Setting Up a Business in UAE: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Introduction: Why the UAE is a Hotspot for Global Entrepreneurs

As one of the fastest-growing global financial and trade hubs, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a preferred destination for foreign investors and startups alike. Driven by the government’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification, the UAE has steadily moved away from oil dependency by fostering innovation, financial services, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. For entrepreneurs considering setting up a business, the UAE presents not just opportunity, but a resilient and regulated environment for sustainable growth.

The legal ecosystem is equally favorable. From the Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies (as amended) to the recent changes allowing 100% foreign ownership in mainland entities, the UAE has systematically eased entry barriers for global players. Investors can choose between mainland setups, which allow operation across the UAE without restrictions, and free zones, which offer sector-specific benefits like tax exemptions, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and streamlined visa processes.

This investor-friendly climate is further bolstered by robust India–UAE relations. With the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, bilateral trade is projected to surpass USD 100 billion by 2030, opening new channels for Indian entrepreneurs entering the UAE market.

At HLS-Global UAE, we specialize in enabling smooth market entry by providing transaction advisory services, legal structuring, regulatory compliance, and tax planning tailored to both free zone and mainland company formations. Whether you’re an SME or a multinational, our cross-border expertise ensures that your business is structured right from day one.

If you’re considering setting up a business in the UAE, the right advisory partner is essential, especially in navigating licensing requirements, ownership laws, and sector-specific compliance.

Choose the Right Legal Structure

Choosing the correct legal structure is a foundational step when setting up a business in the UAE. The structure not only determines ownership rights, operational scope, and tax obligations but also defines your business’s regulatory and licensing pathway.

Mainland Company

A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate and allows unrestricted access to the UAE market and government contracts. As per the Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2020, most business activities (excluding a few strategic sectors) now permit 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local Emirati sponsor in many cases. Businesses can operate anywhere within the UAE and are allowed to trade directly with the local market.

Free Zone Company

Free zones are specialized jurisdictions offering incentives such as 0% corporate tax, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and exemption from import/export duties. While trading within the UAE mainland requires the appointment of a local distributor, free zone companies are ideal for international trade, tech, logistics, and consulting services. Each free zone operates under its own authority but is subject to oversight from the UAE Ministry of Economy and sector-specific regulators.

Offshore Company

Offshore entities—typically set up in JAFZA, RAK ICC, or Ajman Offshore—are primarily used for holding structures, asset protection, and international tax planning. They cannot operate within the UAE or issue residence visas, but offer benefits such as confidentiality and zero taxation, provided there is compliance with Economic Substance Requirements and Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Legal Reference: According to the UAE Ministry of Economy and DED Dubai guidelines, selecting the wrong structure can lead to regulatory non-compliance, fines, or even license revocation. Therefore, it’s crucial to align your business goals with the right formation model from the outset.

At HLS-Global UAE, we assist clients in evaluating these structures through a legal and financial lens, ensuring your business setup in the UAE is both compliant and strategically aligned. From licensing support to corporate structuring and ongoing compliance, our advisory team simplifies the journey for foreign investors and businesses entering the UAE landscape.

Regulatory Requirements to Comply With

When setting up a business in the UAE, understanding and complying with the country’s multi-layered regulatory framework is critical. The UAE government has streamlined the incorporation process in recent years, yet legal precision and adherence to regulatory expectations remain essential to avoid fines, delays, or business disruptions.

Trade License Categories

Every business must obtain a valid trade license, issued either by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or by the respective Free Zone Authority for companies within a designated free zone. There are three main categories:

• Professional License: For service-based businesses (e.g., consultants, legal, medical, or IT services).
• Commercial License: For trading activities, including import/export, e-commerce, and retail operations.
• Industrial License: For manufacturing, production, or industrial assembly processes.

Each license comes with its own compliance obligations, including activity-specific approvals from regulatory departments such as the Ministry of Health, Telecommunication and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), or Civil Defense, depending on your business sector.

