Company Setup: 2025 Guide for Australian Founders
Launching abroad used to mean endless red tape, yet thousands of SMEs now incorporate in Dubai each quarter thanks to digital government portals and transparent pricing. If you have googled “company setup” recently, this 1,000-word playbook will answer the top Australian queries on cost, benefits and eligibility—plus show you how DubaiInvest.com.au keeps the process on track.
Why Consider Dubai at All?
- 0 % tax on qualifying free-zone income up to AED 375k; 9 % above.
- 100 % repatriation of profits with no withholding tax.
- Strategic GMT+4 zone overlaps with Asia morning and European afternoon.
Cost Snapshot 2025 (AUD)
| Expense | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Licence & Registration | 7,500 | 11,800 |
| One-Visa Package | 2,150 | 2,650 |
| Office/Flex Desk | 1,600 | 3,900 |
| PRO & Legal Drafting | 1,350 | 1,350 |
| Total Yr 1 | 12,600 | 19,700 |
Prices sourced August 2025; exchange 1 AUD = 2.35 AED.
Eligibility Rules for Foreigners
- Passport valid 6+ months.
- Clean police clearance (Australia AFP accepted).
- Proof of address and CV/business plan for regulated activities.
- Shareholders can be individuals or existing companies.
Process Breakdown (10 Steps)
- Select activity & zone (Dubai Silicon Oasis vs IFZA, etc.).
- Reserve trade name and obtain initial approval.
- Submit KYC, MoA and lease contract.
- Pay fees; receive e-licence.
- Obtain establishment card.
- Medical, biometrics, Emirates ID.
- Open corporate bank account.
- VAT and ESR registration if required.
- Set up accounting and invoicing.
- Annual renewal & audit where applicable.
Comparing Popular Free Zones
| Metric | DMCC | IFZA | DSO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 5–7 d | 3–5 d | 5–7 d |
| Base Cost (AED) | 33k | 14k | 18k |
| Prestige & Banking | High | Moderate | High |
| Flex Desk Included | No | Yes | Yes |
Hidden Costs To Watch
- E-Channel deposits (refundable) for visas.
- Corporate tax compliance once revenue > AED 375k.
- UBO & AML filings for multi-shareholder vehicles.
Benefits Beyond Tax
- Access to 10-year office leases at below Sydney CBD costs.
- Residence visas for spouses and children.
- Simple import/export via Jebel Ali and Dubai Trade single window.
- “Startup” Golden Visa route for tech founders.
property for sale dubai Synergy
Many Australian founders pair incorporation with acquiring property for sale dubai to lock in residency and diversify asset exposure. Owning an office condo or apartment can also reduce long-term overheads.
Common Doubts Answered Directly
“Will ATO tax me anyway?”
Possibly if you remain Australian-tax resident. Solutions include dual residency planning and CFC profit retention. DubaiInvest.com.au works with licensed tax agents in both jurisdictions.
“Can I retain IP in Australia and still invoice from Dubai?”
Yes. Use a licensing agreement and charge royalty fees compliant with OECD transfer-pricing rules.
“I only need an invoice entity—do I need visas?”
Not necessarily, but at least one visa is advisable to open a UAE bank account.
property for sale dubai and Office Space Comparison
| Option | Upfront Outlay (AED) | Ongoing Cost | Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flex Desk | 0 | 12k/yr | Yes |
| Private Office | 40k | 40k/yr | Yes |
| Buy Office Condo | 700k | HOA 15 / sq ft | Yes + asset value |
Three Mistakes Australians Make
- Choosing a “cheap” zone then discovering banking restrictions.
- Ignoring ESR substance tests and being fined AED 50k.
- Underestimating currency swings when wiring share capital—hedge early via property for sale dubai income or FX forwards.
How DubaiInvest.com.au De-Risks Your Journey
- Zone comparison matrix tailored to your revenue model.
- Pre-check documents to avoid MOFA or DFSA rejections.
- Bank introductions with multi-currency facilities for AUD, AED, USD.
- Post-setup bookkeeping aligned with ATO reporting periods.
Don’t gamble with compliance. Book your free roadmap call at DubaiInvest.com.au and launch in as little as two weeks.
Seats are limited for our September “Incorporate & Invest” webinar—reserve now on DubaiInvest.com.au.
property for sale dubai Mention Wrap-Up
Pairing a new entity with cash-flowing property for sale dubai boosts visa quotas, provides rental yield and hedges AUD risk—ask our consultants how clients combine both strategies for accelerated wealth.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Chosen activity and zone align with revenue plan.
- Budgeted licence, visa and bank costs + 10 % buffer.
- Reviewed double-tax implications with an adviser.
- Prepared notarised passport and proof-of-address docs.
Ticked all boxes? Head to DubaiInvest.com.au, upload your documents and watch your trade licence arrive in days.
