Dubai Business Set Up

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Got questions?

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Do I need a UAE resident visa to open a company?

Short answer: No, but it depends on how you plan to operate.

You can legally register and own a UAE free zone company without holding a UAE residence visa. Many founders start this way to test the market.

That said, you will need a residence visa if you plan to:

Live in the UAE

Open certain local bank accounts

Hire employees under your company

Sign specific long-term leases or contracts

Most free zones allow you to add a visa later, so you don’t need to commit to it on day one.

How much does it really cost to set up a free zone company?

This is the most misunderstood part of UAE business setup.

A realistic free zone setup cost usually includes:

Business license

Company registration

Establishment card

Visa allocation (even if unused)

Typical ranges:

AED 6,000 - 12,900 → License only, no visa

AED 12,000 - 18,000 → License + 1 visa

AED 18,000+ → Multiple visas or premium free zones

Be careful with headline prices. If it sounds too cheap, it often excludes visas, immigration files, or renewal costs.

Can I open a UAE bank account with a free zone company?

Yes - but this is where proper setup matters.

UAE banks assess:

Your business activity

Shareholder background

Expected transaction volume

Source of funds

Whether you hold a UAE residence visa

A correctly structured free zone company dramatically improves approval chances. Poor activity selection or rushed setups are the #1 reasons accounts get delayed or rejected.

Expect timelines of 2–6 weeks, depending on the bank and your profile.

Which free zone is best for my business?

There is no single “best” free zone - only the right one for your situation.

The correct free zone depends on:

- Your business activity

- Whether you need visas (and how many)

- Budget vs long-term plans

- Banking requirements

- Whether you’ll trade locally or internationally

Choosing the wrong free zone can lead to:

- Banking difficulties

- Higher renewal costs

- Needing to restructure later

That’s why comparison — not speed — is what actually saves money.

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info@dusetra.com
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+971 56 277 9699
+971 56 277 9699