Start Your Business in
Dubai with Confidence
Leverage over 20 years of Dubai market expertise to launch your company seamlessly. From business setup to visa processing, we handle it all, so you can focus on growth.
DUBAI
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
25.2048° N / 55.2708° E
Business Bank Account
Emirates ID & Golden Visa
Establishment Card
About Us
What We Do
START DXB Business Solutions is your trusted partner in establishing a successful business presence in Dubai. With two decades of experience, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and companies establish their presence in the UAE with confidence, company formation, licensing, and visa procedures. Our mission is to provide personalized, efficient, and comprehensive solutions to entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to thrive in the UAE.
We offer personalized guidance, real-time updates, and honest, clear financial breakdowns at every step. Our team combines local expertise with international standards, helping you navigate regulations while focusing on growth.
Clients choose us because we simplify the complex. We don’t just offer services, we offer peace of mind, reliability, and a partner invested in your success. Whether you’re expanding into the region or launching your first venture, we’re here to make it happen smoothly and strategically.
Mainland Company Formation
Establish your business in Dubai’s mainland to access a broader market and enjoy greater operational freedom.
Free Zone Company Setup
Benefit from tax exemptions, full ownership, and streamlined processes in Dubai’s free zones.
Freelance Visa Assistance
Obtain a freelance visa to legally offer your services in the UAE with maximum flexibility.
Business Consulting & Advisory
Expert guidance on every aspect of your business journey, from strategy and structure to partnerships, marketing and growth.
PRO Services
Handle all your public relations officer needs, including document clearance and government liaison.
Post-Setup Support
Receive ongoing assistance with renewals, compliance, and administrative tasks to ensure your business remains in good standing.
But First
Why Dubai?
Dubai attracts many entrepreneurs from around the world. With a competitive tax structure, including a corporate tax of just nine percent (and even this doesn’t apply to all companies), it’s no surprise that more Europeans are looking to open businesses in Dubai. Besides the ease of company setup, the favorable climate and overall lifestyle improvements make it a more appealing alternative to countries like Germany and Austria.
A Safe Place in Uncertain Times Amid energy crises and geopolitical tensions in Europe, more individuals are seeking safer and more stable places to grow their businesses and protect assets. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being seen more and more as a secure destination, often called the "Switzerland of the Middle East." This reputation, along with proximity to fast-growing Asian markets, makes it especially appealing to companies in trade and logistics.
Download Our Free
Expert Analysis Report
Dubai Business Insight Report 2025: A Visual Expert Analysis
This report presents an in-depth analysis examining Dubai and the wider UAE and explores what makes it a premier global business hub and the optimal choice for your business venture. Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and compiled this essential resource, all brought to life with compelling graphics and clear visuals.
DUBAI
Get your Business
Up and Running
Starting a Business in Dubai opens the door to unique opportunities, tax benefits, government support, and a powerful geographic location. But success depends on careful planning, understanding of local laws, and collaboration with experienced advisors. At START DXB, we help you craft the right strategy and provide the support you need to ensure your business thrives in Dubai’s dynamic international hub. With professional guidance, your journey becomes smoother, more secure, and set for success.
What's it like to setup a company in Dubai?
While the process of starting a business in Dubai is generally smooth, proper planning and expert advice are still essential. The UAE has unique legal and procedural elements that require careful consideration. Below is a breakdown of available company structures, licensing requirements, and critical steps to help make the process a success.
Company Types and Formation Process There are different paths to forming a business in Dubai. Each type comes with its own requirements and advantages:
Mainland Company
Also known as Mainland LLCs, these businesses operate directly in the mainland of the emirate. Their structures resemble partnerships or corporations like those found in Germany, such as sole proprietorships or GmbHs.
Free Zone Company
These are based in designated economic zones and enjoy many global trade advantages. Dubai offers around 30 such zones tailored to a wide range of industries, each providing tax benefits and full foreign ownership.
Be Cautious with Dubious Providers
Unfortunately, the business setup industry in Dubai also attracts some unreliable agencies. These often lure clients with false promises, such as guaranteed bank accounts, instant visas, or incorrect license types. Phrases like “tax-free setup in 24 hours,” “start your company for just AED 5,000,” or “no documents required” should raise immediate concern. Such unrealistic claims are clear warning signs. Poor decisions based on bad advice can quickly turn the dream of owning a business in Dubai into a costly mistake.
Steps to Starting a Business
Planning Comes First. Setting up a company in Dubai requires careful planning and a clear strategy. Without this, issues with authorities or financial institutions can arise. Rather than navigating the process alone, consulting professionals is highly recommended.
Key requirements may include:
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Physical or virtual office space
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Minimum capital investment
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Articles of association
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Various formal documents
Examples in Action
Which Option Suits Your needs
Choosing the right company type in Dubai is crucial for your success and visa needs. Explore these practical scenarios to see which business form aligns with your vision and helps you secure the necessary UAE visas for yourself and your team.
Scenario 1: Global Online Business & E-commerce
Your Vision: Launching an online coaching service, digital marketing agency, or global e-commerce shop. You aim for international clients, desire remote work flexibility, and plan to reside in Dubai.
