For Indian Founders
Business Setup in Dubai for Indian Entrepreneurs
Business setup in Dubai for Indians typically costs AED 12,500-30,000 depending on freezone or mainland, and gives Indian founders 100% ownership, a residence visa and a UAE bank account.
Business setup in Dubai for Indians is the process of forming a company, obtaining a trade licence and securing an investor visa in the UAE, and it is designed for Indian entrepreneurs, NRIs, SME owners and Indian residents who want a tax-efficient base to trade globally. A freezone company for a single owner typically costs AED 12,500-20,000 including licence and visa allocation, while a Dubai mainland LLC usually runs AED 15,000-30,000 depending on activity and visa count.
Indian nationals do not need a local partner for most activities: freezones give you 100% foreign ownership by default, and the 2021 reforms extended 100% ownership to a wide range of mainland activities too. You can set up remotely from India, keep your Indian passport, and be a shareholder without living in the UAE, though a residence visa is required if you want to open your own bank account and reside here.
DBM has helped Indian founders across Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and the Gulf form over 1,000 companies in 10+ years, holding a 4.9-star Google rating from 126 reviews. This page explains the real cost, documents, timeline and the cheapest compliant route so you can decide before you pay anything.
Why Set Up With DBM
100% Ownership
Indian founders keep full ownership in every freezone and most mainland activities, with no local sponsor needed.
From AED 12,500
Entry-level freezone packages for one Indian shareholder start around AED 12,500 including a licence and visa allocation.
Set Up From India
Company formation can be completed remotely with a Power of Attorney, so you need not fly in to start.
Investor Visa
A 2-year investor residence visa lets you sponsor family and open a personal UAE bank account.
No Office Option
Flexi-desk and shared-address packages let Indian founders get licensed without renting a physical office.
Bank Account Support
Our dedicated team prepares your file and introduces you to UAE banks that accept Indian-owned companies.
Who Is Eligible
- Indian nationals aged 18 or above holding a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- NRIs and Indian residents can both apply; UAE residence is not required to be a shareholder
- A clear description of your intended business activity from the DED or freezone activity list
- Sufficient funds to cover the licence, visa and any mandated share capital (most freezones require none paid up)
- For mainland regulated activities, relevant qualifications or approvals may be required
- No local Emirati partner is needed for freezone or 100%-ownership mainland activities
Required Documents
- Coloured passport copy of each Indian shareholder
- Passport-size photograph with white background
- Proposed company names (2-3 options) and chosen business activities
- Indian address proof such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- Entry stamp or current UAE visa page if you are already in the country
- Signed application and Power of Attorney if setting up remotely from India
- Brief business plan for certain regulated or financial activities
Step-by-Step Process
Typical timeline: 3-7 working days for the licence and 2-3 weeks for the investor visa from complete documents.
- 1
Free Consultation
We review your activity, budget and visa needs and recommend the cheapest compliant freezone or mainland route.
- 2
Choose Structure
You select freezone, mainland or offshore and reserve your trade name and activity.
- 3
Submit Documents
We prepare and file your application with the DED or freezone authority for initial approval.
- 4
Licence Issued
Your trade licence and establishment card are issued, usually within a few working days.
- 5
Visa Processing
We handle entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and residence visa stamping for you and your family.
- 6
Bank Account
Our dedicated banking team compiles your file and introduces you to suitable UAE banks.
Freezone vs Mainland for Indian Founders (2026)
| Factor | Freezone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical starting cost | AED 12,500-20,000 | AED 15,000-30,000 |
| Ownership | 100% Indian-owned | 100% for most activities |
| Local partner | Not required | Not required for most activities |
| Office requirement | Flexi-desk / no office option | Physical or shared office often needed |
| Where you can trade | Within freezone and internationally | Anywhere in the UAE market |
| Best for | Consultants, trading, e-commerce, startups | Retail, contracting, UAE government contracts |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai for Indians?
Business setup in Dubai for Indians typically costs AED 12,500-30,000 in 2026, with entry-level freezone packages from around AED 12,500 and mainland LLCs from about AED 15,000. The final figure depends on your activity, the number of visas and whether you need a physical office.
Can an Indian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, Indian citizens can own 100% of a company in Dubai in every freezone and in most mainland activities following the 2021 ownership reforms. Only a small list of strategic activities still requires an Emirati partner.
What is the cheapest business setup in Dubai for Indians?
The cheapest business setup in Dubai for Indians is usually a single-shareholder freezone licence with a flexi-desk, starting near AED 12,500 including a visa allocation. This suits consultants, traders and e-commerce founders who do not need a physical office.
Can Indians set up a business in Dubai without an office?
Yes, many Dubai freezones offer flexi-desk or shared-address packages that satisfy the legal address requirement without renting a physical office. This is the most affordable route for NRI and Indian resident founders starting out.
Do I need to travel from India to open my company?
No, Indian founders can complete most of the company formation remotely by signing documents and a Power of Attorney. You will usually need to visit Dubai once for your medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and, in some cases, in-person bank verification.
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