Set Up Your Company in Dubai | Enjoy 0% Income Tax & Lowest Corporate Tax
Avyanco helps UK entrepreneurs establish and relocate businesses to Dubai with 100% foreign ownership. We specialize in company formation, tax solutions, and government liaison across all business sectors and corporate structures, including Free Zones. Partner with us for a hassle-free setup and long-term business success.
- No hidden costs.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- 4.8* Google Rating
- 10,000+ Companies Formed
- Free Corporate Tax & VAT Consultation
- 0% Income Tax & 0% Withholding Tax
About Us
Empowering UK Entrepreneurs to Seamlessly Launch and Grow Their Businesses in Dubai with Expert Guidance and Localized Support.
Why Partner with Avyanco?
Avyanco UK Limited
Our UK Partner:
HNS Accountants Limited
HNS Accountants Limited: Avyanco’s Trusted UK Partner
Our Partners
DIFC Freezone
IFZA Free Zone
RAKEZ Free Zone
DMCC Free Zone
SRTIP Free Zone
Dubai Mainland
DAFZA Free Zone
SHAMS Free Zone
SPC Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone
JAFZA Freezone
Meydan Freezone
We help you in achieving your business goals with expert consultation and assisting you through each step of the journey.
Schedule a free consultation with Avyanco for expert guidance on setting up your business in the UAE. Let us help you elevate and scale your business to new heights.
Market Entry & Business Expansion Solutions
About the UAE and Market Entry
As the geographic and economic cornerstone of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as a vital hub for international investors. Renowned for its tax efficiency, the UAE provides an ideal regional base to tap into the booming markets of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It is also a premier destination for launching businesses across a range of industries.
Dubai, the UAE’s second-largest emirate, stands as the nation’s commercial epicenter and a globally recognized hub for trade and innovation. Over the years, Dubai has evolved into a diversified economy with thriving sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, financial services, IT, retail, travel, tourism, healthcare, education, and green technologies.
To attract international businesses, Dubai has made substantial investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including transport, telecommunications, energy, and industrial facilities.
UAE Corporate Tax (CT) Overview
Effective June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced a Corporate Tax (CT) regime, applicable across the seven Emirates. The tax structure is designed to align with international standards while maintaining competitiveness:
- Mainland Companies: 9% tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (0% tax for profits up to this threshold).
- Free Zone Companies: 0% tax on qualifying income; 9% on non-qualifying income, provided specific conditions are met:
- Maintain free zone status.
- Maintain adequate economic substance.
- Earn qualifying income.
- Opt out of being subject to CT.
- Prepare audited financial statements.
- Comply with transfer pricing regulations.
This tax regime aims to bolster the UAE’s strategic objectives and solidify its reputation as a premier global business hub. Coupled with an extensive network of double tax treaties and the absence of capital gains and withholding taxes, the UAE continues to offer unparalleled benefits to businesses.
Transfer Pricing and Additional Benefits
The UAE has adopted OECD Transfer Pricing Rules, requiring businesses to adhere to strict documentation standards, even for domestic transactions. Additional advantages include:
- No foreign exchange controls.
- No trade barriers or quotas.
- Tax relief for small businesses.
These features make the UAE, particularly Dubai, a world-class destination for business setup and expansion.
Tax Efficiency
Enjoy 0% Corporate Tax on profits up to AED 375,000 and 0% Corporate tax in Free Zones for qualifying activities.
World-Class Infrastructure
Access cutting-edge transport, communication, and industrial facilities.
Global Trade Benefits
Benefit from no capital gains tax, withholding tax, or foreign exchange controls.
Strategic Location
Dubai serves as a gateway to the high-growth markets of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Company Formation in Dubai
Establishing a Strong Business Foundation in the UAE
Foreign investors wishing to establish a business in Dubai have multiple options for structuring their operations. You can opt to set up as a Branch, Representative Office, or a registered Company, or alternatively appoint a commercial agent to sell products in the UAE or for export.
Another attractive option is setting up within one of Dubai’s Free Zones. These designated areas, designed to foster economic growth, offer self-regulated environments that support business activity. With over 40 Free Zones in the UAE and more in development, this option provides unique benefits and flexibility.
The UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL) outlines the types of business entities available for foreign investors, including Joint Stock Companies (JSC), Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Unincorporated Joint Ventures, and Branch Offices of foreign companies. It’s important to note that the CCL does not apply to Free Zone companies.
A significant amendment to the CCL, effective June 1, 2021, introduced the possibility of 100% foreign ownership for UAE mainland companies, removing the previous requirement for a local partner or sponsor to hold 51% of the business. Now, both new and existing mainland UAE companies can be fully foreign-owned, provided they meet the conditions outlined by local authorities based on the nature of the business.
Key Considerations Before Establishing Your Business in the UAE
Understanding the different options available for setting up your company in the UAE is crucial. The wrong choice can impact your business’s potential for growth and success in the region. Consider the following factors when determining the best structure for your business:
- Nature of Your Business: What industry are you in, and what are the specific regulatory requirements?
- Expansion Plans: Do you foresee rapid growth or long-term scaling in the UAE?
- Initial Capital: What is your investment capacity to fund your business setup?
- Future Investors: Will you need outside investors or partners in the future?
- Tax Considerations: How will your business structure impact tax obligations?
- Personal Liability: What level of personal liability are you willing to assume?
- Audit & Compliance Needs: Will your business require regular audits or specific accounting services to remain compliant?
- Physical Presence: Will you need a physical office, PRO services, or a representative in the UAE?
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the most suitable business structure that supports both your short-term objectives and long-term growth in the UAE market.
Avyanco specializes in helping entrepreneurs with every step of establishing and growing their businesses in Dubai. From company formation to complete business setup solutions, we provide expert guidance and support to ensure your business thrives. Contact our Company Formation consultants today to explore our full range of corporate services.
Benefits of setting up a company in dubai
Company formation in-5-10 business days
0% Income Tax
Low Corporate Tax
Easy to Open a Bank Account
Minimal Paper work
0% Withholding Tax
Dubai Investor/Partner Visa
100% Foreign Ownership
AVYANCO RELOCATION PACKAGE – DUBAI LICENSE
£ 5,715
- Dubai Freezone License (IFZA)
- One residency visa
- Normal medical and biometric
- Upto 3 shareholders
- 5 Business activities
- Dependent visa assistance
- Bank account opening assistance
- Meet & Greet at Airport
- Limousine service – pick up and drop of service for medical & biometric appointment
- Complimentary tax consultation session for 30 minutes
- Complimentary VAT and Corporate Tax registration
- Complimentary GoAML registration (If required)
- Free Accounting Software
£ 8,500
- Dubai Freezone License (IFZA)
- One residency visa
- VIP medical and VIP biometric
- Upto 3 shareholders
- 5 Business activities
- Dependent visa assistance
- Bank account opening assistance
- Meet & Greet at Airport
- Limousine service – pick up and drop of service for medical & biometric appointment
- Complimentary tax consultation session for 30 minutes
- Complimentary VAT and Corporate Tax registration
- Complimentary GoAML registration (If required)
- Free Accounting Software
£ 12,500
- Dubai Freezone License (IFZA)
- One residency visa (VIP Process)
- VIP medical and VIP biometric
- Upto 3 shareholders
- 5 Business activities
- Dependent visa assistance
- Bank account opening assistance
- Meet & Greet at Airport
- Limousine service – pick up and drop of service for medical & biometric appointment
- Complimentary tax consultation session for 30 minutes
- Complimentary VAT and Corporate Tax registration
- Complimentary GoAML registration (If required)
- Free Accounting Software
Choosing the right business setup in Dubai
There are three major jurisdictions for company formation in Dubai and UAE. The Investor can select appropriate authority based on requirement of business. Each of these jurisdictions has its own pros and cons.
Foreign Company Ownership in the UAE: Branch and Representative Office Options
Under the UAE Commercial Company Law, foreign companies can retain 100% ownership by establishing a Branch or Representative Office. These entities are extensions of the parent company, without separate legal identities, and the parent company remains fully liable for their operations.
Branch Office: A Branch can engage in commercial activities within the UAE, generate revenue, and operate under the scope defined in its commercial license. Its activities must align with those of the parent company in its home country.
Representative Office: A Representative Office, by contrast, is restricted from earning profits in the UAE. Its role is limited to marketing and promoting the parent company’s products and services in the region.
