Company formation in Dubai

Dubai is considered one of the most up-and-coming and interesting international business locations in the world.

The popular vacation destination has become a real hotspot for start-ups in a wide range of sectors. But established companies and large corporations such as Microsoft and Google also have permanent branch offices in Dubai.

Dubai used to be considered an exotic tax haven, but today it is a serious business location for many companies.

We help you to take advantage of the numerous tax and economic benefits for you and your company in order to profit from Dubai as a business location.

Fast, simple and individually tailored to your business needs. From freelancers and investors to corporate groups , we facilitate the establishment of companies in Dubai and assist with legally compliant emigration .

Advantages at a glance

Why set up a company in Dubai?
Dubai as a business location offers several advantages for entrepreneurs or companies of various kinds.
  • 0% Corporate Tax

    with a threshold of 100.000 USD after that 9%
  • 0% Capital Gains Tax

    No taxes on capital gains and dividends.
  • 0% Crypto Tax

    No taxes on cryptocurrencies, NFTs or other blockchain based digital assets.
  • Local & International Banking

    Dubai offers great local as well as international banking opportunities.

Company formation Dubai - step by step

We accompany you in 6 simple steps to a fast, secure and customized company formation.

Consultation

During the initial consultation, we explain all the options, advantages and procedures.

  • Objective
  • Strategy
  • Planning

Company Setup

We support you in setting up and finding the branch.

  • Correct legal form
  • Right choice of license
  • Company location

Bank Acc. Opening

We will show you which banks are suitable for you and your company.

  • Choice of bank
  • Opening a business account
  • Opening a private account

Services at a glance

Setting up a company in Dubai must be viewed holistically. That is why we offer all services for a complete setup.
discussion

Start-up consulting

We advise on Freezone vs Maindland, as well as the choice of the right licenses.
card

VISA & EID

We offer VISA for founders, but also provide support with VISA for family and employees.
tax

Tax advice

We offer tax advice in the event of relocation, on site in Dubai or for complex international structures.
accounting

Accounting

We help with ongoing accounting and compliance in the UAE.
medical insurance

Insurances

If insurance is necessary, we have specific recommendations. From health insurance to cars and real estate.
house

Real estate

We work with selected real estate agents and can assist you in your real estate search.
bank

Banks

We have direct contact with the leading banks in Dubai, enabling us to open an account for you.
legal document

Legal advice

Further legal advice on wills, holding structures, power of attorney and much more.
ipad

Why GLOBAL SETUP?

Your taxes are taxable. We can help you with this.

We have already supported numerous companies worldwide in their internationalization and are at your side with experience, competence and reliability.

What do our customers say?

Experience

We have helped numerous people set up companies in Dubai. Below is some feedback on our service and our experience.
feedback gunnar

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Company formation Dubai
In principle, anyone can set up a company in Dubai. Both natural persons of any origin and existing (holding) companies. The decisive factor is that there is no criminal record or similar, as otherwise a bank account is often rejected.
The foundation only takes 5 working days after we have defined the exact company setup together.
Yes, our entire German-speaking team is on site and is with you every step of the way.
No, we complete the company formation 100% remotely. However, this is necessary for the Emirates ID and account opening.
No, setting up a company does not depend on your place of residence.
Not for setting up a company, but for opening a bank account in the Dubai.
Theoretically, this is possible. However, you are still subject to the German tax system if there is no economic substance (manager, office, employees….) in Dubai. The project is therefore pointless from a tax optimization perspective. The same applies to Austria and Switzerland.  
We cannot legally guarantee a bank account, but so far we have been able to open an account with every customer who has set up a clean company with us and has not had any legal problems (criminal record) locally in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, we have direct contact with several branch managers of banks and can clarify potential discrepancies in case of doubt through direct personal contact.
Start-up costs depend on individual needs for VISAs, licenses and other services.
Of course, we also support emigration with family and take care of the certification of visas and other necessary legal steps to enable emigration for the entire family.
Yes, we are an ongoing contact and provide support with (tax) legal issues, accounting, other (family) visas, issuing UAE driving licenses, insurance, real estate and much more.
Do you have any questions?

Non-binding advice

Do you have questions about our services and would like to take advantage of a non-binding initial consultation? Please contact us via e-mailcontact form or book a non-binding initial consultation directly here.

clemens kohlbacher global setup small

Contact person
ClemensKohlbacher

International Setup Specialist

office@globalsetup.com

Silicon Oasis, DDP Building A2 101, Dubai - UAE

7901 4th street n ste 300, St Petersburg, Florida - USA

Further information on the company setup in Dubai

The following is an overview of further information on setting up a company in Dubai, emigration and everything that is usually required for a complete setup.

Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is a mandatory, official identification document for citizens and residents in the United Arab Emirates. It serves several important purposes:

  • Proof of identity: It officially confirms your identity and residency status in the UAE.
  • Access to government services: Many authorities and government services – from healthcare and education to the registration of rental contracts – require proof of your identity.
  • Financial and commercial transactions: Banks and other financial institutions require the Emirates ID to open accounts and for other financial transactions.
  • Security checks: The Emirates ID is required for verification during everyday visits to the authorities or when registering for various services.

In short, the Emirates ID is a central document that allows access to many areas of public and private life in the UAE.

Mainland Company vs Freezone Company (free trade zone)

The main differences between a mainland company and a freezone company in Dubai relate to aspects such as ownership, business activities, regulatory requirements and market access:

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  • Business activities & market:

    • Mainland: Companies are allowed to operate directly in the entire local market in the UAE, which includes direct trade with other companies and government institutions.
    • Freezone: These companies are often restricted to operating within the respective freezone. In order to operate in the local market in Dubai or the rest of the UAE, they usually have to use a local distributor or agent.
  • Regulation & Licensing:

    • Mainland: Business activities are monitored by authorities such as the Department of Economic Development (DED). Stricter requirements apply with regard to location (physical office) and business activities.
    • Freezone: Each freezone has its own regulatory authority and often offers simplified incorporation processes as well as tax and administrative advantages.
  • Flexibility & operating costs:

    • Mainland: Although presence in the local market is a major advantage, office requirements and regulatory constraints can lead to higher operating costs.
    • Freezone: There are often flexible office or “flexi-desk” options as well as other benefits such as tax exemptions and simplified administrative processes.

The choice between mainland and freezone therefore depends heavily on individual business plans and objectives – whether the focus is on the local market or on international activities and which regulatory and financial framework conditions are preferred.

Taxes in Dubai

The tax situation in Dubai (and the UAE in general) is known for its business-friendly environment. Here are the most important points:

Value added tax (VAT):

  • Since January 2018, VAT of 5% has applied to most goods and services.
  • However, this only has to be paid locally in Dubai from a turnover of AED 375,000. International transactions remain VAT-free.

Corporate income tax:

  • A corporate income tax was introduced from June 2023.
  • Companies with a taxable income of less than AED 375,000 remain tax-free.
  • Profits that exceed this threshold are taxed at 9%.
  • Companies with an annual turnover of less than AED 3 million also remain tax-free. (Small Business Relief)

Other aspects:

  • There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no wealth tax, which makes the environment very attractive for companies.
  • There is also no tax on income from real estate assets or income.
  • Some sectors (e.g. oil and gas or financial services) may be subject to special regulations and continue to be tax-free.
  • As tax conditions can change, it is advisable to regularly update the information and, if necessary, seek advice from a tax expert.

This combination of low tax rates and attractive conditions makes Dubai an attractive location for companies looking to operate in both regional and international markets.

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