One of the best things an entrepreneur can do is start a business in Dubai. Dubai has become a global hub for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multinational corporations because of its tax-friendly policies, strategic location, and booming economy.
We offer complete business setup services in Dubai at SmartBiz, including setting up a corporate bank account, forming a company, and making sure you comply with VAT. Our expert advice makes the process easy, quick, and stress-free.
Quick Overview – Business Setup in Dubai
Service | What’s Included | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Company Formation & Licensing | Trade name approval, license issuance, legal documentation | Fast registration, mainland & free zone options |
VAT Registration & Compliance | FTA registration, VAT filing, bookkeeping, compliance advisory | Avoid fines, ensure smooth financial operations |
Corporate Bank Account Setup | Assistance with documents, liaison with UAE banks, corporate & personal accounts | Easy banking access, secure transactions |
Free Zone Setup | 100% ownership, tax exemptions, profit repatriation | Ideal for international trade & e-commerce |
Mainland Company Setup | Local & global trade, access to government contracts | Expand freely in UAE markets |

Table of Contents
Why Choose Dubai for Your Business?
Dubai offers unique advantages that make it one of the most attractive destinations for investors worldwide.
- 0% Personal Income Tax – Keep more profits.
- 100% Foreign Ownership – Allowed in free zones and many mainland sectors.
- Global Connectivity – A business gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Modern Infrastructure – World-class ports, airports, and digital services.
- Business Diversity – From trade and finance to tourism, IT, and logistics.
Dubai combines financial benefits with international exposure, making it the ideal place to launch or expand your company.
Table
Factor | Why It Matters | Business Benefit |
Strategic Location | Gateway between Asia, Europe & Africa | Easy access to global markets |
Tax Advantages | 0% personal income tax, low corporate tax | Higher profitability |
Business-Friendly Laws | Streamlined regulations, foreign ownership allowed | Hassle-free setup & compliance |
Strong Banking System | International banks & modern financial services | Secure transactions & credibility |
Free Zones | 100% ownership, repatriation of profits | Best for global entrepreneurs & e-commerce |
Skilled Workforce | Diverse, multilingual professionals | Access to global talent pool |
World-Class Infrastructure | Modern offices, ports, airports | Supports logistics & growth |

Our Complete Business Setup Services in Dubai
We specialize in end-to-end services, covering every step from company registration to compliance and banking.
Company Formation & Business Licensing
Setting up a company in Dubai requires official approvals, legal paperwork, and the right license. We help you navigate the process quickly and correctly.
Our Services:
- Trade name reservation
- Drafting Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Securing approvals from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Obtaining the required business license
Types of Business Licenses We Handle:
- Commercial License (trading)
- Professional License (consultancy/services)
- Industrial License (manufacturing)
- Tourism License (travel operators)
Quick Table – Company Formation & Licensing
Aspect | Details |
What We Do | Trade name reservation, MoA drafting, license issuance |
License Types | Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism |
Timeframe | 3–7 business days |
Benefits | Quick approvals, mainland & free zone options |

VAT Registration & Compliance
Since 2018, businesses in the UAE have been required to comply with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regulations. We make VAT easy and penalty-free.
Our VAT Services:
- VAT registration with FTA
- Filing VAT returns
- Bookkeeping and compliance advisory
- Training for staff on VAT rules
- VAT refund/exemption guidance
Quick Table – VAT Compliance
Aspect | Details |
What We Do | VAT registration, filing returns, compliance support |
Threshold | Mandatory if turnover > AED 375,000/year |
Support | Bookkeeping, refund claims, and exemptions |
Benefits | Avoid penalties, stay compliant, smooth finance |

Corporate & Personal Bank Account Setup
Opening a bank account in Dubai requires detailed documentation and strict adherence to compliance regulations. We simplify the process by connecting you with trusted banks.
Our Banking Services:
- Assistance with corporate bank accounts
- Help with personal bank accounts for business owners
- Documentation preparation
- Direct liaison with banks for faster approvals
Banks We Work With:
- Emirates NBD
- Mashreq
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- HSBC
Quick Table – Bank Account Setup
Aspect | Details |
What We Do | Corporate & personal account setup, compliance support |
Banks | Emirates NBD, Mashreq, HSBC, Dubai Islamic Bank |
Accounts | Corporate, Personal (shareholders/owners) |
Benefits | Fast approval, secure transactions, credibility |

Free Zone vs Mainland Company Formation
Choosing between the free zone and the mainland depends on your goals.
Quick Table – Free Zone vs Mainland
Feature | Free Zone Company | Mainland Company |
Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership (many activities) |
Market Access | International trade, e-commerce | UAE local + international trade |
Tax Benefits | Import/export exemptions, profit repatriation | Wider business opportunities |
Best For | Consultants, traders, startups | UAE-focused businesses, government contracts |

Step-by-Step Process for Business Setup in Dubai
Here’s how we streamline your journey:
Quick Table – Business Setup Process
Step | Action | Timeframe |
1 | Choose business activity & structure | Day 1 |
2 | Reserve trade name | Day 1–2 |
3 | Apply for initial approvals | Day 2–3 |
4 | Draft MoA & legal docs | Day 3–4 |
5 | Get a business license | Day 4–5 |
6 | Register for VAT | Day 5–6 |
7 | Open a corporate bank account | Day 6–7 |
8 | Start operations | Within 1 week |

FAQs on Business Setup in Dubai
Q1: How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
Free zone companies can start from AED 12,000, while mainland setup varies by license type and activity.
Q2: Can I own 100% of a company in Dubai as a foreigner?
Yes — free zones and many mainland sectors allow full foreign ownership.
Q3: How long does it take to register a company in Dubai?
On average, 3–7 business days with proper documentation.
Q4: Is VAT registration mandatory?
Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
Q5: Can foreigners open bank accounts in Dubai?
Yes. With valid trade licenses and documents, foreign investors can open both corporate and personal accounts.

Why Choose SmartBiz?
- Complete solutions: From registration to compliance and banking
- Strong partnerships with free zones, DED, and UAE banks
- 10+ years of expertise in Dubai business setup
- Transparent, fixed-cost packages
- Fast-track processing – get started in days, not months
Contact us today and let us help you turn your Dubai business idea into reality.
Call Us Today: +971 54 224 3531
Email: info@smartbiz.ae
Go to: https://www.smartbiz.ae/
Work with Dubai’s trusted business setup experts to get your success started.

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“Thank you for your message. For any business queries, please feel free to contact us at info@smartbiz.ae
or call +971 54 224 3531. We’ll be happy to assist you.”