How to Start a Business in Dubai, UAE?
Zero-Tax Business Setup For Australian Investors in the UAE
Are you an Australian entrepreneur ready for strategic global expansion? Launch your venture with 100% ownership and zero personal income tax through strategic UAE company formation.
We simplify the critical decision between Dubai Free Zone vs. Mainland setup, ensuring your business structure maximizes tax benefits and accesses global opportunities efficiently. Our experts provide end-to-end guidance on licensing, cost-optimization, and legal compliance.
-
Your Benefit: Guaranteed smooth and highly profitable Australian business setup in Dubai, reducing risk and saving on setup time.
-
Key Consideration: Navigating the regulatory differences between Mainland market access and Free Zone tax efficiency.
Complete Remote Setup Services for Australian Businesses
We specialize in fast, comprehensive company formation for Australian businesses, enabling you to enter the UAE market quickly and compliantly, without having to relocate immediately.
Our complete service packages handle every detail, providing critical support that attracts high-intent clients:
-
Remote Incorporation: Facilitate remote business setup in UAE from Australia via digital channels.
-
Corporate Banking: Guaranteed corporate bank account assistance with leading UAE financial institutions.
-
Residency: Expedited processing for your Investor Visa and residency permits.
Focus on securing new global clients and growth while our team manages the legal complexities, ensuring a rapid, successful launch for your Australian firm.
Request a personalized consultation today to secure your tax-efficient UAE structure.
Company Formation Options in UAE
Australian investors must choose the optimal jurisdiction to define their market access and tax structure. We provide expert advice on the three high-value commercial options:
Mainland (Onshore) Company Formation:
Essential for unrestricted trading and direct access to the wider UAE local market and government tenders.
Advantage: Recent FDI reforms offer up to 100% foreign ownership for most Australian-owned entities.
UAE Free Zone Company Setup:
The preferred choice for 100% foreign ownership, full tax exemption (on qualifying income), and complete profit repatriation.
Advantage: Ideal for consultants, e-commerce, and international trading businesses.
Offshore Company Incorporation:
A sophisticated solution for international asset protection, wealth management, and confidential global transactions, separating personal assets from business liabilities.
Ready to launch? Talk to our experts to secure the best license for your Australian firm and maximize your financial returns.
Why Set up a Business in Dubai, UAE?
Launching your Australian business in Dubai is simpler and more profitable than ever. New, investor-friendly rules provide Australian entrepreneurs with key advantages: guaranteed 100% foreign ownership, access to long-term investor visas, and strategically positioned Free Zones that make global expansion easy and profitable. Dubai's robust, business-friendly regulations position it as the premier choice for Australian investors seeking scale.
Dubai: Your Strategic Global Business Hub
Dubai is a major global trade and financial powerhouse, ranked an impressive 15th in the world's top business hubs. It features world-class infrastructure, a booming financial sector, and significant tax efficiency (including zero personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates).
Strategically situated between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Dubai acts as the perfect global gateway, offering Australian companies unparalleled access to international markets and facilitating rapid profit repatriation.
100% Ownership & FDI Confidence
Dubai's government has cultivated a business-friendly reputation, attracting foreign investment with game-changing reforms. The landmark Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) law (post-2018) fundamentally guarantees 100% foreign ownership for Australian businesses setting up in key sectors on the Mainland and across all Free Zones.
This policy confidence is reflected in capital flow: Dubai has attracted billions in recent FDI, cementing its status as the top destination for global and Australian business owners. Secure your fully owned, tax-efficient Dubai company formation today.
How to Start a Business in Dubai, UAE
Looking to start a business in the UAE from Australia? Now is the time. With the UAE's strong economy, investor-friendly policies, and rapid growth, more entrepreneurs are setting up businesses in Dubai and other Emirates.
Setting up a company in UAE is quick and easy. You can choose between mainland or free zone setups, both offering 0% income tax, 100% ownership, and full repatriation of profits. Free zones are more popular among Australian investors for their flexibility and ease of entry. Though the process may seem complex at first, with the right guidance, it’s simple. We help Australian business owners through every step—from choosing the right jurisdiction to getting licensed. We break it down into six simple steps to help you get started with confidence.
Choose Your Business
First step is to decide what business you want to start. This will determine the best UAE free zone for you. For Australian businesses in media, healthcare, logistics, or exports, choosing a free zone near airports or ports can be very beneficial—especially if your business involves imports and exports.
Choose your company name
Choose a company name that follows UAE naming guidelines. Avoid names that are offensive or religious and stay away from names of political groups. If you’re naming the business after a person, make sure to use the full name—no initials or abbreviations.
Fill Incorporation Papers
To register your UAE company, you’ll need documents like passport copies of shareholders, business name and activity details. Some free zones may also require a business plan or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor in Australia. Our team helps Australian entrepreneurs with this paperwork.
Get Your UAE Business License
Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your UAE business license. We’ll be in touch as soon as your documents are ready for pickup. For Australian entrepreneurs, our expertise really shines in this step.
Open a UAE Bank Account
After you’re licensed, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE. We connect Australian business owners with the best financial institutions—Emirates NBD, ADCB, and the Commercial Bank of Dubai, among them. We help you choose the right one for your business needs.
Apply for Your UAE Visa
The final step is applying for your UAE residency visa. Most free zones allow you, your employees, and your dependents. That involves an entry permit, a medical Emirates ID, and stamping. We guide Australian applicants through every step of that process to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Business Legal Structures in the UAE
Like any other country, the UAE has various business structures. Choosing the right structure is important as it affects ownership rights, liability protection, and operational capabilities in the UAE market.
Sole Proprietorship
This type of company is 100% owned by one person—meaning they control the company and the profits. All nationalities including Australian citizens can set up a sole proprietorship company in the UAE, but only UAE and GCC nationals can set up a commercial or industrial company.
Civil Company
Civil companies in the UAE can do business in certain professions like doctors, accountants, lawyers, etc. A civil company must have at least 51% of the business owned by an Emirati national. Australian professionals looking to set up in the UAE must have a local partner accordingly.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Limited Liability Company can have 2 to 50 shareholders—meaning each shareholder is liable up to their share percentage. Profits and losses are divided among shareholders based on their holding. As per UAE laws 51% must be owned by a UAE national. If there are more than 7 partners the company must have a board of directors with at least 3 shareholders.
Branch of a Foreign Company
A foreign company, including Australian entities, can set up a branch office in the UAE. In this case the company is 100% owned by the parent company. However, raw materials must be imported through a local trading company as per UAE compliance rules.
Free Zone Company
A Free Zone company can have 2 to 5 shareholders. While there are many benefits of setting up a company in UAE Free Zones—100% foreign ownership and tax benefits—Australian investors should note that these companies cannot sell to the UAE mainland market. To do so, they will need to appoint a local distributor or agent, which may impact the overall business setup plan.
Freelancers
It’s surprisingly easy to set up a freelance company in the UAE. Australian freelancers can set up in a Free Zone by submitting an application, CV, bank reference letter, and a completed Registry Identification Code Form (notarized). Once these documents are approved, you will get the freelance license and you will also be eligible to apply for UAE residence visa at this stage.
Where to Start a Business in Dubai for Australian Entrepreneurs?
Thanks to the free zones, starting a business in Dubai from Australia can take less than a week with the right guidance. Our Dubai-based company formation experts will guide you through each step of the process. Whether it’s choosing the right free zone or managing paperwork, we will ensure you are compliant and don’t face any delays. We will also coordinate with UAE government departments to prevent any issues before they arise.
Expo 2020
Although concluded, Expo 2020 has left a lasting legacy in Dubai, with over 25 million visitors and international attention on the city. This has made Dubai a hub for innovation and business, and new opportunities for Australian investors across 15+ sectors.
Long Term Visas
Dubai’s new long-term visa policies make it easier for Australian entrepreneurs and business owners to get residency. These investor-friendly regulations allow you to run your business with peace of mind and enjoy one of the most stable and secure financial environments in the world.
Silk Road Strategy
Dubai’s Silk Road Strategy aims to strengthen trade routes across Asia, Middle East, and beyond—offering a golden opportunity for Australian exporters and logistics companies. With enhanced sea and air connectivity, the city is strategically located as a gateway between Australia and global markets.
Why Choose Us
With our extensive network of contacts across government departments and free zones, we ensure your business setup journey is smooth and hassle-free.
18,000
+Global Clients
20
+Years of Experience
175
+Team of Professional
High Tech
Real Time Support
How can we help you?
Let us help! Our experienced staff and business consultants know exactly how to guide you through the UAE business setup process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Zones like Ras Al Khaimah or Ajman offer lower setup costs (AED 10,000-15,000) compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on the business activity.
Yes, all businesses, including small ones, require a license (commercial, industrial, or professional) to operate legally in the UAE.
Yes, Australians can start a business in the UAE with 100% ownership in Free Zones or through partnerships for Mainland setups, following local regulations.
Select a business type, choose a location (e.g., Free Zone), prepare a business plan, obtain a license, open a bank account, and apply for a residency visa with local support.