Set up your company in Dubai - get started tax-free

Are you dreaming of your own company in Dubai or would you like to relocate your existing company to Dubai? As specialised experts for company formations in Dubai, we offer you the complete package. With over 700 successful start-ups, we stand for competent advice and reliable handling - from start to finish.

Your company formation in Dubai

Are you planning to move to Dubai with your own company or would you like to relocate your existing business to the UAE? Rely on the German-speaking experts for successful business start-ups in Dubai!

With over 700 successfully realised company formations, we have the experience you need. Our personalised advice makes your path to Dubai plannable and legally compliant. Whether it's a Freezone company, Mainland company or holding structure - together we will find the optimal solution for your business model.

Why set up a company in Dubai?

Dubai has established itself as one of the most important business centres in the world. The metropolis offers entrepreneurs an unbeatable global tax environment combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that is second to none.

Your tax advantages at a glance

  • 0% Income tax on personal income
  • Only 9% corporation tax on profits over 375,000 earned in Germany
  • Only 5% VAT on local shops
  • 0% Capital gains tax on profits and dividends
  • 100% Profit repatriation possible without restrictions
  • 100% Ownership - full control over your company

Tax-free residence through company formation

When you set up your company, you will automatically receive a UAE residence visa - your key to an income tax-free life. This visa is issued for 2 years and can be extended indefinitely as long as your company exists.

1

Set up a company in Dubai

Set up your business in Dubai and benefit from minimal taxes
2

Secure residency in Dubai

Secure your income tax-free residency in Dubai
3

Deregister residence in your home country

End your tax liability in your home country and get started

What does that mean for you specifically?

  • Option to end your tax liability in your home country by exiting your place of residence
  • Legal tax-free residence in one of the safest countries in the world
  • Access to first-class banks for private and business accounts
  • Possibility to provide family and employees with visas
  • No minimum stay requirement for obtaining the visa

Our specialised tax advisors from the DACH region will structure your residency exit in a legally compliant manner and with a minimal tax burden so that you can take full advantage of Dubai's tax benefits from day one

What types of companies can we set up for you?

There are 2 main options available to you in Dubai, depending on your business model and target markets:

Freezone Company - For international business

Ideal if you mainly work internationally or online.

Advantages:

  • Complete tax exemption possible
  • 100% Repatriation of capital and profits
  • more minimal Accounting expenses
  • Remote incorporation possible - without travelling to Dubai
  • Up to 6 visas included in the licence package

Mainland Company - For local businesses

The right choice if you want to serve customers in the UAE or participate in government tenders. Available as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) for trade and industry or as a Sole Establishment for service and consultancy.

Advantages:

  • Unrestricted access to the local market and GCC countries
  • Higher reputation with local business partners
  • Theoretically unlimited number of employee visas
  • Free choice of location within the UAE
  • 100% Ownership without local partner (in most cases)

Freezone company and Mainland company in comparison

Criterion Freezone Mainland
Ownership 100% Property
Your Freezone company is 100% yours. No local partner, no sponsor - full control over your company.
100% Ownership (as a rule)
In almost all cases, Mainland companies are also part of 100%. A local partner is only required for very specific activities.
Taxation 9% Corporate income tax
9% only on local UAE profits over AED 375,000 with the option of full tax exemption.
9% Corporate income tax, 5% VAT.
9% only on local UAE profits over AED 375,000. 5% VAT on goods & services in the UAE market.
Share capital requirements No share capital required
No deposit is required to set up a Freezone company. Share capital only exists on paper.
No share capital required
No deposit is required to set up a Mainland company. Share capital only exists on paper.
International business Worldwide without borders
Unrestricted access to international markets. In addition, mostly complete exemption from import/export duties.
Worldwide without borders
Unrestricted access to international markets. In addition, mostly complete exemption from import/export duties.
Local VAE market Restricted access
Business primarily within your Freezone and internationally. Restrictions apply to the local UAE market.
Full market access
Unrestricted access to the entire UAE market including government contracts - without intermediaries.
Profit repatriation 100% of your winnings
Capital and profits can be transferred abroad in full and without restrictions.
100% of your profits (after tax)
Capital and profits can be transferred abroad in full and without restrictions.
Visa options Up to 6 visas included
Most Freezoness offer packages with 2-6 visas. Perfect for small teams and families.
Theoretically unlimited
As many employee visas as your business needs - depending on company size and office space.
Office requirement Virtual office is enough
From Virtual Desk to Flexi Desk to your own office - you decide according to your needs.
Physical address required
Virtual office possible, but physical presence within the UAE required.
Location flexibility Within your Freezone
Your business is tied to the selected Freezone - expansion to other Freezoness is possible.
Everywhere in the UAE
Free choice of location in all emirates - maximum flexibility for expansion.
Foundation period 5 working days 2 working days
Remote foundation ✓ Completely without journey
We take care of everything for you remotely. You sign digitally - created in just 5 working days.
✗ Personal presence
One journey required for signatures - but express incorporation in just 2 working days.
Account opening Hassle-free with our guarantee
We guarantee the opening of business and private accounts - thanks to our banking relationships.
Particularly simple
Mainland companies enjoy the highest level of trust with UAE banks - fastest account opening.
Best choice for Online & International
Online business, consulting, trading, international business
Local & Regional
Local services, trade in UAE, government contracts

