Prime Zone – Expert Visa & Business Setup Services

Dubai Mainland Business Setup

Setting up a business in Dubai offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and success. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, Dubai is the ideal destination for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. Our comprehensive business setup guide services are designed to help you navigate the complexities of starting a business in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Why Choose Dubai for Your Business?

Strategic Location: Dubai is a global hub connecting the East and West, making it an ideal location for international trade.
Tax Advantages: Benefit from a tax-free environment on personal and corporate income.
Robust Infrastructure: Enjoy state-of-the-art infrastructure and logistics facilities.
Business-Friendly Policies: Experience ease of doing business with supportive government policies.
Diverse Economy: Tap into a diverse economy with thriving sectors like tourism, real estate, finance, and technology.

Why Choose Dubai for Your Business?

  • Strategic Location: Dubai is a global hub connecting the East and West, making it an ideal location for international trade.
  • Tax Advantages: Benefit from a tax-free environment on personal and corporate income.
  • Robust Infrastructure: Enjoy state-of-the-art infrastructure and logistics facilities.
  • Business-Friendly Policies: Experience ease of doing business with supportive government policies.
  • Diverse Economy: Tap into a diverse economy with thriving sectors like tourism, real estate, finance, and technology.
Why Choose Dubai for Your Business?

Robust Infrastructure

Enjoy state-of-the-art infrastructure and logistics facilities.

Tax Advantages

Benefit from a tax-free environment on personal and corporate income.

Business-Friendly Policies

Experience ease of doing business with supportive government policies.

Strategic Location

Dubai is a global hub connecting the East and West, making it an ideal location for international trade.

Diverse Economy

Tap into a diverse economy with thriving sectors like tourism, real estate, finance, and technology.

● Our Services
We offer the best service

We pride ourselves on delivering the best service to our clients. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Our Services

Business Consultation

We provide expert consultation to help you choose the right business structure, understand legal requirements, and develop a strategic business plan tailored to the Dubai market.

Company Formation

Our end-to-end company formation services cover everything from registering your business name to obtaining necessary licenses and permits.

Office Setup

Find the perfect location for your business. We help with office space selection, leasing, and setup, ensuring a smooth start to your operations.

Visa and Immigration Services

We assist with all visa and immigration requirements for you and your employees, making the relocation process seamless.

Corporate Tax & VAT

Easily open business or personal bank accounts with the UAE’s trusted banks.

Banking and Finance

Open corporate bank accounts and access financial services with our guidance. We help streamline the banking process to support your business needs.

PRO Services

Our Public Relations Officer (PRO) services cover all the administrative tasks involved in setting up and maintaining your business, including document clearance and attestation.

Ongoing Support

Your success is our priority. We offer ongoing support services to help you manage and grow your business in Dubai, including accounting, bookkeeping, and compliance management.

We Work Closely With

The Dubai Business Setup Process

With Prime Zone as your company formation partner, registering a company in the UAE is not only easy but also the most cost-effective way to do it! In fact, the entire process can take as little as 24 hours! That’s right! Just provide us with the relevant information about your company, and we handle the rest. Here’s our time-tested process:

1. Document Preparation

For first-time overseas entrepreneurs, navigating the documentation process can be overwhelming. We streamline the process, making it hassle-free while ensuring your Dubai company setup is handled expertly.

3. Visa Processing

Private companies can obtain new employment entry permits for employees, provided they apply for residence visa status within 30 days of entry into the UAE.

2. Business License Acquisition

Selecting and applying for the right license is crucial for your Dubai business. Our experts guide you through requirements and help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a smooth setup.

4. Bank Account Setup

Setting up a corporate bank account in the UAE requires careful consideration and preparation for international entrepreneurs.

we love to see our clients win See what they say...

I approached them for consultation on business setup -guided properly with different options free of charge

Asif

They made getting my freezone business license so easy. The team even helped me choose the best free zone for my business. Highly recommend.

Abu Hurairah

Recently i have processed the visa for my child and wife it was so fast and with reasonable charges.

Hamza

I was confused with setting up my business in Dubai, but prime zone made it simple. They offered clear advice and helped me decide between a mainland license and a free zone setup. 👍🏻

Fabeha

Getting employees visas services for my company easy and smooth process, .never faced any issues. application are processed on time. highly recommended.

Sadam

I had to renew my expired residence visa and it was all handled smoothly and efficiently. thanks.

Huraira

I approached them for consultation on business setup -guided properly with different options free of charge.

Musah

Got my business free zone license & investor visa through prime zone hassle free process and at very reasonable cost.

Arish

Processed my parents visa in very short time.

Naira
The Dubai Business Setup Process

With Prime Zone as your company formation partner, registering a company in the UAE is not only easy but also the most cost-effective way to do it! In fact, the entire process can take as little as 24 hours! That’s right! Just provide us with the relevant information about your company, and we handle the rest. Here’s our time-tested process:

1. Document Preparation

For first-time overseas entrepreneurs, navigating the documentation process can be overwhelming. We streamline the process, making it hassle-free while ensuring your Dubai company setup is handled expertly.

3. Visa Processing

Private companies can obtain new employment entry permits for employees, provided they apply for residence visa status within 30 days of entry into the UAE.

2. Business License Acquisition

Selecting and applying for the right license is crucial for your Dubai business. Our experts guide you through requirements and help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a smooth setup.

4. Bank Account Setup

Setting up a corporate bank account in the UAE requires careful consideration and preparation for international entrepreneurs.

● Step 01

Document Preparation

Start with selecting a business activity that matches up with your objectives and market demands in Dubai. Whether you are associated with product development, marketing, selling, or advising, choosing the right business activity ensures you comply with the regulatory requirements in Dubai and position your business for success.

FAQs

Our expert team addresses common queries from individuals worldwide regarding company formation in the UAE.

Here are some compelling reasons:
  • UAE government actively supports businesses for long-term economic stability.
  • Dubai offers a tax-friendly environment with competitive labor and financing costs.
  • No foreign exchange controls, trade barriers, or quotas.
  • Strategic location providing access to 1.5 billion consumers across Africa, West Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
  • World-class transport links attract businesses easily.
  • Straightforward and affordable business setup process.
  • Large pool of highly educated talent and world-class infrastructure.
  • High standard of living and exceptional safety measures attract global talent.
  • Simplified market research procedures and robust legal frameworks facilitate business operations in Dubai.
  • Dubai’s economy is deliberately engineered to boost local business growth and innovation. Through the Department of Economic Development (DED), the UAE government promotes entrepreneurship and provides economic incentives, such as low corporate taxes and streamlined business setups.

    This strategic focus places the UAE 16th in the global Ease of Doing Business Index. Dubai's dynamic economy attracts diverse industries and, thanks to its strategic location, offers access to extensive markets in both the East and West. The city's free zones, including DWTC, JAFZA, and RAKEZ, enhance opportunities, while initiatives like Scale2Dubai provide funding for scaling ventures.

    To establish a business in Dubai, follow these high-level steps:
  • Business Idea: Define your business idea and target market.
  • Business Plan: Create a comprehensive plan with objectives, market analysis, and financial projections.
  • Legal Structure: Choose between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore company structures.
  • Trade Name: Select a name compliant with the Department of Economic Development (DED) regulations.
  • Business License: Apply for a commercial, professional, or industrial license based on your activities.
  • Documentation: Submit required documents such as passport, visa, and a No Objection Certificate (for expats) to the relevant authorities.
  • Office Space: Secure a physical address, essential for registration.
  • Corporate Bank Account: After obtaining your license, open a bank account that suits your business needs.
  • Visas: Process employee visas, with the number often determined by office size and license type.
  • Operational Setup: With administrative tasks completed, set up operations and start your business journey.
  • Note: Requirements may vary based on your specific business setup, so research thoroughly for your chosen structure.

    A mainland business setup in the UAE provides unrestricted access to the UAE market, allowing over 3,000 business activities, unlimited employee visas, and the ability to sponsor family and domestic staff. It’s ideal for businesses targeting the local Dubai mainland market.

    In contrast, a free zone business setup offers 100% foreign ownership, no personal taxes, unrestricted profit movement, and a simplified setup process. This setup is favored by companies focusing on international markets or seeking specific industry clusters within certain free zones.

    Deciding between a Dubai mainland and Dubai free zone setup requires careful consideration of your business goals and needs:

  • Business Activities: Dubai mainland offers a wider range of business activities, while free zones often cater to specific sectors or industries.
  • Trading: If your business involves trading directly with the UAE market, a mainland license could be more beneficial.
  • Ownership: If 100% foreign ownership is important to you, then a free zone setup would be ideal.
  • Expansion Plans: If you plan to scale up your business within the UAE, a mainland setup might offer more flexibility.
  • Cost: Setup and operational costs differ between mainland and free zones.
  • In Dubai, businesses can apply for three main types of licenses based on their activities:
  • Commercial License: For trading businesses engaged in activities like retail and transportation services.
  • Professional License: For individuals or firms offering expertise or services such as consultancy, accounting, and architecture.
  • Industrial License: For businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities, transforming materials into end products.
  • Each license type, governed by the DED in Dubai, permits up to ten activities. Businesses in Free Zones or operating offshore may have different license types and requirements.

