Set up a company in Dubai with Legal Startup. A dedicated corporate expert helps you choose between mainland and free zone, prepares the documents for your trade licence, and explains the visa, bank, UAE tax and Indian FEMA points you need to plan for.
Free call & custom quote · Professional fee + licence and authority fees
Dubai company registration means forming a legal entity in the Emirate of Dubai and obtaining a trade licence, either on the mainland through Dubai Economy and Tourism or in a free zone through the free zone authority. Indian citizens can usually hold 100% ownership.
Last updated: October 2026. UAE laws, authority fees, tax rules and Indian remittance rules can change, so we confirm the current position before filing.
Dubai is one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates. A business there is incorporated under the UAE Commercial Companies Law and holds a licence issued by a licensing authority. Which authority you deal with depends on the route you choose: Dubai Economy and Tourism for the mainland, or one of Dubai's free zone authorities.
Indian founders choose Dubai for trading, consulting, e-commerce, IT services, import and export, holding structures and regional expansion. The right structure depends on who your customers are, what activity you will carry out and whether you need an office, visas and a local bank account.
For official government information, visit the UAE Government portal (u.ae). For UAE tax registration and rules, see the Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae).
The exact conditions vary by authority and activity. These are the common points.
What you will do in Dubai.
Who owns and runs the company.
How the company is identified.
Where the business is based.
Not sure which structure fits your business? Tell us your activity and customers, and our experts will suggest a route free of charge.
Why Indian founders set up a company in Dubai.
Most activities allow 100% ownership by foreign nationals, including Indian citizens.
Strong ports, airports and logistics make Dubai a hub for the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Mainland, free zone and holding options let you match the licence to your plan.
A licensed company can usually sponsor visas for owners and staff, subject to its licence and space.
Open a corporate account in AED and other currencies, subject to the bank's checks.
The UAE has a defined corporate tax and VAT regime, with possible 0% rates on some income.
From choosing your structure to opening the bank account.
Timelines depend on the authority, activity approvals and document readiness. Not to scale.
We match your business activity, customers and budget to a mainland or free zone licence.
The name is checked against the authority's rules and reserved, followed by initial approval of the activity.
Shareholder papers are collected and attested where needed, and the Memorandum of Association is drafted and signed.
Mainland companies register a tenancy contract. Free zone companies take a desk, office or unit in the zone.
After approvals and payment, the trade licence and establishment card are issued.
Apply for residence visas and Emirates ID, open the corporate account and register for UAE corporate tax.
Keep these ready to avoid delays. Our expert will confirm the exact list for your authority.
The total cost depends on the authority, the licence activity, office space and the number of visas. It generally has these parts:
Charged by Dubai Economy and Tourism or the free zone authority. Fee schedules change, so we confirm current amounts before filing.
Office or flexi-desk rent, tenancy registration, visa, medical and Emirates ID fees depend on your set-up.
Our fee depends on the case and the filings required. Call free for a custom quote before you pay anything.
Bank account opening, tax registration and ongoing accounting are quoted separately. We share a clear, itemised quote before you begin. Get your free quote →
Choose the situation that matches your plan, or call free for a custom quote.
Founders forming a mainland or free zone company.
Set-up plus residence visa and banking guidance.
Licence renewal, amendments, tax and Indian-side filings.
Our professional fee is quoted after a free call. Licence, visa and authority fees are separate. Approvals are decided by the UAE authorities and are never guaranteed. Not sure which option fits? Ask for a free consultation.
A quick view of the three common structures. Details vary by authority and activity.
| Structure | Foreign ownership | Trading in UAE mainland | Office | Licensing authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland | Up to 100% for most activities | Generally allowed | Usually a leased office | Dubai Economy and Tourism |
| Free zone | 100% | Limited, needs permission or another route | Desk, office or unit in the zone | The free zone authority |
| Offshore holding | 100% | Not permitted to trade locally | Usually none | Offshore registry or free zone |
Planning the structure before you apply prevents most costly changes later.
Getting the licence is the start. A Dubai company has continuing obligations.
Complete bank KYC and open a corporate account in the company's name.
Finish the residence visa, medical test and Emirates ID for owners and staff.
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, and for VAT if your turnover requires it.
Maintain proper books, file tax returns, and complete audit and beneficial owner filings where required.
Renew the trade licence, tenancy or zone lease and residence visas on time, and meet Indian reporting duties.
Quick answers on Dubai company registration for Indian founders.
Dubai company registration is the process of forming a legal entity in the Emirate of Dubai and obtaining a trade licence to operate. It is done either on the mainland through Dubai Economy and Tourism, or in a free zone through the free zone authority.
In most cases, yes. Free zones have long allowed 100% foreign ownership, and the UAE has opened most mainland activities to full foreign ownership as well. Some regulated or strategic activities still carry restrictions, so we check your activity before you choose a structure.
A mainland company is licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism and can generally trade across the UAE. A free zone company is licensed by a free zone authority and is designed for activities inside the zone and for international business. Selling directly to the UAE mainland from a free zone usually needs extra permission or another route.
Many formation steps can be handled remotely with documents and e-signatures. However, a residence visa normally needs a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics in the UAE, and banks may ask to meet the shareholder. Requirements differ by authority and bank, so we confirm them in advance.
Usually passport copies, a passport-size photograph, proof of address, a business plan or activity description and preferred company names. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents and a board resolution. Regulated activities need extra approvals, and the exact list depends on the authority.
The cost depends on the licence, activity, office space, number of visas and the authority you choose. It generally includes licence and registration fees, office or flexi-desk charges, visa costs and the professional fee. We share an itemised quote in AED and INR terms after a free call.
Yes. The UAE levies federal corporate tax on taxable income, with a 0% rate on income up to a threshold and a standard 9% rate above it. Qualifying free zone companies may get a 0% rate on qualifying income only. Companies must register with the Federal Tax Authority and follow the current rules.
UAE VAT is charged at 5%. Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies exceed the prescribed threshold and optional below a lower threshold. We check your expected turnover and advise whether to register.
Yes, a licensed company can usually sponsor residence visas for its owners, partners and employees, subject to the licence type, office space and visa quota. The visa process includes an entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
An Indian resident who invests in a foreign company must follow FEMA and RBI rules on overseas investment and remittances, and must report foreign assets and income in Indian tax returns. Rules change, so we explain the current position and recommend taking tax advice before you remit funds.
Typical duties include annual licence renewal, corporate tax registration and returns, VAT returns if registered, proper accounting records, audit where required by the authority, beneficial owner filings and visa renewals. Requirements vary by authority, so we give you a current compliance calendar.
Planning a Dubai company? Speak to our corporate expert today – the consultation and the quote are free.
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