Introduction: Company Setup in Dubai for Australians
Dubai’s investor-friendly policies, strategic location and zero personal tax make it a magnet for Australian founders. Yet the first strategic fork in the road is choosing company setup in Dubai as a mainland entity or inside a free zone. Get this decision right and you can optimise tax, visas and market reach from day one.
Dubai Mainland Company Setup – Key Features
- 100 % foreign ownership is now possible for most activities, but some strategic sectors still require an Emirati partner or Local Service Agent.
- Trade freely anywhere in the UAE and bid for lucrative government contracts.
- Offices must be leased onshore; Ejari registration is mandatory.
- Subject to 9 % UAE corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000, plus VAT registration once turnover hits AED 375,000.
- Regulatory authority: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
For a deep dive into fee structures, see the true cost of setting up a Dubai mainland LLC in 2025.
Dubai Free Zone Company Setup – Key Features
- 100 % foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and no customs duty inside the zone.
- Up to 50-year guarantees of 0 % corporate tax on qualifying income in selected zones.
- Faster digital incorporation – many licenses issued within five working days.
- Trading is limited to activities inside the zone or overseas; onshore sales require a distributor or branch.
- Flexible workspace options from hot desks to warehouses; virtual packages accepted in some zones.
- Each zone has its own regulator – eg DMCC, DIFC, IFZA – with sector-specific incentives.
Read our 2025 free zone setup guide for timelines and cost benchmarks.
Free Zone vs Mainland: Major Differences
Ownership rules have largely converged, but gaps remain in where you can trade, taxes payable and running costs. Australian entrepreneurs should weigh these factors against their target customers, visa needs and exit plans.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Free Zone LLC | Mainland LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100 % | 100 % for most activities; local agent required in a few sectors |
| Initial licence cost (typical) | AED 12k–25k | AED 18k–35k |
| Office requirement | Flexi-desk often allowed | Physical office with Ejari |
| Market access | Inside zone & international | Entire UAE & government tenders |
| Corporate tax (2025) | 0 % on qualifying free-zone income | 0–9 % above AED 375k profit |
| Popular industries | Trading, e-commerce, fintech, media | Retail, contracting, consulting, hospitality |
Which Setup is Better for Australians?
- E-commerce or IP-heavy startups – A free-zone licence keeps running costs low while preserving 0 % tax on qualifying revenue exported offshore.
- Consumer-facing brands and contractors – Mainland company setup in Dubai is essential to invoice UAE customers directly and hire staff under unlimited visa quotas.
- Fintech or regulated services – DIFC or ADGM free-zone structures offer common-law courts and specialist licences Australians already trust.
Many founders adopt a phased model: launch in a cost-effective free zone, then add a mainland branch once UAE turnover justifies the additional compliance.
Steps to Start a Company in Dubai
- Define activity – DET or free-zone list codes and required capital.
- Choose structure – Compare mainland company setup Dubai options versus free-zone packages.
- Reserve trade name and obtain initial approval.
- Submit KYC and attested documents – passports, ASIC extract, business plan if requested.
- Sign incorporation documents – digitally or before a UAE notary.
- Lease workspace and collect licence.
- Apply for establishment card and investor visas.
- Open UAE bank account and register for tax (if required).
With Dubai Invest’s Australian-based team coordinating local PROs, most of our clients reach Licence Issued in under 14 days.
FAQs on Company Setup in Dubai
Can I run the company remotely from Australia? Yes. Both free-zone and mainland structures allow board control from abroad, but at least one manager usually needs an Emirates ID for banking and visa renewals.
Do I need a UAE bank account? Strongly recommended, especially for VAT and payroll. Dubai Invest arranges pre-approved introductions to ADIB, Mashreq and Wio.
What is the minimum share capital? Most zones have no paid-up capital requirement. Mainland consultancies often state AED 50,000 on paper with no deposit.
How long does company setup in Dubai take? Five to 20 working days depending on activity, name approvals and AML checks.
Will I pay tax in Australia? If you remain an Australian tax resident, profits may be attributed under CFC rules. Seek cross-border advice early.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path with Dubai Invest
Selecting the optimal company setup in Dubai is a strategic investment decision, not a tick-box admin task. Our consultants compare license classes, tax exposure and banking hurdles against your Australian residency and growth goals, then project-manage every step. Whether you favour a low-cost free-zone launch or need immediate mainland market access, book a complimentary strategy call at DubaiInvest.com.au and build your UAE footprint with clarity and confidence.
