all broken down into bite-sized, easy-to-understand steps.

Reasons Why Indians Want to Do Business Setup in Dubai UAE?

Over the past
decade, thousands of Indian entrepreneurs have successfully launched or business
setup in Dubai. The reasons are clear:
In the past 10 years, thousands of Indian entrepreneurs have set up successful
businesses in Dubai. The reasons are clear:

• 0% personal and corporate tax (in most zones)
• 100% ownership (in most cases, in free zone）
• Free zones: no import/export duties
• World-class logistics and digital infrastructure
• Gateway to GCC, African and EU markets
  Dubai has a safe, business-friendly government and is home to special features such as
  banking, visa and global trade services — this makes it the first choice for Indians
  planning to expand your businesses overseas.

Business Setup in Dubai Documents Required From Your Side

When establishing a business and business setup in dubai in the Mainland, Free Zone or
Offshore region, there are legal requirements to obtain no-objection certificates – these
are used to establish your identity, your companies’ activities and proof you operate
with good financial credentials.
Here’s a comprehensive guide for both individual and corporate investors:

1. Copies of Passports for Shareholders and Managers

Copies of valid passport of each shareholder, partner and the manager of the company.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

2. Copy of Visa and Emirates ID (if you are a resident in the UAE)

If you are already living in the UAE, please attach your copy of residence visa and
Emirates ID to ascertain legal presence.

3. Passport-size Photographs

Recent, clear, and white-background photographs (usually 2–4 copies) are mandatory
for the business license file.

4. Proposed Trade Name Options

You’ll need to provide three trade name suggestions for approval from the Department
of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority.

5. Business Activity Details

A detailed list of activities (for example, trading, consulting, e-commerce, etc.) must be
provided. This defines the type of business license you’ll obtain.

6. Lease Agreement or Ejari

If you are setting up on the mainland, you need an Ejari certificate (registered tenancy
contract) or a virtual office agreement for a virtual office business setup in Dubai.

7. Initial Approval Certificate

Before applying for a trade license, the authority issues an initial approval certificate
confirming your business activities are permitted.

8. Share Capital Proof (if applicable)

Certain free zones require proof of share capital through a bank letter or capital deposit
certificate.

9. Tenancy Contract or Business Address Proof

Providing a physical or virtual office address is compulsory. Many small enterprises opt
for a business setup Dubai for small enterprises using shared or virtual workspaces.

10. Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The MOA also describe the ownership shares, business scopes and management
structures. It needs to be notarized with the signatures of all shareholders.

11. NOC (No Objection Certificate)

In case any of the shareholders are UAE residents/employees, No Objection Certificate
from current employer/sponsor might be needed.

12. Business Setup In Dubai UAE Plan (for specific activities)

In some sectors — like finance, real estate or consultancy — you may need an uber
detailed business plan explaining your operations, performance and goals to be viable.

13. Power of Attorney (if applicable)

If a third party is handling your company creation, you the Power of Attorney gives
them permission to do so on your behalf.

14. Corporate Documents (for company shareholders)

Where a corporate shareholder, other documents are also required:
Certificate of Incorporation

• Board Resolution for opening a branch /subsidiary
• Decree of association (DOA)
• Certificate of Good Standing

How to a Business Setup in Dubai UAE (Step-by-Step Process)

Setting up your company in Dubai involves several stages. Working with the best
business setup in Dubai consultant ensures all steps are completed quickly and legally.

Step1: Selecting The Perfect Business Jurisdiction For You What Is A Business
Jurisdiction?

