How to Start a Business in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to choosing a jurisdiction, selecting a licence, preparing documents and completing company formation in Dubai.
Business Insights
Clear explanations, regulatory updates and actionable guides from our business setup and compliance team.
A practical step-by-step guide to choosing a jurisdiction, selecting a licence, preparing documents and completing company formation in Dubai.
Learn how to open a restaurant or cafe in Dubai, including activities, premises, Municipality layout approval, food permits, documents and setup costs.
Learn how to obtain a Dubai e-commerce licence, select activities, compare mainland and Free Zone options, prepare documents and budget for setup.
Learn which activities a Dubai professional licence can cover, ownership and legal-form considerations, documents, approvals, setup steps and cost factors.
Learn what a Dubai general trading licence covers, restricted products, mainland and Free Zone options, documents, costs, customs registration and setup steps.
Learn when a UAE company can use a flexi-desk, serviced or virtual-office package and when dedicated physical premises and Ejari are required.
Compare a Dubai branch of a foreign company with a separate UAE subsidiary across legal identity, liability, activities, documentation, tax and growth flexibility.
Understand UAE Green Visa eligibility for investors and partners, five-year benefits, required documents, application steps and key differences from other residence routes.
A practical guide to the UAE's five-year Golden Residency entrepreneur category, project evidence, valuation, endorsements and application preparation.