Setting Up Business in Dubai as a Foreigner: Complete Requirements & Restrictions 2025

Can foreigners own 100% of a business in Dubai? Yes! Since June 2021, the UAE abolished the requirement for local Emirati sponsors in most business sectors, allowing foreign entrepreneurs to own 100% of mainland companies. This landmark change has transformed Dubai into one of the world's most attractive destinations for foreign business ownershipbut navigating residency requirements, activity restrictions, and visa options remains complex for non-UAE nationals.

As Ministry-approved business consultants with 37 years of Dubai experience (having established over 28,000 foreign-owned businesses), we've guided entrepreneurs from 147 countries through Dubai's business setup process. This comprehensive guide explains everything foreign entrepreneurs need to know: ownership structures, residency pathways, restricted activities, visa options, and the complete step-by-step process to establish your Dubai business as a foreigner.

The 2021 Game-Changer: 100% Foreign Ownership

Historical Context

Before June 2021:

• Foreign investors required 51% UAE national partner (local sponsor)
• Local sponsor legally owned majority, creating partnership risks
• "Silent partner" arrangements common but legally questionable
• Free zones offered only alternative for 100% foreign ownership
• Mainland business required local partner relationship management

Since June 2021 (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021):

• Foreigners can own 100% of mainland companies
• No local sponsor required for most commercial activities
• Full profit repatriation rights
• Complete operational control
• Direct bank account ownership
• Simplified succession planning

This represents one of the most significant business law reforms in UAE history, positioning Dubai as a truly global entrepreneurship hub.

Current Foreign Ownership Framework

Three Ownership Pathways:

1. Mainland 100% Foreign-Owned Company

• Available for most commercial, professional, industrial activities
• No UAE partner required
• Can trade anywhere in UAE
• Subject to Dubai Economic Department (DED) regulations
• Full operational flexibility

2. Free Zone 100% Foreign-Owned Company

• Always permitted 100% foreign ownership (even pre-2021)
• Zero corporate tax (if qualifying free zone person)
• Limited mainland trading (requires distributor)
• Specific free zone regulations apply
• Ideal for international operations

3. Professional License (100% Foreign-Owned)

• For regulated professions (legal, medical, accounting, etc.)
• May require professional qualifications verification
• Activity-specific requirements
• Some professions still have restrictions

Activities Still Requiring UAE Partner

While most sectors now permit 100% foreign ownership, certain "strategic activities" still require UAE national partnership:

Restricted Activities:

• Oil & gas exploration/production
• Certain utilities (water, electricity distribution)
• Defense and military manufacturing
• Some security-related activities
• Hajj/Umrah services (100% UAE national requirement)
• Fishing/pearling (traditional activities)

Critical: These represent <2% of all business activities in Dubai. >98% of businesses can be 100% foreign-owned.

Requirements for Foreigners Starting Business in Dubai

1. Personal Requirements

Mandatory for All Foreign Business Owners:

Valid Passport

• Minimum 6 months validity
• Full color copy required
• Some free zones require 12 months validity

Proof of Address (Home Country or UAE)

• Utility bill (<3 months old)
• Bank statement
• Tenancy contract
• Government-issued document with address

Passport-Size Photographs

• White background
• 2-4 copies
• Recent (within 6 months)

Emirates ID (if UAE resident)

• Existing UAE residents must provide current Emirates ID
• Non-residents obtain Emirates ID after company formation

2. Visa & Residency Requirements

Key Distinction: You don't need UAE residency to form a company, but you'll likely want residency after formation.

