Hi everyone. I’ve been seriously thinking about starting my own business in Dubai, but the whole setup process still feels a bit confusing. I’m curious - how complicated is it really to register a company there, how long does it take, and what are the main things I should prepare in advance? Also, are there any hidden costs or rules that foreigners often overlook when opening a business in Dubai? Would love to hear from those who’ve gone through it.

Hi there. I recently went through the process of opening a business in Dubai, and it’s actually more straightforward than it might seem at first. The key step is to choose the right structure - you can register an LLC, a Free Zone company, or even operate on the mainland, depending on your business goals. Free Zones are especially popular because they offer 100% foreign ownership, quick registration, and simplified visa processes. After deciding on your structure, you’ll need to select and register a trade name, get initial approval, and sign the company documents like the Memorandum of Association. You’ll also need a physical or flexi-desk office address to complete the registration. The cost depends on the type and location of the company - Free Zone licenses can start from around AED 5,700 per year, while mainland setups are usually higher. The entire process can take from a couple of days to two weeks. One big advantage is that Dubai now allows full ownership for many business types, which makes it much easier for expats. For detailed guidance, you can visit https://business-setup-u.ae/dubai/