Our tip: Over 80% of our customers choose the Freezone - perfect for digital nomads, online entrepreneurs and international businesses. We recommend the Mainland option if you primarily want to serve customers in the UAE.

Still unsure? In a free initial consultation, we analyse your business model and recommend the best structure for you.

Set up your company in Dubai quickly & easily with Dubai-auswandern:

  • Free initial consultation - Individual analysis of your business model
  • Over 700 successfully realised company start-ups - German-speaking expertise that you need
  • Freezone or Mainland foundation - We will find the optimal solution for your business model
  • Express foundation in just 2-5 working days - Freezone even possible completely remotely
  • 100% Ownership - Full control over your company without a local partner
  • Automatic VAE residence - Valid for 2 years, can be extended indefinitely, income tax-free
  • Dream tax conditions - 9% Corporation tax only from AED 375,000 profit, 0% Income tax
  • Bank account guarantee - Business and private account thanks to our banking relationships
  • Legally compliant advice from DACH tax experts - Minimum tax burden on exit from residence

Expert guide 2025

Setting up a company in Dubai: Everything you need to know about setting up a company in Dubai

Setting up a company in Dubai - Everything you need to know in 2025

Dubai is one of the world's major economic powers and offers entrepreneurs a wide range of opportunities to start a new business or expand. The city has a modern infrastructure, well-educated professionals and a government that supports entrepreneurs to run their businesses successfully. So anyone starting a company in Dubai has many opportunities ahead of them.

For many people considering a company headquarters in Dubai, questions arise regarding the Tax exemptionThe first step is to find out more about the challenges of setting up a business, living conditions in Dubai and other topics.

After more than 500 start-ups, we at "Dubai-Auswandern" know all about the advantages, challenges and steps involved in setting up a company in Dubai and we will give you a detailed overview here.

Setting up a company in Dubai - The most important facts in brief

  • 🌍 Low tax burden: There is no income tax in Dubai, only a newly introduced (2023) corporate tax of 9 % (note that there are special features to avoid this) and a low VAT of 5 %.

  • 🌐 Large network: The city is an important commercial centre and offers access to an extensive network of business people and investors.

  • 🏗 Modern infrastructure: Dubai is characterised by excellent transport networks, telecommunications infrastructure and proximity to important seaports and the airport.

  • 💼 Three types of companies: Freezone, Mainland and Offshore companies can be established in Dubai (We can establish all types of companies), each with specific benefits and requirements.

  • 📋 Easy incorporation process: Company formation in Dubai can be done within days, especially with support from us and our network.

  • 🛂 Regulatory support: The Dubai government actively supports entrepreneurs in setting up and running their business.

  • 🚀 Future opportunities: The city's diverse economic sectors and progressive attitude offer numerous opportunities for growth and development.

Dubai Skyline in the Evening
Burj Khalifa Dubai

These are the advantages of setting up a company in Dubai

The global business centre Dubai offers many different advantages for entrepreneurs. Probably the best-known advantage is the low tax burden. This is because there is no trade tax, corporation tax or income tax in the metropolis. Only a small VAT of 5 % is payable. This allows entrepreneurs to maximise their profits and reinvest more in their business.

Another great advantage of setting up a company in Dubai is access to a huge network of business people and entrepreneurs. This is because the city is a major trading hub and a popular destination for international companies. Due to the large network, entrepreneurs in Dubai have greater access to potential investors and business partners than in other cities around the world.

In addition, the modern infrastructure in Dubai is another plus compared to other economic centres. The city has an excellent road network, a well-developed public transport network and a modern telecommunications infrastructure.

In addition to the most important airport in the entire Middle East, the Jebel Ali seaport is also located in Dubai. The free trade zones are also an important point that can be attractive for entrepreneurs. This makes it easier for companies to conduct their business and enables them to trade quickly and efficiently.

Another plus point is the availability of skilled labour. Dubai has well-trained and motivated professionals, which helps companies set up their businesses in Dubai with ease.