Both Branches and Representative Offices require a commercial registration and license under the name of the foreign company. Additionally, they must appoint a Local Service Agent, who can be either a UAE national or a corporate entity wholly owned by UAE nationals. Avyanco is authorized to act as a Local Service Agent in Dubai, ensuring compliance and seamless operations for foreign entities.
Free Zones in the UAE: Opportunities for Businesses
The UAE is home to approximately 40 Free Zones, with new ones continually being developed to cater to evolving market demands. Each Free Zone is structured around specific commercial sectors and issues licenses exclusively to businesses operating within those categories.
A key advantage of setting up in a UAE Free Zone is the absence of foreign ownership restrictions, allowing 100% foreign control of businesses. Additionally, companies operating within Free Zones are regulated by an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA), which oversees licensing and ensures compliance with sector-specific regulations.
Establishing a Mainland Company in the UAE
All UAE mainland (onshore) businesses must obtain a license from the respective Emirate’s Department of Economic Development (DED) and operate under the regulations outlined in the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL).
Key Benefits for Foreign Investors:
- No Geographic Restrictions: Unlike Free Zones, mainland companies can operate without territorial limits, allowing them to conduct business across the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and within Free Zones.
- Broader Real Estate Options: Mainland businesses have access to a wide variety of office locations and commercial spaces.
Licensing and Approvals:
- Foreign investors must first secure approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs.
- Certain business activities, such as those involving legal, security, or financial affairs, may require additional permissions from relevant government entities before initial approval is granted.
Role of Local Service Agents:
Non-GCC residents owning a business in the UAE are required to appoint a Local Service Agent to assist with government processes, such as licensing and visa applications. While these agents facilitate administrative tasks, they do not participate in business operations. Sovereign is authorized to act as a Local Service Agent, providing seamless support for business establishment.
UAE Sole Establishment or Sole Proprietorship
A UAE Sole Establishment (or Sole Proprietorship) is a business entity owned by a single individual, with the trade license issued in their name. The owner is fully responsible for the entity’s operations and financial liabilities.
Foreign investors can set up a Sole Establishment in the UAE to provide professional services such as consulting, IT, legal, engineering, or marketing. However, they are not permitted to engage in import-export, trading, or real estate development activities.
Foreign nationals can own 100% of the entity when it is established to provide professional services.
Sole Establishments offering professional services are exempt from the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL) but must be licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Foreign-owned Sole Establishments are required to appoint a Local Service Agent to facilitate government interactions for licenses and visas. These agents do not participate in the business operations. Sovereign is authorized to act as a Local Service Agent.
Offshore Company Formation
An Offshore Company in the UAE is distinct from a Free Zone Company. Offshore companies are established to operate outside their registered jurisdiction or the location of their ultimate beneficial ownership.
There are several reasons for registering an Offshore Company, with key advantages including:
- Serving as a holding company for an onshore business or other UAE assets
- Facilitating international market expansion
- Access to a business-friendly legal system
- A more flexible regulatory environment
- Tax neutrality on international earnings, including personal or corporate income, capital gains, and inheritance taxes (depending on the jurisdiction)
- Enhanced access to global funding
- A structure for asset protection, such as safeguarding Intellectual Property, separate from operational entities
Associated UAE Banks
Our Experts
Umesh Shah FCCA ACA BFP FMAAT
Director
Maissa Charef
Partnership & Collaboration Account Manager
Chandy Joseph
Business Development Director
Jessica Parmar
Senior Corporate Advisor
Astha
Senior Corporate Advisor
Success Stories
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai.
Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the possibilities that await you.
What Do We Offer?
Visa Services
Accounting And Bookkeeping Services
Company Formation Or Registration
Ultimate Beneficial Owner Disclosure Services
Auditing Services
Corporate Bank Account Opening
UAE Local Sponsorship Services
Economic Substance Regulation Services
Document Clearing Services
Trademark Registration Services
VAT Registration And Consultation Services
Corporate PRO Services
Golden Visa Services
Company License Renewals
Compliance
AML Regulations
Avyanco is your trusted partner, specialized in company formation, corporate structuring, and compliance services. Our team of experts assists you with all your business needs and offers reliable solutions essential to scale your business in the UAE and beyond.
UK Office
Dubai Office
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