How to Set Up a Company in Dubai 2026: Step-by-Step Guide & Costs
How to set up a company in Dubai, step by step: Freezone or Mainland, licences, visas, costs and timeline, explained by advisers based in the DIFC.
Read more
Author
Clemens Kohlbacher
Founder & Dubai Setup specialist
Clemens Kohlbacher is the founder of Dubai Setup and has worked for over ten years as a consultant for company formation and relocation in the UAE. From the DIFC he supports freelancers, entrepreneurs and investors from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries.
He has made the move to Dubai himself and knows every hurdle first-hand. In his articles he shares the practical knowledge gained from hundreds of company formations – honestly, concretely and without sales talk.
10+
Years in Dubai
100+
Formations supported
24
Articles published
Blog
Articles by Clemens
All the guides and comparisons from over ten years of practice – from company formation to everyday life in the UAE.
Dubai Taxes 2026: An Overview of All Levies for Expats
All Taxes in Dubai at a Glance. From Income Tax to Corporate Tax, Crypto, and More. Including a Tax Calculator.
Read more
Golden Visa Dubai: Requirements, Benefits & Costs
Everything about the Golden Visa in Dubai. Starting from the requirements, through the benefits, to the costs and the application process.
Read more
Open an account in Dubai: Requirements, procedure & costs
Opening a bank account in Dubai, with or without residency: which banks accept whom, the documents required, how onboarding runs and what it costs.
Read more
Living in Dubai: What's the reality for expats?
What is life in Dubai really like? The pros and cons, the most popular residential areas, costs for rent, schools and daily life, plus real expat experience.
Read more
How expensive is living in Dubai in 2026? All costs
You are considering emigrating to Dubai but want to know the cost of living. All costs regarding housing, groceries, transportation, etc.
Read more
Emirates ID - Requirements, application, procedure & costs
Everything you need to know about the Emirates ID key document in Dubai. From the requirements, application and procedure to the costs.
Read more
Where to Live in Dubai: The Best Areas for Expats
The best areas to live in Dubai: rents per area, metro links, which community suits families, singles or a small budget, and what to check in the lease.
Read more
Emigrating to Dubai with Children & Family – Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about emigrating to Dubai with your family and children. From requirements and procedures to schools and costs.
Read more
The best international private schools in Dubai
Schools in Dubai: fees for all the main schools, international curricula, KHDA ratings, extra costs and how admission works.
Read more
Dubai health insurance - providers, costs & experiences
A guide to health insurance in Dubai. Starting with a comparison of providers, costs and practical experience.
Read more
Dubai Influencer License: Requirements, procedure and costs
Everything about the influencer license or advertiser permit for influencers who want to live and work in Dubai.
Read more
Pets in Dubai – Dogs, Cats, Bringing Them & Costs
Bringing a dog or cat to Dubai: import permit, vaccinations, banned breeds, airlines that allow the cabin and what the transport really costs.
Read more
Summer in Dubai: heat, temperature & duration
How hot does Dubai really get in summer? Monthly temperatures, humidity, how long the hot season lasts and what daily life looks like from June to September.
Read more
Moving to Dubai: Requirements, Process & Costs [Guide]
Everything about moving to Dubai in 2026: pros and cons, requirements, the step-by-step process, what it costs and how long the residence visa really takes.
Read more
Dubai emigration: 6 disadvantages of the metropolis
No city is perfect, not even Dubai. Six real disadvantages of moving there — heat, cost of living, distance from family, rules — and who they actually affect.
Read more
Dubai Driving License - Application, Conversion & Costs
Driving in Dubai as a resident needs a UAE licence. How to apply, which licences can be converted directly, what it costs and how long the process takes.
Read more
Dubai Residence Visa: Requirements, procedure & costs
The Dubai residence visa explained: which routes exist, what the requirements are, how the process runs on the ground and what it costs in total.
Read more
Buying an apartment in Dubai: Process, tips & experiences
Buying an apartment in Dubai: the step-by-step process, the fees you actually pay, freehold areas, financing options and lessons from real purchases.
Read more
Crime in Dubai – how safe is the city?
How safe is Dubai really? Current crime figures in international comparison, why the city is as safe as it is, and everyday experience from residents.
Read more
Alcohol in Dubai: import, consumption and prices
Everything about alcohol in Dubai: import limits, buying in the liquor store, rules on consumption and typical prices.
Read more
Moving to Dubai as an Influencer: Process, Visa & License
Want to emigrate to Dubai as an influencer? Find out everything about the exact process, the right visa including licenses and costs.
Read more
IFZA company formation: Procedure, costs & experience [Guide]
Do you want to set up a Freezone company in IFZA? Here's the comprehensive guide including the process, costs, and tips for the year 2026.
Read more
Freezone vs. Mainland Company in Dubai – Differences & Costs
Which legal structure is better suited in Dubai: Freezone or Mainland? All differences, advantages, and costs in a direct comparison.
Read more