Thinking about starting a business in Dubai? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs pack their ideas, ambition, and capital and head to the UAE. Why? Because Dubai has become one of the easiest places in the world for foreigners to set up and grow a company.

Still, there’s a catch: the opportunities are endless, but the process can feel like a puzzle. Mainland vs. Free Zone. Trade license categories. Visas. Bank accounts. The smallest oversight can delay your launch by weeks. That’s where business setup services in Dubai for foreigners come in. They cut through the noise, handle the red tape, and let you focus on building the business you came here to start.

At HA Group, we’ve seen it firsthand. With 5+ years in the field, we’ve helped more than 3,500 businesses open doors in Dubai, processed over 5,000 visas, and set up 1,500+ corporate bank accounts. If you’re serious about entering the UAE market, here’s what you need to know in 2025.

Why Dubai Is Still the Top Choice for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Dubai isn’t just about luxury malls and skyscrapers — it’s a business hub that connects East and West. Entrepreneurs pick Dubai for three main reasons:

  • Ownership flexibility: 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most activities, whether you set up in a Free Zone or certain mainland categories.
  • Tax advantage: No personal income tax, 0% capital gains, and competitive corporate tax rules. SMEs with profits under AED 1 million still qualify for exemptions.
  • Residency through business: Investors and their families can secure long-term residency, often tied directly to the business license.

Add world-class infrastructure, an international workforce, and government-backed initiatives like Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and it’s clear why the city ranks among the best places on the planet to start a company.

Business Setup Services in Dubai for Foreigners: What They Really Do

So, what do setup firms actually handle? Think of them as your backstage crew — invisible when things run smoothly, but critical to the performance. Services typically include:

Business Setup Services in Dubai for Foreigners: What They Really Do
Source: msn
  • Business structure advice: Choosing between mainland, Free Zone, and offshore depending on your goals.
  • License processing: Trade licenses, professional licenses, or e-commerce permits.
  • Visa services: Investor visas, employee visas, family sponsorships.
  • Banking support: Opening a corporate bank account (one of the trickiest parts for foreigners).
  • Compliance and PRO services: From document attestation to ongoing government renewals.
  • Office space solutions: Co-working, Flexi desks, or physical offices when required by law.

At HA Group, we also add real-world support: 200+ real estate transactions for clients who needed both business and property solutions, plus tailored strategies for scaling once the business is live.

Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore: The Big Decision

Foreigners often hit their first roadblock here. Which setup makes sense?

  • Mainland Company
    • Operate freely across the UAE market.
    • Eligible for government contracts.
    • Can now be 100% foreign-owned for most activities.
    • Costs slightly higher than Free Zones.
  • Free Zone Company
    • 100% ownership guaranteed.
    • Streamlined setup process.
    • Ideal for e-commerce, trading, and consulting.
    • Limited direct business with the UAE mainland (you’ll need a distributor).
  • Offshore Company
    • Primarily for holding assets, international trade, and tax planning.
    • Not suitable for running a physical business in Dubai.

The choice depends on your business model. Want to run a marketing agency serving clients across Dubai? Mainland makes sense. Selling to international clients online? A Free Zone license might be smarter. Managing overseas investments? Offshore could be the right fit.

Step-by-Step: How Foreigners Set Up a Business in Dubai

Here’s how the journey usually unfolds in 2025:

  1. Define your activity – The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) lists over 2,000 activities. The right category is crucial for approvals.
  2. Choose the jurisdiction – Mainland, Free Zone, or offshore.
  3. Decide your legal structure – LLC, branch office, sole establishment, etc.
  4. Reserve a trade name – Must comply with UAE’s naming rules (no offensive terms, respect for Islamic values, etc.).
  5. Get initial approval – A green light from authorities before final paperwork.
  6. Lease an office – Depending on the jurisdiction, a physical or virtual office may be required.
  7. Submit documents & pay fees – Passport copies, MoA, tenancy contracts, and fees.
  8. Receive your license – This is your official permission to operate.
  9. Apply for visas – Investor, family, or employee visas.
  10. Open a bank account – Often the toughest step for expats; requires patience and the right guidance.

Done right, this process can take 7–14 days in Free Zones, or slightly longer for mainland setups. Done wrong? You’ll face weeks of delays.

Common Challenges Foreigners Face

Let’s be real: Dubai is business-friendly, but not without obstacles.

  • Bank account rejections: Strict compliance checks leave many first-timers stranded.
  • Hidden costs: Ignoring government fees or office lease requirements can blow up budgets.
  • Visa quota issues: Not every license type gives unlimited visas.
  • Legal fine print: Missing a compliance step may lead to penalties.

A professional setup partner doesn’t just “fill forms” — they anticipate these hurdles and solve them before they trip you up.

FAQs: Business Setup in Dubai for Foreigners

1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai company in 2025?
 Yes. Most mainland activities and all Free Zone companies allow 100% ownership by foreigners.

2. How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
 Costs vary by license type and jurisdiction. A Free Zone license can start around AED 12,000–15,000, while a mainland license often costs more due to office lease and compliance requirements.

3. How long does it take to get a business license?
 In Free Zones, setup can be done in as little as 7 days. Mainland setups typically take 2–4 weeks.

4. Do I need a local sponsor in 2025?
 Only for certain strategic sectors. Most businesses no longer require a UAE national partner.

5. Can I get a UAE Golden Visa through business setup?
 Yes. Investors who meet specific capital or revenue thresholds can qualify for long-term residency through their company.

Why Choose HA Group?

Plenty of companies claim they can “set up your business in Dubai.” Few back it up with numbers. At HA Group:

  • 5+ years of experience in UAE business services.
  • 3,500+ businesses set up across industries.
  • 5,000+ visas processed for investors, employees, and families.
  • 1,500+ corporate bank accounts opened — one of the hardest parts of the journey.
  • 200+ real estate transactions for clients combining business and investment.

In short, we don’t just launch companies. We build futures.

Final Thoughts

Dubai gives foreign entrepreneurs a rare mix of opportunity, security, and global reach. But getting started isn’t just about filling forms — it’s about making the right decisions from day one. That’s what business setup services are for.

If you’re ready to start your company in Dubai, HA Group is here to guide you from license to launch — and every step beyond.

Book your free consultation today and let’s turn your business idea into a Dubai success story.

Recommend Articles: