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 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. Our business setup services in UAE help you navigate this journey effectively.
- 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 Services 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)
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.
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