Start your business in Dubai with the right legal route.
From incorporation to administration, visas, and tax considerations. We help you quickly determine the right Dubai route, without getting bogged down in generic promises or making the wrong choices.
- We worked for, among others:
What would you like to start with?
You do not need to know exactly which route suits you best yet. Choose the topic that is closest to your question. We will then help you with the right next step.
For entrepreneurs who want to seriously start a business in Dubai
Starting a business in Dubai requires making the right choices at the outset. The chosen structure, business activities, licensing, location, administration, and residency documents determine how quickly and carefully you can get started.
Start Company in Dubai
We guide entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Dubai or expand their international structure. We assist you with, among other things, the choice between the Mainland and the Free Zone, the right business activities, and the application process.
- Guidance on opening a business in Dubai
- Telephone intake regarding your wishes and plans
- Explanation of legal, tax, and practical considerations
- Help with documentation and application process
- Available in Dutch and English
Financial and tax considerations
Dubai can be attractive to entrepreneurs, but the right setup depends heavily on your activities, place of residence, customers, tax position, and future plans.
We map out the legal and practical route and consult with tax specialists where necessary, so that you do not make decisions based on general information or overly simplistic promises.
- Insight into advantages and disadvantages
- Assessment of the desired business activity
- Attention to documentation, licensing, and compliance
- Coordination with tax expertise where necessary
Avoid choosing the wrong structure.
A quick incorporation is desirable, but the right setup is more important. We review your activity, objectives, risks, and practical next steps in advance.
Why entrepreneurs start a business in Dubai
The primary reason is fiscal, but Dubai offers more: a stable economy, a strong international location, and a business climate geared towards growth. The benefits at a glance:
Tax benefits
- 0% income tax for private individuals
- 9% corporate income tax only above AED 375,000 in profit (since 2023); below that 0%
- 0% in free zones on qualifying income, provided the conditions are met
- No dividend or capital gains tax for private individuals
- VAT amounts to 5%
Practical benefits
- 100% foreign ownership (since 2021 for most activities, without a local sponsor)
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa
- Stable currency (the dirham is pegged to the US dollar)
- Strong infrastructure and international banking
- Fast, digitized incorporation procedures
Please note: 0% sounds good, but only applies if your structure and living situation are correct. This is precisely where things often go wrong — see the Dutch tax section below.
Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore: which suits you?
The choice of business structure determines what you are allowed to do, what it costs, and how you are taxed. The three main forms compared:
| What counts | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade within the UAE market | Yes, unlimited | Limited (mainly exports/services) | No |
| Visa (residence/Emirates ID) | Yes | Yes (depending on the package) | No |
| Physical office required | Usually yes | Flexible (also flexi-desk) | No |
| Tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 0% of qualifying income | No local levy |
| Most suitable for | Local trade & services in the UAE | International services, IT, consultancy, holding | Holding structures & asset management |
The right choice depends on your activity, customers, and goal. We assess which form fits — before you commit.
Which free zone suits you? The most famous ones listed
The UAE has dozens of free zones, each with its own costs, permitted activities, and benefits. The most chosen by Dutch entrepreneurs:
| Free zone | Known for | Especially suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Cost-efficient, flexible, versatile | Consultancy, services, holding |
| Meydan (Dubai) | Prestigious Dubai address, quick to set up | Service providers, startups, e-commerce |
| DMCC (Dubai) | Largest & most renowned free zone | Trade, import/export, raw materials |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | Affordable, industrial | Production, smaller companies, freelancers |
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | Very affordable, creative | Media, marketing, freelancers |
In addition, DIFC and ADGM exist for financial institutions , and JAFZA and DAFZA for logistics/air freight . Which zone is optimal depends on your activity, budget, and visa requirements — we compare the options and handle the application with the appropriate authority.
Step-by-step plan: how to set up a company in Dubai
From initial plan to a functioning business with a bank account — broadly speaking, it goes like this:
1. Activity & Structure
We determine your business activity and the most suitable form (mainland, free zone, or offshore).
2. Name & License
Reserve the company name and apply for the appropriate trade license from the competent authority.
3. Formation & documents
Incorporation documents, registration, and possible legalization of your papers.
4. Visa & Emirates ID
Apply for a residence permit and Emirates ID for yourself and any family or staff.
