Starting a business in Dubai offers immense opportunities, but it requires a clear understanding of the legal landscape. This guide outlines the core legal requirements for setting up a business with a physical presence and employees in Dubai, ensuring you build your venture on a compliant foundation.
Company Structure & Jurisdiction
Choose your legal structure (e.g., Sole Establishment, LLC) and decide between a Mainland or Free Zone setup, which impacts ownership and market access.
Dubai DET Services →Trade License
Obtain a trade license from the relevant authority (e.g., DET for mainland). Your chosen business activities must be listed on this license.
Invest in Dubai Portal →Registered Physical Address (Ejari)
Mainland businesses must have a physical office space with a tenancy contract registered through the Ejari system.
Ejari Portal →Employment & Visa Compliance (MOHRE)
Adhere to UAE Labour Law, process employee visas and labour cards through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), and register with the Wage Protection System (WPS).
Visit MOHRE →Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account is mandatory for all licensed businesses in the UAE to handle transactions.
VAT Registration (FTA)
You must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) if your annual turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold of AED 375,000.
Visit FTA →Conclusion
Navigating the legal requirements is a fundamental step to successfully launching and operating a business in Dubai. While this guide covers the main pillars, regulations can be nuanced. Engaging with a professional business setup consultant is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and fully compliant process from start to finish.