How to Register a Company in Dubai from India

Table of Contents

1. - Indian initiatives in Dubai
2. - Benefits of registering a company in Dubai
3. - Steps to register a company in Dubai
4. - Required documentation 
5. - Financial obligations involved 
6. - Getting assistance in setting up a new company
7. Start Your Dubai Business with  Anuvi business solucation 
8. Frequently Asked Questions 

The formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dates back to December 2, 1971, during which seven emirates were integrated under one sovereign state. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, Dubai has emerged as the most sought after city for Indian businessmen and entrepreneurs. The statistics tell a stark story of their entrepreneurship spirit, with over 30% of Dubai’s startup community comprising of Indian companies and more than 15,000 new Indian businesses registering with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Undoubtedly, Indian business owners are recognizing the potential the city offers. 

The bilateral trade between India and UAE is also witnessing a phenomenal growth, crossing $85 billion in 2022, with an aim to reach $100 billion by 2030. This robust economic relationship facilitates Indian entrepreneurs in setting up businesses in Dubai.

The question is: why does Dubai serve as an international business hub for Indian entrepreneurs? The answer is straightforward: 0% personal income tax, foreign ownership of 100% in Free Zones, and an intersectional hub between Asia, Europe and Africa.

Nevertheless, establishing a company in Dubai from India requires various procedures, such as selecting the appropriate business model, obtaining the necessary approvals, and filling out the forms. That said, in this post, we will guide you on the complete process of registering a company in Dubai from India.  

Why Establish a Company in Dubai from India?  

Below are some of the best reasons as to why one would start a company in Dubai from India:  

1. Robust trade relations between India and the UAE  

UAE ranks high in the list of trading partners for India. There are targets to increase the non-oil business trade to stand at $100 billion by 2030, resulting in more business opportunities. The deal of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) between India and UAE offers eases to trade and is good for business.  

2. 100% foreign ownership and business beneficial policies  

Indian’s are able to fully own their businesses in Dubai Free Zones. There is no personal income tax at all in UAE, and low amount of corporate tax (9% for businesses making more than AED 375,000 annual profits). There is also ease and speed in registering for a business with little documentation needed.  

3. There is a huge amount of export workers and people in the country as well as consumers.  

There are more than 4.5 million people of Indian origin living in UAE which serves as the best customer base for Indian businesses.

Having individuals from more than two hundred countries contributes to Dubai’s population diversity and allows businesses to cater to a global clientele.   

4. Profits Easily Repatriated and No Currency Restrictions

Profits can easily be transferred back to India due to lack of exchange controls in UAE; Indian business owners can freely repatriate funds and profits, as there are no constraints.   

5. Protection of Legal Rights and Intellectual Property Strong

Businesses trademarks, patents, copyright, and other spheres of intellectual property face minimal threats due to Dubai’s strict IP legislation. Risks of fraud and disputes are mitigated due to the UAE’s transparent, well structured and regulated business environment.   

6. Business Expanding & Scaling Growth Opportunities Perfect For

Following establishment, businesses can increase their operations into various other regions spanning Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Businesses are able to optimize their online presence unrestricted by location through the city’s advanced digital infrastructure and booming e-commerce sector.  

How to register a companies in India step-by step Rippon Dubai through UAE

Following legal guidelines and thorough planning makes initiating a business in Dubai from India an effortless endeavor.  

Find below the simplified process of company registration in Dubai from India:  

1. Selecting Your Business activity

The most critical component is defining the business activity when it comes to the first step towards achieving industry objectives.

Dubai is open to more than 2000 business activities, which can be summarized as the following:  

Commercial Activities (Business of imports or exports, trade, and retail)  
  
Professional Activities (A broad spectrum including IT services, marketing, consulting, education, etc.)  
  
Industrial Activities (Refers to Businesses engaged in manufacturing, logistics, and production)  
  
Tourism Activities (Businesses of travel agencies, tour operators, hotels)  
  
2. Select Your Business Structure  
  
Dubai provides various types of business structures that differ in terms of the possibilities of ownership, flexibility, liability, and operations.  

A. Company in the Mainland (choice for businesses intending to operate anywhere in Dubai & UAE).  

A business known as a mainland company has a license issued by Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). This allows businesses to operate is UAE and outside. If your intention is to serve clients within UAE and you want an unlimited quota of visas, then the choice is made.  

More Structures of Business for the Mainland  

LLC (Limited Liability Company)  
  
This is the most common structure for trading & service businesses.  

It is composed Of at least 2 shareholders and at most 50.  

Their liability is limited to every shareholder’s contribution.  

Can engage in commercial, industrial, and professional activities.  

Sole proprietorship  
  
A type of business owned by one person.  

Best suited for consultants, professional, and freelancers.  

Holds complete liability for debts incurred by the business.  

Branch of a foreign company  
  
A foreign company can establish a 100 percent owned branch within Dubai Mainlands.  

Such a branch can carry out activities that are identical to that of its parent company.

Exceptions cannot own any shares but Require a Local Service Agent (LSA).  

Civil Company  

Fit for Lawyers, Doctors, Accountants and Professionals.  

Professionals are 100% owners, but may need a local service agent (LSA) for administrative functions.  

No liability cap (the owners take on personal responsibility).  

B. Free Zone Company  (Caters for 100% foreign ownership & tax incentives)  

A company set up in a Free Zone operates within certain geographical zones under the supervision of particular Free Zone authorities. They are perfect for import/export companies, e-commerce businesses, consultancy, and tech start-ups.  

Free Zone Business Structures

1. FZE (Free Zone Establishment)  
2. A company with one shareholder.  
3. Great fit for sole traders & freelancers.  
4. LLC-Free Zone  

A Limited Liability Company in the Free Zone.  

1. Allows full ownership without liability.  
2. FZCO (Free Zone Company)  
3. Permits multiple shareholders (2 or more).  
4. Good for partnerships and startups in growth stage.  

C. Offshore Company (Best suited for international business & asset protection)  

Deals with entities registered outside the UAE for the purpose of offering tax advantages and anonymity. They are restricted from conducting business within the UAE. Offshore companies are suitable for investors, holding companies, and businesses dealing with international trade.  

3. Register Your Business Name  

Select a name that is not the same as any other business in the UAE and gets the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) along with a relevant Free Zone authority’s approval considering the company name guidelines (no offensive words, religious, or political phrases).

1. Naming Guidelines:  
2. No words that can be deemed offensive or religious.  
3. No names should imitate existing brands.  

Refrain from using abbreviations if you’re naming the business after an individual e.g. “Rajesh Trading LLC” not “R.T LLC”.  

All ends with an appropriate legal entity like  LLC, FZE, FZCO.  

4. Identify Your Business Location  

Your business location depends on your chosen jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone or Offshore) Available Options for Business Location:  

1. Mainland: Must have a physical office or workspace.  
2. Free Zone: Has flexi-desks, shared offices, or full-on private offices.  
3. Offshore: No physical office is needed.  
4. The Free Zones have some provisions for virtual offices that lower the setup costs.  

5. Apply for a Business License  

After determining your business activity and business location, apply for a relevant business license with the appropriate authority. The time it takes to process all varies, although some Free Zones do provide licenses in a span of 24-48 hours.  

What Business Licenses Exist in Dubai?  

Commercial License (applicable for trading, general trading, retail businesses etc.)  

Professional License (for service based businesses eg. IT, consulting etc.)  

Industrial License (for manufacturing and production businesses).  

Tourism License (travel agencies, hotels and tour operator).  

6. Visa Arrangements for Investors and Employees  

Following the registration of your company, one of the most critical steps you need to take is arranging the visas for yourself, your employees, and any dependents you wish them to nominate.

Dubai grants an investor visa, an employee visa, or a dependent visa all with unique eligibility criteria for each one.   

This procedure encompasses various actions like applying for a sponsorship, submitting relevant documents, and undergoing a medical and/or criminal background examination. 

7. Obtaining an Emirates ID 

An Emirates ID is a compulsory identification card for each resident of the UAE. After securing your residence visa, apply for an Emirates ID with the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICP). 

Prerequisites: 

Copy of Part of the Passport

Copy of Residence Visa

Copy of the Business License 

Fingerprints of Biometric Skin

8. Open a UAE Bank Account 

For the purpose of business transactions, it is necessary to have a corporate account in the UAE. 

In Dubai, the Most Popular Banks for Business Accounts Include:

Emirates NBD 

Mashreq Bank 

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)

9. Develop an Accounting and Bookkeeping System

Having proper financial records is required to comply with UAE’s VAT and Corporate Tax policies. 

Primary Accounting & Tax Compliance obligations: 

CPU should apply for VAT registration if their yearly turnover crosses AED 375,000. 

Cross the limit of earning AED 375,000 annually for Corporate Tax Compliance. 

Financial audits (compulsory for Free Zone and big enterprises). 

Working with a specialist in business setup likeAnuvi business solucation Business Setup can ease the process for quick approvals and straightforward registrations.

Required Documentation for Indian Nationals Looking to Start a Business in Dubai

When Indian nationals are applying for the DED trade license, the following documents will be needed for completion:

Photos (passport size) of the applicant for company registration

Completed application form

Visa copies if the applicant is already in UAE

All participants passports for identity confirmation

Copy of the LSA’s emirates ID if one was issued

Proposed name(s) of the company

Company MoA and LSA documents (notarized and attested)

Tourist visa for company registration applicant

Barns Ejari number for cross-checking the rental space agreement/ Business Centre sustainability contract

External approvals (if applicable)

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor if provided

Bank reference article

How Much Does It Cost an Indian National To Register a Company in Dubai?

The registration cost for Dubai is approximately AED 12,500 to AED 30,000 depending on the business activity and structure set up. Indian entrepreneurial ventures in Dubai will incur expenses between 2.85 to 6.85 lakh rupees, further changes may come depending on location. Additional costs such as visa charges, notarization, government approvals, and bank account setup can accumulate quickly.

For efficient and less expensive means of international business registration, Dubai Free Zones offer flexible and tax beneficial solutions alongside full ownership models.

To avoid problems and cut costs, partnering with a business setup consultant such as Anuvi business solucation Business Setup guarantees that registration will be done accurately and conveniently.  

Begin Your Dubai Business Ventures With Anuvi business solucation

There are several advantages to starting a business in Dubai from India such as complete ownership, no taxation, and tapping into international markets. The process is simple, but paperwork and legal processes can be complex without sufficient guidance.  

That is whereAnuvi business solucation Business Setup comes in! With over 25 years of expertise, we have made company registrations in Dubai easy and worry-free. We take care of business licensing, documentation, PRO services, office space, opening bank accounts, and processing visas so you can concentrate on scaling your business.  

Looking to get started? Reach out to Anuvi business solucation  and receive expert direction and a complimentary consultation.  

Most Common Questions  

Is it possible to register a Dubai company from India without traveling to the UAE?  

Absolutely; Anuvi business solucation Business Setup can guide you through the process remotely. Some administrative steps may require in-person attendance.  

What businesses can I operate in Dubai as an Indian national?  

As an Indian national, you can operate a variety of businesses in Dubai such as trading, e-commerce, offering professional services, and tech startups, and many more.

Your business activities determine the type of license you will obtain.

Can I own 100% of my company in Dubai?

Yes, 100% ownership is permitted in Free Zones and for many mainland business activities under the new regulations.

How long does it take to register a company in Dubai from India?

Everything ranges anywhere between 5 to 10 days, depending on specifics like business activity and necessary approvals.

Do I need to pay corporate tax in Dubai?

Corporate tax is applicable if net earnings exceed AED 375,000 per year, which is subject to a 9% tax. A number of Free Zones provide tax exemption benefits.

How much does it cost to register a company in Dubai from India?

The pricing falls in the range of AED 12,500 and AED 30,000 (₹2.85 Lakh to ₹6.85 lakh) based on the business and its location.