Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors worldwide — and for good reason. Here are the key advantages:

• Strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering access to over 1.5 billion consumers
• Business-friendly tax environment, including 0% personal income tax and competitive corporate structures
• No currency restrictions or trade quotas, ensuring operational flexibility for global businesses
• Streamlined business setup processes across both free zones and mainland jurisdictions
• Access to skilled international talent, supported by modern infrastructure and advanced digital services
• Stable legal and regulatory framework, enabling efficient market entry and investor protection
• Government-backed initiatives actively supporting foreign investment and innovation across key sectors
• Safe, high-quality living environment — a key factor in attracting global leadership and skilled teams

At Proxima Eight, we help you leverage Dubai’s ecosystem to build a resilient and scalable business from day one.

Dubai’s economy is intentionally structured to accelerate business growth and attract international entrepreneurs. Key enablers include:

• Low corporate taxation and pro-investment policies
• Streamlined business registration through mainland and free zone pathways
• Specialized free zones such as DWTC, JAFZA, and RAKEZ, offering industry-specific incentives
• Initiatives like Scale2Dubai, which provide access to funding, infrastructure, and market support
• Consistently high rankings in global Ease of Doing Business reports

In addition, Dubai’s central location provides access to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — all from a stable, innovation-driven economy.
At Proxima Eight, we guide new ventures through this ecosystem to ensure sustainable, compliant growth from day one.

Setting up a business in Dubai involves a structured process that varies based on your chosen jurisdiction and business model. Here’s a high-level overview:
Define your business activity and structure
Choose between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore setup based on your goals and regulatory needs.
Select a legal entity and trade name
Decide on your company type (e.g. FZ LLC, Sole Establishment) and register a name aligned with UAE naming guidelines.
Apply for a business license
Depending on your activity, obtain the appropriate commercial, professional, or industrial license.
Prepare and submit documentation
This includes passport copies, visa (if applicable), and NOC for residents — submitted to the relevant authority.
Secure office space
Physical premises or flexi-desk is required for most license types and determines visa quotas.
Open a corporate bank account
Once licensed, choose a bank that suits your sector and complete KYC for onboarding.
Process residency visas
Apply for investor and/or employee visas under your company quota.
Launch operations
Once registered and licensed, you're ready to start trading, hiring, and scaling.


Note: Each license authority and free zone may have its own specific procedures and timelines. At Proxima Eight, we handle the entire process end-to-end — ensuring full compliance and efficiency.

Selecting the right location in the UAE is a strategic decision that depends on your business model, target market, and regulatory requirements. Key factors to consider include:
Business activity and license type
Certain sectors are limited to specific zones (e.g. fintech under DIFC or VARA; logistics near Jebel Ali).
Target audience and market access
If proximity to clients or local distributors is important, a mainland setup may be preferable over a free zone.
Infrastructure and logistics
Companies relying on shipping or warehousing benefit from being near ports, airports, or industrial zones.
Budget and operational costs
Office rents, visa quotas, and administrative fees vary significantly between jurisdictions.
Ownership and control
Free zones typically offer 100% foreign ownership, while some mainland activities still require UAE national involvement (unless structured otherwise).


At Proxima Eight, we provide tailored jurisdictional analysis to match your operational goals, compliance needs, and long-term strategy — ensuring your business is set up in the optimal location from day one.

Mainland Company
Setup Access to the UAE market without restrictions
Wider range of business activities (3,000+ licensed options)
Unlimited employment visas (based on office size)
Ability to bid for government contracts
Can trade directly with clients and partners across the UAE
Suitable for companies targeting local operations, expansion, or retail presence


Free Zone Company Setup
100% foreign ownership, with no local partner required
Simplified setup and licensing process
No personal income tax and full repatriation of profits
Ideal for international trade, online businesses, or sector-specific clusters (e.g., tech, logistics, media)
Limited to trading within the free zone or internationally, unless using a local distributor or mainland branch


Key Considerations:
Business activity – Some activities are only permitted in certain zones
Market access – Mainland is required for direct UAE trade
Ownership and control – Free zones guarantee full foreign ownership
Expansion flexibility – Mainland offers broader scalability inside the UAE
Costs – Vary depending on zone, office type, and visa requirements


At Proxima Eight, we provide strategic advice to help you choose the optimal setup — aligning your corporate structure with your operational, financial, and growth goals.

