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Why Register or Set up Business in Dubai From India?
Dubai’s strategic location, free trade zones, investor-friendly tax policies, and world-class infrastructure make it an excellent destination for entrepreneurs. For instance, the city offers 100% foreign ownership in free zones, zero personal income tax, and seamless connectivity through one of the world’s busiest airports, enabling businesses to thrive in a global marketplace. With attractive tax benefits, simplified company registration processes, and access to a growing consumer market, the city is a global hub for business expansion. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for how to set up a business or company in Dubai, UAE from India.
Types of Business Setups in Dubai
Mainland Company
Mainland companies allow full access to local and international markets. This includes opportunities in industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and professional services. Businesses can establish offices in prime locations, bid for government contracts, and engage in unrestricted trade across the UAE and beyond. They are ideal for businesses needing a physical presence and are subject to local regulations, including UAE national sponsorship requirements for certain activities.
2. Free Zone Company
The setup with free zones enables 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and ease of doing operations. For example, IT consultancy, e-commerce, and international trading companies enjoy a free zone environment where there will be simple imports and exports with no customs duty payable and even storage in warehouses.
3. Offshore Company
Offshore companies are designed for those businesses that seek tax efficiency and asset protection. Such companies can be registered legally in Dubai but operate outside of the UAE.
With Profound Business Services as your expert business consultants, we can help you choose the right jurisdiction and assist in every step, from licensing to operational support.
Comparing Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Companies
Feature | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
Ownership | Requires UAE sponsor | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
Business Scope | Local and international | Restricted to Free Zone | International only |
Office Requirement | Mandatory | Optional | Optional |
Tax Benefits | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
Top Locations To Set up Business in Dubai From India
Mainland Jurisdictions:
- Dubai Mainland: Diverse business opportunities and easy market access.
- Sharjah Mainland: Cost-effective options for startups.
- Abu Dhabi Mainland: Suitable for high-profile ventures.
- Ras Al Khaimah Mainland: Competitive tax policies and costs.
- Fujairah Mainland: Ideal for industrial businesses.
- Ajman Mainland: Affordable solutions for SMEs.
- Umm Al Quwain Mainland: Emerging destination for new enterprises.
Free Zones:
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Sharjah Media City Free Zone
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
- Ajman Free Zone
- Fujairah Free Zone
Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai
- Low Taxation Policies: zero personal income tax.
- Investment Security: Well-functioning legal systems help businesses be better protected.
- Strategic Location: It acts as the doorway into a worldwide market.
- Population Growth: Access to an active, growing consumer base.
- Hassle-Free Visa Management: Simplified procedures in visa processing for employees/investors.
- World-Class Infrastructure: State-of-the-art infrastructure for business development.
Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration From India
- Valid passport and visa for every shareholder.
- Adequate business capital, usually between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000, depending upon the nature of the business and jurisdiction.
- Compliance with UAE regulations and business laws.
- Valid passport and visa for all shareholders.
- Sufficient business capital.
- Fully compliant with UAE regulations and business laws.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Set up Business in Dubai From India
Identify Your Business Activity
Identify your business activity for UAE licensing requirements, which will determine the type of license you will hold.
2. Select a Unique Trade Name
The name should be unique, not conflict with the UAE naming rules, and not be against public morals or order.
3. Decide on Jurisdiction
You may choose Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore depending on the business needs and objectives.
4. Prepare Legal Documents
Draft the Memorandum of Association – MOA – and Local Service Agent Agreement, if applicable.
5. Apply for Business Licenses
Obtain the relevant licenses:
- Commercial License: For trading activities.
- Professional License: For service-oriented businesses.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing or production.
6. Open a Business Bank Account
Select an appropriate UAE bank as per your need. This account will be important in processing all your business transactions.
7. Secure Investor and Employee Visas
Get the visas via the UAE immigration process. An investor and employee visa is a must to operate legally.
8. Rent Office Space
Ensure that you have a physical address. Free Zones usually provide flexible office solutions, too, according to the business needs.
Let Profound Business Services take care of the entire process for you and your team.
How Much Does it Cost to Set up Business in Dubai From India?
Setting up a business in Dubai involves several expenses that can be categorized as follows:
- Business License Fees: These will range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000, depending on the type of license to be applied for: Commercial, Professional, or Industrial.
- Office Space Costs: Everything matters, size, location, and even the type of office space, whether a physical office, a virtual office, or shared space.
- Visa Processing Fees: They usually range between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000 for investors and employees.
- Legal and Documentation Fees: This will entail notarization, and drafting of MOA/LSA agreements, among others, whose cost will vary with the complexity of the business.
- Registration and Administrative Charges: Also, the registration of businesses attracted different fees, ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 by the concerned authority.
- Insurance and Compliance Costs: Statutory insurance costs and other costs of statutory observances.
Breaking these costs down helps entrepreneurs better prepare financially for their company formation in Dubai.
- Business License: AED 15,000 – AED 50,000
- Office Space: Costs vary based on location and size.
- Visa Fees: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per visa
- Additional Expenses: Includes legal documentation, registration fees, and insurance.
To know the estimation you can also try out our business setup Cost calculator.
Documents required to Set up Business in Dubai from India
- Trade License: It consists of activities your business is allowed to perform. UAE Issues three types of licenses: Professional, Commercial, Industrial.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): This document outlines the company structure and internal regulations.
- Business plan: The goals of your business, target markets, marketing tactics, and financial forecasts should all be included in this plan.
- Application form: Fill out an online application form.
- Passport copies: submit notarized & attested copies of each shareholder, partner, and manager’s passport.
- Proof of address: A recent utility bill or rental agreement can be used to provide proof of address for all shareholders, partners, and managers.
- Shareholders information: Information about shareholders
- Visa copies: If you already have a UAE residence Visa you’ll need to submit copies of visa.
- Bank reference letter
Register your Company in Dubai From India
Setting up a company in Dubai from India is a strategic decision for global growth. Through this guide and with the help of one of the most trusted business setup consultants in Dubai, Profound Business Services, you are going to be able to smooth your setup process and channel your efforts toward success. Start your journey today!
