Dubai remains the undisputed leader in global business innovation, with 85,000+ new companies launched in 2024 and a projected 6.5% GDP growth rate for 2025. At Arab Asset Consulting, we’ve refined our expertise over 15+ years, helping entrepreneurs worldwide unlock Dubai’s unparalleled opportunities. This comprehensive 2025 guide covers every detail—from updated tax laws to free zone reforms—ensuring your business setup is seamless, compliant, and future-proof.
Why Dubai? 2025 Business Advantages
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
-
Mainland Companies: Full ownership allowed in 1,500+ sectors (excludes oil/gas, security).
-
Free Zones: Retain 100% ownership with zero import/export duties.
-
2025 Update: Expanded sectors for foreign ownership include AI development, renewable energy, and drone logistics.
2. Tax-Free Ecosystem
-
0% Personal Income Tax: Permanent policy for residents and non-residents.
-
Corporate Tax:
-
0% for profits ≤ AED 375,000.
-
9%Â for profits > AED 375,000.
-
15% only for multinationals with >$793M global revenue (OECD-aligned).
-
-
Free Zones: 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (e.g., offshore trading, IT services).
3. Golden Visa & Residency Benefits
-
10-Year Golden Visa for:
-
Investors with AED 500,000+ in business.
-
Entrepreneurs with approved startups (AED 250K+ in capital).
-
Specialists in AI, healthcare, and sustainability.
-
-
5-Year Green Visa: For freelancers and self-employed professionals.
4. Strategic Global Hub
-
Dubai International Airport (DXB): Connects 240+ destinations.
-
Jebel Ali Port: Top 10 global port for container traffic.
-
Digital Infrastructure: 100% 5G coverage, blockchain-powered trade licenses.
5. Thriving Economy
-
2025 Projections:
-
Non-oil GDP growth:Â 7.1%Â (driven by tech, tourism, and trade).
-
FDI inflows: AED 200 billion (focus on fintech and green energy).
-
 Dubai Business Setup Cost Calculator (2025)
| Business Type | License Fee | Office Cost | Government Fees | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Trading (DMCC) | AED 15,000 | AED 12,000 | AED 7,500 | AED 34,500 |
| Mainland Consulting LLC | AED 20,000 | AED 30,000 | AED 10,000 | AED 60,000 |
| E-Commerce (DCC Free Zone) | AED 10,500 | Virtual Office | AED 5,000 | AED 15,500 |
| Tech Startup (DIFC) | AED 25,000 | Flexi-Desk | AED 8,000 | AED 33,000 |
Note: Costs vary by activity, jurisdiction, and office type. Contact us for a customized quote.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Dubai Business in 2025
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Dubai allows 2,500+ commercial, industrial, and professional activities. Key sectors in 2025:
-
Technology: AI, metaverse, blockchain.
-
Sustainability: Solar energy, EV infrastructure.
-
Healthcare: Telemedicine, biotech.
-
E-Commerce: D2C brands, cross-border logistics.
Free Zone Specializations:
-
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Ideal for crypto, NFTs, and trading.
-
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Fintech and hedge funds.
-
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): AI startups and IoT solutions.
-
Dubai Commerce City (DCC): E-commerce and digital retail.
2. Select the Legal Structure
| Structure | Ownership | Tax | Market Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland LLC | 100% Foreign | 9% | UAE & Global | Retail, local services |
| Free Zone FZCO | 100% Foreign | 0% | Global (via distributor) | Trading, IT |
| Sole Establishment | Single Owner | 9% | UAE & Global | Freelancers, consultants |
| Branch Office | Parent Company | 9% | UAE & Global | International expansions |
2025 Update: New hybrid licenses allow mainland companies to operate in free zones without dual licensing.
3. Reserve Your Trade Name
-
Rules:
-
Must include legal form (e.g., LLC, FZCO).
-
No religious/political terms.
-
Arabic translation required.
-
-
Process: Submit 3 options via DED portal (AED 620 fee).
4. Apply for Initial Approval
-
Documents:
-
Passport copies of shareholders.
-
Business plan (required for fintech, healthcare).
-
NOC from current sponsor (if renewing visa).
-
-
Timeline: 48-hour approval for most free zones.
5. Draft Legal Documents
-
MOA (Mainland): Notarized agreement with shareholding details.
-
LSA (Free Zone): Lease agreement for office space.
-
2025 Digitalization: MOAs can now be e-signed via UAE Pass app.
6. Secure Office Space
-
Options:
-
Physical Office: Minimum 200 sq. ft. for mainland.
-
Flexi-Desk: From AED 8,000/year (free zones).
-
Virtual Office: Accepted in 90% of free zones (AED 5,000/year).
-
7. Obtain Your Trade License
-
Types:
-
Commercial (trading).
-
Professional (services).
-
Industrial (manufacturing).
-
-
2025 Fees:
-
Mainland license: AED 15,000–AED 50,000.
-
Free zone license: AED 12,000–AED 30,000.
-
8. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Top UAE Banks for SMEs:
-
Mashreq NeoBiz: 100% digital onboarding.
