Business Setup Guides

Priya Mehta had a great idea. A subscription-based wellness platform that helped working professionals manage stress with guided routines, expert calls, and herbal kits. After months of working from her small flat in Bengaluru, she knew it was time to scale. But every time she considered moving operations abroad, the logistics seemed overwhelming. Until she heard about free zone business setup in Dubai options through a friend who had just made the move. Two months later, Priya was running her startup from Dubai Internet City, hiring global talent, onboarding new investors, and accessing infrastructure she could never have dreamed of back home. Her journey is not unique. It’s part of a bigger shift and how smart founders are choosing the UAE for a faster, cleaner path to global growth. Here’s why it works, and how you can start. What Is a Free Zone in Dubai? Dubai’s free zones are designated areas that allow full foreign ownership, easy repatriation of profits, and zero personal income tax. Each free zone caters to specific sectors—like tech, media, logistics, or health—and offers its own licensing packages. This flexibility makes free zone business setup in Dubai one of the most popular routes for startups, freelancers, and foreign investors. If you’re planning to start a business in Dubai, a free zone is often the simplest and safest choice to begin. Why Free Zones Are the Smart Choice Let’s break it down. If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner from outside the UAE, you probably want: Full control over your business No need for a local sponsor Easy visa access for you and your team Streamlined banking and tax clarity With a free zone business setup in Dubai, you get all of that. Plus, the process is much faster compared to mainland company formation. In many cases, you can get your license within a week, open a corporate bank account soon after, and begin operations almost immediately. This speed and control is what draws so many global founders to Dubai’s free zones. What You Need to Set Up in a Free Zone Starting your company in a Dubai free zone is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s what’s typically required: 1. Choose the Right Free Zone Not all zones are created equal. Dubai Internet City is great for tech startups. Dubai Media City suits content creators. DMCC is ideal for traders and commodity businesses. Your industry determines the zone. 2. Select a Business Activity This must align with what your company will actually do. It also impacts your license type and visa eligibility. 3. Pick Your Company Structure Most people opt for an FZE (Free Zone Establishment) or FZCO (Free Zone Company). These give you legal standing to open a bank account, apply for visas, and sign contracts. 4. Apply for Your License This is where the Dubai free zone license comes in. You’ll submit passport copies, application forms, and a brief business plan. 5. Set Up Your Office or Flexi Desk Some free zones require a physical office. Others offer co-working options. AB Capital Services can help you match the cheapest and fastest options based on your needs. 6. Get Your Visas and Emirates ID Once your company is formed, you can sponsor yourself and your team for residence visas. These steps are part of every free zone business setup in Dubai package. You don’t need to do it all alone & working with a professional service like AB Capital Services makes the process smoother and compliant. How Long Does It Take? With the right documents in hand, most Dubai company formation processes in free zones take 5 to 10 working days. Visa processing may add another 7 to 10 days, depending on medicals and Emirates ID appointments. For entrepreneurs on tight launch timelines, this is a game-changer. Compared to other jurisdictions that can take months, company registration UAE in a free zone is refreshingly fast. What About Taxes? Here’s the thing—Dubai still offers a tax-friendly environment. Free zone companies generally benefit from: 0% personal income tax 0% corporate tax (if your business qualifies under free zone exemptions) 0% import and export duties within the zone Optional VAT registration if your revenue crosses AED 375,000 That’s why so many people researching business setup in UAE choose the free zone model. You get real benefits without the usual red tape. Mistakes to Avoid Some founders jump in without proper advice and end up in the wrong zone or with the wrong license. Others assume that all free zones offer the same banking access, which is not true. Choosing the right zone based on your business goals is key. Always double-check your Dubai free zone license activity against your long-term vision. And avoid applying through online portals without speaking to a qualified business consultant. How AB Capital Services Helps At AB Capital Services, we don’t do guesswork. We understand the difference between a fast launch and a costly mistake. Our team helps entrepreneurs like you: Choose the right free zone based on your business type Handle all paperwork and license submissions Open compliant corporate bank accounts Get visas approved without back-and-forth Stay updated on tax and legal changes Whether you’re a solopreneur launching your first venture or scaling a second startup, we make free zone business setup in Dubai as straightforward as it should be. FAQs 1. Can I own 100% of my company in a Dubai free zone? Yes. Free zones offer full foreign ownership with no local sponsor required. 2. How much does a free zone company setup cost? It depends on the zone, activity, and visa needs, but entry-level packages start around AED 12,000. 3. Can I get a residence visa through a free zone company? Yes. Your license allows you to apply for a residence visa and sponsor employees or family. 4. Do I need a physical office in a free zone? Not always. Some zones offer flexi-desk options, which are cheaper and suitable for small teams. 5. Is corporate