Formation Stage:

• UAE residency NOT required to form company
• UAE bank account NOT required for formation
• Can form company from anywhere in the world
• Remote formation possible with Power of Attorney

Post-Formation (for Operations):

• Investor/Partner visa available after license issuance
• UAE residency beneficial for banking, operations
• Multiple residency visa pathways available

3. Financial Requirements

Capital Requirements (Mainland):

Most Commercial Activities:

• No minimum capital requirement
• Capital declared in Memorandum of Association
• No mandatory deposit (capital can remain in foreign accounts)

Professional Services:

• Legal firms: AED 300,000 minimum capital
• Accounting firms: AED 300,000 minimum capital
• Most other professional services: No minimum

Financial Services:

• Banking: AED 10 million+ (DFSA regulated)
• Investment advisory: AED 1 million+
• Insurance: AED 5 million+

Free Zone Companies:

• Most free zones: No minimum capital
• DMCC: AED 50,000 minimum (can be used for operations)
• DIFC: Varies by activity (financial services higher)
• Capital requirements vary by zone and activity

Initial Budget (Complete Setup):

• Minimum (free zone flexi-desk): AED 30,000-40,000
• Realistic (proper mainland setup): AED 50,000-80,000
• Premium (DIFC/DMCC with office): AED 100,000-200,000

4. Physical Presence Requirements

During Formation:

Minimum Required Visits:

• If Using Power of Attorney: 1 visit (3-5 days)

  • Bank account signature
  • Emirates ID biometrics (if obtaining residency)
  • Visa stamping (if obtaining residency)

• If NOT Using POA: 2-3 visits

  • Document signing and notarization (2-3 days)
  • Bank account opening (2-3 days)
  • Visa processing (2-3 days)

Remote Formation Option:

• Prepare Power of Attorney in home country
• Attest POA through UAE embassy
• Appoint local representative
• Complete most process remotely
• Visit Dubai once for bank signature

After Formation:

• No minimum time requirement in Dubai for business operation
• Company can be managed remotely
• UAE corporate tax filing regardless of owner location
• Residency visa requires 1 entry every 180 days (to maintain)

Residency & Visa Options for Foreign Business Owners

One of the primary motivations for foreign entrepreneurs forming Dubai companies is UAE residency access. Here are all pathways:

1. Investor Visa (Most Common)

Who Qualifies:

• Company shareholders owning ≥ 25% shares
• Mainland company owners
• Free zone company owners

Duration:

• 2 years (standard investor visa)
• 3 years (available in some cases)
• 5 years (Golden Visa for qualified investors)
• 10 years (Golden Visa for significant investment)

Process:

1. Obtain trade license
2. Submit visa application via company
3. Medical fitness test (AED 300-500)
4. Emirates ID application (AED 770 for 3 years)
5. Visa stamping at immigration
6. Timeline: 10-15 days after license

Cost: AED 5,000-8,000 per person (all-inclusive)

Benefits:

• Sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents)
• Work for your own company
• Access UAE banking, healthcare, education
• Renewable as long as business active

Residency Requirement:

• Enter UAE at least once every 180 days
• No minimum stay duration per visit
• Can be 1-day trips to maintain validity

2. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residency)

Who Qualifies:

Investor Category:

• Investment in property ≥ AED 2 million
• Investment in company ≥ AED 2 million capital
• Deposit ≥ AED 2 million in UAE investment fund

Entrepreneur Category:

• Own project with ≥ AED 500,000 value
• Previous/ongoing project generating ≥ AED 1 million revenue
• Approval from UAE business incubator

Specialized Talent:

• Scientists, doctors, specialists in priority fields
• Outstanding students (95%+ grades)
• Holders of PhDs from top universities

Duration:

• 5 or 10 years (depending on category)
• Renewable on same terms

Benefits:

• Long-term stability (5-10 years)
• No sponsor requirement (self-sponsored)
• 100% ownership of business
• Sponsor unlimited family members
• Hire domestic workers
• No maximum stay outside UAE
• No 180-day entry requirement

Cost: AED 2,850-5,000 (application) + investment amount

3. Partner/Manager Visa

Who Qualifies:

• Company partners (any ownership %)
• Appointed managers/directors
• Free zone company shareholders

Duration: 2-3 years

Process: Similar to investor visa

Advantage: Available even for minority shareholders

4. Freelance Permit (Alternative)

Who Qualifies:

