If you design websites, run a digital agency, or build software and digital products for clients internationally, Dubai can provide a UAE company structure for the business. The important part is choosing the right licence, activity, banking and compliance setup for how you actually operate.
You don't need to live in the UAE to get started — most founders set up and manage the business remotely, with UAE residency available afterwards through eligible structures if you want it. Weighing Dubai against Hong Kong, Cyprus, Singapore or others? Try our free 1-minute Dubai vs. The World comparison — no email required.
✓ Free 1-hour call · No obligation · Free Zone company setup typically from USD 5,440
Enter your estimated annual profit and current tax rate. See what you keep today, what you could keep after moving to a UAE structure, and the difference.
Most home countries tax business profit twice — once as company profit, then again when you pay yourself as salary or dividends. A UAE structure is typically taxed once, often at 0%. That's usually where the number above actually comes from.
The UAE doesn't tax individuals on salary, dividends or personal income — a big part of why the numbers above look the way they do.
Full ownership of your company, with no local partner or sponsor required for most agency and studio structures.
Move your profits internationally whenever you need to — no restrictions on transferring money out.
A Dubai company can be structured for freelance web designers, web development agencies, digital marketing agencies, SaaS studios and other creative or technical service businesses. Your exact licence and setup depend on what services you offer, where clients are located, how you're paid and where the business is managed. For most international founders in this space, a Free Zone structure is the right fit.
Setting up a web design or digital agency company in Dubai involves more than choosing a licence. Freelance designers, web development agencies, digital marketing agencies, SaaS studios and creative consultancies can have different requirements. Your setup cost can depend on the licence jurisdiction, business activity, visa requirements, office or flexi-desk needs and banking. VAT and UAE Corporate Tax also need to be assessed based on the actual business. EBS helps you compare the structure and coordinate the company setup, banking and ongoing compliance.
Different service models can have different licensing, payment and compliance considerations.
For solo designers and creatives working with international clients on branding, UI/UX or web projects.
Working solo? See our Freelance Visa guide →
For teams building and maintaining websites, apps or e-commerce platforms for clients.
For agencies running SEO, paid ads, social media or content for clients abroad.
For founders building and selling software products, tools or platforms.
For agencies and freelancers serving clients across multiple countries while operating a UAE company.
For founders who want a formal company, business banking and a structure that scales with the studio.
Either way, the setup is built around where you are right now, not a jargon-heavy checklist.
Keep your existing clients, contracts and workflow exactly as they are. We move the company and banking behind it to the UAE — your services, team and clients don't need to change.
No company yet? No problem. We set up your UAE company, banking and business structure from day one, so everything's built right the first time.
We help coordinate the setup around the actual business model rather than selling a generic licence first. Trade licence is typically issued in 1–5 days, banking in 3–10 days, with full setup usually complete within 2–3 weeks.
We review your services, clients, countries and current setup.
We compare suitable UAE company and licence routes, most commonly through IFZA — Dubai's largest and most popular free zone.
Company registration, licence documentation and the required corporate paperwork.
We prepare the business profile and support the banking application process.
We can also support accounting and ongoing UAE compliance after setup.
Tell us what services you offer, where your clients are and how you work — we'll walk you through the suitable Dubai setup.
Founded in 2022 by Christopher Elliott, who built and sold multiple businesses before launching EBS in Dubai.