Dubai is a strategic destination for businesses thanks to its tax advantages, modern infrastructure, and access to an international market. With a tax-free free zone and a reduced rate for profits beyond €95,000, Dubai is a popular choice for entrepreneurs.

Businesses established in Dubai’s free zones benefit from a complete exemption from corporate tax up to 375,000 AED (~€95,000). Beyond this amount, a rate of 9% is applied on the excess portion. Additionally, there is no tax on dividends or personal income.

The main steps are:

Choose the legal structure of your business.
Select the zone (free zone or non-free zone).
Submit the required documents (passport, business plan, etc.).
Obtain a commercial licence.
Open a corporate bank account.
Ensure compliance with local regulations.

The process of setting up a business in Dubai is fast. On average, it takes between 5 to 10 working days, depending on the chosen zone (free zone or non-free zone) and the legal structure of the company.

Free zones offer a complete tax exemption for businesses, as well as 100% foreign ownership. In contrast, non-free zones allow for direct trading in the local Dubai market, but are subject to a 9% tax on profits exceeding €95,000.

Dubai welcomes a wide range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, service companies, consulting firms, and tech startups. You can establish an LLC (Limited Liability Company), a professional services company, or a sole proprietorship, depending on your needs.