• Freelancers in creative/professional fields
• Don't need full company formation
• Work independently or with multiple clients

Available From:

• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Dubai Internet City

Benefits:

• Lower cost than company formation (AED 7,500-15,000)
• Residency visa included
• Can work for multiple clients
• Renewable annually

Limitations:

• Cannot hire employees
• Limited business scope
• Less suitable for trading/manufacturing

Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Phase 1: Pre-Formation Planning (1-2 Weeks)

Step 1: Determine Business Structure

Decision Factors:

Choose Mainland if:

• Need to trade with UAE customers directly
• Require government contract eligibility
• Want unlimited business activity scope
• Plan hiring significant staff (easier visa quotas)
• Need multiple branches across UAE

Choose Free Zone if:

• Primarily export/international business
• Want 0% corporate tax benefit (qualifying FZ person)
• Prefer simplified setup process
• Lower initial costs important
• Need bundled office solutions

Step 2: Select Specific Free Zone (if choosing FZ)

Quick Selection Guide:

• DMCC: Best overall for trading, commodities (prestigious, costly)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis: Best for startups, tech (lower cost)
• DIFC: Best for financial services (premium, common law)
• JAFZA: Best for manufacturing, logistics (large-scale)
• Dubai CommerCity: Best for e-commerce (specialized)

Step 3: Choose Business Activity

Critical: Select ALL activities you might pursue. Adding activities later requires license amendment (AED 1,000-5,000 + delays).

Common Activity Categories:

• Trading (general, specific products)
• Consulting (management, IT, financial)
• Marketing & advertising
• Professional services
• Manufacturing
• E-commerce

Dubai context: DED lists 2,100+ approved activities. Choose carefullyactivity determines:

• License fees
• Office space requirements
• External approvals needed
• Visa allocation

Step 4: Prepare Business Names

Submit 5 potential names ranked by preference:

Naming Rules:

• Must relate to business activity
• Cannot include religious terms
• Cannot be similar to existing companies
• Arabic translation required (must be semantically accurate)
• Cannot include "Dubai" or "UAE" without permission

Insider Tip: Names with clear activity references ("Gulf Marketing Services") have 85% approval rates vs generic names ("Innovative Solutions LLC") at 40%.

Phase 2: Documentation Preparation (1-2 Weeks)

For Shareholders Unable to Visit UAE:

Power of Attorney Preparation:

1. Draft POA using DED-approved template
2. Notarize in home country
3. Attest at UAE embassy in home country
4. Attest at UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
5. Translate to Arabic (if not already)

Timeline: 14-21 days for complete POA chain

Critical: This is the #1 cause of delays. If shareholders outside UAE, start POA process before formation begins.

Documents to Gather:

Passport copies (all shareholders) Proof of address (utility bill <3 months) Passport photos (white background, 2 copies each) Bank reference letter (some free zones require) Business plan (for complex activities) Professional qualifications (if professional license) Emirates ID (if UAE resident)

Phase 3: Company Formation (2-3 Weeks)

Timeline: See complete day-by-day timeline in our Company Formation Guide

Key Milestones:

Days 1-3:

• Submit name reservation
• Receive name approval
• Apply for initial approval

Days 4-7:

• Prepare Memorandum of Association
• Notarize MOA (or use free zone template)
• Secure office space (Ejari-registered for mainland)

Days 8-14:

• Submit complete application with all documents
• DED/free zone review (may raise queries)
• Respond to any queries within 48 hours
• Pay license fees upon approval
• Receive trade license

Days 15-21:

• Chamber of Commerce membership (mainland)
• Bank account opening initiated
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Corporate tax registration

Phase 4: Visa & Residency (2-3 Weeks Post-License)

Step 1: Medical Fitness Test

• Book at approved center (Emirates Hospital, AMER, etc.)
• Tests: Blood, X-ray, general health
• Cost: AED 300-500
• Results: 24-48 hours
• Validity: 3 months

