Dubai is an economic powerhouse and a global business hub, offering a strategic location, attractive tax policies, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Businesses benefit from 0% personal income tax, access to a diverse, skilled workforce, and streamlined processes for setting up operations. The UAE’s strong economic stability and business-friendly environment also make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and corporations looking to expand.

Additionally, Dubai’s location between Europe, Asia, and Africa provides access to major global markets, making it a preferred choice for trade, e-commerce, and services. Aston Advisory ensures a smooth business setup experience, helping you capitalize on Dubai’s unique advantages.

Mainland Companies: Mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors without the need for a local sponsor. This makes mainland setups ideal for businesses targeting the UAE market.


Free Zone Companies: Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified import/export processes. However, they can only conduct business within the free zone or internationally unless partnered with a mainland distributor.

Aston Advisory helps you decide between mainland and free zone setups based on your goals, industry, and operational needs.

Starting a business in Dubai involves a structured yet straightforward process:

• Prepare Documents: Submit necessary paperwork, such as passport copies, trade name reservations, and business activity details.
• Apply for Business License: Choose the correct license type (trade, professional, or industrial) based on your business activity.
• Secure Visas: Apply for investor visas, employee visas, and Emirates IDs if required.
• Open a Business Bank Account: Establish a corporate account to manage business finances.

Aston Advisory manages all these steps on your behalf, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and minimal delays.

The cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies depending on the business type, location (mainland or free zone), and the number of visas required. On average, costs can range between AED 15,000 to AED 50,000. Free zone companies often offer affordable packages for startups, while mainland setups require a slightly larger investment.

At Aston Advisory, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring your setup aligns with your budget and goals. We provide customized solutions that give you the best value for your investment.

The timeline to set up a business in Dubai typically ranges from 7 to 14 business days, depending on the business structure, location, and documentation. Free zones tend to offer faster approvals, while mainland companies may require additional steps, such as local government approvals.

Aston Advisory streamlines the process by managing all paperwork, liaising with authorities, and ensuring compliance, allowing you to launch your business without delays.

As of June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. This aligns the UAE with global tax practices while maintaining its competitive edge as a low-tax jurisdiction. Key highlights include:

• Businesses earning below AED 375,000 remain exempt, supporting startups and SMEs.
• Companies operating in free zones still enjoy 0% tax, provided they meet specific conditions, such as conducting business outside the UAE mainland.

Aston Advisory helps businesses navigate the new tax regulations, ensuring compliance while optimizing tax strategies to minimize liabilities and maintain profitability.

Previously, mainland businesses required a local sponsor who would hold 51% ownership of the company. However, recent reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership in many industries and sectors, removing the need for a local sponsor in most cases.

If your business still requires local sponsorship, Aston Advisory provides reliable nominee sponsorship services.
Our solutions ensure you retain full operational and financial control while complying with UAE laws.