🏛️

Dubai, UAE GulfBC Advisory

Start Your Trading
Company in Dubai.

Dubai is the world's #1 re-export hub — import, export, and trade across 180+ countries under one license. GulfBC guides you through every step: from license selection to residency visa, bank account, and launch.

Chat on WhatsApp Send a Formal Inquiry →

✓

DED & Freezone licensed

✓

100% foreign ownership

✓

Setup in 3–7 days

✓

Visa + bank account

AED 12K+

Starting cost for a General Trading License — Freezone from AED 12,000 · Mainland from AED 15,000

3–7

Business days to receive your license

10+

Activities under one General Trading License

Personal income tax in the UAE

100%

Foreign ownership — no local partner needed

Choose Your Setup

Mainland vs Free Zone

The right jurisdiction depends on your goals — local market access, international trade, or cost efficiency. Here's what each offers for trading companies.

✦ Most Popular for Trading

Dubai Mainland (DED)

Ideal for businesses targeting UAE local market — retail, wholesale, and B2B trading.

✓

Direct trade with UAE market — no local distributor needed

✓

100% foreign ownership (most activities since 2021)

✓

Unlimited visa quota (linked to office size)

✓

Up to 10 trading activities under one license

→

Physical office mandatory — must register with Ejari

→

Eligible for UAE Golden Visa (10 yrs) & Green Visa (5 yrs)

Starting cost AED 15,000 / year

Best for International Trade

Free Zone (IFZA / DMCC / JAFZA)

Perfect for import/export, re-export, and businesses targeting global markets.

✓

100% foreign ownership — no local partner

✓

0% customs duty on goods within the free zone

✓

Full repatriation of capital and profits

✓

Virtual office options — no mandatory physical space

✗

Cannot sell directly in UAE — needs mainland distributor

→

Visa quota limited to office package selected

Starting cost (IFZA) AED 12,000 / year

Registration Process

Step-by-Step Setup Process

A typical mainland or freezone trading license takes 3–7 business days. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.

Choose Jurisdiction & Legal Structure

Decide between Mainland (DED) or Free Zone. Select your legal structure — LLC is the most common for mainland trading. For free zones, a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZCO) is typical. GulfBC advises on the best fit based on your goals.

⏱ Day 1

Reserve Your Trade Name

Submit 3 name options to DED or the free zone authority. Names must comply with UAE naming regulations — no offensive, religious, or geographic terms. Arabic transliteration required for mainland. GulfBC handles the submission online.

⏱ Day 1–2 · Fee: AED 620–900

Apply for Initial Approval

Submit your business activity, legal structure, and proposed name to DED (mainland) or the free zone authority. The Initial Approval Certificate confirms the government has no objection to your setup. For mainland, foreign investors also require GDRFA clearance before this step.

⏱ Day 2–3 · Fee: AED 220–420

Secure Office Space & Ejari Registration

For mainland licenses, a physical commercial office is mandatory. Your tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari (Dubai's rental registration system). Free zones often offer flexi-desk or virtual office options. GulfBC connects you with cost-effective office solutions from AED 8,000/year.

⏱ Day 3–4 · Ejari: AED 1,000–2,000

Obtain Additional Approvals (if required)

Certain trading activities require external approvals before the license is issued. Food products → Dubai Municipality. Pharmaceuticals → Dubai Health Authority. Precious metals / diamonds → DMCC. Electronics/telecom → TRA. GulfBC identifies all required approvals upfront.

⏱ 1–5 days depending on activity

Draft MOA & Submit Final Documents

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) defines the company's structure, shareholder percentages, and powers. It must be notarized and attested. Submit the MOA, Initial Approval Certificate, Ejari contract, and shareholder documents to DED or the free zone authority.

⏱ Day 4–5

Pay License Fees & Receive Trade License

Pay the required license fees (within 30 days of receipt — automatic cancellation if unpaid). Chamber of Commerce membership may also be required (AED 300+). Once cleared, your DED or free zone trade license is issued. You can now open a corporate bank account and apply for visas.

✓ License issued · 3–7 working days total

What You Need

Required Documents

Documents required vary slightly by legal structure and jurisdiction. Below is the standard checklist for individual and corporate shareholders.

🛂

Passport Copy

Valid passport copies of all shareholders and managers. Must be colour scans with a minimum 6-month validity.

📋

Trade Name Approval Certificate

Issued by DED (mainland) or the relevant free zone authority after name reservation is approved.

✅

Initial Approval Certificate

Government confirmation of no objection to your business setup — required before proceeding to the next stage.

🏢

Tenancy Contract + Ejari

Signed lease for your commercial space, registered with Ejari. Required for all mainland DED licenses.

