If you’re from Seychelles and looking to establish a business in Dubai, the path is smoother than you might expect. Dubai welcomes foreign entrepreneurs, allows 100 percent foreign ownership in many sectors, and offers tax advantages that can make a huge difference once your company gets going. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Dubai Is a Strong Choice for Seychelles Entrepreneurs
Starting with the basics, Dubai offers you a stable, safe environment, a fast-growing consumer base, and access to global trade routes. The UAE has no personal income tax, low corporate tax in many cases, and efficient digital portals for almost all business-related services.
Another major advantage for Seychelles citizens is visa flexibility. Once your business is registered, you can apply for a residence visa, sponsor family members, and even hire employees legally.
Step 1: Pick the Right Business Structure
What this really means is choosing where your company will live in the UAE system. You’ve got two main paths:
1. Mainland Company
A mainland setup lets you trade directly within Dubai and across the UAE without restrictions. You can open a physical shop, run a service business, or take government projects. Mainland companies now allow 100 percent foreign ownership in many activities, which removes the old local-partner worry.
This option is ideal if you want:
- A physical location in Dubai
- Access to the entire UAE market
- The ability to hire more staff without limits
2. Free Zone Company
If your goal is global trade, online services, consulting, or export-heavy work, a free zone may be the smarter option. Free zones offer:
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Easy setup
- Business license packages that include visas
- Office spaces ranging from shared desks to warehouses
Popular free zones for Seychelles entrepreneurs include Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Meydan Free Zone, and IFZA Dubai.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Activity
In the UAE, your business license comes from your primary activity. This isn’t just a formality. The activity determines:
- Which authority approves your license
- Which free zone or mainland area is best
- Your visa eligibility
- Whether you need additional permits
Common activities for Seychelles entrepreneurs include travel consultancy, import-export, e-commerce, real estate brokerage, digital marketing, shipping services, nutrition and wellness services, and financial advisory.
Make sure the activity you pick matches how you’ll operate. UAE regulators are strict about this.
Step 3: Register Your Trade Name
Trade name reservation is usually a fast digital process. Your business name has to follow UAE rules:
- No offensive wording
- No religious references
- Must reflect your activity appropriately
The reservation normally lasts for six months, giving you time to finish the rest of your setup.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
This is your green light from the UAE government saying you’re allowed to proceed with the company formation. It doesn’t grant you permission to run operations yet, but it confirms the government has no objection to your business concept.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
For Seychelles citizens, the document list is simple:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Completed application form
- For some activities: professional certification or experience proof
If you’re opening a mainland company with physical premises, you’ll need a tenancy contract later in the process.
Step 6: Finalize the License
Once everything is approved, you’ll receive your trade license. This is the official moment your business becomes legally recognized in Dubai.
The cost depends on:
- Free zone vs mainland
- Activities
- Visa allocation
- Office space
Many free zones offer flexible packages starting from low-budget setups all the way to premium business centers.
Step 7: Apply for Your UAE Residence Visa
Your business license allows you to apply for a residence visa for yourself and, if you want, your family. The typical steps include:
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID application
- Visa stamping
After this, you’re officially a UAE resident and can open personal and corporate bank accounts without hurdles.
Step 8: Open a Corporate Bank Account
UAE banks have strict compliance systems, but Seychelles citizens have no issues as long as the documents are clear and the business model makes sense. Banks may ask for:
- Your business plan
- Proof of address
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if already issued)
- License copy
Some entrepreneurs choose digital banks for faster onboarding.
Taxes and Compliance
Here’s the good part. UAE has no personal income tax. However, businesses must consider:
- VAT (5 percent)
- Corporate tax (9 percent, but many free zone companies qualify for 0 percent on qualifying income)
Staying compliant is easy if you maintain clean accounts and file returns on time.
How Long Does It Take?
Most free zone companies can be set up in 3 to 7 days. Mainland companies may take slightly longer, especially if you need external approvals.
If you’re a Seychelles citizen with entrepreneurial ambition, Dubai gives you a clear, modern framework to build your business. The process is straightforward once you understand the steps. Pick the right setup, get your paperwork right, stay compliant, and you’ll have access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
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