Everything you NEED to know about setting up a business in Dubai | Q&A with expert consultant

Chapters:
00:28 Podcast Starts
01:00 How does one go about setting up a business in Dubai?
03:30 Visas
03:45 How often do you need to be in the UAE for residency?
05:04 Which is best? FreeZone or Mainland?
09:39 Setting up bank accounts
11:07 What are the main benefits of moving to Dubai?
12:00 Corporation Tax
12:59 Strategic Geographic Location
13:35 Lifestyle
14:41 Real Estate Investment
15:13 Structuring Investments
18:44 Visa by investment
20:40 Visa for family members
22:05 Our Experience setting up our business
28:41 How long was the set up process for us?
29:35 Banking
30:59 Q&A
31:14 How Much Does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
33:24 Can you move an already trading company to the UAE?
33:47 How do I get a visa for Dubai without setting up a business?
34:50 What is the best route for a freelancer?
35:37 What lessons did we learn setting up a business in Dubai?
36:25 What level does your business need to be at to set up in Dubai?
37:08 Is there a sting freelance scene in Dubai?
38:18 Can you live in Dubai with a UK employer?
39:12 Do I need a business license to rent out my home when i’m not using it?
39:41 Are you accepting new clients?

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[prathikshirur]

Such an underrated video ! Brilliantly explained as well. Gives a good head start for anyone wanting to understand how businesses are structured in UAE. Would love to see more content like this 👍🏽

[mohammednura.h]

freezone with 1 vissa = 7000aed to 18000aed, mainland = 15000aed to 30000aed bud dont forget you will have to pay around the same price to renew it every year

[UtopiaBlue]

Thank's Guy's! This is the type of content I absolutely appreciate as I have my own personal interest in my own business and my friends and family will also gain a tremendous amount of really great information from you that proves both insightful and knowledgable from first hand experience. Stay strong and Stay Healthy Guys "Matt"... Lolz and of course you too Summer.

[PassportHeavy]

Hi, great video, one of our colleagues paid for Creative Zone services from the strength of this video and has been stuck in Dubai for 19 days after being promised the process would take a maximum of 7 days and is having a horrendous experience. He has tried to resolve in house and is not working.

Can you ask Shelin to get in touch please?

[Franzi_Chopra]

That is a great video … I was doing research the whole morning and could not find simple answers… now watching your video is gold 💖 thank you both, you are a wonderful couple and really inspiring. Now I have “everything” I was looking at least to get started. Also love your guest - once things are getting more concrete on my/our end would definitely love to work with her.

[deepaknasta]

This convo was so helpful. Looking to move to Dubai in the next three years. So this was great info.

[gerassimos.fourlanos]

I can imagine a situation where you do international business (from a free zone) but you also have transactions with the mainland, e.g., procurement of supplies, buying consulting services, or even selling part of the produce to local wholesalers. What is valid then?

[multa]

Free Zones could be taxed with the new laws because there's going to be a few requirements to be completely tax free. The most important requirement is the qualifying income which will be tax free but there hasn't been introduced a limit yet and they could still introduce one. And transfer pricing etc. is mandatory.

[KB_]

With mainland business do you have to have a certain number of emiratees working for you?

[Takeonm]

Wow it’s amazing to see where you’ve reached from seeing your first videos. Congratulations on the move and this is amazing content. So helpful!! Cleared up a lot of confusion and your guest was so well spoken and clear. Thank youuuu

[WaqasShahzad]

Thank you for the great video. Loved it.
I want to highlighted one important point regarding licensing cost. Every year you will have to pay for renewal of the license which will cost you almost same amount you paid initially. So it is not one time payment, you will have to pay every year.

[Helenavontrojaa]

Shelin!! Met her last week she's great

[MANCO]

Is there any way I can find out what category my business is placed? Perhaps a website or a video?? Thanks

[crumb]

Very informative and to the point. Great content :)

[MizMundoAdventures]

If I register a marketing business License in Sharjah Freezone for example, willI only live and operate in Sharjah? Or can I have clients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

[GeorgeFlorea]

This content is full of useful information, Currently my self a student in third year, business management courses in UK, after finishing my courses in 2025, for sure wish to move to Dubai and to do same type of business(formation of businesses across Dubai for foreign interested people)

[philday]

Starting with business ideas and purposes for supplying services. Giving guides about what to start researching, taking into consideration there are lots of variables, some may be known, and some that need to be discovered or rediscovered? Thank you, Matt, and Summer and consultant not sure of the spelling for first name.

[LifeofKamalOfficial]

Brilliant podcast guys, very insightful. Thank you!

[jeannezn]

I am an employee on company sponsorship but want to set up my business in Dubai. How can I do that without obtaining an NOC from my company?

[Nickspizza]

With regards to freezone vs. Mainland, are you restricted in where you can live in the UAE or Dubai specifically?