Expert Structuring Advice For Your Dubai Setup
We guide you through setting up your company, handling all necessary registrations with the relevant authorities and ministries.
Unsure whether to choose mainland or free zone? Establishing a corporate presence in Dubai requires matching your commercial model to the appropriate licensing framework. KSB Consultancy provides independent business setup advice to ensure your company is structured correctly from day one.
What Setup Actually Involves
Dubai offers entrepreneurs and international corporate groups an exceptional commercial environment. However, successfully working through the setup requirements demands careful evaluation of several structural pillars:
Licensing Authority Selection
Deciding between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland access or specialised Free Zone authorities based on operational intent.
Corporate Tax Planning
Aligning business activities with Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 to understand tax registration duties and potential exemptions early.
Operational Premises
Selecting physical offices, retail spaces or industrial units that meet regulatory standards and satisfy bank compliance checks.
Banking Readiness
Preparing shareholder background files, business plans and financial projections to meet strict anti-money laundering requirements.
Clear, Step-By-Step Execution
1. Activity Selection: Mapping your commercial model against the official UAE activity classifications to ensure full coverage.
2. Trade Name & Legal Form: Reserving a compliant business name and defining shareholding structures (LLC, Branch, or Sole Establishment).
3. Licensing & Documentation: Preparing the Memorandum of Association, securing external approvals and executing tenancy contracts (Ejari).
4. Post-Licence Operations: Opening immigration files, obtaining investor and employee residence visas, and registering for Corporate Tax.
The KSB Advantage
Choosing KSB Consultancy means working with experienced advisors who evaluate your business as a complete, ongoing entity rather than an isolated licence transaction.
Combined Leadership Experience
Our founding team brings over 20 years of combined leadership experience across taxation, audit support, banking operations and corporate governance.
Integrated Lifecycle Support
We manage your entire journey, bridging initial setup with ongoing accounting, VAT compliance and corporate finance.
Practical Problem Solving
We focus heavily on post-incorporation hurdles, including corporate bank account onboarding and regulatory filings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a Dubai mainland and free zone setup?
A mainland entity licensed by the DET can trade freely across the local UAE market and take on government contracts. A free zone company operates under a specific authority, offers simplified remote setup, but is restricted from direct mainland retail or commercial trading without a local distributor or branch setup.
Can I establish a business in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership?
Yes. The UAE Commercial Companies Law allows 100% foreign ownership for the vast majority of commercial and industrial activities on the mainland, as well as in all free zone jurisdictions.
What post-setup compliance obligations should I prepare for?
Once licensed, your company must register for UAE Corporate Tax, evaluate VAT registration thresholds, maintain proper accounting records, file Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosures, and comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations where applicable.