5. Bank account
Opening a business bank account — often the most difficult part in practice; we guide you through this.
6. Administration & compliance
Bookkeeping, VAT registration where necessary, and properly setting up annual obligations.
How much does a company in Dubai cost?
The costs vary widely and depend on your choices. The main items:
- Commercial license (annual, varies by zone and activity)
- Visa and Emirates ID (per person)
- Office or flexi-desk (required in many zones)
- Registration, incorporation, and legalization costs
- Annual administration and compliance
| Expense item | Indication (AED) | Indication (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade license free zone (per year) | 5.000–15.000 | ± 1.250–3.750 |
| Visa + Emirates ID (per person) | 3.000–5.000 | ± 750–1.250 |
| Business bank account (setup) | 4.000–10.000 | ± 1.000–2.500 |
| Office or flexi-desk (per year) | 5.000–50.000+ | ± 1.250–12.500+ |
| Tax & legal advice (NL + UAE) | — | ± 5.000–15.000 |
Indicative target amounts (2026), highly dependent on zone, activity and number of visas — no quote. UAE corporate income tax: 0% up to AED 375,000 (± EUR 95,000) profit, 9% above that.
We provide a clear cost estimate in advance based on your situation — no surprises afterwards.
Who is Dubai suitable for — and who is it not?
Suitable:
- Location-independent entrepreneurs and international service providers
- Entrepreneurs who actually want to move and relocate their lives to the UAE
- Holding and asset structures with international activities
Less suitable:
- Those who continue to live and work in the Netherlands
- Anyone who wants to emigrate only 'on paper' without real substance
The Dutch tax side — do not underestimate this
This is where most 'Dubai advisors' go wrong. A company in Dubai is only advantageous if it is also correct with the Dutch Tax Authorities . As a law firm, we look specifically at this aspect:
Really emigrating, not on paper
The 0% benefit only applies if you actually move your residence to the UAE. If your center of life remains in the Netherlands (family, home, social ties), you remain subject to Dutch tax in principle — regardless of your Dubai company.
Substance & actual management
The enterprise must be effectively managed from the UAE. If management is still exercised in the Netherlands, the Tax and Customs Administration may classify the company as taxable in the Netherlands.
Exit tax & substantial interest
In the event of emigration with a substantial interest (Box 2), a preserving assessment (exit tax) may arise. This must be thoroughly assessed in advance.
Sham constructions = risk
A structure that exists solely to save tax without a genuine relocation is vulnerable to corrections, additional assessments, and penalties. We ensure that your setup is legally and fiscally defensible.
183 days is not the only test
Spending fewer than 183 days in the Netherlands does not automatically mean that you no longer pay tax here. If your center of life is still in the Netherlands, you remain liable for tax. The 183-day rule is one test, not the entire assessment.
Dividend tax & the NL-UAE treaty
In principle, the Netherlands levies dividend tax on a distribution from your Dutch BV, even to a resident of Dubai. The Netherlands–UAE tax treaty does not fully protect most non-Emirati Dutch nationals here. So do not count your chickens before they hatch with "0% in Dubai".
Worldwide income remains subject to declaration
If you live (or still live) in the Netherlands and work in the UAE, you declare your worldwide income in the Netherlands. The tax treaty then determines whether and how the deduction to prevent double taxation applies.
This is precisely why you arrange this with a legal expert and not with a setup agency. We align the Dubai route with the Dutch tax and legal reality, so that you benefit without unnecessary risk.
What is included in this Dubai mini-site?
Most visitors do not yet know exactly which service they need. Therefore, this page is set up as a starting point. From here, you can proceed directly to the section that suits your situation.
Starting a business in Dubai
For an explanation of the structure, license, Mainland, Free Zone, and the first legal choices.
View founding roadmapDubai Starter Package
For entrepreneurs who want guidance with incorporation, documents, applications, and the practical start.
View starter packageAdministration and accounting
For the organization of administration, bookkeeping, accounting, and relevant obligations.
View administrationVisa and Emirates ID
For stay, visa applications, Emirates ID and practical steps after establishment.
View visa servicesRequest a quote
For a customized proposal when your situation is more specific or involves multiple components.
Request a quoteFree consultation
For an initial consultation if you do not yet know which route is sensible.
