Moving to Dubai - Company Formation and Visa

We help you establish your company in Dubai – so you avoid costly mistakes and wasted time.

Do you want to start a company in Dubai?

Are you considering moving to Dubai? We can help you get a visa for Dubai (residence visa).

There are different ways to get a residence visa for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This can be through your employer (there are a number of Danish companies in Dubai), through the purchase of a luxury property or by establishing a company in Dubai.

We primarily assist with establishing a company in Dubai for our clients and the tasks related to this, with a view to obtaining a so-called residence visa for Dubai. This visa gives the holder the right to live in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.

If you are a large or medium-sized Danish company that wants to start a branch or establish a company in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, we are also happy to assist with the establishment of this.

How do you set up a company in Dubai?

From a Danish perspective, the process is quite bureaucratic, and it is difficult to find information about the individual steps and their order when considering moving to Dubai.

Before you start applying, you should be aware that you can generally only obtain a residence permit in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates if you are not wanted by Interpol and do not suffer from selected infectious diseases, such as HIV and infectious pneumonia.

When you set up a company in Dubai, you have to fill out a number of forms and send a large number of documents to the authorities. In addition, you have to go through various investigations in order to be able to obtain a visa for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

If you have not tried the process before, the process is very confusing and frustrating. The free zones are bad at explaining the process and what they want from the individual applicant. For example, you often risk waiting for them, even though they are actually waiting for the applicant to take the next step. It also happens that the process stalls due to a situation that the free zone expects you to resolve yourself without their assistance. That is why there are also many free zones where you can only establish a company through an authorized consultant.

If you want our assistance in moving to Dubai, it is basically done by establishing a company in Dubai. We will fill out all the application forms for you, send you an overview of all the steps in the application process and generally guide you through the entire process.

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In addition, we ensure that you get a license that suits the type of business you want to run. It is important that you choose the right license, as in the worst case, you will not be able to use the license you get to run your business if you have chosen the wrong one. In addition, you can be fined for running a business that does not correspond to your license. Choosing the wrong license can also mean that you will not be able to get a bank account for your company.

You can then let the company employ you, which gives you the right to live in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates. There are generally three main groups within which you can establish a company in the United Arab Emirates. Consultancy, service and trading. In addition, you must choose whether you want a mainland company or a free zone company when you want to establish a company in Dubai.

What we help with

Choosing the right business type

Choosing the right industry code

Simplifying the process

Bank account creation

UAE and DK tax optimization

Compliance with local regulations for business owners

How long does it take?

It is of course difficult to say exactly how long the bureaucratic process of setting up a company in Dubai and applying for a visa to Dubai takes. But a rough estimate is 2-3 weeks, provided that you have your own papers ready. If you are very busy, we have VIP solutions, which means that you can get your company and your visa in 7-10 days.

The time estimate above is of course just based on our experience with the process. This is not a guarantee, and as a general rule in the Middle East, you should be prepared to be patient, although the processing of visas to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates can generally be considered quite efficient depending on local conditions.

During periods during Ramadan, processing times can be longer. Furthermore, there are a number of local holidays and public holidays, which can also delay the process. If the photos that need to be submitted to the authorities do not meet the authorities' requirements, this can also delay the process.

Once the company is established, it must be renewed every year, which is a somewhat smoother and faster process than incorporation. A visa to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, is usually valid for 2 years, after which it must be renewed separately.

Friis Legal makes complex processes simple so you can focus on your business and your life in Dubai

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?

It is not easy to say exactly how much it costs to move to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

This is partly because there are several ways to do this, and partly because prices and local regulations can change more dynamically than you are used to from Denmark.

To give an indication of the price level, it can be stated that the cheapest types of companies that allow you to issue a visa typically cost around 35-50,000 DKK. In addition, you must add the price of the visa, which costs around 10,000 DKK.

After you have had the company for a year, you will need to renew the company's license, which is usually a little cheaper than the foundation itself. Your residence visa to Dubai must only be renewed after 2 years.

