How much do consultants charge to set up a business?
Business setup consultancy fees vary based on the business structure you choose (free zone vs. mainland), the type of license required, and the scope of services needed. For Indian companies establishing in Dubai, costs typically include consultation fees, government filing charges, license fees, and office space deposits. VJM Global offers transparent pricing with detailed breakdowns covering RBI approval assistance in India, UAE entity registration, trade license procurement, and initial compliance setup. We provide customized quotes after understanding your specific business requirements, industry, and chosen Dubai jurisdiction to ensure no hidden costs.
What are the main business structures available for Indian companies in Dubai?
Indian companies can establish operations in Dubai through several structures: a mainland LLC (requiring a UAE national partner holding 51% unless exempted under new foreign ownership laws), a free zone company (offering 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits), a branch office (extension of the Indian parent company), or a representative office (for market research without commercial activity). The optimal structure depends on your business activities, target market within the UAE, repatriation requirements, and taxation considerations. Our consultants analyze your Indian company's objectives and recommend the structure that maximizes operational flexibility while ensuring compliance with both Indian FEMA regulations and UAE corporate laws.
Do I need RBI approval to set up a business in Dubai from India?
Yes, Indian companies making overseas direct investments in Dubai must comply with Reserve Bank of India's regulations under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act). Generally, Indian entities can invest up to 400% of their net worth in overseas ventures under the automatic route without prior RBI approval, but must file necessary declarations and reports. Investments beyond this limit or in certain restricted sectors require specific RBI permission. VJM Global manages the entire FEMA compliance process, including preparation of Form ODI, documentation for the Authorized Dealer bank, and ongoing reporting obligations to ensure your Dubai setup meets all Indian regulatory requirements.
Which Dubai free zone is best for Indian companies?
The ideal free zone depends on your industry and business model. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) suits trading and commodities businesses; Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis are optimal for technology companies; JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) benefits logistics and manufacturing; and DAFZA works well for aviation-related businesses. Each free zone offers different advantages regarding office costs, visa quotas, and permitted activities. Indian companies in professional services often prefer DIFC or ADGM for financial services, while general trading companies might choose RAK or SAIF Zone for cost efficiency. Our consultants assess your specific business activities, growth plans, and budget to recommend the free zone that best aligns with your strategic objectives.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The Dubai business setup timeline typically ranges from 2-6 weeks depending on the chosen structure and completeness of documentation. Free zone company formation is generally faster (2-3 weeks) as processes are streamlined, while mainland LLC registration may take 4-6 weeks due to additional approvals and potential local partner arrangements. For Indian companies, the timeline also includes RBI filing requirements in India, which should be factored into planning. VJM Global expedites the process through our established relationships with UAE authorities and our expertise in preparing documentation correctly the first time, minimizing delays from rejections or revision requests.
What documents are required from the Indian parent company?
Standard documentation includes certified copies of your Indian company's Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, board resolution authorizing the Dubai setup, passport copies and photographs of shareholders and directors, address proof, bank reference letters, and business plan. For RBI compliance, you'll need audited financial statements, net worth certificates, and Form ODI documentation. Documents must typically be notarized, apostilled by the MEA in India, and sometimes translated into Arabic. Our team provides a comprehensive checklist specific to your situation and assists with document preparation, ensuring all paperwork meets both Indian and UAE authentication requirements to prevent processing delays.
Can VJM Global assist with ongoing compliance after setup?
Absolutely. Beyond initial business setup, we provide comprehensive ongoing compliance support including UAE corporate tax filing (introduced in 2023), VAT registration and returns, annual audits as required by UAE regulations, license renewals, and visa management. For the Indian parent company, we handle FEMA reporting obligations, including annual performance reports to RBI and repatriation documentation. Our accounting and bookkeeping services ensure your Dubai operations maintain proper financial records compliant with UAE accounting standards. With our 24/7 support and team of 100+ professionals experienced in cross-border compliance, we serve as your extended back-office, allowing you to focus on business growth while we manage regulatory obligations.
What are the taxation benefits of setting up in Dubai?
Dubai offers significant tax advantages including no personal income tax, and until recently, no corporate tax for most businesses (a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 was introduced in June 2023, but remains competitive globally). Free zone entities meeting qualifying criteria may still enjoy 0% corporate tax. There's no capital gains tax, dividend distribution tax, or withholding tax on most transactions. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services. For Indian companies, this creates opportunities for tax-efficient structuring, though you must consider India's taxation of foreign income and transfer pricing regulations. Our tax advisors analyze your complete corporate structure to optimize tax efficiency across both jurisdictions while ensuring full compliance with Indian and UAE tax treaties.