Schedule a consultationHow does it work?
We keep the process clear: first the plans are sharp, then the right structure and practical execution.
Free intake
We discuss your plans, activities, desired structure, and key questions.
Determine route
We indicate which route seems logical and what information or documents are required.
Application and guidance
We guide the process and maintain an overview of the legal and practical next steps.
Start and aftercare
After incorporation, we assist where necessary with administration, bookkeeping, visas, contracts, terms and conditions, and compliance.
Why guidance is wise
Starting a business in Dubai online often seems simple. In practice, however, entrepreneurs frequently make hasty decisions regarding licensing, activities, or structure. This can have consequences later on for banking, customers, tax compliance, contracts, administration, or further growth.
Would you like to know if Dubai fits your plans?
Schedule a free consultation. We will discuss your situation, provide direction, and explain the logical next steps.
- No-obligation, no-obligation initial consultation
- Clarity regarding the route, approach, and points of attention
- Guidance by legal specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a business in Dubai immediately?
That depends on your activity, desired structure, documentation, and the chosen route. We first assess what is appropriate for your situation.
Can you help with the choice between the Mainland and the Free Zone?
Yes. We discuss the differences and help you determine which route better aligns with your business activities and goals.
Do you also help with administration and bookkeeping?
Yes. We can help with the administrative setup and refer you to the appropriate section within the Dubai mini-site.
Can I also get help with visas and Emirates ID?
Yes. For visas, Emirates ID, and practical next steps, please refer to the Visa and Emirates ID section.
Is the consultation without obligation?
Yes. The first consultation is intended to discuss your situation and determine the sensible course of action.
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
For a simple free zone setup, the first year often starts around AED 8,000–20,000 (approximately EUR 2,000–5,000), increasing with visas, Emirates ID, office or flexi-desk, and the bank account. We provide a customized cost estimate in advance; the mentioned amounts are indicative.
Which free zone suits my activity?
That depends on the activity, budget, and visa requirements. IFZA and SHAMS are cost-efficient and versatile, Meydan is popular with service providers, DMCC is strong for trade and raw materials, and RAKEZ is advantageous for manufacturing and smaller businesses. We advise on the zone that suits your plans.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
In practice, setting up a free zone often takes 5 to 10 working days, provided your documents are complete. Visa and the business bank account usually take extra time after that.
Can I set up my company remotely from the Netherlands?
In many free zones, incorporation can largely be done remotely. For the Emirates ID and usually the bank account as well, physical presence in the UAE is required.
Do I need to deregister from the Netherlands to receive a tax benefit?
The 0% benefit only applies once you are no longer a tax resident of the Netherlands. Deregistering from the BRP is not decisive; the Tax and Customs Administration looks at your true center of life: home, family, and social and economic ties.
What is the 183-day rule?
The 183-day rule is one of the tests for international taxation, but not the only one. Even with fewer than 183 days in the Netherlands, you can remain liable for tax here if your center of life is in the Netherlands. A proper emigration requires more than just counting days.
Will I receive a protective assessment (exit tax) upon emigration?
If you hold a substantial interest (5% or more in a BV, Box 2), the Tax and Customs Administration typically imposes a preserving assessment on the increase in value upon emigration. We map this out in advance so that you are not faced with any surprises.
How much substance do I need in Dubai?
Your business must be effectively managed from the UAE and have real activity there. A mailbox with a few invoices is not sufficient; without sufficient substance, the Tax Authorities may classify the company as taxable in the Netherlands.
Am I allowed to receive dividends from my Dutch BV tax-free in Dubai?
Usually not without further ado. In principle, the Netherlands levies dividend tax on distributions from a Dutch BV, even to a resident of Dubai. The Netherlands–UAE tax treaty does not offer most Dutch nationals full protection in this regard. Have this assessed in advance.
How does the 9%/0% corporate income tax work in the UAE?
Since financial years starting June 1, 2023, the UAE has a corporate income tax of 9%, with 0% on the first AED 375,000 (approximately EUR 95,000) of taxable profit. In free zones, a 0% rate may apply to qualifying income under certain conditions.
Which documents do I need to get started?
Typically, a valid passport, a passport photo, and depending on the zone, additional documents such as a CV, company description, or proof of address. We will provide you with a complete list of documents specific to your situation in advance.
