With over 300 Australian companies already operating across sectors like construction, financial services (18%), trade/logistics (15%), and IT (12%), the UAE has become a pivotal hub for Australian businesses expanding into MENA and Asian markets.

For Australians, the UAE provides unique opportunities to expand their ventures or start new businesses with benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax advantages, and access to international markets. 

Furthermore, non-oil bilateral trade between the UAE and Australia surged to $2.3 billion in H1 2024, driven by the 2024 UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to triple trade to $15 billion by 2032.

Emerging opportunities in agribusiness, sustainability, and digital tech are further amplified by duty-free access for 99% of Australian goods under the 2025 UAE-Australia Free Trade Agreement. 

After all, combined with Dubai’s D33 Agenda—a roadmap to double the emirate’s economy by 2033—and incentives like 0% personal tax and a 9% corporate tax (exempting income under AED 375,000), Australian entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to thrive in this dynamic market.

Keep reading below to learn more about setting up your business. 

Why do Australians Register a Company in the UAE? 

As per the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), more than 300 Australian businesses operate across various sectors such as construction, financial services, agriculture, and education. 

After all, Australians are increasingly drawn to Dubai due to its: 

• Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai is ideal for international trade.
• Tax Benefits: Businesses with annual taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 are subject to a corporate tax rate of 9%. However, companies operating in designated free zones may qualify for a zero-tax rate on qualifying income, subject to compliance with specific regulations.
• 100% Foreign Ownership: Recent reforms allow complete ownership in most sectors.
• Business Friendly Environment: Streamlined processes and government support make company formation straightforward.
• Customs Benefits: Facilitates seamless import and export activities. 

Steps for Australian Citizens to Start a Business in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai involves several steps. Here’s how Australians can navigate the process:

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

The choice of a business activity is the first step. Before launching a company, conduct thorough marketing research. 

Conducting thorough research is crucial since it will enable you to understand the present condition of the UAE market. You can launch a business in Dubai after completing the analysis and research.  

Step 2: Select Your Business Structure

Choosing a jurisdiction is the next step after starting a business. In the UAE, there are three types of company formations: 

• Mainland Company Formation 
• Free Zone Company Formation 
• Offshore Company Formation 

Every jurisdiction has its own set of laws, regulations, and advantages. Your company’s needs determine the jurisdiction. 

Contact JSB Incorporation if you’re unsure whether jurisdiction is best for your company. Our professionals will assist you in selecting the best option for your company’s requirements.  

Step 3: Register Business Name

Selecting a suitable name for your company is the first step in this process. Remember to comply with the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) regulations.  

Stay away from employing existing trade names. You will receive a list of current company names, which you can review. The DED must approve the trade name you have selected for your company. 

Step 4: Identify Business Location

Renting an office is crucial on the Mainland because business requires physical space. An EJARI certificate can be obtained, and your office can be chosen based on your business needs. 

A shared desk, a virtual office, or a flex desk are some of the options. While physical office space is optional within free zones, businesses can now operate outside their designated zones in Dubai after securing the required permits from DET.

Step 5: Apply for Business License

To operate lawfully in the United Arab Emirates, the next step is to apply for a business license. The chosen business activity determines the type of business license. In general, the UAE offers four different kinds of company licenses. This includes: 

• Professional License 
• Commercial License 
• Industrial License 

You must obtain the necessary permits from the appropriate free zone authorities in order to obtain a trade license in the free zone. Additional approvals and permits may be required.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account 

Your company must open a corporate bank account in the United Arab Emirates. It will assist you in monitoring your company’s cash flow and financial health. In Dubai, you can open an account with a domestic or foreign bank.  

To open a corporate bank account, the following paperwork is needed: 

• You need your company registration certificate 
• A trade license 
• Passport copies of shareholders 
• Proof of address 

Step 7: Employment Visas and Permits 

You must sponsor employees’ visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, or GDRFA, if your business employs them. The following documents are needed for the immigration process: 

• Employment contracts 
• Passport copies 
• Medical fitness certificates

Cost of registering a company in the UAE for Australian

The cost of registering a company in Dubai varies based on several factors:

• Business setup costs in Dubai vary by jurisdiction. Free zone setups start at around AED 15,000, while mainland setups may require higher fees due to additional expenses such as office space and permits. 
• Additional costs may include office rent, visa requirements, and permits.
• Free zone setups often start at AED 15,000 but can go higher depending on services included.

Online Platforms for Business Setup

The UAE has revolutionized business establishment through integrated digital platforms, with Dubai’s “Invest in Dubai” emerging as the cornerstone of this transformation under Decree No. 13 of 2024. 

This unified portal, managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism, enables investors to complete trade name registration, license applications, and approvals entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits. 

At the federal level, the Basher platform, launched by the Ministry of Economy, allows businesses to obtain commercial licenses within 15 minutes through automated verification systems and blockchain-secured transactions. 

Emirates have also developed specialized portals: Abu Dhabi’s TAMM platform offers “Reserving Economic Name” services for trade registration, while Sharjah’s Eitimad, Ajman’s DED eServices, and Ras Al Khaimah’s RAKEZ provide jurisdiction-specific licensing solutions. 

These platforms integrate with federal entities like the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, ensuring compliance with national eCommerce regulations. 

Benefits of Online Business Setup in the UAE

The UAE’s digital business platforms offer unparalleled advantages for entrepreneurs:

1. Time Efficiency: Slashes processing times to under 48 hours for most applications, as mandated by the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
2. Cost Reduction: Minimizes paperwork by 70%, lowering administrative expenses.
3. Real-Time Tracking: Enables investors to monitor application statuses and approvals instantly.
4. Seamless Payments: Unified payment gateways simplify fee settlements across emirate-specific portals.
5. AI-Driven Guidance: Platforms like Invest in Dubai use AI-powered activity matching to align business activities with optimal licensing options.
6. Automated Renewals: Cloud-based systems streamline license renewals via federal platforms like Basher.
7. Cross-Emirate Recognition: Licenses issued in one emirate are now valid nationwide under Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) reforms.
8. Free Zone Integration: Dubai’s Decree 13/2024 ensures free zone licenses are fully integrated into centralized platforms.
9. Accessibility: Over 92% of startup procedures are complete online, eliminating geographical barriers.
10. Future-Ready Compliance: Aligns with the UAE’s goal to grow its digital economy’s GDP contribution to 19.4% by 2032.

These benefits reflect the UAE government’s commitment to creating a frictionless, tech-driven ecosystem for global investors.

Start a Business in Dubai With JSB Incorporation

While setting up a business in Dubai, UAE, is not a challenging process considering the digital revolution for the same, it’s advisable to consult experts like JSB Incorporation. 

They provide end-to-end support, including documentation, licensing, legal compliance, and more. Overall, you have peace of mind when you work with a consultant. 

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.