Business setup in Dubai for Indian founders
Dubai is the most popular overseas base for Indian entrepreneurs — and Indians can own 100% of a UAE free zone company and most mainland companies. The UAE side is straightforward; the part people miss is India's overseas-investment rules. Here is both, from our office in Al Karama.
| Free zone | Emirate | Licence from | With 1+ visa from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 4,888 | AED 10,800 |
| SHAMS — Media licence | Sharjah | AED 5,760 | AED 13,175 |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 | AED 12,000 |
| SHAMS — Standard licence | Sharjah | AED 6,885 | AED 14,300 |
| Masdar City Free Zone | Abu Dhabi | AED 7,000 | AED 16,200 |
| Dubai South Business Hub | Dubai | AED 12,500 | AED 20,350 |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 | AED 20,350 |
| Expo City Dubai Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,520 | AED 17,570 |
Biznexa package prices in AED, including standard government fees. The final cost depends on your activity and the zone's current offers — we confirm one fixed number in writing before you pay.
If you live in India: overseas-investment rules
A resident Indian who invests in a company abroad is making an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under India's foreign exchange rules (FEMA). In short:
- Individuals invest through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which is capped at USD 250,000 per financial year.
- The Dubai company must run a genuine business — individuals generally cannot use ODI for a financial-services company.
- The investment is made and reported through your authorised dealer bank in India.
- Your Indian company can also invest, under the rules for corporate ODI.
We set up the UAE company; your Indian CA or bank confirms the ODI filing for your case.
If you already live in the UAE (NRI)
If you are a UAE resident, India's ODI rules for residents generally do not apply to investing your UAE income. You simply set up the company like any other founder.
Tax: India and the UAE
The UAE has no personal income tax, and companies pay 9% corporate tax only on profit above AED 375,000 (with the free zone rules explained on our free zone page). India and the UAE have a double taxation agreement. If your Dubai company is actually managed from India, Indian tax can still apply — plan where decisions are made with your CA.
Documents you will need
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months) and a passport photo
- Proof of address
- UAE visa page, if you are already in the UAE
- For an Indian company as shareholder: certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and a board resolution, attested for UAE use — we tell you exactly which attestations are needed
Banking
UAE banks regularly open accounts for Indian-owned companies. Have your business plan, source of funds and expected transactions ready — we prepare the file and introduce you to banks that suit your activity. See corporate banking.