Step 2: Emirates ID Application

• Submit via typing center
• Biometrics at Federal Authority center
• Photo capture
• Cost: AED 770 (3 years validity)
• Processing: 5-10 days
• Card delivered to address

Step 3: Visa Stamping

• Submit passport at immigration center
• Processing: 2-5 days
• Cost included in visa package
• Passport returned with entry permit

Step 4: Activate Residence

• Enter UAE (if outside)
• Immigration stamp confirms residency active
• Valid from entry date

Total Timeline: 15-20 days from license issuance

Phase 5: Banking & Activation (2-4 Weeks)

Corporate Bank Account:

Required Documents:

• Trade license
• Memorandum of Association
• Emirates ID (all signatories)
• Passport copies
• Proof of address (shareholders)
• Business plan (recommended even if not required)
• Initial deposit ready (AED 5,000-25,000)

Popular Banks for Foreign Entrepreneurs:

1. Emirates NBD: Largest UAE bank, best infrastructure
2. Dubai Islamic Bank: Sharia-compliant, SME-friendly
3. Mashreq Bank: Startup-friendly, faster approvals
4. ADCB: International business focus
5. RAK Bank: Competitive fees, flexible requirements

Timeline:

• Application submission: Day 1
• Bank visit for signatures: Day 1-2
• Approval: 5-10 days (can extend to 21 days)
• Account activation: 3 days after approval
• Debit card: 7 days

Critical Banking Insight: Bank account opening has become the biggest bottleneck in Dubai company formation. Foreign entrepreneurs face heightened scrutiny due to anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.

What banks verify:

• Source of funds (all shareholders)
• Business model legitimacy
• Expected transaction volumes
• Countries you'll transact with
• Ultimate beneficial ownership

Our recommendation: Prepare comprehensive business plan (even if bank doesn't explicitly require), source of funds documentation for all shareholders, and expect 3-5 bank visits with multiple documents requests.

Restrictions & Limitations for Foreign Owners

While foreign ownership is now widely permitted, certain restrictions remain:

1. Activity Restrictions

Completely Prohibited for Foreigners:

• Oil & gas exploration
• Defense manufacturing
• Hajj/Umrah services
• Fishing (traditional dhow fishing)
• Certain security activities

Restricted (Require Special Approvals):

• Banking (requires CBUAE license, complex)
• Insurance (requires Insurance Authority license)
• Educational institutions (KHDA approval, ownership limits)
• Healthcare facilities (DHA approval, complex ownership rules)
• Legal consultancy (requires qualified UAE lawyer partnership in some cases)

Practical Limitation: These represent <2% of business activities. >98% of commercial activities fully open to foreign ownership.

2. Visa Quota Limitations

Mainland Companies:

Visa quotas based on:

• Office size (sq ft)
• Company capital
• License type
• Previous compliance history

Typical Allocations:

• Small office (100-200 sq ft): 2-4 visas
• Medium office (200-500 sq ft): 5-10 visas
• Large office (500+ sq ft): 10+ visas (with justification)

Increasing Quota:

• Submit application to DED
• Provide business justification
• May require larger office space
• Approval not guaranteed

Free Zone Companies:

Fixed allocations by license package:

• Flexi-desk: 1-3 visas
• Small office: 4-6 visas
• Medium office: 10+ visas

More predictable than mainland but less flexible.

3. Mainland Trading Restrictions (Free Zone Companies)

If you form free zone company:

Cannot directly sell to UAE mainland customers Cannot invoice UAE mainland companies directly (in most cases) Cannot bid on UAE government tenders

Can sell through appointed mainland distributor Can export internationally freely Can transact with other free zone companies

Solution: Appoint mainland distributor (typically 5-15% markup) or form both free zone + mainland company (dual structure).