Visa and Immigration Procedures

A valid trade license also enables companies to apply for establishment cards and residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas permitted often depends on the size of the office space rented and the business activity. Free zone companies typically enjoy streamlined visa processes through one-stop-shop immigration desks.

Key requirements include:

• Emirates ID application
• Medical fitness test
• Biometric registration
• Entry permits (for non-residents)

Need for UAE National Sponsors (if applicable)

While most sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership, certain strategic or restricted activities—especially in defense, oil & gas, telecom, and utilities—still require a UAE national as a service agent or shareholder. In such cases, formal agreements must be drafted to protect the foreign investor’s commercial interests and outline roles, rights, and responsibilities.

 Legal Note: According to DED Dubai and several Free Zone Authority guidelines, failure to match your trade license and visa applications with your actual business activity can result in penalties or cancellation of licenses. Companies are also required to renew licenses annually and ensure that all immigration records are up to date.

At HLS-Global UAE, we offer specialized advice to help foreign investors seamlessly navigate the regulatory terrain of setting up a business in the UAE. From initial trade license selection to drafting local sponsorship agreements and managing visa applications, we ensure our clients stay legally compliant from day one.

Key Financial and Tax Considerations

As the UAE continues its evolution into a transparent and regulated global financial hub, businesses must take proactive steps to align with the country’s maturing tax framework. Understanding the financial obligations associated with setting up a business in the UAE is no longer optional—it is a legal necessity.

Corporate Tax Implementation – 9% from June 2023

Effective June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. This marks a significant policy shift, especially for foreign companies accustomed to the UAE’s historically tax-free status.

• Applicability: Applies to all business entities operating in the UAE (including free zone entities if they earn income outside the free zone or do not meet qualifying criteria).
• Exemptions: Free zone entities may continue to enjoy tax holidays if they meet specific qualifying conditions under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
• Reference: UAE Ministry of Finance – Corporate Tax Law Guidelines
  

Legal Insight: Businesses must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), maintain audited financials, and submit annual tax returns. Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties under Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023.

Value Added Tax (VAT) – 5%

Introduced in 2018, VAT in the UAE remains at 5%. Registration is mandatory if:

• Your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually (mandatory threshold).
• For startups and SMEs below the threshold, voluntary VAT registration is allowed at AED 187,500.

 FTA Compliance Note: Filing of VAT returns is required quarterly or monthly, depending on your license. Late filings or inaccurate disclosures may attract fines under Federal Decree Law No. 8 of 2017.

Transfer Pricing Regulations

With the implementation of corporate tax, Transfer Pricing (TP) rules and documentation have become binding on UAE-based entities, especially those engaged in related-party transactions or international dealings. Businesses must comply with OECD-aligned TP standards, maintain master and local files, and disclose related-party transactions in corporate tax returns.

At HLS-Global UAE, our tax and regulatory experts help international investors navigate the evolving tax landscape while setting up a business in the UAE. From tax structuring, VAT registration, and TP documentation to corporate tax readiness, we ensure full-spectrum support tailored to your sector and structure.

Banking, Capital, and Operational Readiness

When setting up a business in the UAE, ensuring operational readiness goes beyond company registration—it extends to establishing your banking footprint, complying with capital norms, and securing the right commercial premises. Each of these elements carries specific regulatory implications that foreign investors must plan for strategically.

Opening a UAE Corporate Bank Account: What You Need to Prepare

Opening a business bank account in the UAE is often one of the most time-sensitive steps post-incorporation. Due to enhanced KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols, banks follow strict due diligence procedures, especially for foreign-owned businesses.

Typical documentation required includes:

• Valid trade license (issued by DED or Free Zone Authority)
• Shareholder and director passports, Emirates IDs (if applicable)
• Memorandum of Association and Certificate of Incorporation
• Office lease agreement (Ejari for mainland or Flexi-desk contract in free zones)
• Corporate structure chart and source of funds disclosure

Regulatory Insight: Banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Mashreq may also request the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020.