Ideal Company Type: A Free Zone Company offers 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate tax on qualifying international income. This structure avoids mainland trade restrictions, perfect for your international focus. Many Free Zones provide cost-effective virtual or flexi-desk office solutions, keeping your initial setup expenses low.
Visa Insights: You'll require at least one UAE residence visa as the owner or general manager, which is essential for opening a corporate bank account. As your business scales and you hire, you can typically apply for additional employee visas through your Free Zone, often linked to your chosen office package.
Scenario 2: Physical Retail, Hospitality, or Local Services in Dubai
Your Vision: Opening a café, retail boutique, beauty salon, or a real estate brokerage directly serving customers across Dubai and the UAE. You need a physical location and unrestricted local market access for long-term UAE operations.
Ideal Company Type: A Mainland Company is your most suitable choice. This structure provides complete freedom to trade anywhere within the UAE and internationally, reaching the broadest possible customer base. While a physical office is generally required, recent legal updates allow 100% foreign ownership for most commercial activities, simplifying the setup.
Visa Insights: As the owner/manager, a UAE residence visa is mandatory. Mainland companies offer the flexibility to apply for an unlimited number of employee visas, which is vital for staffing your physical establishment. The exact visa quota usually depends on the size of your rented office space.
Scenario 3: Innovative Tech Startup with Lean Investment
Your Vision: Developing a cutting-edge tech product or software. You need a cost-efficient, lean setup to develop your concept, attract early funding, and potentially hire a small, specialized team, prioritizing a supportive ecosystem.
Ideal Company Type: Consider a Tech Startup License within a specialized Free Zone like ADGM or IFZA. These licenses come with significantly lower annual fees and often don't require a physical office space, allowing you to use a mailbox service or agent's address, perfect for fostering new entrepreneurial ventures.
Visa Insights: The founder will need one residence visa. These specialized licenses typically allocate a limited number of employee visas (e.g., up to four), accommodating your initial team. Note that these startup licenses usually have a limited validity (e.g., two years), after which you'd transition to a more comprehensive license.
Scenario 4: Pure Holding Company for International Assets or IP
Your Vision: Establishing a corporate entity solely for holding shares in international companies, managing intellectual property (patents, trademarks), or safeguarding personal assets. You do not plan active business operations or residency within the UAE.
Ideal Company Type: An Offshore Company. This structure is purpose-built for asset protection and holding structures, offering 100% foreign ownership and high privacy, as shareholder registers are generally not public. They typically do not require a physical office in the UAE.
Visa Insights: Offshore companies cannot issue visas. This option is only suitable if you already have a valid UAE residence visa (e.g., via property investment or another company) or if you genuinely do not require UAE residency. Be aware that opening a corporate bank account for an Offshore company can be very challenging without a valid UAE residence visa.
Our Partners
We work directly with government entities to streamline your business setup, reducing paperwork, providing real-time updates, and ensuring full cost transparency. By cutting out the middleman, you benefit from faster processing and significant financial savings.
Testimonials:
What Our Clients Say
Dirk Kreuter
They Know What They're Doing! This team really knows their stuff! I've set up the last 2 companies with them. My very first company, which I started in 2018 with a different business setup company, took me 13 months to get my visa and Emirates ID. Thirteen whole months! Without an Emirates ID, no rental agreement; I had to leave the country every 90 days; I couldn't get a bank account or a credit card, it was pure hell! And all just because I had the wrong advisors.
Sili and his team set up my company with all the bells and whistles in just 48 hours. Forty-eight hours! And just to test if that was a fluke, I immediately set up another company right after. That one only took one day longer. So, they really knows what they're doing!
Bora Imren
Company Formation in Record Time
Today I'm already holding my Emirates ID, and I owe that solely to the wonderful Sili and Frank, who handled my company setup in Dubai, including residency ID and bank account, all within a week. After just five days, I have my Emirates ID in hand. In theory, this could have taken at least 3-5 months due to Ramadan, but when you work with the right people, you avoid all the headaches and everything just falls into place.
My recommendation to everyone: always stick with the right people who know what they're doing. Don't try to save money in the wrong places, otherwise you'll have a big problem in Dubai. I got my Emirates ID within seven days, along with excellent advice and a bank account. Now we're sitting here celebrating this success! And most importantly: I'm super happy!
Janika Peterson
I recently used the services of START Management, and my experience was exceptional. From start to finish, the process was smooth and stress-free. I no longer had to worry about complex procedures, Frank’s and Sili’s meticulous organization made everything clear and straightforward. Their efficiency is unmatched: I obtained my company license, visas, and driver’s licenses in no time. The team is professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and always on time. Their dedication to customer satisfaction was evident in every interaction, making the entire experience delightful. I wholeheartedly recommend this team to anyone looking for high-quality service without the hassle. Their German quality truly speaks for itself. Whether it’s visas, licenses, or other related matters, you can count on them to deliver with precision. My experience with START has been outstanding, and I will gladly return for future needs. Thumbs up, and keep up the fantastic work!