• Abu Dhabi has three primary categories of business zones:
• Land – full access to UAE based markets, must have DED license.
• Free Zone – Full ownership, no tax., easy establish and operate (perfect for
  startups).
• Offshore — for holding companies or international work.
  Step 2: Choose Life Through Business.
  What your most important and secondary activities?
• Examples:
• Trading
• Consulting
• Media Production
• E-commerce
• Technology or Manufacturing
  Step 3: Select Your Legal Structure
• Common structures include:
• Sole Proprietorship
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Branch Office
• Representative Office
  Step 4: Reserve Trade Name
  Provide 2–3 name suggestions to DED or your free zone of choice. Names must adhere
  to UAE naming standards (no religious or political terminologies).
  Step 5: Apply For First Approval
  Officials check your records and grant you a preliminary approval certificate. This
  action ensures that your business has the necessary legal right to continue.
  Step 6: Draft The MOA And Office Lease
  You need to prepare an MOA and a lease/virtual office contract, which vary according
  to the business type.
  Step 7: Get Your Trade License
  After your documents are verified, you’ll be issued with your trade license — the legal
  authorization to commence trading.
  Step 8: Apply For Visas And Bank Account
  After license issuance, apply for investor or employee visas and open a corporate bank
  account.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Dubai, UAE?

The cost to start a business in Dubai depends on location, activity type, and business
size. However, here’s a general guide:

These costs cover trade license, registration fees, name approval, and documentation.
Additional costs may apply for visas, bank accounts, and office rentals.
To get exact pricing, request a Free Consultation from Maryanne Advisors, one of the
best consultants business setup in Dubai, trusted by Indian entrepreneurs.

Business Setup in Dubai UAE – Benefits:

• 100% ownership (in most free zones)
• Easy visa processing for investors and employees
• Access to international markets
• Tax-free environment
• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• Fast documentation & registration
• Flexible office options (virtual or physical)
  Whether you want to open a trading company, IT startup, or business setup Dubai for
  small enterprises, Dubai provides everything you need to grow.

Why Choose Maryanne Advisors

At Maryanne Advisors, we simplify the entire business setup in Dubai process for
Indian investors and global entrepreneurs. From document preparation to bank account
setup and visa processing — everything is managed under one roof.
Our Expertise:

• Mainland & Free Zone company registration
• Virtual office business setup in Dubai
• VAT registration & compliance
• PRO and visa services
• Legal drafting & notarization
• Free business consultation

With years of experience and a team of UAE business formation experts, we make your
Dubai company setup fast, secure, and fully compliant.

FAQs:

Q.1 What is the most convenient way to business setup in Dubai ?
Ans: The simplest is to set up a company in a Free Zone. It even brings 100%
ownership, tax incentives and low upfront cost – all ideal for the lowest common
denominator of small-time Indian entrepreneurs.

Q.2 How long does it take to a business set up in Dubai?
Ans: Most formations are registered in 5 to 7 working days, subject to received
documents & business activity.

Q.3 Can I do business in Dubai from India?
Ans: Yes! And with digital approvals and virtual office business setup Dubai, you can
easily set up and operate your company without having to visit the jurisdiction with
help from local consultants.

Q.4 Is it costly to start or business setup in Dubai?
Ans: Not necessarily. You can open a business in Dubai for 10,000-12,000 AED only that
would vary based on the free zone and the kind of license.

Q.5 Would I need a local sponsor for my company?
Ans: Not for free zone companies. But your business type may need a local service
agent for a mainland configuration.

Conclusion

There’s no better place that Indian entrepreneurs can go when they’re looking to
expand globally than starting or a business setup in Dubai. Thanks to low taxes and a
small amount of paperwork, not to mention laws amenable for investors, thousands of
startups are flocking into Dubai every year.
Once you have all the mandatory documents ready to open a business in Dubai, you
will not face any delay, and your business will start operating effortlessly. Be it
company formation, virtual office business setup in Dubai or business setup Dubai for
smaller businesses, etc. the possibilities are endless!

Work with Maryanne Advisors, the top business setup services provider in Dubai, and
have a licensed pro take care of your licensing, paperwork, and registration — so you
can concentrate on what’s really important: expanding your business in the UAE.

Call Us For More Details: +971 56 853 3111 (All Days)

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