Minimum Capital Requirements: Jurisdiction Matters

Unlike earlier mandates, most UAE jurisdictions no longer require a minimum paid-up capital, especially for Free Zone Companies (FZCs) and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). However, certain Free Zones (like DMCC or ADGM) still require disclosure of intended capital, particularly in regulated sectors like fintech or commodities trading.

Office Space Rules: Mainland vs. Free Zone

• Mainland (DED): A physical office lease is mandatory and must be registered via the Ejari system. Shared or co-working spaces are generally not accepted.
• Free Zones: Offer flexibility with Flexi-desk, shared workspace, or dedicated office. This is ideal for startups or businesses testing the market waters.
• Virtual offices: Not accepted in most licensing jurisdictions for regulated activities.

Step-by-Step Process of Setting Up a Business

Whether you’re entering through a Free Zone or the Mainland, here’s a simplified overview of the key steps involved in setting up a business in the UAE:

Table: Business Setup Roadmap in UAE

HLS-Global’s Role in Your UAE Market Entry

In the evolving and competitive UAE business landscape, foreign investors need more than just a registration certificate. They require a structured entry plan, backed by legal insight, tax clarity, and cultural fluency. This is where HLS-Global UAE becomes a strategic partner in your journey of setting up a business in the UAE.

Entity Setup, Legal Structuring, and Documentation

At HLS-Global UAE, we handle the complete lifecycle of business formation—from initial feasibility analysis to incorporation of the right legal entity (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore). Our team ensures that:

• MOA/AOA and shareholder agreements align with the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021)
• The company structure supports 100% foreign ownership, where permitted under the UAE FDI Law (Decree Law No. 19 of 2018)
• All incorporation documents are accurately prepared and notarized for submission to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective Free Zone Authority

Regulatory Liaison and Compliance Filing

Navigating regulatory approvals—whether from the Ministry of Economy, Chambers of Commerce, Immigration Authority, or UAE Central Bank—requires ongoing liaison and legal understanding. HLS-Global provides:

• License classification and trade name approvals
• VAT registration and UBO filings
• Periodic compliance monitoring and renewal services

Tax Planning and Ongoing Advisory

With the introduction of UAE Corporate Tax (9% effective from June 2023) and Transfer Pricing guidelines, startups and SMEs must align their tax position with operational realities. HLS-Global UAE supports clients with:

• Tax-efficient structuring of revenue streams and shareholder payouts
• Transfer pricing documentation under OECD standards
• Filing of Corporate Tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

Japanese Language and Cross-Border Support

For Japanese entrepreneurs, cultural and linguistic nuances can be barriers to market entry. HLS-Global UAE offers:

• Bilingual support in Japanese and English
• Seamless cross-border coordination with legal, accounting, and banking partners in Japan and the UAE
• Advisory on repatriation of profits

At HLS-Global UAE, our commitment goes beyond just setting up a business—we help you build a legally robust, tax-compliant, and future-ready UAE presence. Whether you’re launching a tech startup in DIFC or expanding a family business into the Dubai mainland, our cross-border advisory ensures you do it right the first time.

Final Thoughts: Start Smart with Strategic Guidance

In the UAE’s highly regulated and opportunity-rich environment, setting up a business without proper legal foresight can prove costly. From delayed license approvals and invalid corporate documents to heavy penalties for non-compliance with VAT, AML, or Corporate Tax laws, the risks of an ad-hoc setup far outweigh the short-term cost savings.

As per the UAE Commercial Companies Law, any deviation from the approved company structure or failure to submit timely filings (such as Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declarations) may invite regulatory action, fines, or even suspension of operations. Similarly, incorrect classification of your business activity during trade license issuance can require re-registration or amendments, impacting timelines and operations.

This is where proactive legal and transaction advisory play a decisive role.

By partnering early with seasoned consultants like HLS-Global UAE, entrepreneurs gain:

• Tailored entity structuring aligned with UAE laws and your operational model
• Clarity on ownership rights, FDI permissions, and profit repatriation pathways
• Confidence that every legal and financial checkbox is ticked from Day 1

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Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. This information is for reference only and is bound to change in case of any amendments or changes to applicable laws. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article, and we do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information expressed in this article.