If you’re in India registering a company in Dubai can be an attractive option. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your business globally, Dubai can offer Indian entrepreneurs an efficient route.
So in this guide, we will examine what the company registration process is like when setting up a company in Dubai from India, going step-by-step on how to select the right setup and how to submit your documents as well as getting visas and bank accounts. The good news is that you can get your Dubai business up and running in around five to ten working days. So let’s get started.
How to register a company in Dubai from India: Step-by-step
To start off with, let’s break down the necessary steps:
1. Define your business activity: As a first move, you must outline your intended activity, deciding whether that falls within commercial, professional, industrial or tourism. There is a long option list of specific options (over 2,000) so this is a crucial step as it ultimately determines your license type and legal structure. It’s really helpful to work with a company setup specialist at this stage to ensure you get off on the right foot.
2. Choose jurisdiction & legal structure: Decide between which setup works best for you: Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore. From there, choose the legal structure, whether that’s LLC, sole proprietorship, branch, FZE/FZCO, etc). Each of these choices offers different levels ownership, market access and cost profiles.
3. Reserve your company name: Now you can pick out a great name for your organisation, ensuring it is both unique and fully compliant (ie, no offensive or religious terms, no abbreviations) and then submit it to DED or the relevant Free Zone authority to be approved.
4. Prepare & notarise legal documents: Depending on your jurisdiction, these are some of the documents you will need to prepare:
a. MoA/AoA and, for Mainland, a Local Service Agent agreement
b. Notarise and attestate these documents internally or via UAE courts
5. Secure initial approval & license: This can be done through DED (for Mainland setups) or your Free Zone authority. Once approved, you can officially apply for your trade license.
6. Arrange office space: Keep in mind that if you have chosen Mainland then this requires a physical office with Ejari tenancy; meanwhile Free Zones offer more flexibility as you can use flexi-desks or shared offices.
7. Obtain visas & Emirates ID: At this point you can get your visas (including those for dependents) and your Emirates ID.
8. Open a corporate bank account: Now you can select a UAE or international bank and submit your license, MoA, tenancy contract and business plan.
9. VAT & corporate tax: Finally, make sure to set up bookkeeping and (if applicable) register for VAT and corporate tax compliance.
Documents required to start a company in Dubai from India
Let’s now break down the documents required:
Passport copies of shareholders and directors: No surprises here, this is the most universally required document and the UAE authorities will use it to verify your identity, nationality, and eligibility to hold shares or serve as a director. It’s also needed for name reservation, license application, and processing of your visa.
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA): These legal documents outline your company’s structure, ownership, and operating rules. The MOA specifies each shareholder’s responsibilities and capital contribution, while the AOA governs internal operations. They are mandatory for obtaining initial approval and company registration.
Lease agreement or registered office documentation: Whether a Dubai business is set up in the Mainland or a Free Zone, it must have a registered business address of some kind. Mainland companies do require a physical office space with a lease agreement registered through Ejari. Meanwhile Free Zone companies, while not always needing a full physical office, must still obtain an office of some kind (even if it’s a flexi-desk or shared space).
Other documents, such as visa copies, NOCs, or bank reference letters, may be required depending on your business type and jurisdiction. As company setup specialist can guide you as to the exact documents you need to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Benefits of setting up a Dubai company from India
Let’s look at the key benefits of setting up a Dubai company from India:
- 100% foreign ownership in free zones: Indian investors can enjoy full ownership of their business when setting up in one of Dubai’s many Free Zones. This means no requirement for a local sponsor and full control over operations and profits – as well as decision-making.
- Tax-friendly environment: Dubai offers an attractive tax regime: 0% personal income tax and corporate tax exemptions for qualifying Free Zone entities. Even for Mainland companies, the corporate tax rate is a low 9% (above AED 375,000 profit), with no capital gains taxes.
- Easy access to global markets: Dubai is a gateway for trade placed at the crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa. It boasts world-class logistics and infrastructure with fast and easy access to global markets.
- Business-friendly regulatory framework: Dubai’s streamlined setup procedures, clear legal structures, and pro-business government policies all come together make it easy to start and scale a company. Registration can often be completed within a week as long as all the documents are in order.
- Residency visas for owners and employees: Business owners in Dubai can apply for long-term residency visas bot for themselves and their families. You can also sponsor employee visas, making it easy to build a team and relocate key talent from India.
Start your business in Dubai from India with Set Hub
Set Hub are experts in business setup in Dubai. Dedicated to making business setup in Dubai straightforward and hassle-free, our goal is to get your business up and running with minimal stress. We provide support across all stages of your business journey, from company registration and visa applications to opening corporate bank accounts and managing tax. With local knowledge and extensive regulatory expertise, we make it easier to navigate every aspect of doing business in the UAE. Contact us today.
