1. Why Dubai? Understanding the Opportunity
2. Step 1 – Choose Your Business Structure
- Mainland LLC – Ideal for local operations; requires UAE national sponsorship
- Free Zone Company – Provides 100% foreign ownership and streamlined setup, great for export, tech, media, and specialized industries
- Offshore Company – Best for asset holding, intellectual property, or global operations
3. Step 2 – Register & Obtain Licenses
- 1. Name reservation & initial approval from relevant authorities (DED for mainland or respective free zone authority)
- 2. Prepare MOA and other statutory documents
- 3. Submit documents & obtain trade license
- 4. Apply for visas, opening corporate bank accounts, and shareholder licensing
4. Step 3 – Register for VAT & Corporate Tax
1. VAT Registration in UAE
- VAT Registration in UAE is mandatory once revenue exceeds the threshold—our VAT consultants guide you through everything from filing to compliance.
2. Corporate Tax Registration in UAE
- Banks, investors, and regulators seek audited financials to ensure transparency and reliability
3. Business Insights & Risk Management
- Corporate Tax Registration in UAE became effective in 2023; businesses must file returns annually (relief for small companies). A reliable auditing company Dubai like AlZarooni Associates ensures you’re never behind—helping you meet deadlines and avoid penalties.
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5. Step 4 – Set Up Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping & data entry
- Monthly/quarterly financial statements
- Bank reconciliation and financial performance monitoring
6. Step 5 – Implement Audit & Assurance
- Statutory audits required by law
- Internal audits to improve processes
- Risk-based audits to minimize vulnerabilities
7. Step 6 – Establish Governance & Risk Controls
- Implementing formal Internal Audit Services
- Setting SOPs for roles, permissions, and approvals
- Monitoring compliance and filling any gaps
8. Step 7 – Leverage Business & Financial Consulting
- Performance benchmarking
- Budgeting and cashflow forecasting
- Cost optimization systems
- Preparation for future expansion or M&A
FAQ – Setting Up a Business in Dubai
Yes—especially for free zone companies or businesses expected to reach revenue thresholds. Failing to plan ahead can lead to compliance challenges.
Typically 2–3 weeks, provided all documentation is ready. Our VAT consultants can help expedite the process.
1. Mainland: UAE national sponsor required; broad operating scope
2. Free zone: Full foreign ownership; sector-specific focus
3. Offshore: Ideal for asset protection and finance/holding companies
Mainland and free zone companies generally require statutory audits. Offshore companies depend on jurisdiction; professional advice is crucial.
Businesses with taxable profits must register by the end of the financial year. While deadlines vary, early preparation is strongly advised.
You can—if you have skilled staff and cloud accounting systems. However, professional oversight ensures accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
While there’s an upfront cost, a reliable auditing firm in Dubai saves you from potential penalties, supports investor confidence, and improves long-term efficiencies.