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23.09.2025
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How to start a company in Dubai? According to one of two scenarios: from scratch or as part of relocation. In the first case, a foreigner goes through the same stages as native Arabs. As this is an expensive and lengthy undertaking, it's better to secure support from local partners.
And how to relocate? The key stage is creating a business project that takes into account the specific features of the emirates. This will show whether an existing business can thrive there and if the country has suitable conditions for it.
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become an attractive location for foreign companies to do business due to its active development and a favourable investment climate. More and more entrepreneurs from around the world are asking how to properly start a company in Dubai.
The strategically convenient geographical location, stable economic situation, advanced infrastructure, and attractive tax regime make the Emirates appealing to businesspeople and investors. They serve as a connecting link between Western and Eastern markets and open exceptional opportunities for business development.
The are several reasons why the United Arab Emirates remains one of the most attractive places for doing business:
The stable economic environment and consistent business conditions, as well as neutral foreign policy, make the Emirates an attractive choice for entrepreneurs from different countries, including Russia.
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When starting a business or opening a startup in the United Arab Emirates, it is important to consider the following points:
Free economic zones (free zones) in the country have their own management, legislation, and special advantages for their residents. There are more than 45 of them in the country, so before starting a company in Dubai, you should learn about the special conditions in the free zone that seems most suitable.
The choice of a free zone depends on the organization’s field of activity, its geographic location and the specifics of the project.
Examples:
| Zone | Business |
|---|---|
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) | Manufacturing business |
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) | Trading in goods, especially precious metals and stones |
| Dubai Internet City (DIC) | IT companies, technology startups |
| Dubai Media City (DMC) | Media companies, advertising agencies, recording studios |
| Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) | Large industrial enterprises, logistics companies |
There are three main types of companies in the Emirates:
An onshore company is the most convenient option for most entrepreneurs, as it involves the least restrictions. Such organisations can be owned only by foreign citizens (100% ownership), and business can be conducted both within the country and abroad (B2B and B2C services — without restrictions).
An onshore company does not depend on an agent and assumes that the place of actual management is located within the UAE territory.
Offshore companies, like the onshore ones, are registered in special economic zones, but business can only be conducted outside the country. Such an organisation is fully dependent on an agent and does not require having a place of actual management in the country.
Typically, you can start an offshore company in Dubai for real estate registration, and such a legal entity cannot open an account in a UAE bank, have an office, a warehouse, or employees in the country.
For registering a local company in the mainland area of the Emirates, a foreign citizen must find a local partner who will own at least 51% of the shares of the company.
A local company, unlike an offshore one, has no restrictions on doing business in the country. This entrepreneurship depends on a local sponsor or agent and requires having a place of actual management in the UAE territory.
To strengthen the ties with the country, it's recommended to open a resident account. For this, you'll need a tax resident visa. The most optimal way to obtain it is by registering an onshore company in the Emirates. Although you can also work without a visa by opening a non-resident account.
In the Emirates, you can open an account both in local banks and in branches of banks from other countries.
Before starting a company in Dubai for Russians in 2026, it's important to remember that due to sanctions, some European Union banks have stopped opening accounts for Russian residents and citizens, and UAE banks mainly work with country residents. Therefore, it's recommended to first obtain resident status, and then open an account.
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You can open it in two ways.
The first option involves opening an account through electronic banks, payment systems, or banks in the country. This may be faster, but difficulties with making transfers may arise later, so the solution is not suitable for the long term.
The second option involves a thorough check of the company for compliance with the standards and requirements. To do this, you need to provide a package of documents. The procedure takes some time, but in the long term, this option is more reliable. When choosing the second option, clients get the advantage of opening firms and accounts in one jurisdiction.
Opening an account in a country's bank is not as difficult as it might seem. The bank primarily pays attention to the client having a real business and financial resources.
Key advantages of the UAE banking system:
A step-by-step guide to all stages of organising a business will give an example of how to start a company in Dubai by yourself:
In the Arab Emirates, over 2,100 types of activities are available, which gives the opportunity to choose a direction according to your interests and experience. Regardless of business scale, all activities are divided into several groups: industrial, commercial, professional, and tourism.
In the United Arab Emirates, there are strict rules governing the company name selection. The name must not contradict moral principles, and, of course, the use of profanity is prohibited. And if you want to name the company after a person, you'll have to prove that they are the owner or a partner of your business.
To ensure there are no objections from the country's authorities, a foreign entrepreneur must submit an application for preliminary approval of commercial activities. This can be done online, in person, or through intermediaries (such as a law firm).
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The document package includes:
Having reliable partners can provide you with an additional competitive advantage in doing business in the region.
In the Emirates, every enterprise must have an official address. For foreign entrepreneurs, the most advantageous option is registering a business in one of the free economic zones, some of which specialise in specific industries.
Free zones provide the opportunity for complete business ownership by foreign citizens, tax exemption for up to half a century, and flexible office space rental conditions.
The choice of a suitable bank and account type must be taken seriously, as opening it for a company in Dubai is necessary for a successful business start. Analyse your needs and compare them with the existing banking products.
The UAE labour market currently features many specialists of different qualification levels. Hire employees who demonstrate a willingness to exceed expectations and go beyond their job responsibilities. And be sure to consider outsourcing opportunities for business process optimisation.
To receive final approval, you need to provide a package of documents containing addresses, legal information about the company, and confirmation of the right to conduct activities in related jurisdictions (if necessary).
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The final document package must be prepared taking into account all legal requirements for business in the country.
Both local and foreign companies often use business consulting services. Such firms help solve current tasks, find new growth opportunities, and provide support, especially valuable for new businesses.
Consultants will help you understand how to start a company in a Dubai free zone, explain business registration rules, create development strategies, and provide necessary outsourcing services in IT, recruitment, and legal consulting, which will save your time and resources.
In today's global economic climate, choosing the best place for business is a challenging task. The United Arab Emirates remains the most reliable option: it does not take sides in global political conflicts and at the same time provides ample opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs.
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The process of relocating business to Dubai includes the following stages:
Unlike Russia, where you can specify multiple All-Russian Classifier of Economic Activities codes, the Emirates operates a licensing system. You can only work within the framework of the issued licence.
For example, you cannot combine project management and accounting services in one company. Separate companies and licences will also be required for trading in plumbing fixtures and slippers. Licence choice is an important step, as changing it later will be problematic.
Typically, starting a company in Dubai will cost on average 12–25 thousand dollars. The main part of expenses is the licence fee.
Mainland companies must provide audit, accounting, and tax reports. Although there is no salary tax, it is necessary to arrange medical insurance and work visas for employees, as well as register them with relevant authorities.
For companies registered in free zones, tax reporting and declarations are sufficient. Insurance for employees is not required, however, visas are mandatory. The sales system in free zones is similar to other countries, except for the prohibition of cold calls.
Thanks to the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurship offered by the United Arab Emirates, many Russians are considering the possibility of business relocation or its launch from scratch in this country.
As the analysis of available information shows, opening a company in Dubai by yourself or with the help of professional consultants is not too complicated if you strictly follow the instructions.
Article header image source: fizkes / shutterstock.com
