
Starting a Business in Dubai: How EGSH Helps You Register, License, and Thrive
New city, new dreams — but where do you begin? For thousands of entrepreneurs, the journey to success in Dubai starts with the right license, the right support, and the right team.
Why Dubai? And Why Now?
Dubai isn’t just a city with skyscrapers and sunshine — it’s a place where ideas become businesses and side projects become companies. With zero personal income tax, international access, and a rapidly digitizing government, more founders than ever are launching ventures here.
Thanks to DED e-services and streamlined business services in Dubai now offers, it’s never been easier to start. But while online systems simplify some steps, there’s still a lot to get right — from choosing the right trade license in Dubai to meeting visa and compliance requirements.
That’s where EGSH makes the difference: not just registering your business, but helping you build it right — from day one.
The Foundation: What You Need to Start a Business in Dubai
The first step is choosing your legal setup. You’ll need to decide whether you want a Mainland (DED) license, a Free Zone setup, or an Offshore structure.
🔍 Mainland vs Free Zone:
Feature |
Mainland (DED) |
Free Zone |
Operate within UAE market? |
✅ Yes |
❌ Not without a local distributor |
100% Foreign Ownership? |
✅ Since 2021 (for most activities) |
✅ Always |
Office Required? |
✅ Yes (Ejari needed) |
✅ Usually |
DED e services used? |
✅ Yes |
❌ No (free zones use internal systems) |
Most local entrepreneurs and service providers choose the Mainland route, where you’ll work directly with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and require a valid trade license Dubai.
Understanding the Trade License: Your Ticket to Business
A trade license is not just a formality — it’s your official right to operate. It’s issued based on your chosen business activity (or multiple activities), and it determines everything from your legal obligations to your banking access.
Common Trade License Types in Dubai:
License Type |
Best For |
Commercial |
Import/export, retail, e-commerce |
Professional |
Consulting, design, marketing, IT |
Industrial |
Manufacturing or industrial operations |
Important: Choosing the wrong license can cost time and money — or even lead to rejection. EGSH helps you pick the right license based on your real activity, not just a label.
How DED e Services Speed Things Up (But Still Need a Guide)
One of the reasons Dubai is so attractive is its investment in DED e services — online tools that allow users to:
- Reserve trade names
- Apply for licenses
- Upload documents
- Pay government fees
- Monitor application progress
Sounds easy? It is — if you already know the system. But if you’ve never dealt with UAE bureaucracy before, even a small error (like choosing the wrong activity code or uploading an outdated tenancy contract) can lead to rejection or delay.
EGSH has deep experience using these digital platforms — and more importantly, knows the offline reality behind them. So when something doesn’t go as planned, they don’t just send you a chatbot — they fix it.
What EGSH Actually Does for You
Let’s break it down. Setting up a business in Dubai involves multiple stages — and EGSH supports you at each one.
✅ Full-Cycle Business Setup with EGSH:
Stage |
EGSH Support Provided |
Business Consultation |
Help choosing license type, legal form, jurisdiction |
Trade Name Reservation |
Suggestions that match activity and DED requirements |
Document Preparation |
Translation, legal formatting, attestation if needed |
Application Submission |
Full handling of DED e services platform |
License Issuance |
Payment, approvals, delivery of trade license |
Visa Support |
Entry permits, medical screening, Emirates ID |
Office Assistance |
Ejari contract support, business address solutions |
Bank Account Assistance |
Advice and documents for opening local accounts |
All with transparent pricing, clear timelines, and personal support in English, Arabic, Russian, and more.
Case Story: From Idea to Legal Entity in 10 Days
Client: Omar, digital marketer from Egypt
Goal: Start a boutique marketing agency with local clients in Dubai
Problem: Didn’t know if he needed a commercial or professional license; confused by DED categories; tried to apply himself and got stuck.
EGSH Solution:
- Recommended a professional trade license Dubai with multiple permitted activities
- Handled DED application via DED e services, including naming approval and Ejari validation
- Scheduled visa screening and walked him through the Emirates ID process
- Helped him open a corporate bank account in 3 days
Result: Fully operational business, active trade license, valid UAE residency — all in 10 working days.
What Makes EGSH Different from Other “Business Services Dubai” Firms?
There are dozens of firms offering business setup in the UAE. But not all are created equal.
👇 Here’s what sets EGSH apart:
Feature |
EGSH Approach |
Personal support |
No bots. Real people, real communication |
Transparent pricing |
No hidden fees or surprise upsells |
Language access |
Multilingual support: EN, AR, RU, FR, CN |
Government expertise |
Daily work with DED and immigration offices |
Long-term partnership |
Beyond setup — help with renewals, growth |
Some firms just file your papers and disappear. EGSH stays with you — especially when you need to scale, modify your license, or sponsor employees later.
The True Cost of “DIY” Business Setup
Sure, you can try to do everything yourself using DED e services and online forums. But here’s what many entrepreneurs run into:
DIY Pitfall |
Consequence |
Wrong activity classification |
License rejection or limitations |
Missed document formats |
Delays or full re-submission |
Lack of Ejari compliance |
License on hold until office contract valid |
Choosing wrong jurisdiction |
Tax/visa headaches later |
No support with visas or banking |
Company is registered, but can’t operate |
By working with EGSH, you cut through confusion — and invest your time where it matters: your business, not bureaucracy.
What About Cost? Let’s Be Honest.
Business setup prices in Dubai vary depending on location, number of visas, and license type. But here’s a typical breakdown:
Setup Element |
Cost Range (AED) |
Trade License (Mainland) |
12,000 – 20,000 |
Trade License (Free Zone) |
5,500 – 15,000 |
Visa & Emirates ID |
3,000 – 5,000 |
Office Lease (Ejari) |
5,000+ (based on size) |
EGSH Service Fee |
Clear package options |
EGSH always provides full cost breakdowns before you commit. No hidden fees, no vague “from AED 5,000” surprises.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Start a Business. Start It Right.
Dubai is full of potential — but only if you launch on solid legal ground. From the very first trade name application to your final license, medical exam, and visa — EGSH helps you do it right.
With personalized service, deep knowledge of DED e services, and proven experience handling trade license Dubai registration, EGSH is more than a consultant. It’s your long-term partner for growth.
So if you’re ready to stop researching and start building — take that first step with confidence.
Start with EGSH. Start strong.