    Establishing a business in Dubai entails several crucial legal and regulatory steps:
  • Identifying Business Activities: Determine your business activities to select the appropriate license type, with each license permitting up to ten activities.
  • Choosing Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, which defines your business operations.
  • Applying for Trade License: Depending on your activity, apply for a commercial, professional, or industrial license to operate legally.
  • Documentation: Prepare required documents, including completed application forms and passport copies of shareholders, and obtain necessary approvals from authorities if applicable.
  • Registering Ultimate Beneficial Owners: Register Ultimate Beneficial Owners for transparency and compliance with UAE regulations.
  • Opening Corporate Bank Account: Establish a corporate bank account to facilitate business transactions in the UAE.
  • Immigration and Visa Processing: Initiate visa applications for yourself, employees, and domestic staff after obtaining the business license.
  • Adhering to Naming Conventions: Ensure your chosen company name complies with UAE naming conventions.
  • Compliance with Local Laws: Abide by all local laws and regulations, including labor and environmental laws specific to your industry, to avoid legal ramifications.
  • Office or Physical Presence: Depending on your business nature and jurisdiction, lease an office or warehouse as required.
  • Given the complexity of business setup in Dubai, partnering with a company formation specialist can streamline the process and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

    Great question! The local service agent (LSA) agreement and local sponsor system are two key aspects of setting up a business in the UAE:
  • Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement: This applies to certain licenses, such as professional licenses or branches of foreign companies. An LSA, who must be a UAE national, is paid a fixed fee to represent the company in administrative dealings with the government. The LSA does not own any part of the company nor receive any commission or profits.
  • Local Sponsor System: This system applies to LLCs (Limited Liability Companies). Under this arrangement, a local sponsor, who must be a UAE national, owns 51% of the company.
  • In Dubai, there are several legal business structures you can choose from:
    1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Popular among small businesses and entrepreneurs, offering operational flexibility and the ability to trade across the UAE and GCC. Members have limited liability.
    2. Sole Proprietorship: Owned and operated by a single individual, it has fewer administrative tasks but the owner has unlimited liability.
    3. Civil Companies: Professional companies typically established by lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, allowing 100% foreign ownership.
    4. Private Shareholder Companies: Companies with limited liability, where shareholders' liability is limited to their shares in the capital.
    5. Public Shareholding Companies: Companies whose capital is divided into transferable shares of equal value, with partners liable only to the extent of their share in the capital.
    6. Branch & Representative Offices: Foreign companies can establish branches or representative offices in Dubai.
    7. Free Zone Companies: Set up in one of Dubai’s free zones, such as DWTC, JAFZA, DUQE, RAKEZ, and Creative City. These companies enjoy benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and fewer restrictions.
    8. Offshore Companies: Incorporated in the UAE but operating outside the UAE, used for purposes like tax planning and asset protection.

    Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership in certain business setups in Dubai. For instance, in several free zones, foreign investors can fully own their businesses. Additionally, recent changes to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law allow foreign investors to have 100% ownership in many sectors, even outside free zones. However, some strategic sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, still have restrictions.

    Managing and attesting legal documents in Dubai involves a relatively straightforward process, though it requires familiarity with local regulations. When establishing your business, you'll need to compile and submit various legal documents, including the application form and copies of shareholders’ passports. Following submission and approval, you'll obtain your business license. It's crucial to maintain these documents regularly to prevent penalties or the potential loss of your business license. Attestation involves verifying your documents with the relevant authorities for authenticity and compliance with local requirements.

    To renew your business license in Dubai, follow these steps:
  • Check the Validity of Tenancy Contract: Ensure your tenancy contract remains valid for at least three months beyond the renewal date.
  • Complete Renewal Form: Fill out the renewal form and gather required documents, which may include attested authorization and approval letters, photographs of all business partners, and the payment number for renewal fees.
  • Submission to DED: Submit the completed form and documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED).
  • Application Approval: After DED approval, proceed to pay the renewal fees.
  • License Renewal: Upon payment, your business license will be renewed.
  • Branch companies in Dubai, as extensions of existing foreign businesses, operate independently and generate profits. However, they remain fully owned by the parent company and are not recognized as separate legal entities. Representative offices, a form of branch company, are restricted to promoting and sourcing work for the parent company without making profits in the UAE, outsourcing all work back to the parent company. Branches of free zone companies also require a UAE national agent. Moreover, certain activities like commercial agencies, banking, telecommunications, and specific professional consultancies do not qualify for 100% foreign ownership.

    Whether a physical office is required depends on the nature of your business setup. If you're forming a Mainland company, DED regulations mandate a physical office space. However, for free zone companies, many offer flexi-desk options, a cost-effective alternative to full-time office space. Alternatively, a virtual office provides entrepreneurs the ability to conduct business without the need for physical premises.