4. Real Estate Ownership Limitations

Commercial Property:

• Foreign companies can purchase commercial property in designated areas
• Freehold areas (Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown, etc.)
• Some areas restricted to UAE nationals only

Residential Property:

• Foreign individuals can own residential in freehold areas
• Companies generally cannot buy residential (some exceptions)

5. Inheritance & Succession

No Restriction on foreign owners transferring shares to heirs, but:

Important: UAE applies Sharia law to Muslims' estates by default. Non-Muslims can register will under DIFC Wills & Probate Registry to apply home country law.

Recommendation for foreign business owners:

• Register DIFC Will specifying business succession
• Appoint executors familiar with UAE business law
• Document shareholder agreements covering death/incapacity

Cost Breakdown for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Minimum Budget (Free Zone Flexi-Desk)

One-Time Formation Costs:

• Free zone license: AED 10,000-15,000
• Name reservation: AED 200-500
• Visa processing (1 person): AED 6,000
• Emirates ID: AED 770
• Medical test: AED 400
• Document preparation: AED 1,000

Annual Recurring:

• Office space (flexi-desk): AED 12,000-20,000
• License renewal: AED 10,000-15,000

Total Year 1: AED 30,000-40,000 Total Year 2+: AED 22,000-35,000

Realistic Budget (Mainland Proper Setup)

One-Time Formation:

• Trade license (mainland): AED 18,000-30,000
• MOA notarization: AED 3,000-5,000
• Name reservation: AED 620
• Chamber membership: AED 2,000
• Visa processing: AED 6,000-8,000
• Emirates ID + medical: AED 1,200
• Professional consultancy: AED 8,000-15,000

Annual Recurring:

• Office rent (business center): AED 18,000-35,000
• License renewal: AED 18,000-30,000
• Visa renewals: AED 6,000-8,000

Total Year 1: AED 60,000-95,000 Total Year 2+: AED 42,000-73,000

Premium Setup (DIFC/DMCC)

One-Time:

• DIFC/DMCC license: AED 25,000-50,000
• Office setup: AED 30,000-80,000
• Visa processing: AED 8,000-10,000
• Consultancy: AED 15,000-25,000

Annual Recurring:

• Office rent: AED 50,000-150,000
• License renewal: AED 25,000-50,000

Total Year 1: AED 100,000-250,000 Total Year 2+: AED 75,000-200,000

Common Mistakes Foreign Entrepreneurs Make

Based on 37 years helping 28,000+ foreign businesses, these are the most costly mistakes:

1. Choosing Wrong Business Structure (Cost: AED 15,000-50,000 + Delays)

Mistake: Forming free zone company when mainland needed (or vice versa)

Example: E-commerce seller forms DMCC free zone company to save costs, then discovers cannot sell directly to UAE customers without mainland distributor (15% markup kills margins). Forced to form second mainland company.

Solution: Analyze your target market first. If >50% revenue from UAE mainland, form mainland company despite higher initial cost.

2. Insufficient Activity Selection (Cost: AED 3,000-8,000 + Delays)

Mistake: Selecting only primary activity, then needing to add activities later

Example: Form "Business Consulting" company, then want to sell software. Must amend license (AED 3,000-5,000) and wait 7-14 days.

Solution: Select ALL potentially relevant activities during initial formation. Adding activities during formation costs AED 0. Adding later costs AED 3,000-8,000 each + delays.

3. Delaying POA Preparation (Cost: 21-30 Days Delay)

Mistake: Starting formation process before POA attestation complete

Example: Shareholder in UK thinks they can attest POA quickly. Discovers UAE embassy attestation in London takes 14-21 days. Entire formation delayed waiting for POA.

Solution: If shareholders outside UAE, prepare POA first (before starting formation). Or plan visit to UAE for signing.

4. Inadequate Banking Preparation (Cost: 14-45 Days Delay)

Mistake: Assuming bank account opens quickly with just basic documents

Example: Entrepreneur submits basic documents to bank. Bank requests business plan, source of funds, transaction projections. Not prepared. Account opening delayed 30 days while preparing documents.

