Starting a Business in the UAE: A Practical Guide from Mosaic Chambers Group
May 28, 2025
Thinking of setting up your business in Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational businesses. With its business-friendly environment, strong legal framework, and strategic location, the UAE offers the ideal conditions for companies looking to launch or grow their operations in the Middle East and beyond.
Strategic Global Access
Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE offers excellent connectivity to over 2 billion consumers and access to fast-growing global markets.
Favourable Tax Policies
The UAE has no personal income tax and a low 9% corporate tax (only applicable to profits over AED 375,000), making it a highly tax-efficient base for international businesses.
Robust Infrastructure
From modern airports and ports to advanced telecommunications and transport systems, the UAE offers everything needed for smooth business operations.
Flexible Company Structures
Choose between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore setups, depending on your business model, ownership preferences, and target market.
Key Steps to Start a Business in the UAE
1. Define Your Business Activity
Your chosen activity determines which licences and approvals are needed. Some sectors, such as financial services or education, require additional authorisation from regulatory bodies.
2. Choose the Right Business Structure
Choosing the right business structure in the UAE is essential because it sets the foundation for how your company operates, grows, and complies with local laws. The structure you select affects everything from ownership rights and liability to tax efficiency and the ability to trade or raise capital. With the UAE offering various options tailored to different business needs, getting it right from the start can save time, reduce risk, and support long-term success.
3. Mainland vs Free Zone
- Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE and with government entities.
- Free zone companies enjoy tax benefits and 100% repatriation of profits, but if a freezone company is seeking market entry into mainland UAE, you would need to consider a restructuring.
Business Setup Process: Step-by-Step
- Select Your Activity – Choose from a list of permitted activities that align with your goals.
- Reserve a Business Name – Must follow UAE naming rules and avoid restricted terms.
- Get Initial Approvals – From the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your chosen free zone authority.
- Draft the MoA (Memorandum of Association) – Required for LLCs; outlines ownership, structure, and responsibilities.
- Secure Office Space – This is mandatory for most businesses. Free zones may offer co-working or virtual office options.
- Apply for a Trade Licence – Based on your activity: Commercial, Industrial, or Professional.
- Register the Company – Submit final documents to the relevant authority.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account – Required to legally operate and receive payments.
- Apply for Visas – For owners, employees, and dependents.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
- VAT Registration – Required for businesses earning over AED 375,000 per year.
- Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) – Applies to specific sectors and requires companies to show they have substantial operations in the UAE.
- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and AML Compliance – Businesses must maintain transparent ownership records and follow anti-money laundering regulations.
Beyond Setup: What Else to Consider
Hiring & Workforce Planning
Mainland companies must comply with Emiratisation quotas in certain industries. All employers must issue legal contracts, offer medical insurance, and follow UAE labour laws.
Cultural Awareness
Strong personal relationships and respect for Islamic values are key to doing business in the UAE. Observing local customs will help build trust and long-term partnerships.
Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
Registering your brand, trademarks, and IP rights with the Ministry of Economy is essential for protecting your business assets.
Access to Funding
The UAE offers a wide range of funding solutions, from government grants and incubators to VC firms and SME loan schemes.
Regional and Global Expansion
Once you’re established in the UAE, expansion into GCC countries and global markets is seamless thanks to the UAE’s extensive trade networks and logistics infrastructure.
Why Choose Mosaic Chambers Group?
At Mosaic Chambers Group, we do more than set up companies — we provide end-to-end support for entrepreneurs, investors, and established businesses. Whether you’re setting up in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or across borders, we’re by your side every step of the way.
What Makes Us Different?
Global Reach
With operational hubs in Dubai and the UK, we offer relocation and corporate services that extend well beyond the UAE, supporting clients in global markets.
More Than a Setup Company
Company formation is only one part of our work. We deliver aftercare, compliance monitoring, visa processing, strategic advisory, and personalised relocation support.
