Choose the Right Business Setup in the UAE

The cost of business setup in Dubai starts at approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,500 for a basic Free Zone license. However, the total investment depends on your choice of jurisdiction (Mainland vs. Free Zone), office space requirements, and the number of residency visas required. At Shuraa India, we provide a transparent cost breakdown in INR to help Indian founders plan their budget effectively.

This depends on your business goal. A Mainland setup is ideal if you want to trade directly within the UAE local market or bid for government contracts. A Free Zone setup is perfect for startups, consultants, and e-commerce businesses looking for 100% tax exemptions, duty-free imports, and lower overhead costs.

With Shuraa India, the process is streamlined for speed. A Free Zone license can often be issued within 48 to 72 hours. A Mainland license usually takes 3 to 5 working days, depending on the specific business activity and required government approvals.

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE requires a valid trade license, office address proof, and a clear business profile. Shuraa’s dedicated banking desk assists Indian clients in preparing their applications for leading banks like Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and RAKBANK, significantly increasing the chances of approval.

Indian investors can secure a 10-year Golden Visa by making a public investment or a real estate investment of at least AED 2 million. Entrepreneurs with innovative projects valued at AED 500,000 or more may also qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa.

Here's the step-by-step process of starting a business in Dubai from India: 

1. Select Your Business Activity: Define what your company will do. The UAE has over 2,000+ activities which determine your license type. 
2. Choose Your Jurisdiction: Decide between Mainland (to trade locally in the UAE) or a Free Zone (for 100% tax benefits and lower overheads). 
3. Register Your Trade Name: Submit your preferred company name for approval. Our India team handles the compliance checks to ensure it meets UAE naming conventions. 
4. Submit Documentation: Provide basic KYC (Passport copy, photograph, and address proof). No need for PAN, Aadhaar, or complex Indian notarizations at this stage. 
5. Obtain Your Trade License: Once approved, your digital license is issued. In many Free Zones, this can happen in as little as 24–48 hours. 
6. Apply for UAE Residency: We process your Investor Visa and Emirates ID. You only need to visit the UAE for a short 5-7 day trip for your medical test and biometrics. 
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Our banking specialists assist you in opening a multi-currency account with leading UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, etc.) to start your operations. 

Yes. Many Indian entrepreneurs manage their UAE businesses remotely, especially for consulting, trading, and e-commerce activities. However, certain activities may require a physical presence or periodic visits for compliance or banking purposes.