Setting up a business in Dubai

Dubai is a very welcoming destination for investors. Conditions for setting up a business are excellent and investors can benefit from the emirate's attractive low tax system.

The opening of a branch or the setting up of a business in Dubai will differ whether it is established in Dubai City or in a free trade zone within the emirate. Requirements are indeed not the same:

To set up a business or open a branch in Dubai City, the foreign investor must be endorsed by a local sponsor (an individual or a corporation) who must hold at least 51% of the equity of the company. In a free trade zone, no sponsor is required. However, only activities such as consulting, trading and holding are authorized.

For legal and financial aspects, please contact the embassy, economic missions and chambers of commerce of your country implanted in Dubai. You can also contact a private advisor or any local service provider to help you in your project.

Find more information in the article Setting up a business in the United Arab Emirates.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' United Arab Emirates Expat Guide ' Setting up a business in the United Arab Emirates
The Official Portal of Dubai Government www.dubai.ae
Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) www.dubaifdi.gov.ae