-
Emirates NBD BizSmart: Free first-year banking.
-
Wio Business: API integration for startups.
Required Documents:
-
Trade license.
-
Shareholder passports.
-
6-month projected financials.
9. Visa Applications
Types:
-
Investor Visa: 3-year residency for LLC owners.
-
Golden Visa: 10-year residency for AED 500K+ investors.
-
Employee Visa: Sponsorship for staff (AED 3,000–AED 7,000 per person).
2025 Changes:
-
Medical fitness tests now include AI-driven health screenings.
-
Emirates ID applications are fully online.
How Arab Asset Consulting Simplifies Your Setup
1. Tailored Business Consultation
-
Free Zone vs Mainland Analysis: Cost-benefit reports.
-
Activity Mapping: Align your business with DED-approved codes.
2. End-to-End Licensing
-
Document preparation.
-
Government liaising.
-
Instant digital submission.
3. Visa & Immigration Services
-
Golden Visa eligibility checks.
-
Medical test coordination.
4. PRO Services
-
License renewals.
-
VAT registration (mandatory for turnover >AED 375K).
-
AML compliance audits.
5. Post-Setup Support
-
Accounting software integration.
-
Local sponsor partnerships (for restricted sectors).
- Branding and Marketing from our in house agency Insights.
Business Etiquette in Dubai: 2025 Tips
Do’s:
-
Dress Code: Business formal for meetings (suits, modest attire).
-
Negotiations: Build rapport over coffee before discussing deals.
-
Gifting: Present gifts with both hands (avoid alcohol/pork).
Don’ts:
-
Public Criticism: Never embarrass a partner publicly.
-
Ramadan Meetings: Avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours.
FAQs (2025 Updates)
Q: Can I operate in Dubai without a physical office?
A: Yes—virtual offices are valid in free zones. Mainland companies require a physical address.
Q: Is audited financial reporting mandatory?
A: Only for mainland companies with revenue >AED 50M.
Q: How long does the full setup process take?
A: 7–15 days for free zones; 20–30 days for mainland.
Q: What’s new for freelancers in 2025?
A: Freelance permits now cover AI development and metaverse content creation.
Launch Your Dubai Business with Arab Asset Consulting
Why Us?
✅ 15+ Years Expertise: 25,000+ successful setups.
✅ 95% Visa Approval Rate: Fast-track processing.
✅ Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees.
Limited 2025 Offer:
-
Free Golden Visa eligibility assessment.
-
50% Discount on first-year PRO services.
Dubai remains the undisputed leader in global business innovation, with 85,000+ new companies launched in 2024 and a projected 6.5% GDP growth rate for 2025. At Arab Asset Consulting, we’ve refined our expertise over 15+ years, helping entrepreneurs worldwide unlock Dubai’s unparalleled opportunities. This comprehensive 2025 guide covers every detail—from updated tax laws to free zone reforms—ensuring your business setup is seamless, compliant, and future-proof.
Why Dubai? 2025 Business Advantages
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
-
Mainland Companies: Full ownership allowed in 1,500+ sectors (excludes oil/gas, security).
-
Free Zones: Retain 100% ownership with zero import/export duties.
-
2025 Update: Expanded sectors for foreign ownership include AI development, renewable energy, and drone logistics.
2. Tax-Free Ecosystem
-
0% Personal Income Tax: Permanent policy for residents and non-residents.
-
Corporate Tax:
-
0% for profits ≤ AED 375,000.
-
9% for profits > AED 375,000.
-
15% only for multinationals with >$793M global revenue (OECD-aligned).
-
-
Free Zones: 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (e.g., offshore trading, IT services).
3. Golden Visa & Residency Benefits
-
10-Year Golden Visa for:
-
Investors with AED 500,000+ in business.
-
Entrepreneurs with approved startups (AED 250K+ in capital).
-
Specialists in AI, healthcare, and sustainability.
-
-
5-Year Green Visa: For freelancers and self-employed professionals.
4. Strategic Global Hub
-
Dubai International Airport (DXB): Connects 240+ destinations.
-
Jebel Ali Port: Top 10 global port for container traffic.
-
Digital Infrastructure: 100% 5G coverage, blockchain-powered trade licenses.
5. Thriving Economy
-
2025 Projections:
-
Non-oil GDP growth: 7.1% (driven by tech, tourism, and trade).
-
FDI inflows: AED 200 billion (focus on fintech and green energy).
-
Dubai Business Setup Cost Calculator (2025)
| Business Type | License Fee | Office Cost | Government Fees | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Trading (DMCC) | AED 15,000 | AED 12,000 | AED 7,500 | AED 34,500 |
| Mainland Consulting LLC | AED 20,000 | AED 30,000 | AED 10,000 | AED 60,000 |
| E-Commerce (DCC Free Zone) | AED 10,500 | Virtual Office | AED 5,000 | AED 15,500 |
| Tech Startup (DIFC) | AED 25,000 | Flexi-Desk | AED 8,000 | AED 33,000 |
Note: Costs vary by activity, jurisdiction, and office type. Contact us for a customized quote.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Dubai Business in 2025
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Dubai allows 2,500+ commercial, industrial, and professional activities. Key sectors in 2025:
-
Technology: AI, metaverse, blockchain.