📝

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Notarised legal document outlining company objectives, ownership structure, and shareholder agreements.

🆔

Emirates ID (if UAE resident)

Required for shareholders already residing in the UAE. Non-residents may proceed with passport only for initial setup.

🏛️

Certificate of Incorporation (corporate shareholders)

If a company is a shareholder, provide CoI, Certificate of Incumbency, and notarised board resolution approving the UAE setup.

📸

Passport-size Photographs

White background, recent photographs of all shareholders and managers — required for visa applications.

Government Approvals

Regulatory Approvals by Activity

Certain trading activities require pre-approval from UAE government bodies before a license can be issued. GulfBC identifies and obtains all required approvals on your behalf.

Dubai Municipality

Food Products Trading

Required for import, distribution, and trade of all food and beverage products within Dubai.

● Mandatory

Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices

Any trading in medicines, supplements, or medical equipment requires DHA registration and approval.

● Mandatory

DMCC

Precious Metals & Diamonds

Gold, silver, diamonds, and gemstones trading requires DMCC membership and a commodities trading license.

● Mandatory

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

Electronics & Telecom Equipment

Import and trade of telecommunications equipment, SIM cards, and related devices requires TRA type approval.

● Mandatory

Ministry of Interior

Used Vehicles & Spare Parts

Trading in used cars, spare parts, and vehicle rentals requires Ministry of Interior clearance.

● Mandatory

Dubai Customs / CITES

Controlled & Restricted Goods

Chemicals, certain agricultural products, or CITES-listed items require specific customs permits before import/export.

● Activity-dependent

Residency & Visas

Visa & Residency Options

Your trade license is the gateway to UAE residency. Once your company is registered, you can sponsor visas for yourself, employees, and family members.

Investor / Partner Visa

Standard Investor Visa

2 years · renewable

Issued to company owners once the trade license is active. Allows residency in the UAE for yourself and your family.

Sponsor spouse, children & domestic staff

Open personal UAE bank account

Cost: AED 3,500 – 5,000 per visa

Entry permit → medical test → Emirates ID

Long-Term Residency

UAE Golden Visa

10 years · renewable

Available to investors meeting certain thresholds — real estate, business investment, or exceptional talent. Includes family sponsorship.

Business investment: AED 500K+

Real estate: AED 2M+ property

No sponsor required — self-sponsored

Sponsor parents, spouse & children

Self-Employed

UAE Green Visa

5 years · renewable

For freelancers, self-employed professionals, and investors. Offers independence without needing a company sponsor.

No employer sponsor needed

Sponsor spouse & children (up to 25)

180-day grace period if visa expires

Available through DED or free zones

Tax & Compliance

Tax Structure & Accounting

The UAE's tax regime is one of the most competitive in the world. Trading companies benefit from low tax rates and straightforward compliance requirements.

Personal Income Tax

The UAE levies zero personal income tax. Salaries, dividends, and personal earnings are entirely tax-free for residents.

✓ Permanent benefit

Corporate Tax (CT)

UAE Corporate Tax applies from June 2023. Businesses with taxable income below AED 375,000 are taxed at 0%. Above that threshold: 9%. Free zone qualifying income may remain at 0%.

✓ Free zone 0% available

VAT (Value Added Tax)

VAT registration is mandatory for businesses with annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000. Quarterly VAT returns must be filed with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

✓ Among lowest in region

Bookkeeping

Trading companies must maintain proper books of accounts. GulfBC provides monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and management reporting from AED 500/month.

VAT Filing

Quarterly VAT returns filed with the FTA. Includes preparation, review, and submission. GulfBC handles FTA registration and all ongoing VAT compliance.

Annual Audit

Some free zones require annual audited financial statements for license renewal. GulfBC connects you with certified auditors compliant with UAE standards.

Ready to Set Up Your
Trading Company in Dubai?

GulfBC's team in Dubai handles everything — license, approvals, office, visa, and bank account — so you can focus on your business. Most trading companies are up and running in under 2 weeks.

📍

GulfBC — Dubai & Iran Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd · [email protected] · +971 50 605 1236

Chat on WhatsApp

Start Your Trading
Company in Dubai.

Mainland vs Free Zone

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Required Documents

Regulatory Approvals by Activity

Visa & Residency Options

Tax Structure & Accounting

Ready to Set Up Your
Trading Company in Dubai?

Services

Contact

Start Your Trading Company in Dubai.

Mainland vs Free Zone

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Required Documents

Regulatory Approvals by Activity

Visa & Residency Options

Tax Structure & Accounting

Ready to Set Up YourTrading Company in Dubai?

Services

Contact

Start Your Trading
Company in Dubai.

Ready to Set Up Your
Trading Company in Dubai?