Tax, IT and trade support for businesses in Dubai
Corporate tax, VAT, IT consulting and commodity trade support for companies on the Dubai mainland and in its free zones.
- LicensingDepartment of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Free zonesDMCC, JAFZA, Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)
- GatewaysJebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai International Airport
Talk to us about Dubai
Tell us what you need. A specialist replies within one business day.
Doing business in Dubai
Dubai is the UAE's largest commercial hub and a major re-export gateway for the GCC, Africa and South Asia. Its mix of mainland licensing and specialist free zones gives businesses many ways to structure.
The right choice depends on where your customers are, what you trade and how you plan to invoice. We compare the options before you commit.
Setting up in Dubai
You can license a company on the mainland through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or in a free zone. Common free zone options are below.
- Trading
DMCC
Commodities-focused free zone with dedicated tea and coffee trading centres
- Trade and logistics
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone, beside Jebel Ali Port
- Trade and services
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)
Free zone beside Dubai International Airport
- Technology
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Technology and innovation community
- Technology
Dubai Internet City
Regional base for technology and IT firms
Zone rules, ownership terms and fees change over time. We confirm the current position for your activity before you choose.
Our services in Dubai
Use one service or combine them. Each starts with a short call and a written scope.
- Ask a tax question
Tax consulting
Corporate tax and VAT registration, filing and advice for Dubai companies, mainland or free zone.
- Discuss an IT project
IT consulting
ERP, cloud, security and automation for Dubai teams, delivered with our Bengaluru team.
- Plan your setup
Business setup
Mainland or free zone licensing in Dubai, bank account introductions and compliance planning.
- Request a quote
Import and export
Rice, tea, coffee and spices for Dubai distributors, hotels, restaurants and roasters.
Commodity trade for Dubai buyers
Dubai's port and free zone infrastructure suits bulk rice and packed commodities. DMCC runs dedicated tea and coffee trading centres, which suits buyers who want to trade inside a free zone community.
- Gateways
- Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai International Airport.
- Documents and customs
- Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and, where required, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate.
- Shipping terms
- Commonly quoted as FOB or CIF, with payment terms agreed in the contract.
- Samples
- Samples can be arranged before a commercial order.
One federal tax system
The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and the standard VAT rate is 5%. These rules are federal, so they are the same in Dubai as in every other emirate.
What changes by emirate is licensing, premises, fees and logistics. We check current Federal Tax Authority guidance and the local authority's requirements for your case.
Questions about Dubai
Do tax rates differ in Dubai?
No. Corporate tax and VAT are federal and apply across all emirates. Licence, rent and municipal fees can differ, so we cost those separately.
Which suits a Dubai business better: mainland or free zone?
Mainland licences let you trade directly with the local market. Free zone licences often suit exporters, re-exporters and service firms, but selling inside the UAE may need extra steps. We compare both against your customers and costs.
Can you supply rice, tea, coffee or spices to buyers in Dubai?
Yes. We supply wholesale volumes to distributors, hotels, restaurants and roasters, and arrange customs clearance and delivery.
How quickly will I hear back?
We reply to every enquiry within one business day.
Other emirates we serve
Start in Dubai
Our UAE office is in RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah. We also have offices in Bengaluru, London and Central Hong Kong.
Send an enquiry
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