Of course, we make sure to find the company form that best suits your needs while ensuring that the price of the solution is competitive. In this regard, we can mention that we can secure you smaller discounts from the authorities, as we often establish companies for clients.

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How can we help you?

As previously stated, our main service is to assist you in setting up a company in Dubai, as well as assistance in obtaining a visa for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. We can also ensure that you get a bank account in Dubai for your company, which can be very difficult to obtain on your own.

We differ from other providers in that the process is carried out in Danish and that we can advise on important legal matters that apply when owning a company in Dubai. As lawyers, we are also experts in finding a solution that takes into account your tax and corporate law matters in Denmark. Furthermore, we are not greater than that all customers are important to us, where when using local providers you can often experience being forgotten after the payment has been made.

Finally, we have a licensed accountant who can handle all your bookkeeping in Dubai. You are required to have accessible bookkeeping in Dubai, so it is good to have someone take care of it so you don't have to pay unnecessary fines.

Upon request, we can also provide advice on purchasing a home in Dubai (we regularly advise Danes on purchasing a home in Dubai). We have a collaboration with a skilled real estate agent in Dubai, where we can review all the documents of the case free of charge when you buy a home in Dubai through this real estate agent in Dubai.

In addition, we can also help with tax matters in connection with moving to Dubai from Denmark and employment law matters, for example if you have a spouse who is to be employed by a company in Dubai.

As previously mentioned, we can help you open a bank account in Dubai for you and your company. Unfortunately, banks are a bit cautious about opening accounts for new companies, but we have always succeeded in opening a bank account in Dubai for our customers, as we have a partnership with a number of local banks.

In connection with the establishment of the company, we can also give you advice on practical matters regarding life in Dubai. For example, we have prepared a guide to Dubai, which can help you get a good start on your stay. The guide contains, among other things, a description of the local rules in Dubai, which it is important to be aware of. We have a good knowledge of these rules and have therefore been interviewed by Danish television in connection with the Elvira Pitzner case.

Contact us today for a short, non-binding conversation about the possibilities and costs of moving to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Company formation in Dubai

As mentioned under “Visa to Dubai”, we help many clients establish companies in Dubai.

Our clients usually choose to move to Dubai to establish a company in Dubai for the following reasons:

  • There is no income or capital tax in Dubai
  • There is a large market in services, real estate, shipping, the entertainment industry and the beauty industry.
  • Dubai is strategically located in relation to many markets, and it is easy to get there from Dubai International Airport.
  • The climate is very pleasant for much of the year, and there are many entertainment options.
 

We have extensive knowledge of the different company forms in Dubai, which differ significantly from the Danish company forms. It is therefore essential that you receive advice on the choice of company form and free zone in which the company should be located before you start the process. If you choose the wrong company form, you risk, for example, that you are not allowed to sell your services in Dubai, that the companies you are going to sell to will not do business with you, or that you cannot get a bank account for your company in Dubai.

We also specialize in VAT regulations and the regulations regarding the 9% corporate tax, which will be introduced as of June 1, 2023. It is particularly important to get expert advice regarding the latter, as with the right advice you can minimize or avoid having to pay corporate tax. We can help you with this, as we have a licensed accountant who can handle your bookkeeping in Dubai.

In addition, we have the opportunity to give you a discount on your hotel stays in Dubai, so you can keep costs down when you are setting up in Dubai. We can also give you a guide to Dubai in Danish, which will make it a little easier for you to settle in.

Below is an overview of the most important company forms and an explanation of what a free zone is.

Ready to set up your business in Dubai with zero income tax? Get expert guidance on company formation and tax optimization

Our process

How we make it easy for you
1

Non-binding introductory conversation

We start with a short conversation to present our services.

2

Online counseling session

We will answer your questions at an online consultation meeting.

3

Written offer

The offer contains a package of the services we can offer you, as well as a price.

4

Execution of the task

Once the agreement has been made, we will start the process of establishing your company and the other services that we have agreed to provide.

