HLS India logo for business advisory

Benefits of Setting Up in the UAE

Business Setup In UAE

Doing a successful business in UAE requires long-term planning, a deep understanding of consumer behaviors and their preferences, marketing practices, patience, and a location-by-location strategy to adapt to the complexity and diversity of UAE’s markets.

With our multidisciplinary teams of industry and sector experts, HLS UAE supports foreign companies on devising the best strategy to do successful business in the UAE market.

Learn even more about why we are the global accounting and advisory firm you can trust:

Or see our Business Setup In UAE offering covers four broad phases including:

  • Business Setup Strategy
  • Challenges of Business Setup in UAE
  • Opportunities for Businesses in UAE
  • Operating Model – Greenfield | M & A | Distribution 
  • Statutory and Legal Approvals
  • Business and Infrastructure Setup
  • Organizational Design and Recruitment
  • Corporate Governance
  • Internal Controls and Risk Management 
  • Compliances
  • Human Resource Management
  • Virtual Director
  • Business Process Improvement
  • Sales and Business Development 
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
business setup services, business setup services in uae

     Business Setup Services In UAE

  • Business Setup Strategy
  • Challenges of Business Setup in UAE
  • Opportunities for Businesses in UAE
  • Operating Model – Greenfield | M & A | Distribution 
  • Statutory and Legal Approvals
  • Business and Infrastructure Setup
  • Organizational Design and Recruitment
  • Corporate Governance
  • Internal Controls and Risk Management 
  • Compliances
  • Human Resource Management
  • Virtual Director
  • Business Process Improvement
  • Sales and Business Development 
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Business Setup Cost FAQ - HLS Global UAE

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the average business setup cost in Dubai?

A1: The average cost of setting up a business in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000, depending on license type, location, and business activity.

Q2: How to calculate business setup cost in Dubai?

A2: Add costs for trade license, office space, visa fees, government approvals, and additional services like legal or compliance support.

Q3: Why does business setup cost in Dubai vary by license type?

A3: Costs differ because Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore licenses have different regulatory requirements, visa quotas, and office space obligations.

Q4: Business setup cost in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi – which is better?

A4: Dubai offers global exposure and flexibility, while Abu Dhabi is often more cost-effective with government-backed incentives.

Q5: How to start a business setup in UAE?

A5: To start a business in UAE, choose your business activity, select a jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), get approvals, and apply for a trade license.

Q6: What are the steps for business setup in UAE?

A6: Key steps include deciding the business structure, registering the trade name, securing initial approvals, arranging office space, applying for licenses, and obtaining visas.

Q7: Why is UAE a top choice for business setup?

A7: The UAE offers 0% corporate tax (in many cases), global connectivity, investor-friendly policies, strong infrastructure, and a strategic location.

Q8: Business setup in UAE free zone vs mainland – which is better?

A8: Free Zones offer cost benefits and 100% ownership, while Mainland provides wider UAE market access.