Dubai offers a variety of business licenses tailored to different sectors and operational models. The main categories include:

Commercial License
For companies engaged in trading activities, including import/export, retail, wholesale, and general trading.

Professional License
For individuals or firms providing specialized services such as consulting, marketing, IT, design, and education. This license may be issued to both individuals and civil companies.

Industrial License
Required for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial assembly. Often requires additional approvals and industrial space.

E-commerce License
Specifically for online businesses and digital platforms, allowing legal operation of online sales and services.

Innovation or Tech License (Zone-specific)
Available in free zones like DIFC, Dubai Internet City, or IFZA — ideal for startups and tech ventures, often with tailored incentives.

Each license is issued by a relevant authority (e.g. DED for mainland, free zone authority for zone-based setups), and additional activity-specific approvals may apply.

At Proxima Eight, we assess your business model and recommend the most suitable license type — ensuring regulatory alignment and smooth approval.

The VARA license is a regulatory approval issued by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, specifically for businesses operating in the virtual asset space — such as crypto trading, custody, exchange platforms, advisory services, and related activities.

Who needs a VARA license?
Any company based in Dubai (outside DIFC and ADGM) that engages in:

• Virtual asset broker-dealer services
• Custody and safekeeping of digital assets
• Operating a virtual asset exchange or marketplace
• Providing advisory or portfolio management services for crypto assets
• Issuing and offering tokens or conducting ICO-type activities

Types of VARA Licenses:

• Advisory Services
• Broker-Dealer Services
• Custody Services
• Exchange Services
• Lending & Borrowing Services
• Virtual Asset Management & Investment Services

Each type has its own scope, documentation, and compliance requirements.

What does VARA require?

• Detailed AML/KYC policy and compliance manual
• Appointment of a registered VASP Compliance Officer
• Internal controls and risk framework
• Corporate structure aligned with UAE economic substance and ownership rules
• Comprehensive business plan and financial projections
• Ongoing regulatory reporting obligations

At Proxima Eight, we guide VASP applicants through the entire VARA licensing lifecycle — from entity setup and internal policies to regulatory submissions and onboarding with banking, exchanges, and PSPs.

Establishing a company in Dubai involves a series of regulatory steps that ensure your business is fully compliant from day one. Below are the key legal components you’ll need to address:

1. Define your business activity
Your selected activity (or combination of up to 10) will determine the license type and the relevant jurisdiction (mainland or free zone). Certain activities may also require prior government approvals.
2. Choose the legal structure
Whether you're setting up a sole establishment, LLC, branch, or partnership, your legal structure affects ownership, liability, and licensing. The structure must comply with UAE Commercial Companies Law or free zone regulations.
3. Apply for a business license
Depending on your activity, you'll need a commercial, professional, or industrial license. Operating without a valid license can lead to regulatory penalties and suspension.
4. Submit required documentation
Typically includes:

• Completed license application
• Passport copies of shareholders
• MoA / shareholder resolutions (if applicable)
• Lease agreement or flexi-desk contract
• Some activities also require sector-specific authority approvals (e.g. VARA, MOHAP, or KHDA).

5. Register Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO)
All UAE businesses must disclose UBO details to ensure transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Failure to register may result in fines or license suspension.
6. Comply with naming conventions
Your trade name must align with UAE naming rules (e.g., no religious or political terms, no infringement on existing brands).
7. Establish physical presence
Most licenses require a registered office or physical address. This could be a flexi-desk, coworking space, or dedicated commercial unit, depending on your visa needs and activity type.
8. Open a corporate bank account
A functioning UAE corporate account is essential for transactions, payroll, and credibility. Banks require KYC, licensing, and proof of address for onboarding.
9. Apply for visas
Following license issuance, you can sponsor:

• Investor/partner visas
• Employment visas
• Dependent (family) and domestic worker visas
• Visa quotas depend on your jurisdiction and office size.

10. Maintain ongoing compliance
Your business must remain compliant with:

• Labour laws and employment contracts
• VAT registration and reporting (if applicable)
• Annual license renewals and audits
• AML/KYC obligations and ESR filing (depending on activity)

At Proxima Eight, we provide full legal oversight and end-to-end setup management — ensuring every document, process, and regulatory step is executed accurately, efficiently, and with long-term compliance in mind.