Martin Karus
I’m absolutely delighted to share my experience with the team at Start Management, a company that has exceeded my expectations in every way. Their service is fast, precise, and reliable. From company licenses to visas and driver’s licenses, everything was handled with impressive speed and accuracy.
What truly sets them apart is their consistency and integrity, they deliver on every promise without excuses. I no longer worry about delays or disappointments. The entire team is not only professional but also genuinely caring, with a clear understanding of and commitment to their clients’ needs. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction.
Having dealt with other companies before, I can confidently say that Start stands out. I’m immensely satisfied and grateful for everything they’ve done. They have earned my highest recommendation.
Marcel Fey
It's incredible how fast time flies! Just last December, we had our first consultation about setting up a company in Dubai. Now I'm already living in Dubai and have made new friends.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank Sili for the company formation, visa and residency ID process was handled so smoothly and quickly. Furthermore, I'd like to thank you for introducing me to such wonderful people, and most of all, THANK YOU for all the tips and tricks you showed me regarding apartment rental agreements in Dubai. That kind of help is priceless! Thanks, Habibi!
Lisa Müllner
Amazing experience.
Frank is extremely knowledgeable, professional, honest, trustworthy and reliable, from day one the process for me has been effortless since our first meeting and it has been a pleasure. It has been one of the easiest Visa application processes I have been through, Frank kept the communication open and transparent with updates along the way. I highly recommend Frank and his team if you wish to have the stress taken out of coming to Dubai
Peter Seletzky
Exceptional Support from Start to Finish
Thank you so much for the exceptional support I received from the entire team during the setup of my companies. Even our initial meeting was exciting and surpassed my expectations. From the very beginning, I felt completely at ease with you all. Working with you showed me how valuable competent partners are.
In Dubai, I experienced not only first-class advice and support with company formation but also personal care that went above and beyond the usual. Your 24/7 service truly impressed me and helped me feel well taken care of. Your expertise in government regulations, company structures, visa matters, and even bank account opening is remarkable.
I especially appreciate your commitment, which extends beyond just business. Your tips were always helpful. Your support is not just professional, it's also personal. You're always there to guide clients and provide them with security. Frank and Sili, thank you! You are experts with heart.
Hussein Khaled
We had already started our business setup with another company that overpromised and never delivered, they took our money and kept us stuck in Dubai, extending our stay and paying for hotels endlessly with no resolution in sight, we were completely stuck. We contacted START DXB after a friend recommended them, and it was honestly the best decision. They were transparent, responsive, and took time to explain every step. We felt supported the whole way through.
Danny Lenz
What stood out was how much they cared. It wasn’t just about setting up a company, they actually followed up afterward, helped with renewals, and checked in to make sure everything was going well. That’s rare.
Mike Menard
START DXB’s pricing seemed higher at first, but after dealing with cheaper companies full of hidden fees and renewal surprises, I can confidently say it’s worth it. They’re upfront, honest, and there are no unexpected costs.
Build Smart. Invest Right.
Maximize Every Dirham
Clear financials and direct government coordination mean fewer surprises and better control. Our process helps you allocate capital efficiently and start your business with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but having a physical office and local representative helps build trust and compliance.
Startup costs vary widely depending on company type, license requirements, and visa services. It’s not easy to give an exact number, but expenses can quickly add up to several thousand Dirhams.
Risks to Prepare For
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Understanding and adapting to local business culture
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Navigating immigration laws
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Familiarity with UAE regulations
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Understanding Federal Tax Authority (FTA) rules
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Meeting accounting and audit obligations
To handle these properly, working with experienced consultants is essential. Company formation is only the first step in long-term success.
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Whether local or international bank account—can involve bureaucratic hurdles. Commonly required documents include:
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Business plan
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Address verification for all parties
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Bank statements or reference letters
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ID copies for all involved
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Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Most paperwork must be translated into English to avoid delays.
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Dubai’s booming economy offers opportunities in a very wide range of industries, especially:
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Media and tech
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Visual and creative arts
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Hospitality
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Events and experiences
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There are four main visa options for staying in Dubai:
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Investor visa via a company in a free zone or the mainland
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Employment visa through your own Dubai company
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Family visa via sponsorship
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Property visa for purchases above AED 2 million
In most cases, the business is registered before the visa is processed.
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Yes, every resident needs health insurance. Reputable setup firms include this in their packages, but international coverage is also advised.
Dubai’s taxation mainly involves a five percent VAT and a nine percent corporate tax (that applies only to companies generating ~$100,000 of profit or more). There’s no personal income tax, nor taxes on gifts or inheritances.
Dubai’s income comes from:
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Real estate
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Tourism
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Financial services
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Business licenses
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Jebel Ali Port
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Investments from state-owned companies
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Yes, you can move your business from Europe to Dubai by setting up a new entity or branch here. While you can’t directly transfer a European company, you can shift operations, assets, or services to a Dubai-based setup. With the right structure and guidance, the transition can be smooth and beneficial.
Our team can guide you through the entire transition — from company formation and licensing to visas and relocation support.