Dubai · Business set-up

Set up your
business in Dubai.

Mainland or free zone, licence, visas, a bank account, tax and the UK side of the move — what it takes to set up in Dubai, and how we help you get it right with trusted partners on the ground.

24-hour line 01582 853 783 Step by step
  • 100% ownershipFor most mainland activities
  • 9% corporate taxOn profits above AED 375,000
  • 5% VATRegistration from AED 375,000
  • UK and UAEBoth sides covered

Dubai is open for business. Getting it right is the hard part.

Dubai offers full foreign ownership for most activities, a low-tax regime and a straightforward route to living and working there. But the choices you make at the start — where to license the company, what activity to put on the licence, who holds the shares and how you are paid — decide what you can do later and what it costs to change.

Through our established network in Dubai we connect you with trusted company-formation specialists, UAE advocates and accountants, and we advise on the UK side: your existing company, contracts, staff and directors, and what the move means for you here.

This guide covers the main decisions. It is general information, not legal or tax advice — every business is different, so speak to us before you commit.

What this guide covers

  • Mainland, free zone or offshore
  • Licences, visas and Emirates ID
  • Opening a UAE bank account
  • Corporate tax and VAT
  • Employing staff in the UAE
  • The UK side of the move

Step by step

From idea to trading in Dubai.

The order varies between authorities, but most set-ups follow these steps. Free zone licences can be issued within days; visas and the bank account usually take longest.

  1. Choose the activity and the jurisdiction

    Your licence lists the activities you may carry on, and decides whether you set up on the mainland, in a free zone or offshore.

  2. Reserve the name and get initial approval

    The licensing authority checks the trade name and the shareholders before anything else is filed.

  3. Prepare and attest documents

    UK documents usually need legalising by the FCDO and attesting by the UAE Embassy, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  4. Sign the company documents and the lease

    Every licence needs an address, from a flexi-desk to an office. Mainland leases are registered through Ejari.

  5. Receive the trade licence

    Issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland companies, or by the free zone authority.

  6. Apply for visas and Emirates IDs

    An establishment card first, then investor and staff visas, with a medical test and biometrics in the UAE.

  7. Open the bank account

    UAE banks run thorough checks on the business, its owners and the source of funds. Expect questions and allow several weeks.

  8. Register for tax and keep compliant

    Register for corporate tax, and for VAT once you pass the threshold. Renew the licence every year and keep the beneficial-owner register up to date.

Talk to us first 01582 853 783 Free first conversation

Company formation in the UAE is carried out by licensed providers and UAE advocates in our network. We coordinate the process with you and advise on the UK side, so nothing falls between the two.

Mainland, free zone or offshore?

The single biggest decision. It decides where you can trade, who you can sell to, how many visas you can have and what it costs to run.

  1. Mainland company

    Licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Trade anywhere in the UAE, including with government, with full foreign ownership for most activities since 2021.

  2. Free zone company

    Licensed by one of Dubai’s free zones. Full ownership and simple set-up, but selling directly to the UAE mainland is restricted.

  3. DIFC

    Dubai’s financial centre has its own common-law courts and employment law, and financial services are regulated by the DFSA.

  4. Offshore company

    Used to hold shares, property or assets. It cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas.

  5. Branch of a UK company

    Your existing company trades in Dubai directly, so the UK parent stays responsible for the branch.

  6. Restricted activities

    Some strategic activities still need UAE participation or special approval. Check yours before you commit.

Not sure which fits? That is exactly what the first call is for.

Call 01582 853 783

How we work with you

You keep one point of contact in the UK, while trusted partners in our Dubai network handle the local filings.

Downtown Dubai skyline at night

  1. A free first conversation

    What you want to do in Dubai, where you trade now, and what you need from the move.

  2. The right structure, in writing

    With our partners in Dubai, a clear recommendation and a full list of costs before anything is filed.

  3. Set-up, coordinated

    Licence, visas, bank account and tax registration, handled by licensed providers and tracked by us.

  4. The UK side, done properly

    Contracts, staff, your UK company and your own position here — so the move works in both countries.

Tax, banking, staff and compliance

Dubai is low-tax, not no-tax, and the rules have changed a great deal since 2023. These are the points to plan for from day one.

  1. Corporate tax

    9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000, for financial years from June 2023. Every company must register, even if no tax is due.

  2. Free zone relief

    Qualifying free zone companies can pay 0% on qualifying income, if they meet the conditions every year.

  3. VAT

    5% on most goods and services. Registration is compulsory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 a year.

  4. Banking

    Banks expect a clear business plan, real substance in the UAE and evidence of where the money comes from.

  5. Employing staff

    Written contracts registered with the labour ministry, salaries paid through the Wage Protection System, and an end-of-service gratuity.

  6. Beneficial owners and AML

    Keep a register of the company’s real owners, and in regulated sectors register for anti-money-laundering reporting.

  7. Your UK tax position

    Moving to Dubai does not end UK tax by itself. Residence, your UK company and where decisions are made all matter.

  8. Directors in both countries

    Duties to a UK company continue, and UAE debts or disputes can lead to travel bans for the people behind the business.

We work with specialist tax advisers in both countries, so the structure is right on both sides.

Talk to us

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Questions people ask

Can I own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Yes, for most activities. Since June 2021, foreign investors can own all of a mainland company in most commercial and industrial activities, and free zone companies have always allowed full ownership. Some strategic activities still need UAE participation.

How long does it take to set up?

A free zone licence can be issued within days once the documents are in order. Visas, Emirates IDs and especially the bank account take longer — allow several weeks for the whole process.

Do I have to live in Dubai?

Not to own a company. But you will need to be in the UAE for parts of the visa process, such as the medical and biometrics, and banks often want to meet the owners.

Is Dubai really tax-free?

Not any more for companies. Corporate tax of 9% applies to profits above AED 375,000 for financial years from June 2023, and VAT is 5%. There is no personal income tax on salaries in the UAE.

Will I still pay tax in the UK?

Possibly. Leaving the UK does not end UK tax on its own: your residence status, any UK company you keep and where it is managed all matter. We work with specialist advisers to get this right before you move.

Can a free zone company sell to customers in Dubai?

Free zone companies can trade freely within their zone and internationally, but selling directly to the UAE mainland is restricted and usually needs a local distributor, an agent or a mainland licence.

What if something goes wrong later?

Disputes, unpaid invoices, staff complaints and travel bans are covered on our Dubai and the UAE page. We work with UAE advocates on the local proceedings and handle the UK side ourselves.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Liberty Law Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales. We do not hold a UAE licence: work in the UAE is carried out by UAE-licensed advocates and advisers, whom we instruct and work alongside through our network. Tax rates and thresholds were correct in October 2026 and can change.

Tell us what you are planning.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Tell us about the business and we will tell you plainly how to get set up.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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Get the structure right before you sign anything. One solicitor here. Trusted partners in Dubai. Plan the UK side before you move. You reach a solicitor, not a call centre.

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