DIC vs IFZA vs DMCC: Which Free Zone Is Best for Chinese Software Founders?
Key Highlights IFZA is the low-cost default for Chinese software founders, with one-year licenses from AED 11,900 and a free FlexiDesk on packages up to three visas. DMCC costs more (start-up packages roughly AED 43,780 to 51,129), but its established bank relationships ease account opening for Chinese-owned firms. DIC fits funded, brand-conscious tech companies wanting […]
Hidden Costs of an IT Company License in Dubai: The Real 2026 Price Breakdown
Key Highlights The UAE added roughly 250,000 new companies in 2025, and Dubai’s free zones alone attracted 23,000 new commercial licenses in a recent 12-month period. IFZA’s 2026 pricelist advertises IT licenses from AED 11,900, but mandatory add-ons can push your real first-year cost to AED 22,900 or more. New Federal Decree-Laws effective January 1, […]
How to Start a Crypto Company in Dubai from the UK: 2026 Guide
Key Highlights UK crypto founders get 0% personal income tax in Dubai, but VARA now runs quarterly compliance reviews instead of one-time approvals in 2026. The 2025 Commercial Companies Law amendment lets free zone crypto entities open onshore branches under a new dual licence regime. A one-year, zero-visa IFZA license starts at AED 11,900, while […]
Can I Start an IT Company in Dubai from Malaysia Without Visiting?
Key Highlights You can incorporate and 100% own a Dubai IT company from Malaysia fully online, with a free zone license typically issued within 14 working days of approval. UAE residency is the one thing you can’t finish remotely, since the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping all require a single in-person […]
Is Dubai Better Than Singapore for SaaS and Software Startups in 2026?
Key Highlights Dubai free zone licenses start from AED 11,900 per year with 0% personal tax, while Singapore charges a flat 17% corporate tax. Qualifying free zone companies in Dubai can pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, but only if they meet substance and de minimis conditions. Singapore requires at least one locally resident […]
Software Company Setup in the UK or Dubai: Which Is Best for Founders in 2026?
Key Highlights Dubai free zones offer 0 percent corporate tax on qualifying income, while UK companies pay 19 to 25 percent depending on profit level. Both Dubai mainland and free zone companies allow up to 100 percent foreign ownership, matching UK company ownership rules. The UAE attracted a record AED 177.3 billion in total foreign […]
Restaurant Trade License in Dubai: Avoid These Setup Mistakes
KEY HIGHLIGHTS Choosing the wrong jurisdiction for your restaurant can force a costly mid-process licence conversion. Free zones generally restrict full-service, dine-in restaurant activities, while mainland licensing does not. A restaurant trade licence requires both a DET commercial licence and a separate Dubai Municipality food permit. JSB reviews your restaurant’s activity and jurisdiction fit before […]
Avoid Costly Delays: The Right Way to Handle Salon Business Setup in Dubai
Key Highlights A salon trade licence requires both Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) approval and a separate facility health inspection before you can legally open. Mainland salon licences allow 100% foreign ownership under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, confirmed by the Ministry of Economy (MOEC), with no local sponsor required for most […]
How to Open a Grocery Store in Dubai Without Setup Delays
Key Highlights A DET trade licence alone does not authorize you to stock or sell food products in Dubai. Most grocery store delays happen after licence issuance, not before it. JSB coordinates trade licence applications and additional government approvals under one process. Most first-time retail entrepreneurs assume a trade licence is the finish line. […]
How to Start an Education Consultancy in Dubai, UAE: A Beginner’s Guide
KEY HIGHLIGHTS A standard trade licence alone does not authorize you to deliver training or courses in Dubai. The KHDA Educational Services Permit costs between AED 15,000 and AED 25,000 depending on activity count. Initial Approval and Trade Name Reservation must be secured before KHDA reviews your permit application. JSB’s in-house Chartered Accountants and PRO […]