FIND THE RIGHT ANSWER

Frequently
Asked Questions

Establishment
Choosing the right structure: Mainland (full UAE market access) vs Free Zone (faster/cheaper setup, 100% foreign ownership, potential tax advantages)
Selecting the optimal business activity and license type
Business Planning
Understanding costs, timelines, and requirements for cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, agencies, and other ventures. Advice on location selection, market demand, competition, and feasibility
Human Resources
Office or commercial space sourcing and lease support (Ejari where applicable). Staff recruitment, visa processing, and initial training setup
Strategy
All necessary permits and clearances (including Dubai Municipality food establishment permits for F&B, fire safety, etc.). Bank account opening assistance. Fit-out coordination, supplier introductions, and equipment sourcing (especially valuable for restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs)
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Let us answer
All your questions!

Can foreigners fully own a business in Dubai?


Yes. Most activities on both mainland and free zones allow 100% foreign ownership under current regulations.

What is the difference between Mainland and Free Zone?
•Mainland: Full access to the UAE market, ability to trade directly with local customers and government entities, and more flexibility in location.
•Free Zone: Faster and often lower-cost setup, 100% foreign ownership, and potential tax benefits on qualifying income. However, trading directly on the mainland usually requires additional arrangements.
We help you choose the best option based on your business type and goals.
How long does business setup take?
• Free zone company: as fast as 3–10 working days
•Mainland company: usually 2–6 weeks
•Full F&B outlet (café, restaurant, bar): typically 2–8 months including fit-out and approvals
We give you a realistic timeline tailored to your specific project.
How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
Costs vary widely depending on the type of business:
•Simple agency or service company: from around AED 15,000 – 50,000
•Café or cloud kitchen: typically AED 150,000 – 600,000+
•Full restaurant, bar or club: usually AED 500,000 – several million
These figures include licensing, fit-out, equipment, and initial working capital. We provide a detailed customized cost estimate after understanding your concept.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai during the setup?

In most cases, no. We can handle the majority of the process remotely. However, certain steps (such as medical tests for visas or bank account opening) may require your presence or that of an authorized representative.

What licenses and approvals are required for a café, restaurant, bar or club?
In addition to the trade license, F&B businesses usually need:
• Dubai Municipality Food Establishment Permit
•Civil Defence (fire safety) approval
•Health cards for staff
•Alcohol license (if applicable – this has additional requirements and costs)
We manage all these approvals as part of our full setup service.
What is included in your “A to Z” business establishment service?

Everything required to take your business from idea to fully operational status, including company formation, licensing, lease support, fit-out coordination, staff visas, bank account assistance, supplier introductions, systems setup, and launch support.

How does the business management (passive ownership) service work?

You remain the legal owner of the business. We handle day-to-day operations, staff management, financial control, marketing, compliance, and reporting. You receive regular transparent reports and the profits (after operating costs and our agreed monthly management fee). This allows you to enjoy passive income without being involved in daily operations.

What is your monthly management fee?

The fee depends on the size and complexity of the business. We provide a clear, fixed monthly fee structure after evaluating your specific operation. There are no hidden charges.

Can you help with visas for me and my family?

Yes. We assist with investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas as part of the company setup and ongoing management services.

What about corporate tax and VAT in Dubai?
• Corporate Tax: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from 0% on qualifying income.
•VAT: 5% standard rate. Registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period.
We ensure full compliance and can arrange accounting support.
Is Dubai a good place to invest in a restaurant or café right now?

Dubai continues to attract strong tourism and has a high-spending resident population. Well-located and well-managed F&B businesses can perform strongly. However, competition is high and success depends heavily on concept, location, cost control, and professional management. We always provide realistic feasibility assessments.

What happens if I want to sell the business later?

We can assist with preparing the business for sale, including financial documentation, operational handover, and connecting you with potential buyers if required.

Do you only work with restaurants and cafés?

No. While we have strong expertise in hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs), we also support agencies, professional services, trading companies, and many other business types.

How do I get started?

Simply book a free consultation. We will discuss your goals, answer your questions, and outline the best path forward — whether you need guidance only, full setup, or complete passive management.

The Benefits of
MY-BID

Why Hire a Business Consultant Agency to Establish Your Business in Dubai?
Setting up a business in Dubai can be exciting — but it is also complex. From choosing the right license and jurisdiction to navigating approvals, documentation, and local regulations, the process involves many steps where mistakes can be costly and time-consuming.
Why should I hire a consultant agency instead of setting up the business myself?


Setting up a business in Dubai involves multiple government authorities, complex documentation, and strict compliance requirements. A specialized agency handles the entire process efficiently, saving you significant time and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

How does hiring a consultant save me time?

We manage all the steps — from company formation and licensing to approvals, visas, and coordination with authorities. What could take you several months of follow-ups and paperwork can often be completed much faster with professional support.

Can a consultant help me avoid expensive mistakes?

Yes. Choosing the wrong business activity, incorrect jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone), incomplete documents, or non-compliant premises can lead to delays, extra fees, or license rejection. Our experience helps ensure everything is done correctly from the start.

How do you help with Dubai’s complex regulations?

We are familiar with the requirements of DET, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and other authorities — especially for cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, and service businesses. We handle all necessary approvals and keep your business fully compliant.

Will you help me choose the right business structure?

Absolutely. We assess your goals, target market, and budget to recommend the most suitable option — mainland or free zone — so you start with the strongest possible foundation.

What local advantages do you provide?

We bring practical knowledge of Dubai’s market, preferred locations, realistic costs, reliable suppliers, staffing considerations, and operational realities that are difficult to gain without local experience.

Does using a consultant reduce stress?

Yes. We take care of the administrative burden — trade name reservation, documentation, lease support, fit-out coordination, visas, bank accounts, and more — so you can focus on your business vision instead of paperwork and government procedures.

Is it more expensive to hire a consultant?

While there is a professional fee, working with us often saves money overall by preventing unnecessary expenses, overpaying for services, or making poor decisions on location, fit-out, or licensing.

How do you ensure long-term compliance?

We set up your business correctly from day one, including proper licensing, tax registrations (VAT and corporate tax), health cards, and other requirements, protecting you from future fines or operational issues.

Can you also help if I want passive ownership later?

Yes. We can establish the business and then smoothly transition into ongoing management, allowing you to own the business and receive profits while we handle day-to-day operations.

What kind of communication can I expect?

You receive clear, regular updates, realistic timelines, and honest advice throughout the process. We priorities transparency so there are no surprises.

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