Let’s keep it simple. The UAE has officially become one of the world’s most active crypto hubs. Over $34 billion in transactions in a year is not a headline grab. It is proof. Investors, exchanges, and mining operations are not just testing the waters here. They are setting up shop. If you are thinking about how to mine crypto in the UAE, the opportunity is big. But so are the rules. This is not a grey area anymore. Mining is legal, but only if you follow the right steps. Here is what you need to know. The Crypto Boom in Plain Terms The growth is not random. The UAE has spent years building the legal and financial foundation for crypto to thrive. We are seeing that effort pay off. Regulatory bodies like VARA in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi are not just tolerating digital assets. They are supporting them with licenses, frameworks, and real clarity. This means people and businesses here can do more than trade coins. They can build infrastructure, raise capital, and yes, mine crypto. Legally. Can You Mine Crypto in the UAE? Yes, you absolutely can. But here is where the rules split into two tracks. Mining for Yourself If you are running mining hardware at home or in your own facility and the crypto rewards go directly to you, you are in the clear. The Federal Tax Authority has said this kind of solo mining does not trigger VAT. You do not need to register as a business and you do not need a license. That said, you cannot claim tax credits on the cost of your equipment or electricity either. It is a clean tradeoff. No tax, no deductions. Mining as a Business This is where most people get tripped up. If you are offering mining as a service, managing rigs for other people, or earning from clients who pay to use your setup, that is a business activity. You need a license. You need to register for VAT if your revenue hits the AED 375,000 threshold. You are also subject to corporate tax if your business falls outside tax-exempt zones. You cannot just run a warehouse of rigs and call it a hobby. If you are making money from others, you need to get legit. Where to Set Up a Legal Mining Operation Not all free zones in the UAE allow crypto activities. But the ones that do are moving fast to support serious operators. RAK DAO The Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis is specifically built for Web3, crypto, and mining businesses. It offers zero corporate tax, efficient licensing, and access to affordable infrastructure. If you are starting fresh, this is a smart launchpad. DMCC The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has a dedicated Crypto Centre. While more geared toward blockchain businesses and token firms, it is still crypto-friendly. Just make sure you meet the energy and licensing criteria if you plan to mine here. ADGM Abu Dhabi Global Market is home to some of the UAE’s most regulated financial firms. If you are aiming for scale or want to attract institutional partners, this is where you get credibility and oversight in one place. Pick your free zone based on your goals. RAK DAO works well for lean startups and energy-heavy mining setups. ADGM is better for firms targeting serious investment or regulatory depth. What You Actually Need to Operate Let’s cut through the checklist fluff. If you want to mine crypto in the UAE legally, here is what you actually need: A crypto license from an approved free zone A VAT registration if you are offering services and meet the revenue criteria Strong accounting practices and AML compliance policies A clear contract structure if you are managing rigs for other people Access to cooling and power that meets energy efficiency guidelines Also, remember that regulators are watching sustainability. If your setup burns unnecessary energy or creates environmental concerns, you will get flagged. Green operations are not just nice to have anymore. They are part of staying compliant. Is Mining in the UAE Worth It? Yes, if you are serious and prepared. The UAE offers something few countries do. A crypto ecosystem that is pro-growth and pro-regulation at the same time. You get: Transparent licensing Crypto-friendly banking No personal income tax Infrastructure built for digital businesses Access to capital, talent, and government-backed initiatives But none of that matters if you cut corners. Take the legal route. Register properly. Pay attention to tax thresholds. Mining is a long game. It only works if you do it clean. How AB Capital Services Can Help Crypto mining is not just a trend. It is becoming a regulated industry. AB Capital Services helps you build a legal and profitable setup in the UAE. We support with: Selecting the right free zone for mining Company formation and crypto licensing VAT and corporate tax compliance Business banking for crypto entities Ongoing legal and operational support We do not offer shortcuts. We offer clarity, speed, and peace of mind. FAQs Is crypto mining legal in the UAE? Yes. You can mine crypto for yourself or as a business as long as you follow the local laws and licensing rules. Do I need a license to mine? Not if you mine privately. But if you run a mining business or offer it as a service, you need a license from a crypto-approved free zone. Will I pay VAT on mining income? Only if you are running a mining business. Solo mining is VAT-exempt under current FTA guidelines. Is crypto mining subject to corporate tax in the UAE? Yes, unless your business is based in a free zone like RAK DAO that qualifies for a tax exemption. Which free zones support legal crypto mining? RAK DAO, DMCC, and ADGM are currently among the most active and crypto-forward free zones in the UAE. Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government