Dubai offers a wide range of legal entity types to suit different business models, ownership needs, and jurisdictions. Choosing the right structure is a critical step that affects control, liability, compliance, and market access. Below are the most common options:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Ideal for mainland businesses

• Minimum 2 and up to 50 shareholders
• Enables full access to the UAE market
• Offers limited liability and operational flexibility
• 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors (post-2021 reforms)

Sole Establishment
Owned and managed by a single individual

• Simple structure, often used for small professional or service providers
• Owner bears unlimited personal liability

Civil Company
Commonly used by professionals such as consultants, doctors, engineers, or lawyers

• Allows 100% foreign ownership
• Requires a local service agent for regulatory representation in mainland

Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
Suitable for large private businesses with multiple shareholders

• Minimum capital requirement and regulatory oversight from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
• Shareholders liable only up to their investment

Public Joint Stock Company
Designed for companies planning to list shares publicly

• Requires a minimum of 5 shareholders and substantial capital
• Regulated under UAE Commercial Companies Law

Branch or Representative Office
Enables foreign companies to establish a presence in Dubai without full incorporation

• A branch may conduct business activities identical to the parent company
• Requires appointment of a local service agent (mainland only)

Free Zone Company (FZ LLC / FZE)
100% foreign ownership allowed

• No corporate or personal income tax in most zones
• Fast-track setup with sector-specific incentives (e.g. tech, media, crypto)
• Cannot trade directly with the UAE mainland unless via a distributor or local agent
• Common zones: JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, DWTC, DMCC, DUQE

Offshore Company
Registered in jurisdictions like RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore

• Used for holding assets, IP ownership, international trading, and tax structuring
• Cannot conduct business within the UAE
• Requires registered agent and may have limited banking access

At Proxima Eight, we guide founders, investors, and corporate groups through entity selection based on strategic, legal, and tax considerations — ensuring full compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law and zone-specific regulations.

Yes — under current UAE regulations, foreign nationals can own 100% of their business in most sectors and jurisdictions, both in free zones and on the mainland.

Free Zone OwnershipI
n Dubai’s numerous free zones (e.g. DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, RAKEZ), foreign investors enjoy full ownership by default, with no requirement for a local partner or service agent. This model is ideal for international businesses, tech startups, and export-oriented ventures.

Mainland Ownership
Following the amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law (2021), 100% foreign ownership is now permitted in most mainland activities — including commercial, industrial, and service-based businesses.

• No local sponsor is required (except for specific restricted sectors)
• Applicable to over 1,000 approved business activities

Restricted Sectors
Certain strategic sectors still require local participation or regulatory oversight. These include:

• Banking and financial services
• Telecommunications
• Defense, oil & gas, and utilities

At Proxima Eight, we provide entity structuring and legal guidance to ensure your business setup aligns with current ownership laws — giving you maximum control, flexibility, and compliance from day one.

Document preparation, submission, and attestation are essential components of business setup in Dubai — and ensuring full legal compliance from the outset is critical.

Document Preparation & Submission
During company formation, you’ll typically need to submit:

• Completed license application
• Passport copies of shareholders and managers
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) or shareholder resolution
• Lease agreement (if applicable)
• Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
• These documents are submitted to the relevant licensing authority (mainland or free zone) for approval and issuance of the business license.

Ongoing Document Compliance
Once incorporated, companies must maintain up-to-date corporate records. Changes such as new shareholders, address updates, or visa renewals must be formally documented and approved.
Failure to keep legal records current may result in penalties, license suspension, or non-renewal.
What is Attestation?
Attestation is the official process of verifying legal documents — particularly when foreign documents (e.g. from the shareholder’s home country) are used in the UAE. This often includes:

• Notarization in the country of origin
• Legalization by the UAE embassy abroad
• Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Some jurisdictions (e.g. free zones) may also require translation into Arabic and court-certified verification.

At Proxima Eight, we manage all legal documentation and attestation end-to-end — ensuring your company’s records are valid, accepted, and aligned with UAE legal standards.

Renewing your business license in Dubai is a critical annual requirement to maintain legal operations. While the process is relatively straightforward, it involves specific documentation and deadlines depending on your jurisdiction (mainland or free zone).

