Setting Up a Company in Dubai: Your Passport to Tax Residency
For most entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, the most direct and secure path to residency in Dubai is not through an employment contract, but by setting up your own company. This process not only grants you a residence visa but also opens the door to a world-class business ecosystem with an unbeatable tax system.
Guide to the Formation and Visa Process
1. The Key Dilemma: Mainland or Free Zone? 🌍
The first and most important decision you must make is where to establish your company. In Dubai, there are two main jurisdictions, each with its own rules and advantages.
| Feature | Mainland Company | Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Generally requires a local Emirati partner (with exceptions). | ✅ 100% foreign ownership. |
| Scope of Business | Can operate throughout the UAE territory and bid for government contracts. | Generally restricted to operating within the free zone and internationally. |
| Corporate Tax | Subject to 9% on profits > AED 375,000. | ✅ 0% corporate tax (subject to conditions). |
| Residence Visa | Yes, it allows you to obtain a visa. | ✅ Yes, it is the most common and recommended route. |
| Ideal for… | Local businesses, shops, restaurants, construction companies. | Consultants, traders, e-commerce, online services, holding companies. |
For 99% of our clients seeking tax residency and operating international businesses, setting up a company in a Free Zone is the optimal and most cost-effective solution.
There are over 40 Free Zones in Dubai, each specializing in different sectors. Some of the most prestigious are DMCC (for commodities and services) and DIFC (for financial services).
2. The 6-Step Process, Simplified by My Dubai Way 🚀
Forget about bureaucracy and endless paperwork. We have streamlined the incorporation and visa process into 6 clear and efficient steps. We handle the complexity so you can focus on your business.
Consultation and Strategy
We define the correct business activity, the most suitable Free Zone, and the structure that best fits your needs.
Name Reservation and Initial Approval
We manage the reservation of your new company’s name and obtain initial approval from the Free Zone authorities.
Document Signing and Licensing
We prepare and assist you in signing the incorporation documents. Within a few days, your trade license will be issued.
Visa Application (Entry Permit)
With the license, we apply for your entry permit, the first step towards your residence visa.
Medical Exam and Emirates ID
We accompany you through the medical exam and biometric data collection for your identity card (Emirates ID).
Visa Stamping and Welcome
Congratulations! The residence visa is stamped in your passport. You are now officially a resident of Dubai.
3. Understanding the Costs: An Investment, Not an Expense 🧾
The total investment to establish your company and obtain your residency varies depending on the Free Zone and the type of license. To give you a clear idea, we break it down into three main components.
Government Fees (One-Time)
These are the fixed costs paid to the Free Zone administration to register and license your company. They include:
- Trade name registration.
- Issuance of the trade license.
- Establishment Card.
Visa Costs (Per Person)
These costs are associated with each residence visa processed (for both you and any family members you sponsor). They cover:
- Entry Permit.
- Medical exam.
- Emirates ID issuance.
- Visa stamping in the passport.
Our Management Fees
This is our value contribution: comprehensive project management to save you time, money, and avoid critical errors. We take care of:
- All bureaucracy and paperwork.
- Communication with authorities.
- Guidance and support at every step.
To receive a detailed, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific case, please contact us.
Request a Custom Quote4. The Tangible Benefits of Your New Company 🛂
Trade License
The official document that allows you to operate your business legally in the UAE and internationally.
Emirates ID
Your identity card as a resident, necessary for opening bank accounts, renting a home, and signing contracts.
Residence Visa
Your passport to life in Dubai, allowing you to live, work, and travel freely as a UAE resident.
5. Frequently Asked Questions about Company Formation
How long does the entire process take?
With our streamlined process, the trade license can be ready in just a few days. The complete process to get the residence visa stamped in your passport usually takes between 3 and 4 weeks.
Do I need to be physically in Dubai to start?
No. A large part of the company formation process can be initiated remotely. You will only need to travel to Dubai for the medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics, and the final visa stamping.
Can I bring my family with my investor visa?
Yes. Once your residence visa is approved, you can act as a sponsor to apply for residence visas for your spouse and children. It is a standard process where we assist you from start to finish.
Is it necessary to rent a physical office?
For most service licenses in Free Zones, it is not necessary to rent an expensive physical office. You can operate with a ‘flexi-desk’ or a virtual office package, which greatly reduces initial costs. We advise you on the most efficient option.