Finally, it is important to know that the government in Dubai is also a positive point for entrepreneurs. It also helps you to start and run a business. This is done through government programmes and other resources.

The 3 types of businesses you can start in Dubai

There are 3 different types of companies that can be registered in Dubai. These include Freezone companies, Mainland companies and Offshore companies.

Dubai Freezone Company

A Freezone company is a type of establishment that can be registered in more than 40 different zones in Dubai. There, the companies are regulated by the authorities of the respective zones, receive various tax benefits and can do business internationally & locally. One of the most well-known Freezone Authorities in Dubai is the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), with whom we have been working successfully for years and who has awarded us the "Gold Partner 2024" and the "Outstanding Performance 2023" award thanks to the satisfaction of our customers. Other Freezone areas include the Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and many more.

More information about the Freezone company:

Mainland Company

A Mainland company is a type of establishment that is particularly suitable for entrepreneurs who primarily want to serve customers in the Emirate of Dubai with their company. Mainland LLC companies usually have higher tax rates than Freezone companies, but they also have access to a larger market and customer base. Shareholders can be both individuals and foreign companies and an authorised local manager or director is required. Overall, this type of company can be compared to a German GmbH.

More information about the Mainland company:

Offshore Company

Offshore companies are companies that are registered in Dubai but do business outside Dubai. This allows you to benefit from tax advantages even though the company shares are 100% foreign-owned and you are not present locally. There are two emirates that are particularly suitable for setting up a company, namely Ras al Khaimah (RAK) and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Neither income tax nor corporation tax is levied there.

Overall, it is advisable to work with an agency when setting up a company in order to immediately select the appropriate legal form and avoid problems that may arise later.

Set up a company in Dubai in 6 simple steps

If you want to set up a company in Dubai, there are some steps you should follow. These include choosing the legal form, choosing the business, obtaining permits, choosing the company name, registering the company, obtaining licences and other optional steps.

1. choose legal form

Before you start setting up a company in Dubai, you need to decide on a legal form. As mentioned above, there are different types of companies that can be registered in Dubai, such as Freezone companies, Mainland companies and Offshore companies. Each of these company types has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before deciding on one. The Dubai emigration experts will be happy to advise you on the selection and all other processes.

2. selecting a business activity and obtaining approval from the competent authorities

Once you have chosen a legal form, you also need to choose the business activity you want to carry out. Dubai has a variety of industries in which businesses can operate successfully, such as retail, finance, tourism, real estate and IT.

3. obtain a permit

Once you have selected the type of company and industry sector, you will need to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities in Dubai. This process may take some time and it may be necessary to submit certain documents to obtain the permit.

4. choose a company name

Once you have received approval, you can choose the company name. It is important that the name is unique and not used by another company in Dubai. It is also important that the name can be written in Arabic and English.

5. register the company and obtain the licence

Once the company name has been decided, the company can be registered. This process may take some time and it may be necessary to submit certain documents to complete the registration.

6. rent & furnish a physical office

Once your company is registered, you will need to rent office space where you can register your business address. There are many different types of office spaces in Dubai, such as private offices, coworking spaces and serviced offices. (Note: if you are planning to start a business in Dubai with us, we will show you how to get a physical office address legally without much effort)

If you don't want to invest that much time & want to avoid mistakes, Dubai emigration experts can handle the entire process for you in record time (2 days for a Mainland company & 4 days for a Freezone company). Discover all the benefits of Dubai-auswandern, the official partner of all top Freezones in the U.A.E. Profit among other things from specialised tax advisors from the DACH region, a legal department directly from the U.A.E. and a Guarantee for opening a corporate & private account.

You should observe these legal and official requirements when setting up a company in Dubai

There are a variety of legal and regulatory requirements that must be met when setting up a company in Dubai. It is useful to distinguish between general requirements and requirements that arise when setting up a company with employees.

Basic requirements Freezone Company Mainland Company
Physical establishment Mandatory Mandatory
Minimum capital contribution Mandatory Mandatory
Articles of association Mandatory Mandatory
Local contact for company formation No No
Visa Freezone Company Mainland Company
Visa needed? No Yes
Visa possible through the company? Yes Yes
Documents required Freezone Company Mainland Company
Business plan Yes Yes
Coloured passport copies of the shareholders and managing directors Yes Yes
Memorandum of Understanding Yes Yes
2 years of audited financial reports for companies or letters of recommendation from the bank Yes Yes
Proof of address, for example by means of a consumption bill Yes Yes

Anyone wishing to hire employees must also do the following:

  • Obtaining necessary visas and work permits for employees
  • Registration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
  • Register with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and take out health insurance.
  • Obtain approval from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and other utilities.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the legal and regulatory requirements before setting up a company in Dubai to ensure that you meet all the requirements and avoid potential risks. The experts at Dubai Emigrate can help you avoid these risks. This is especially recommended if your company formation is a bit more complex and you want to hire employees.