Ready to take advantage of Dubai's business-friendly environment? Our experts will guide you through every step of the setup process

Why start a company in Dubai?

No income or capital tax

Large growing market

Strategic geographic location

Attractive lifestyle and climate

Stability and modern infrastructure

What our customers say

Flytte til Dubai

“Friis Legal made the whole process completely seamless. I could focus on my business.”

Daniel Madsen
Selskab i Dubai

“Fantastic guidance and support throughout the entire establishment.”

Mads Glaesel Pedersen
Stifte selskab i Dubai

“Professional handling of all legal aspects.”

Jesper Kruger Henriksen

Read more about the different company types

Realize your business dreams in Dubai's dynamic and thriving market Our team makes business formation simple, fast and hassle-free

Frequently asked questions

Typically 1 week from the time we have received all the information and the correct documents from you.

Not to start your company.

If you need a residence visa, you must visit Dubai to complete the application process.

Prices vary depending on the type of business, location and number of visas. Contact us for an accurate quote.

Buying a home in Dubai is very attractive, as it is easy to rent out the home at a high rent due to the many tourists who visit Dubai. In recent years, homes in Dubai have also experienced a sharp increase in value as Dubai becomes an increasingly popular place to live. You can therefore use the apartment in Dubai as a holiday home as well as a rental business.

If you want to buy or rent a home in Dubai, we have a skilled licensed real estate agent who can help you find the right home. It is always a good idea to look up your real estate agent in Dubai so that you do not risk using an unauthorized real estate agent, which can cause problems. You can look them up via this link:

https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/licensed-real-estate-brokers/licensed-real-estate-brokers-list/#/

If you buy a property through our real estate agent in Dubai, we can review the transaction documents for you and answer any questions you may have regarding the transaction at no charge. This gives you a high degree of certainty that you have not overlooked anything important in the transaction without it costing you extra.

You can get it through employment with an employer in Dubai. However, you can also get a visa for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates by investing in the country. The cheapest and most common way to invest in the country is by setting up a company in Dubai.

When you have a visa through your own company, you decide when your visa should be cancelled (your visa will be cancelled at relatively short notice if you are terminated from your employment in Dubai). You can also give visas to friends, family and employees through your company.

Dubai is a dream destination for many because of the pleasant climate, the many beaches and attractions. However, it is important to be aware that there are some rules and laws in Dubai that differ from those we have in Denmark.

The Elvira Pitzner case, which we have, among other things, spoken out about (https://ekstrabladet.dk/underholdning/dkkendte/advokat-om-elvira-der-kan-gaa-op-til-en-maaned/10054185), is a good example of.

If you are aware of a few important rules in Dubai, you would have to be very unlucky to end up in a similar situation. It is very rare for Danes to get into trouble because they do not comply with the special Muslim rules that we do not have in Denmark. Below is a short list of the most important rules:

  • Sex outside of marriage is illegal in Dubai (however, it requires a report before the police investigate a case and there must be compelling evidence of sex outside of marriage before one can be convicted of this. The Elvira Pitzner case is therefore quite unique)
  • You are not allowed to swear or make offensive gestures, such as giving someone the finger in Dubai. You are also not allowed to insult someone in writing, such as calling them a thief or a liar. (Unlike sex outside of marriage, people are regularly fined for breaking this rule.)
  • It is also not allowed to be drunk in public, or openly drink alcohol on the streets in Dubai (In practice, it can only cause problems if you are heavily intoxicated and insult a local while drunk)

We have created a comprehensive guide with a number of additional rules for all our customers on the most important rules to be aware of when living in Dubai. In addition, we provide general guidance to our customers regarding the rules to be especially aware of in Dubai.

It is not a legal requirement that the advisor you use to set up your company in Dubai is a lawyer.

However, it may be a good idea to use a lawyer who has insight into the rules in Dubai when setting up a company in Dubai, as the rules are significantly different than in Denmark. You may risk not being able to use the company if the company is not set up correctly, which is difficult to understand if you have not tried it before.

