Choose the structure for the activity
Dubai DET distinguishes mainland and free-zone establishment. Mainland companies have different licensing options, and foreign ownership is available in many sectors. The relevant activity, location and regulator should guide the choice.
Check where customers and staff will be, whether premises are needed and whether additional operating permissions apply. A low headline package price does not establish that the chosen structure can conduct your intended business.
Map the residence steps separately
An investor or partner residence application needs the company and investment evidence for its actual category. GDRFA’s Green investor route describes a renewable five-year permission with relevant licence, investment and authority approval requirements.
Its entry-stage service has separate conditions, including eligible company forms and a specified investment-share requirement. Confirm the correct entry and residence sequence for your circumstances; do not assume incorporation automatically grants residence.
Prepare for operating obligations
Establish who owns and controls the company, keeps the records and handles licence and immigration dates. Plan suitable premises, any staffing permissions and the records needed to show the actual activity.
Free-zone incorporation is not a blanket corporate-tax exemption. The Federal Tax Authority distinguishes qualifying income and other taxable income, subject to conditions. Obtain appropriate tax advice for the proposed transactions and cross-border position.
Agree a workable scope and budget
Bring a concise activity description, owner details, projected staffing, expected markets and any existing company documents. Explain which people need to relocate and whether you are also planning UK operations.
Compare quotations by deliverable: commercial registration, licence, establishment steps, premises, individual applications, insurance and ongoing costs. Confirm who delivers each service and what is excluded. Immigration, banking and regulatory approvals should not be represented as guaranteed.
Common questions
Does every free-zone package include a visa?
No assumption should be made. Check the exact package, eligibility, authority steps and additional costs before committing.
Can a Dubai company support a UK move?
A UK expansion or work plan needs its own company and immigration assessment. A Dubai company does not itself give permission to work in the UK.
Your next step
Discuss your Dubai plans
Send a short outline of your circumstances, intended outcome and timing. We will confirm whether we can assist, the scope, any specialist involvement and fees before instruction.
Make an enquiryOfficial sources
This guide gives general information. The rules, dates and circumstances relevant to an application need to be checked individually.