These are your financing options in Dubai

There are many financing options for entrepreneurs who want to set up a business in Dubai. These include loans, grants and angel investors. There are also many funding programmes and resources provided by the government and private organisations to help entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses. Of these, here are 3 important funding programmes:

  1. Dubai Future Accelerators. The organisation promotes partnerships between start-ups and private sector companies.
  2. Dubai SME 100which, among other things, supports start-ups in obtaining the necessary permits.
  3. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce (Dubai Chamber) has set up a branch for start-ups, the Dubai Start-up Hub. It aims to provide guidance and promote public-private partnerships (PPPs). Since its establishment in 2016, it has supported more than 8,000 start-ups.

It is important to look for funding opportunities early on to ensure that you have enough capital to start and run the business successfully.

Overall, Dubai offers above-average opportunities when it comes to financing a business.

Dubai Skyline in the Fog
Dubai Frame

Challenges that can arise when setting up a company in Dubai

As with any business start-up, there are challenges to consider when setting up a company in Dubai. One of the biggest challenges is not setting up the company itself, but choosing the right company structure.

This begins with the choice of the right legal form, which must fit your own project. It continues with the determination of the company's activities, which should be implemented directly and correctly, as otherwise one can run into problems afterwards. This could concern, for example, the opening of the bank account.

In the case of setting up a Freezone company, the most suitable Freezone must finally be selected from 40 different ones. Not every Freezone is suitable for every business purpose and not all Freezoness offer the same advantages. We at Dubai-Auswandern recommend choosing only one of the 27 regulated Freezoness in Dubai. While these come at a slightly higher cost, they offer a much faster service compared to other Freezoness and there are fewer difficulties with subsequent processes, such as opening a bank account. For these reasons, our experts will only advise you on Freezones in Dubai if a Freezone company is the right choice for you.

Besides choosing the right company structure, cultural differences can also be a challenge, especially when doing business in Dubai as a foreigner. It is important to understand the culture and business practices of the country and adapt to the norms in order to be successful.

Bureaucracy can also be a challenge, especially when complying with legal and regulatory requirements. It is important to familiarise yourself with the country's laws and regulations and ensure that you meet all requirements to avoid potential risks.

To avoid serious mistakes here, you should work with us at your side. This will save you a lot of time and energy and you won't take any risks when setting up your company. Above all, Dubai-Auswandern takes the bureaucratic work off your hands and guides you through the entire start-up process.

Summary: Set up a company in Dubai

Dubai has developed into an important business location and is therefore very attractive for entrepreneurs. Here is an overview of all the advantages of setting up a company in Dubai:

  • Low tax burden
  • Large network of successful business people
  • modern infrastructure
  • 27 free trade zones that promote your business
  • many skilled workers
  • supporting government

There are different types of companies that can be registered in Dubai such as Freezone companies, Mainland companies, Offshore companies. You should follow the steps below when incorporating:

  1. Selection of the legal form
  2. Selecting a business activity and obtaining approval from the competent authorities
  3. Selecting a company name and obtaining approval
  4. Registering the company and obtaining a licence
  5. Establishing a physical office and obtaining the necessary permits

All in all, it is clear that Dubai is one of the most attractive cities in the world for entrepreneurs and freelancers. Even the few initial hurdles in setting up a business should not deter you. By working with an agency, these can be effortlessly cleared away so that nothing stands in the way of a successful business start.

Not only our experts at Dubai-Auswandern see it that way, but also...

You want to set up a company in Dubai, emigrate and save taxes legally?

If you also want to benefit from a fast & uncomplicated company formation in Dubai, book a free initial consultation with an expert from Dubai-Auswandern now.

Official partnerships

Authorities we cooperate with

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You want to set up a company in Dubai, emigrate and save taxes legally?

Book your free initial consultation now

If you also want to benefit from a quick & easy company formation in Dubai, book a free initial consultation with a Dubai emigration expert now.
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28.05.2025
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26.05.2025
Lara Lara
26.05.2025
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16.05.2025
Angy Capo
16.05.2025
Sebastian Dr Grabmaier
09.06.2025
Ahmet Cebe
28.05.2025
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26.05.2025
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Over 700 self-employed people, entrepreneurs and influencers have already realised their business start-ups with our support and successfully emigrated to Dubai. Are you interested in a free initial consultation? Let's find out together how we can help you too.

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