Your residence visa will be cancelled if you stay outside Dubai for more than 180 consecutive days. This means you can stay in Dubai for 2 days in a year and still retain your residence visa for Dubai.

It is difficult to answer briefly. Overall, you can say that it is a bit like living in Singapore, but with a Middle Eastern touch. The environment is very international.

We work with a skilled real estate agent in Dubai who can find the right area for you and in the Facebook group “Flyt til Dubai” you can read more about what it is like to live in Dubai: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flyttetildubai

Yes, you generally do not need to travel to Dubai to set up a company in Dubai. However, you do need to travel to Dubai to complete the visa process if you want to get a residence visa for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

It depends on your personal circumstances. However, you can terminate your tax liability to Denmark if you wish by moving to Dubai. If you are interested in getting assistance in getting a handle on your tax liability to Denmark when you move to Dubai, please write to us at: contact@friislegal.dk

In 2019, Dubai was the 58th most expensive city in the world (measured by cost of living) according to The National. For the most part, the city offers relatively good value for money. For example, it is 28% cheaper than New York. The overall price level is about the same as in Denmark. Transport and services are cheaper, while rent and alcohol are more expensive.

However, there is a tendency for people who move to Dubai to go out more because of the good weather and therefore spend more money than they did in Denmark. Considering that you don’t pay taxes in Dubai, people often don’t think it’s expensive to live in Dubai.

The duration of the process depends on several factors, and it is therefore not possible to say exactly how long the process will take. For example, the process will be extended if the process takes place at a time when there are many local holidays. Normally, however, the company can be established in 7-10 days from the day we have received all the documents and information from you.

The visa process can be completed in approximately 10-18 days if the process is carried out without delay. However, the duration of the process also depends to a large extent on how quickly you send us the documents and information that we need. The authorities’ processing times also vary. It is therefore not uncommon for the process to sometimes take up to 5 weeks.

Dubai attracts expats from all over the world, with more than 200,000 expats moving to Dubai each year. While some may find the rent levels a bit high, the wide range of attractive housing options, the warm climate, high wages and low taxes motivate many people to move to Dubai and live the expat lifestyle.

The opportunity to play golf, paddle tennis, tennis and swim in the sea all year round is particularly attractive to many expats. Dubai also offers a wide range of restaurants, cinemas, bars and nightclubs. There are approximately 6,000 Danes living in Dubai. For the same reason, there are several Danish businesses and associations in Dubai.

There are a number of well-known Danish companies in Dubai, including: Carlsberg, Novo Nordisk, DSV, Arla Foods, Danfoss, Coloplast, Ecco, Falck, Grundfos, Maersk and Pandora.

Yes, we can also help you establish a company in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a rapidly growing market after they have greatly relaxed the rules for foreigners who want to do business in Saudi Arabia.

We work together with some local experts in Saudi Arabia and can thus ensure that you get the right solution when you choose to establish a company in Saudi Arabia.

However, it should be noted that it requires significantly more capital to establish a company in Saudi Arabia compared to Dubai.

It depends on the type of business you are going to run in Dubai. In most cases, there is no requirement to rent an office beyond the office space that is included in the price of your company.

Yes, it is possible to get a bank account in Dubai for your company. However, it can be difficult if you have not tried it before, as the banks place emphasis on a wide range of special circumstances, and it can be difficult to explain an “incorrect” answer once it has been given.

However, we can help with an introduction to selected banking advisors, and if you need further assistance, we also have a special service where we handle the opening of a bank account in Dubai.

It varies from free zone to free zone, but usually a maximum of 6 or 10 visas per company.

Just like in Denmark, there are a number of laws and regulations that companies must comply with in Dubai, although the number of regulations is significantly smaller. We familiarize our clients with the most important regulations as part of the service in connection with the establishment of a company.

Yes, Dubai is one of the easiest places in the world to find investors who want to invest in businesses. We have a partnership with the UAE Government which means that our clients can get free help and advice from local experts to raise capital for their business.

