How Estonians Can Start a Business in Dubai

Estonians can start a business in Dubai by following a step-by-step process. Select a business activity, choose a legal structure, decide between mainland or free zone setup, reserve your trade name, apply for a business license, complete the residency and visa processes, and open a corporate bank account.

And Estonian businesses aren’t just looking at Dubai – many see the entire Gulf as their next frontier. Estonia, long celebrated as one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, is positioning itself as a tech exporter, not just a local startup hub.

In fact, Estonia’s government actively supports export expansion into the UAE. The Enterprise Estonia office in Dubai helps Estonian founders navigate UAE regulations and build connections in the Gulf.

This means for Estonian entrepreneurs, setting up in Dubai isn’t only about launching a business. It’s about gaining a strategic base to service the GCC, ME markets, and tap into regional demand – especially in sectors like green tech, food & beverage, organic agriculture, digital services, and clean energy.

For example, trade between Estonia and the UAE in the food & beverage sector reached about €150 million (AED 640 million) in 2022, showing that Estonian producers already have footholds in Gulf markets. So, your Dubai company isn’t just local – it becomes your Gulf trade-launchpad.

This article is designed for Estonian entrepreneurs exploring how to launch or grow their businesses in Dubai. It walks through the city’s appeal as a gateway to the Gulf, the legal requirements of setting up, the expected costs, options for family visas, and how working with specialists like Knightsbridge Group can make the entire process seamless.

Why Estonians choose Dubai for business
Estonian entrepreneurs are drawn to Dubai for a mix of lifestyle advantages and business opportunities.

Safety and quality of life sit at the top of the list. Dubai is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, which appeals to Estonian families relocating abroad. Add in world-class healthcare, international schools, and modern housing, and the city becomes more than just a business hub; it’s a home.

Global reach is another reason. From Dubai, Estonian businesses gain fast access to Europe, Asia, and Africa. For founders from a small but innovative nation like Estonia, this connectivity is invaluable for scaling ventures that need bigger markets.

Tax efficiency also makes a difference. The UAE has no personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates, a model that aligns well with Estonia’s own pro-business approach.

Finally, there’s the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dubai is packed with ambitious founders, investors, and innovators. Estonian business owners can tap into European and Baltic networks already thriving in the UAE, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Legal requirements for Estonians starting a business in Dubai
To legally operate, Estonians need to set up a company and secure residency.

Registering a business unlocks the ability to apply for a residence visa, which usually lasts two to three years and is renewable. This visa also allows entrepreneurs to sponsor family members and employees.

Choosing between free zones and mainland setups is an important step. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified incorporation, and exemptions from import/export duties. Mainland companies allow trading within the UAE and access to government contracts.

Recent reforms now allow full foreign ownership in many mainland sectors, making it easier for Estonians to establish companies without requiring a local sponsor.

Steps to start a business in Dubai as an Estonian
For Estonians, setting up a company in Dubai is straightforward. The process starts with defining your business activity, followed by selecting the right jurisdiction, registering your company name, obtaining a trade license, sorting out visas and residency, and finally, opening a corporate bank account.

Step 1: Define your business activity and structure
The first step is deciding what your business will actually do. Dubai recognises thousands of official business activities, spanning from consultancy, IT services, and marketing to trading, retail, or even light manufacturing.

Take, for example, an Estonian digital consultant from Tallinn who wants to expand into the Gulf. They’d apply under a professional services license. On the other hand, an Estonian exporter selling food or timber products would need a commercial license.

This decision matters because it sets the tone for everything that follows: the paperwork, the license you’ll apply for, and the scope of work you’re allowed to undertake. Getting this step right at the start avoids delays and changes later. Working with Knightsbridge Group makes the entire process smoother, saving you time, money, and stress.

Step 2: Decide between mainland and free zone
The next choice is where to base your company: mainland Dubai or one of its free zones.

