Dubai is well-known as a rapid growing business destination attracting tourists, visitors and entrepreneurs alike. Government policy of stimulating business activity makes starting a company here fast and hassle-free, while low taxation ensures you can keep most of the profit to yourself.

The city is dynamically evolving every day embracing new opportunities brought by the latest technologies, with population set to rise in the coming years. All this makes for a unique business environment that is open, safe and tech-friendly.

There are three possible choices for a company registration to choose from: Mainland, Free Zones, or Offshore.

A Mainland company is a standard local company type registered by Dubai Economic Department (DED), allowing activity both outside and inside Dubai without special restrictions (which may be present with Offshore or Free Zone companies).

There are hundreds of approved activities for a company to choose from. While some of them can be grouped together in one license, in other cases opening several separate companies may be required.

There are many Free Zones in Dubai, each having its own advantages & specialisations. The companies registered there do not have to pay taxes, however, they can only operate within the free zone they are registered in or outside of the UAE.

Some of Free Zones in Dubai are: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai CommerCity, Dubai Design District, Dubai Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Logistic City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Textile City, Dubai World Central (Dubai South), Dubai World Trade Centre, International Humanitarian City, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Meydan Free zone

Offshore companies get official registration in Dubai, however, they are not allowed to practice their business activities locally. Instead, their scope of operations is focused on the areas outside of their jurisdiction. Such companies can be used for privacy, tax management, corporate structuring or international trading. However, they do not allow their owners or employees to get residence in the UAE.