It can be difficult to enter the local market in Dubai if you don’t have the right contacts. Fortunately, we have a close collaboration with the UAE Government, which can therefore help all our customers to be introduced to the right players for free. When you are introduced by the UAE Government, you are already almost there.

There are many areas in Dubai that are suitable for living in. In general, Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown are probably the most popular places to live among expats.

We work together with some skilled real estate agents in Dubai who are used to serving Danish clients. So if you are looking for accommodation in Dubai, you are welcome to contact us.

It depends a lot on the location of the apartment, which property the apartment is in, and whether you rent it in the high season or off-season. However, an average 3-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina costs DKK 24,000 per month in the high season in 2022 and will probably cost DKK 20,000 per month off-season. In JVC, on the other hand, the prices are DKK 10,000 in the high season and DKK 8,000 off-season.

We work together with some skilled real estate agents in Dubai who are used to serving Danish clients. So if you are looking for accommodation in Dubai, you are welcome to contact us.

English. The two official languages ​​are Arabic and English, but English is spoken everywhere.

There are restaurants in all price ranges in Dubai. In general, there is a very large selection of restaurants in Dubai. At the cheap restaurants you can get a dinner with drinks for 70-100 kroner. At a slightly more refined restaurant, a main course and drinks will typically cost approx. 400-650 kroner per person.

Finding flights to Dubai is easy and can be done in several ways.

You can search for flights to Dubai using online travel portals such as Expedia, Momondo, Skyscanner and the like. These platforms allow you to compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal on flights to Dubai.

There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Dubai from different parts of the world. Search for flights to Dubai and use the filters to find the best departure time, price and airline that suits your preferences. Also remember to check directly on the airline websites, as they can sometimes offer special discounts or package deals when you book flights to Dubai directly through them.

Please note that flights to Dubai are significantly cheaper than flights from Dubai to Denmark. Therefore, it is always a good idea if you want to save on your flight ticket to book return tickets from Denmark to Dubai, and not vice versa. This is of course rarely a problem if you live in Denmark, but if you live in Dubai it is good to know.

Airlines that offer flights to Dubai include Emirates, KLM, Norwegian and Turkish Airlines.

If you have an unskilled job, the salary can be very low. It is not uncommon for a waiter, for example, to only earn the equivalent of 6,000-8,000 kroner per month. On the other hand, the salaries of highly educated people are generally slightly higher than in Denmark. An engineer with some experience typically gets a starting salary of approx. 80,000 kroner. In this context, you should also take into account that there is no tax in Dubai on the salary that you earn by working.

Cars are much cheaper in Dubai compared to Denmark. As an example, a new Porsche Cayenne costs approximately 500,000 kroner. In addition, gasoline costs significantly less. A liter of gasoline costs, for example, 6 kroner.

There are several ways to book your trip to Dubai:

Online travel portals:

There are many online travel portals like Expedia, Momondo, Skyscanner, and the like that allow you to search for flights, hotels, and even package deals to Dubai. These sites compare prices across different airlines and hotels so you can find the best deal when you travel to Dubai.

Directly with airlines:

You can also go directly to the websites of airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and others that have direct flights from Denmark to Dubai when you are looking for travel to Dubai. On their websites, you can search for flights, see prices, and choose the one that best suits your preferences.

Travel agencies:

Traditional travel agencies can also help you arrange travel to Dubai. You can visit a physical travel agency or contact them online or by phone for personal assistance in arranging your trip.

Whichever method you choose, when looking for travel to Dubai, it’s a good idea to compare prices, look for special offers, and be flexible with your travel dates to get the best prices.

There are good shopping opportunities in Dubai. Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall and has many international stores. There is a section in Dubai Mall just for luxury brands. In Mall of Emirates it is also possible to find international branded goods.

Finding a hotel in Dubai can be done in several ways, and it often depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are some methods:

Online booking portals:

Websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Agoda, and the like allow you to search for hotels in Dubai based on your preferences. You can filter the search results by price, location, amenities, and guest reviews to find the best hotel in Dubai for you.

