Business Setup in Dubai

Launch your company in the UAE with clarity and confidence through our comprehensive business setup services. We guide you through licensing, registration, jurisdiction selection, and compliance so your foundation is strong and your operations can scale smoothly.

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Your Trusted Partner for Business Formation in Dubai

Virtual Accountants LLC is Dubai’s leading business formation company providing a full range of services to help entrepreneurs and investors incorporate and grow their business in Dubai. With years of experience and expertise in this field, Virtual Accountants LLC strives to provide quality services and solutions that meet the unique needs and requirements of our clients.

At Virtual Accountants LLC, we understand that every business is unique, which is why we offer customized solutions designed to meet your specific needs and requirements. Our team of experienced professionals work closely with you to understand your business objectives and help you select the corporate structure and legal framework that best suits your business.

Types of businesses that can be incorporated in Dubai.

There are different types of companies that can be incorporated in Dubai, each with their own legal and regulatory requirements. Some of the most common types are:

Free Zone Company:

A Free Zone company is a legal entity that can be incorporated into one of Dubai’s many Free Zones. These Zones offer 100% foreign-ownership, tax-free, and other benefits.

Mainland Company:

A mainland company is a legal entity incorporated in the mainland region of Dubai. Now these businesses are also owned 100% but, in some cases, require a local agent and have specific legal and regulatory requirements that must be met.

Offshore Company:

An offshore company is a legal entity incorporated outside the United Arab Emirates but with a registered office in Dubai. These companies are not permitted to do business in the United Arab Emirates but offer tax and holding companies benefits.

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Steps to start a business in Dubai.

The steps and procedure for setting up a business in Dubai slighly varies from Free Zone to Free Zone and also in Mainland. Below are the general steps for business set-up in Dubai after you selected the business activity:

Decide one of Free Zones or Mainland:

Selecting the right Free Zone is important, as this can have a crucial impact on your business operations. There are many factors that can influence your choice of Free Zone, such as the type of business activity, legal structure, location, cost, and the number of visas required.

Select Company Type / Legal structure:

When setting up a business in Dubai, you must choose the type of company that best fits your requirements. The most frequent forms of corporations in Dubai are Limited liability company, Sole Establishment, Branch of a Foreign Company, Free Zone Company, and Public Shareholding Company.

Choose a business name:

Choose a name for your business and make sure it follows naming conventions. Normally while registering business, you will have to provide three names in the order of priority to registration authority. please note for naming a business in mainland the rules are more strict than the Free Zones.

Obtain a Business License:

It is crucial to make sure the office space you rent adheres with all applicable rules and regulations. For Mainland the required minimum office space is 200 square feet. For the Free Zones, the requirement varies from Free Zone to Free Zone and minimum requirement is flexi desk which is in most of the cases arranged by the respective Free Zone.

Rental Office Space:

Apply for a business license with the DED or the relevant Free Zone authority. It should be noted that the criteria and procedures for acquiring a business license will differ based on the type of business and area.

Apply for visas and residence permits:

Apply for visas and residence permits for yourself and all your employees. It is vital for your company to follow all visa and residence permit requirements. Some Free Zone business license has limitation on the number of Visa and quota is allowed as per the category of license.

Opening of Bank account:

To conduct business activities that involve financial transactions it is necessary to have a corporate bank account so that business transactions could be carried out smoothly.

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FAQs

Accounting Services in the UAE

Which business setup option (Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore) is best for my UAE business?

Choosing the right setup depends on your business activities, target market, and long-term goals. Free Zones offer full foreign ownership and tax benefits, Mainland allows trading across UAE, and Offshore is suitable for international operations and asset protection.

How do corporate tax and VAT affect my UAE business setup choice?

Corporate tax and VAT obligations vary based on your license and location. A proper setup ensures compliance, optimizes tax planning, and avoids penalties from UAE authorities like the Ministry of Finance and FTA.

Can I operate in multiple Emirates if my company is registered in a Free Zone?

Free Zone companies are generally limited to their own zone or international markets. To operate in multiple Emirates, you may need a Mainland license, a local distributor, or a branch setup, depending on the business activity.

How do I structure ownership to comply with UAE foreign ownership laws while retaining control?

UAE laws now allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, but some strategic or regulated industries require a local partner or service agent. Risk assessment and proper legal advice ensure compliance while maintaining operational control.

What are the hidden costs of setting up a business in UAE?

Beyond the license fee, you may incur costs for:

Local sponsor or service agent fees
Visa processing and Emirates ID
Office rent and utility deposits
Compliance, auditing, and accounting services
Understanding these costs upfront avoids surprises.

Can I convert a Free Zone or sole proprietorship into a Mainland company later?

Yes. Conversion is possible but involves document approvals, licensing changes, and regulatory compliance. Early planning reduces downtime and ensures smooth transition without losing tax or licensing benefits.

What approvals or permits are needed for specific industries like consultancy, trading, or e-commerce?

Each business activity may require additional approvals from relevant authorities. For example, consultancy may need professional permits, trading requires customs clearance, and e-commerce may need E-commerce registration under UAE law.

How can I protect my intellectual property when setting up a business in UAE?

You can register trademarks, patents, and copyrights with the UAE Ministry of Economy. A proper setup ensures your IP is linked to your legal entity, preventing infringement and securing your brand.

How does risk assessment factor into choosing a business setup?

Risk assessment identifies regulatory, financial, and operational risks before starting your business. It ensures your structure, license, and processes comply with UAE laws, protecting your company from fines, penalties, or business disruption.

How can I set up a UAE business quickly while remaining fully compliant?

A streamlined process includes:

Choosing the right license and location
Preparing accurate documentation
Submitting applications to relevant authorities
Using professional accounting and business setup services
This ensures fast approval while minimizing compliance risks.

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Our Locations

Office - Dubai

Office 609, 6th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 1, Trade Centre 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Office - Sharjah

Sharjah Media City (Shams), Al Messaned, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.