Trusted Long-Term Partners
Our clients enjoy a dedicated advisor and single point of contact — someone invested in their long-term success, not just their initial launch.
Unmatched Quality of Advice
Others may advertise the lowest setup costs. But low prices often mean low-quality support. Our advice is thorough, strategic, and built to save you from costly mistakes and delays.
At Mosaic Chambers Group, we support clients across borders—not only in the UAE, but around the world. With hubs in both Dubai and the UK, our relocation and corporate services extend globally, making us the trusted partner for businesses serious about long-term growth. Get in touch below to find out more.
Discover how to apply for a UAE Partner Visa and prepare for relocation to Dubai. Expert tax, company setup, property, and wealth support from Mosaic Chambers Group.
Who Are the HENRYs? HENRYs—an acronym for High Earners, Not Rich Yet—represent individuals or households with substantial incomes but little net wealth or savings. HENRYs typically earn between $250,000 and $500,000, yet struggle to build significant wealth due to high expenses and obligations In the UK context, HENRYs generally earn over £100,000, but find themselves stretched thin by rising costs, taxes, and societal expectations A detailed view highlights the paradox: high salaries masked by minimal savings, persistent debt, and heavy financial responsibilities, making many HENRYs still feel like they’re living paycheck to paycheck “Despite earning salaries over £100,000 … many Britons — now dubbed ‘Henrys’ … are struggling financially.” Times Why It’s Difficult Being a HENRY in the UK Punitive Tax Structures Earning over £100,000 results in the gradual loss of personal allowance, leading to marginal tax rates up to 60–71%, when combined with national insurance and student loan repayments Loss of Family Benefits Crossing income thresholds often disqualifies HENRYs from benefits like tax-free childcare, further increasing household costs Lifestyle Creep & High Fixed Costs Many HENRYs live in high-cost areas, shoulder big mortgages or rent, pay for childcare, and support family members. These pressures leave little room for savings or investments Five Practical Fixes for HENRYs 1. Set Clear Financial Goals Define short- and long-term objectives (e.g. early retirement, buying property, relocation) to guide your financial decisions 2. Track and Control Expenses Use budgeting tools or spreadsheets to identify unnecessary spending and reinforce disciplined financial habits 3. Automate Savings & Investments Automating transfers to savings, ISAs, or pensions ensures consistent wealth-building, even without active effort 4. Proactive Tax Planning Work with advisers to reduce tax liabilities through pension contributions, ISAs, or bespoke strategies. This can keep more income working for you 5. Seek Professional Advice Financial planners can help HENRYs manage complexity—pension strategies, legacy planning, investment advice, and global mobility for expatriates Is Relocating Abroad the Solution? For HENRYs, moving abroad may offer a chance to stretch income further, but it comes with pros and cons. Advantages Tax incentives and lower cost of living in destinations like Portugal, UAE, or Singapore could improve saving potential and lifestyle quality. Expat financial services and advisers specialise in tax optimisation, wealth protection, and cross-border planning Considerations Visa and residency costs, potential language or cultural barriers, and the need for local compliance can complicate relocation. Healthcare, schooling, and lifestyle preferences may vary dramatically by country. Not every foreign jurisdiction offers strong pension or investment environments suited to long-term planning. For those favouring staying in the UK, cost-of-living pressures and high taxation can still be mitigated with proactive wealth strategies and advisory support. Final Thoughts Being a HENRY doesn’t mean you’re on a clear path to wealth, even with a six-figure income. The combination of high taxes, lifestyle demands, and complex financial obligations means smart planning is vital. Whether you choose to stay in the UK or explore opportunities abroad, your focus should be on building wealth, not just earning. Take action today: define your goals, track your spending, automate your savings, plan your taxes, and seek expert guidance. Feeling like a HENRY? High salary, but wealth isn’t growing? Our global advisers can help, whether you want to stay in the UK with smarter tax and wealth strategies or explore relocation options abroad for lower taxes and a better lifestyle.