Direct booking through the hotel website:

Once you’ve searched for hotels in Dubai and found some hotels that seem interesting, you can go directly to their official website to check prices and availability. Sometimes hotels may offer special discounts or benefits when you book directly through their website.

Travel agents:

If you prefer personal assistance, travel agents can also help you book hotels in Dubai. They can help you find hotels that suit your needs and budget.

When looking for a hotel in Dubai, it’s important to consider factors such as location (proximity to attractions or transportation), amenities (pool, gym, spa, etc.), price, and last but not least, reviews and ratings from previous guests. Dubai has a wide selection of hotels, ranging from luxurious 5-star resorts to more budget-friendly options, so there’s something for every taste and budget.

There are two international airports in Dubai, of which Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the largest and most used. DXB is also more centrally located than Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is the other international airport in Dubai. DXB is one of the world’s busiest airports with flights to many places around the world.

The dress code is largely the same as in Denmark. Especially in tourist areas, people dress like in Europe. However, you may be asked to cover up when visiting malls or other buildings if you are wearing very revealing clothing. If you are visiting public authorities, it is best to dress conservatively, as you may otherwise risk being turned away.

The dress code is largely the same as in Denmark. Especially in tourist areas, people dress like in Europe. However, you may be asked to cover up when visiting malls or other buildings if you are wearing very revealing clothing. If you are visiting public authorities, it is best to dress conservatively, as you may otherwise risk being turned away.

The prices of alcohol are somewhat higher in Dubai than in Denmark, and you cannot buy alcohol in the supermarket. However, the prices are not as much higher as people often think. A large draft beer costs between 70-95 DKK in a bar. In addition, most places have long periods of happy hour, where you can buy beer and drinks at half price.

There are many great hotels in Dubai, and the “best” Dubai hotel can vary based on your preferences, budget, and purpose of your stay. Below are some hotels in Dubai that are often mentioned for their excellent service, amenities, and location. You will therefore probably find the best Dubai hotel on this list:

Burj Al Arab:

Known as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, this iconic 7-star hotel offers exceptional service, lavish rooms and spectacular views. The hotel, also known among Danes as the Stein Bagger hotel, is therefore a good bet on the best Dubai hotel.

Armani Hotel Dubai:

Located in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, this hotel offers luxurious rooms designed by Giorgio Armani and impressive views of the city. For many, it is the ultimate dream to stay in the Burj Khalifa itself with a view of the famous fountain show, so the Armani hotel is also a good choice for the best Dubai hotel.

One&Only The Palm:

An exclusive resort located on a private peninsula, offering luxurious villas, private beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.

Jumeirah Al Qasr:

Located in the Madinat Jumeirah complex, this hotel offers lavish rooms, spectacular pools and access to private beaches. For many, this hotel will be the best Dubai hotel for these reasons.

Atlantis, The Palm:

An iconic resort with an impressive aquarium, private beaches, water park and a wealth of entertainment options.

These hotels are known for their high standards, but the best choice depends on your preferences, whether you are looking for luxury, beach experiences, family-friendly facilities or something completely different. Therefore, all good suggestions for the best Dubai hotel. Ratings of location, facilities and reviews from previous guests can help you make the best choice for your stay in Dubai.

The tax level in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is one of the lowest in the world.

There is no income tax, which means that as a business owner you can employ yourself and pay yourself a salary without having to pay tax on it. In addition, there is no tax on dividends that you pay yourself as a business owner.

However, a corporate tax of 9 percent has been introduced on company profits of more than 102,000 USD per year. It is possible to legally avoid paying this corporate tax. We recommend that you speak to an advisor if you want to legally set up your business so that you do not have to pay corporate tax in Dubai. We can assist with this.

It is a legal requirement in Dubai, just like in Denmark, that you must keep accounting records in Dubai. However, the rules for accounting in Dubai differ somewhat from Denmark, so it is a good idea to have a local accountant do your accounting and thus avoid fines. We have a licensed accountant, so we can assist you with this.