-
Sustainability: Solar energy, EV infrastructure.
-
Healthcare: Telemedicine, biotech.
-
E-Commerce: D2C brands, cross-border logistics.
Free Zone Specializations:
-
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Ideal for crypto, NFTs, and trading.
-
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Fintech and hedge funds.
-
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): AI startups and IoT solutions.
-
Dubai Commerce City (DCC): E-commerce and digital retail.
2. Select the Legal Structure
| Structure | Ownership | Tax | Market Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland LLC | 100% Foreign | 9% | UAE & Global | Retail, local services |
| Free Zone FZCO | 100% Foreign | 0% | Global (via distributor) | Trading, IT |
| Sole Establishment | Single Owner | 9% | UAE & Global | Freelancers, consultants |
| Branch Office | Parent Company | 9% | UAE & Global | International expansions |
2025 Update: New hybrid licenses allow mainland companies to operate in free zones without dual licensing.
3. Reserve Your Trade Name
-
Rules:
-
Must include legal form (e.g., LLC, FZCO).
-
No religious/political terms.
-
Arabic translation required.
-
-
Process: Submit 3 options via DED portal (AED 620 fee).
4. Apply for Initial Approval
-
Documents:
-
Passport copies of shareholders.
-
Business plan (required for fintech, healthcare).
-
NOC from current sponsor (if renewing visa).
-
-
Timeline: 48-hour approval for most free zones.
5. Draft Legal Documents
-
MOA (Mainland): Notarized agreement with shareholding details.
-
LSA (Free Zone): Lease agreement for office space.
-
2025 Digitalization: MOAs can now be e-signed via UAE Pass app.
6. Secure Office Space
-
Options:
-
Physical Office: Minimum 200 sq. ft. for mainland.
-
Flexi-Desk: From AED 8,000/year (free zones).
-
Virtual Office: Accepted in 90% of free zones (AED 5,000/year).
-
7. Obtain Your Trade License
-
Types:
-
Commercial (trading).
-
Professional (services).
-
Industrial (manufacturing).
-
-
2025 Fees:
-
Mainland license: AED 15,000–AED 50,000.
-
Free zone license: AED 12,000–AED 30,000.
-
8. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Top UAE Banks for SMEs:
-
Mashreq NeoBiz: 100% digital onboarding.
-
Emirates NBD BizSmart: Free first-year banking.
-
Wio Business: API integration for startups.
Required Documents:
-
Trade license.
-
Shareholder passports.
-
6-month projected financials.
9. Visa Applications
Types:
-
Investor Visa: 3-year residency for LLC owners.
-
Golden Visa: 10-year residency for AED 500K+ investors.
-
Employee Visa: Sponsorship for staff (AED 3,000–AED 7,000 per person).
2025 Changes:
-
Medical fitness tests now include AI-driven health screenings.
-
Emirates ID applications are fully online.
How Arab Asset Consulting Simplifies Your Setup
1. Tailored Business Consultation
-
Free Zone vs Mainland Analysis: Cost-benefit reports.
-
Activity Mapping: Align your business with DED-approved codes.
2. End-to-End Licensing
-
Document preparation.
-
Government liaising.
-
Instant digital submission.
3. Visa & Immigration Services
-
Golden Visa eligibility checks.
-
Medical test coordination.
4. PRO Services
-
License renewals.
-
VAT registration (mandatory for turnover >AED 375K).
-
AML compliance audits.
5. Post-Setup Support
-
Accounting software integration.
-
Local sponsor partnerships (for restricted sectors).
- Branding and Marketing from our in house agency Insights.
Business Etiquette in Dubai: 2025 Tips
Do’s:
-
Dress Code: Business formal for meetings (suits, modest attire).
-
Negotiations: Build rapport over coffee before discussing deals.
-
Gifting: Present gifts with both hands (avoid alcohol/pork).
Don’ts:
-
Public Criticism: Never embarrass a partner publicly.
-
Ramadan Meetings: Avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours.
FAQs (2025 Updates)
Q: Can I operate in Dubai without a physical office?
A: Yes—virtual offices are valid in free zones. Mainland companies require a physical address.
Q: Is audited financial reporting mandatory?
A: Only for mainland companies with revenue >AED 50M.
Q: How long does the full setup process take?
A: 7–15 days for free zones; 20–30 days for mainland.
Q: What’s new for freelancers in 2025?
A: Freelance permits now cover AI development and metaverse content creation.
Launch Your Dubai Business with Arab Asset Consulting
Why Us?
✅ 15+ Years Expertise: 25,000+ successful setups.
✅ 95% Visa Approval Rate: Fast-track processing.
✅ Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees.
Limited 2025 Offer:
-
Free Golden Visa eligibility assessment.
-
50% Discount on first-year PRO services.
