Starting Up a Business
is Just the First Step

Choosing the ideal business location involves considering several factors. Consulting with business setup experts is highly recommended. Key considerations include:

• Nature of Business: Specific zones cater to particular industries, e.g., tech businesses often prefer Dubai Internet City.
• Target Market: Select a location accessible to your primary customers.
• Infrastructure Needs: Proximity to ports like Jebel Ali is beneficial for businesses relying on international shipping.
• Budget: Operational costs vary across locations.
• Legal Requirements: Some business activities are restricted to certain zones.

Mainland business setup allows unrestricted access to the UAE market, offering 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 market. Free zone setups provide 100% foreign ownership, no personal taxes, unrestricted profit movement, and a simplified process, making it suitable for companies focusing on international markets or specific industry clusters.

Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership in several business setups in Dubai. Free zones allow full foreign ownership. Recent changes in the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law also permit 100% foreign ownership in many sectors outside free zones, although strategic sectors like banking and telecommunications have restrictions.

Renewing your business license in Dubai involves:

1. Ensuring your tenancy contract is valid for at least three more months.
2. Completing a renewal form and gathering necessary documents, including authorization and approval letters, partner photographs, and payment number for renewal fees.
3. Submitting these documents to the DED.
4. Paying the renewal fees once your application is approved.

Branch companies in Dubai can trade independently and earn a profit but remain under the ownership of the parent company and are not separate legal entities. Representative offices, a type of branch, can only promote and source work for the parent company and cannot make a profit in the UAE. Branches of free zone companies require a UAE national agent. Certain activities like commercial agencies, banking, telecommunications, and some professional consultancies do not permit 100% foreign ownership.

A physical office is required for Mainland companies as per DED regulations. Free zone companies often offer flexi-desk options, a cost-effective alternative to a full-time office. Virtual offices are also an option, allowing business operations without physical premises.