Main Steps for License Renewal:
Valid Lease Contract (Ejari or equivalent)
Your office lease must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the renewal application date. Without it, renewal is not permitted.

Prepare Renewal Documents
Requirements typically include:

• Trade license renewal form
• Valid tenancy contract (Ejari certificate)
• Copy of Emirates ID and passports of shareholders
• Any sector-specific approvals (if applicable)
• UBO declaration updates (if requested)

Submit Application
For mainland companies, submit the renewal via the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or an authorized service center.
For free zone companies, use the portal or assigned account manager.

Pay the Renewal Fees
Once approved, you’ll receive a payment voucher. Upon payment, your renewed license is issued (typically within 1–3 business days).

Non-Renewal Consequences:

• Failure to renew on time may result in:
• Late penalties (AED 250–500+ per month)
• Freezing of visas and immigration services
• Business license suspension or blacklisting

Mainland Company Setup
For mainland entities licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), a physical office or commercial space is mandatory.

• The minimum office size requirement is typically 200 sq. ft.
• Your tenancy contract must be registered through Ejari
• Visa quotas are often linked to the office size

Free Zone Company Setup
Many Dubai free zones offer flexible workspace solutions, such as:

• Flexi-desk (shared desk for limited hours per week)
• Smart office (shared infrastructure with minimal cost)
• Virtual office (used for registration only, not physical operations)

These models are ideal for startups, freelancers, digital-first businesses, or international founders who want to minimize overheads while maintaining a legal presence.

At Proxima Eight, we help you choose the most efficient office solution based on your licensing needs, visa requirements, and future scalability — whether that’s a flexi-desk, virtual lease, or permanent office.

Working with experienced business consultants — like Proxima Eight — significantly streamlines the company formation process and ensures your setup is legally compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with your long-term goals.

Here’s how we assist you at every stage:
1. Strategic Planning

• Advising on the optimal jurisdiction (mainland, free zone, offshore)
• Matching the right license type and business activity
• Structuring your company to support ownership goals, visa needs, and tax efficiency

2. Legal & Regulatory Setup

• Handling all documentation, licensing, and government filings
• Coordinating with relevant authorities for approvals and attestations
• Ensuring naming compliance, UBO registration, and entity validity

3. Banking & Operational Launch

• Assisting with corporate bank account onboarding, tailored to your sector and nationality
• Advising on office solutions (flexi-desk, smart office, virtual lease)
• Helping with insurance, VAT registration, and other operational necessities

4. HR & Visa Support

• Managing investor and employee visa applications
• Providing guidance on labor law compliance, payroll, and PRO services

5. Long-term compliance & advisory

• Supporting license renewals, corporate amendments, and governance
• Ensuring you meet AML/KYC, ESR, and economic substance requirements (if applicable)

At Proxima Eight, we don’t just register companies — we build the operational foundation for growth. With direct access to UAE authorities, banks, and free zones, our team ensures that your setup is seamless, risk-mitigated, and positioned for scale.

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is a critical step after company incorporation — but it requires proper preparation, compliance alignment, and patience. While the process is straightforward in principle, local banks apply strict due diligence procedures, especially for foreign-owned companies.

Steps to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai:
Select a suitable bank
Choose a local or international bank that aligns with your business model, industry, and nationality. Each bank has its own risk appetite, sectors of preference, and onboarding thresholds.

Gather required documents

• Typical documents include:
• Trade license
• MoA / AoA or shareholder resolution
• Passport and Emirates ID copies of all shareholders and authorized signatories
• Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, website)
• Office lease (Ejari or equivalent)
• Company profile or business plan
• Additional documents may be requested based on the risk profile.

Bank KYC & screening process
The bank will conduct a full Know Your Customer (KYC) and compliance review, including background checks and interviews with the company’s directors or UBOs.

Account approval & activation
The approval timeline varies — typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the bank and complexity of your application. Some cases may take longer.

Important Considerations:
A physical presence (i.e. visit to the UAE) is often required for at least one shareholder or authorized signatory.
Certain nationalities and high-risk sectors (e.g. crypto, financial services) may face enhanced due diligence or limited access.
UAE banks may decline applications that lack clear substance, transaction rationale, or local presence.