Free zones appeal to many international founders because they offer 100% foreign ownership, industry-specific hubs, and cost-effective flexi desk packages. They’re often the natural pick for tech startups, e-commerce businesses, or consulting firms.

Mainland setups, by contrast, allow you to trade directly within Dubai and across the UAE. Since recent reforms, Estonian entrepreneurs can now own their mainland companies outright in many sectors – something that wasn’t possible before.

The right option really depends on your long-term strategy. If your goal is to serve clients locally or secure government contracts, the mainland is the better bet. If you’re thinking more about cross-border trade, a free zone could be the smarter play.

Step 3: Reserve a company name and apply for your trade license
With your activity and jurisdiction decided, it’s time to secure a company name. Dubai’s naming rules are simple: the name must be clear, respectful, and unique.

Once you’ve reserved the name, you can apply for your trade license. The application typically requires passport copies, incorporation documents, and occasionally a short business plan. When your license is approved, you’ll have the legal go-ahead to start operating in Dubai.

Step 4: Complete the visa process
After receiving your trade license, you’ll need to apply for a UAE residence visa. This step involves a standard medical exam, fingerprinting for your Emirates ID, and the visa being stamped into your passport.

Most visas are valid for two or three years and can be renewed. Holding a residence visa also gives you the ability to sponsor your family members or employees. For many Estonians, this is the moment when Dubai shifts from being just a market to being a place to truly live and grow.

Step 5: Open a corporate bank account
The final step is setting up a corporate bank account. This isn’t just a formality – it’s essential for running day-to-day operations, paying suppliers, and giving clients the reassurance of a properly registered business.

To open an account, banks usually ask for your trade license, shareholder information, proof of address, and sometimes a business plan. Processing times vary – some banks are quick, others take a few weeks – but having your residence visa in place makes everything smoother.

Once your account is active, you’re ready to do business in Dubai as an Estonian entrepreneur.

Costs involved for Estonians
Starting costs in Dubai depend on your company type and chosen jurisdiction. A ballpark figure to budget for is AED 10,000 to AED 20,000.

Trade license fees usually range between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000 annually.
Visas and Emirates IDs cost roughly AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per person, covering medicals and processing.
Office options vary: a flexi-desk in a free zone can cost around AED 10,000 a year, while a private office on the mainland might exceed AED 50,000.
Other costs to budget for include:

Bank deposits: many banks require minimum balances of AED 10,000 to AED 50,000.
Health insurance: mandatory for residents in Dubai.
Advisory and PRO services: many Estonians hire professionals to handle government paperwork smoothly.
Family visas for Estonian entrepreneurs
Once you’ve secured your residence visa, you can apply to sponsor your family.

This typically includes your spouse, children, and sometimes your parents. Proof of accommodation is required, and your monthly salary must meet a minimum threshold (commonly AED 4,000 to AED 10,000).

For Estonian families relocating, Dubai offers excellent international schools, modern healthcare, and a safe, family-friendly lifestyle. It’s a move that blends entrepreneurial ambition with personal security and comfort.

Why work with Knightsbridge Group
Setting up a company in Dubai can feel daunting if you try to manage it alone. This is where Knightsbridge Group adds real value.

With years of experience helping European entrepreneurs, including Baltic founders, Knightsbridge Group offers a complete service:

Guidance on choosing the right jurisdiction – mainland or free zone.
Support with license applications and paperwork.
Assistance in visa processing for both entrepreneurs and their families.
Help with corporate bank account opening by connecting you with trusted banks.
Compliance and tax advisory to keep your business on the right side of UAE regulations.
What makes us stand out is our ability to simplify complex procedures and tailor solutions to each client. For Estonians entering a new market, having a trusted partner who understands both European and UAE business landscapes is invaluable.

If you’re an Estonian entrepreneur looking to expand your business internationally, reach out to Knightsbridge Group today. Our team will guide you every step of the way, so you can focus on growth while they handle the details.