Solution: Prepare comprehensive banking package upfront:

• Detailed business plan (even if not explicitly required)
• Source of funds for ALL shareholders
• Transaction projections
• Customer/supplier examples
• Expected countries of transaction

5. Underestimating Office Space Requirements (Cost: AED 5,000-15,000)

Mistake: Renting smallest/cheapest office, then hitting visa quota limits

Example: Entrepreneur rents 100 sq ft office (AED 15,000/year). DED allocates 2 visas. Company grows, needs 6 employees. Must upgrade office (AED 30,000/year) and pay amendment fees (AED 3,000-5,000).

Solution: Plan 2-3 years ahead for hiring. Visa quota increases require physical office size increases. Larger office upfront saves amendment costs.

6. Neglecting Tax Registrations (Cost: AED 10,000-50,000 Penalties)

Mistake: Forming company, starting operations, forgetting corporate tax registration

Example: Entrepreneur forms company in January 2024, starts trading immediately. Forgets to register for corporate tax within 3 months. Discovers in December when auditor alerts them. AED 10,000 penalty for late registration.

Solution: Register for corporate tax within 3 months of license issuance. Free to register, expensive penalties for late registration.

Related: Corporate Tax Registration Guide

Tax Implications for Foreign Business Owners

Foreign entrepreneurs must understand UAE tax obligations:

Corporate Tax (9%)

Effective June 1, 2023:

• 0% on first AED 375,000 profit
• 9% on profit above AED 375,000
• Applies to ALL companies (mainland and free zone)

Exception: Qualifying Free Zone Persons

• 0% tax if meet all criteria:
  • Adequate substance in UAE
  • No business with mainland UAE
  • Maintain proper accounting
  • Compliance with all FZ requirements

VAT (5%)

Mandatory registration if:

• Taxable supplies >AED 375,000/year

Voluntary registration if:

• Taxable supplies >AED 187,500/year

Personal Income Tax

Zero personal income tax in UAE (as of 2025)

• No tax on salary from your company
• No tax on dividends
• No tax on capital gains
• No withholding tax on payments abroad

Foreign Tax Considerations

Important: While UAE has zero personal income tax, foreign entrepreneurs must consider:

Home Country Tax Residence:

• Most countries tax based on tax residence, not passport
• Generally resident if spend >183 days/year in that country
• Some countries (US) tax worldwide income of citizens regardless of residence

Double Tax Treaties:

• UAE has 130+ double tax treaties
• Prevent double taxation on same income
• Certificate of tax residency available from Federal Tax Authority
• Provides relief in home country

Recommendation: Consult tax advisor in home country regarding:

• Whether moving tax residence to UAE
• Tax implications in home country
• Treaty benefits available
• Reporting requirements

Professional Support for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Foreign business setup involves navigating unfamiliar regulations, language barriers, and complex processes. Professional support significantly reduces risks and timeline:

Our Services for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Business Structure Consulting

• Mainland vs free zone analysis
• Activity selection guidance
• Long-term tax planning
• Visa requirement analysis

End-to-End Formation

• Name reservation and approval
• Document preparation (all languages)
• Government liaison and submissions
• Office space solutions (pre-approved Ejari centers)
• Follow-up on queries/issues

Power of Attorney Services

• UAE-compliant POA drafting
• Attestation guidance
• Representative services in UAE

Banking Introduction & Support

• Pre-submission consulting
• Documentation preparation
• Bank introductions (priority processing)
• Follow-up until account active

Visa & Residency Processing

• Visa application submission
• Medical test booking
• Emirates ID processing
• Family visa support

Post-Formation Compliance

• Corporate tax registration
• VAT registration (if required)
• Accounting setup
• Ongoing compliance support

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose Us

37 Years Dubai Experience:

• Formed 28,000+ companies
• Clients from 147 countries
• Navigate language/cultural barriers
• Understand foreign entrepreneur challenges

Ministry-Approved:

• Registered PRO services provider
• Approved audit firm
• Direct government relationships
• Priority processing channels

End-to-End Support:

• Single point of contact
• Formation to banking to visas to ongoing compliance
• No need to coordinate multiple vendors

Transparent Pricing:

• Fixed fees (no surprises)
• Detailed cost breakdown upfront
• Professional fees: AED 8,000-15,000 (saves 20-30 days + prevents costly mistakes)

Call: +971 42 500 251 Email: info@auditfirmsdubai.ae Website: https://auditfirmsdubai.ae

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I form a Dubai company while living outside UAE? Yes, completely possible. Process:

1. Prepare Power of Attorney in home country
2. Attest through UAE embassy
3. Appoint representative in UAE
4. Complete formation remotely
5. Visit Dubai once (3-5 days) for bank account signature and biometrics

Many of our clients form companies before ever visiting UAE.

Q: How long can I stay outside UAE after getting investor visa?

• Standard investor visa: Must enter UAE at least once every 180 days
• No minimum stay per visit (can be 1-day trip)
• Golden Visa: No maximum stay outside UAE (more flexibility)

Q: Do I need to live in Dubai to run my business? No. Your business can operate while you live anywhere. However:

• Corporate tax applies regardless of where you live
• Residency visa requires 180-day entry
• Practical management may require periodic Dubai visits
• Bank relationships easier if occasionally present

Q: Can I sponsor my family on my investor visa? Yes, investor visa holders can sponsor:

• Spouse
• Children (sons up to age 25 if students, daughters until marriage)
• Parents (if income >AED 20,000/month or property >AED 1M)

Q: What if my business fails - can I stay in UAE?

• If business closes, investor visa cancelled
• Grace period: 30-60 days to find new sponsor or leave
• Alternative: Find employment (company sponsors you)
• Alternative: Obtain Golden Visa (not dependent on business)

Q: Is Dubai safe for foreign business owners? Extremely safe. UAE ranks in top 10 globally for:

• Low crime rates
• Rule of law (strong contract enforcement)
• Expatriate safety
• Ease of doing business
• Political stability

Our 37 years experience: Never had a foreign client lose business due to fraud, confiscation, or political issues.

Q: Can I own property as a foreigner? Yes:

• Freehold areas: Full ownership (99+ designated areas in Dubai)
• Leasehold: 99-year leases in some areas
• Commercial property: Foreign companies can own in designated zones
• Financing available (UAE banks offer mortgages to expats)

Your Action Plan

Ready to start your Dubai business as a foreign entrepreneur?

Week 1-2: Research & Planning

• Determine mainland vs free zone based on business model
• Select business activities (comprehensive list)
• Prepare 5 potential business names
• Budget for formation costs (AED 45,000-95,000)
• Check if activities require external approvals
• Consult home country tax advisor

Week 3-4: Documentation

• Gather passport copies (all shareholders, valid >6 months)
• Prepare proof of address
• If outside UAE: Prepare and attest Power of Attorney
• Draft business plan
• Prepare source of funds documentation (for banking)

Week 5-7: Formation

• Submit name reservation
• Apply for initial approval
• Secure office space (Ejari for mainland)
• Prepare and notarize MOA
• Submit complete application
• Pay license fees upon approval
• Obtain trade license

Week 8-10: Banking & Visas

• Apply for corporate bank account
• Complete medical fitness test
• Apply for Emirates ID
• Submit visa application
• Visit UAE for signatures/biometrics if needed

Week 11+: Activation

• Register for corporate tax
• Register for VAT (if applicable)
• Set up accounting system
• Start business operations

Professional Support Available:

Navigate the entire process with expert guidance. Our team handles formation while you focus on your business.

Contact us for a free consultation on your Dubai business setup:

Call: +971 42 500 251 Email: info@auditfirmsdubai.ae

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Related Guides:

• Company Formation Timeline
• Mainland vs Free Zone Guide
• Corporate Tax Registration