At Proxima Eight, we assist clients with pre-screening, documentation review, bank introductions, and compliance alignment — increasing your chances of a successful and timely account opening.

Free Zone Companies
Many free zones do not require paid-up capital at the time of setup.
Some zones require you to declare a minimum share capital (e.g. AED 10,000 or AED 50,000) but do not request bank proof.
In sectors such as financial services, crypto, or investment, regulators may require evidence of capital adequacy as part of licensing (e.g. VARA, DFSA, FSRA).

Mainland Companies (LLC)
The UAE Commercial Companies Law stipulates a default minimum share capital, but no mandatory capital deposit is usually required during setup.
The amount may vary based on the activity, visa quotas, or if you're applying for a foreign branch or regulated license.

Special Cases
Public joint stock companies and financial institutions (e.g. banks, investment firms) have strict capital thresholds and must show proof of deposit.

Golden Visa applicants (Investor Category) must demonstrate investments of at least AED 2 million, which can be verified via property deeds or capital in a licensed entity.


At Proxima Eight, we guide you through capital structuring requirements in your chosen jurisdiction and activity — ensuring your setup is both compliant and optimized for future growth.

Apply for an Entry Permit (Employment Visa)

• This is a temporary visa valid for 60 days, allowing the employee to legally enter the UAE and begin the residency process.
• For free zone companies, the application is submitted through the relevant free zone authority.
• For mainland entities, it's processed via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Change of Status / Entry to UAE

• If the employee is already in the UAE, apply for a status change.
• If abroad, they must enter the UAE on the entry permit.

Medical Fitness Test

• Mandatory medical examination at a government-approved health center.
• Tests include blood work and chest X-ray.

Apply for Emirates ID

• Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) must be completed at an official Emirates ID center.
• This ID is required for all residents and is linked to visa validity.

Residence Visa Stamping

• Once medical and ID steps are cleared, the residence visa is stamped in the employee’s passport, typically valid for 2 years (mainland) or 2–3 years (free zone, depending on authority).

Notes:
Visa quotas are often tied to the office size and license type.

• Some activities or nationalities may require additional security clearance.
• For senior hires or technical roles, a labor contract may also be registered with authorities.

At Proxima Eight, we manage the entire visa process — from entry permits to residence stamping — ensuring your team is onboarded efficiently and in full compliance with UAE labor and immigration laws.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program in the UAE designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. Unlike regular residence visas, which are typically valid for 2–3 years and tied to an employer or sponsor, the Golden Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, is self-sponsored, and can be automatically renewed if eligibility is maintained.
It allows:

• 100% foreign business ownership
• Sponsorship of family members (including parents)
• Freedom from local sponsorship or employment ties

This visa is ideal for those making significant investments or contributing to the UAE’s strategic sectors. Eligibility depends on investment amount, qualifications, or exceptional achievements.

At Proxima Eight, we guide clients through every step of the Golden Visa process — from eligibility assessment to successful issuance.

Visa processing in the UAE usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the visa type, jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), and how complete the application is. Delays can occur due to missing documents, additional security checks, or sector-specific approvals.
As for fees, costs vary based on:

• Type of visa (investor, employment, dependent)
• Free zone vs mainland authority
• Number of sponsored individuals
• Medical test, Emirates ID, and insurance requirements

On average, a standard employment or investor visa ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per applicant.

At Proxima Eight, we provide a full cost breakdown upfront and handle all submissions to ensure fast, compliant processing.

Each UAE free zone is tailored to support specific industries and business models. While all offer benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax advantages, they differ in focus, location, setup requirements, and cost structure.

• JAFZA – Ideal for logistics, trade, and manufacturing; located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport
• DWTC – Premium location in central Dubai; suited for consulting, finance, and international firms
• RAKEZ – Cost-efficient, flexible options for startups, industrial, and service sectors
• DUQE – Boutique setup on Queen Elizabeth 2; designed for entrepreneurs and digital-first businesses
• Creative City – Tailored for media, design, content creation, and freelancers

Each zone operates under its own regulatory framework, so choosing the right one depends on your activity, budget, and growth plans.


At Proxima Eight, we assess your needs and match you with the most strategic free zone — balancing cost, compliance, and operational efficiency.