Insights

HLS Global Expands to Singapore
HLS Global Expands to Singapore
October 1, 2025 HLS Global Expands to Singapore Tokyo, Japan / Singapore – HLS Global Co., Ltd. (“HLS...
Read More
Secretarial Compliance in the UAE Enhanced Penalty Regime
Secretarial Compliance in the UAE Enhanced Penalty Regime
As per the Cabinet Resolution 102/2022 (effective Nov 2022), the UAE has implemented an enhanced penalty...
Read More
UAE Economic Substance: The Key to Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Compliances in Japan
UAE Economic Substance: The Key to Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Compliances in Japan
Existing or Proposed subsidiaries of Japanese Companies need to meet “Economic Substance Requirements”...
Read More
Brief Overview for Filing of Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the UAE
Brief Overview for Filing of Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the UAE
Every company in Dubai, whether mainland, free zone or offshore, is legally required to disclose its...
Read More
Commercial Agency Setup in the UAE
Commercial Agency Setup in the UAE
Overview In 2023, the UAE overhauled its decades-old agency regime. Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 (Commercial...
Read More
Valuation and Deal Structuring in 2025: Best Practices for Cross-Border M&A in the UAE
Valuation and Deal Structuring in 2025: Best Practices for Cross-Border M&A in the UAE
Key Takeaways UAE is a leading hub for cross-border M&A in 2025, attracting global investors. Accurate...
Read More
The Role of DIFC and ADGM Foundation in Asset Protection & Succession
The Role of DIFC and ADGM Foundation in Asset Protection & Succession
Purpose of a Foundation A Foundation is a legal entity that combines features of a company and a trust,...
Read More
Commercial Gaming in the UAE under the GCGRA Framework: A New Era of Regulated Gaming
Commercial Gaming in the UAE under the GCGRA Framework: A New Era of Regulated Gaming
Introduction The United Arab Emirates has undertaken a historic transformation from its traditional prohibition...
Read More
Virtual Assets Service Providers in Dubai : Regulatory Regime on Advisory Services
Virtual Assets Service Providers in Dubai : Regulatory Regime on Advisory Services
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) of Dubai has laid out a robust, principle-based rulebook...
Read More
Streamlined Company Restructuring : Offshore Business Setup in the UAE
Streamlined Company Restructuring : Offshore Business Setup in the UAE
Introduction: Restructuring for Global Growth Offshore companies remain a widely used tool for international...
Read More
HLS Global Expands to Singapore
HLS Global Expands to Singapore
October 1, 2025 HLS Global Expands to Singapore Tokyo, Japan / Singapore – HLS Global Co., Ltd. (“HLS...
Read More
Secretarial Compliance in the UAE Enhanced Penalty Regime
Secretarial Compliance in the UAE Enhanced Penalty Regime
As per the Cabinet Resolution 102/2022 (effective Nov 2022), the UAE has implemented an enhanced penalty...
Read More
UAE Economic Substance: The Key to Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Compliances in Japan
UAE Economic Substance: The Key to Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Compliances in Japan
Existing or Proposed subsidiaries of Japanese Companies need to meet “Economic Substance Requirements”...
Read More
Brief Overview for Filing of Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the UAE
Brief Overview for Filing of Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the UAE
Every company in Dubai, whether mainland, free zone or offshore, is legally required to disclose its...
Read More
Commercial Agency Setup in the UAE
Commercial Agency Setup in the UAE
Overview In 2023, the UAE overhauled its decades-old agency regime. Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 (Commercial...
Read More
Valuation and Deal Structuring in 2025: Best Practices for Cross-Border M&A in the UAE
Valuation and Deal Structuring in 2025: Best Practices for Cross-Border M&A in the UAE
Key Takeaways UAE is a leading hub for cross-border M&A in 2025, attracting global investors. Accurate...
Read More
The Role of DIFC and ADGM Foundation in Asset Protection & Succession
The Role of DIFC and ADGM Foundation in Asset Protection & Succession
Purpose of a Foundation A Foundation is a legal entity that combines features of a company and a trust,...
Read More
Commercial Gaming in the UAE under the GCGRA Framework: A New Era of Regulated Gaming
Commercial Gaming in the UAE under the GCGRA Framework: A New Era of Regulated Gaming
Introduction The United Arab Emirates has undertaken a historic transformation from its traditional prohibition...
Read More
Virtual Assets Service Providers in Dubai : Regulatory Regime on Advisory Services
Virtual Assets Service Providers in Dubai : Regulatory Regime on Advisory Services
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) of Dubai has laid out a robust, principle-based rulebook...
Read More
Streamlined Company Restructuring : Offshore Business Setup in the UAE
Streamlined Company Restructuring : Offshore Business Setup in the UAE
Introduction: Restructuring for Global Growth Offshore companies remain a widely used tool for international...
Read More

Let’s Build Your Success Together

Unlock endless opportunities with ease. Fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you with personalized solutions to meet your goals. Let’s start your journey today!

Discover new opportunities and unlock your true potential. The next step to success is just a click away.

Connect with us on:

1. LinkedIn

2. Instagram