How to Start a Business in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
To start a business in Dubai you choose a structure (free zone, mainland or offshore), confirm your activity, reserve a trade name, obtain the licence, then arrange visas, a bank account and tax registrations. Maven& handles each step and itemises the cost before you commit.
Related: Business Setup in Dubai | Business Setup Cost Calculator | Free Zone Company Formation | Mainland Company Formation
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- Your setup options
What to know about How to Start a Business
Choose the structure
Free zone suits international clients, mainland suits UAE customers, and offshore suits holding.
Confirm the activity
The activity decides the licence, approvals and cost.
Get licensed
Reserve the trade name and obtain the trade licence.
After the licence
Arrange residence visas, a bank account, corporate tax and VAT as needed.
- How it works
How to get started with Maven&
Free consultation
We review your goals, activity and budget.
Plan and quote
We recommend an option and give an itemised quote.
Prepare documents
We list and prepare the documents you need.
Apply
We submit the application and handle follow-ups.
Launch and support
We support visas, banking, accounting and compliance after launch.
What to prepare
Send us what you have and we will confirm what is missing.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- Three proposed trade names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activity
- Corporate shareholders: incorporation documents and board resolution
Talk to a Maven& consultant today
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for How to Start a Business
One dedicated consultant
One consultant coordinates your application from start to finish, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees and service fees line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Checked against official sources
We work from official government guidance and confirm current requirements before we file.
Connected services
Company formation, visas, tax, accounting and banking are handled as one coordinated plan.
- Business setup FAQs
How to Start a Business: frequently asked questions
Timing depends on the structure and activity. Some free zone licences issue within a day for eligible applications, while mainland takes longer.
Yes. Free zones and most mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership.
Not always. Some free zones allow remote setup.
A free consultation to confirm your activity, structure and budget.
Ready to get started with How to Start a Business?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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