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Swiss entrepreneurs can start a business in Dubai by following a simple but structured process: define your activity, choose a jurisdiction, register your company name, obtain a trade license, secure visas, and open a corporate bank account.
But that’s just the framework. What makes Dubai so appealing to the Swiss isn’t only how efficient it is – it’s what it represents. The city moves at the speed of ambition, balancing innovation and infrastructure in a way that resonates deeply with Switzerland’s own values of precision and quality.
In Switzerland, more than 99% of all businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which power the nation’s exports. With limited room to grow at home, many of these firms are now looking beyond the Alps – and increasingly toward the Middle East.
Dubai offers no personal income tax, a world-class logistics network, and a welcoming business ecosystem where entrepreneurs can operate freely and scale fast. For Swiss companies – from Zurich fintech firms to Geneva luxury brands – Dubai is more than a destination; it’s a launchpad.
This guide, written specifically for Swiss entrepreneurs, outlines every step: the legal process, visa rules, costs, and how Knightsbridge Group can simplify your setup from the first signature to full-scale operation.
Swiss entrepreneurs choose Dubai because of its tax benefits, ease of doing business, lifestyle benefits, networking opportunities, and prime location for global trade.
Switzerland sits at the heart of Europe. Dubai, meanwhile, sits at the heart of the world. A six-hour flight from Zurich connects you to Asia, Africa, and the wider Middle East. For Swiss exporters, supply chain specialists, and logistics providers, that proximity means global access with European ease.
It’s not just about geography – it’s strategy. A single Dubai office can manage three continents’ worth of trade, allowing Swiss companies to diversify markets while keeping operations efficient and predictable.
Switzerland’s stable tax system is part of its success, but Dubai goes a step further. There’s no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and businesses pay just 9% corporate tax once profits exceed AED 375,000. Below that, zero corporate tax.
What stands out for Swiss founders is how straightforward the system feels. Almost everything – from business registration to trade license renewals – can be done online. The government’s focus is clear: to attract business, not burden it. That efficiency mirrors the Swiss mindset perfectly.
The Swiss Business Council UAE is active and well-respected, organizing trade events, cultural gatherings, and networking opportunities throughout the year. Add in the broader European Chamber and various regional associations, and collaboration happens organically.
For Swiss entrepreneurs, that sense of community means they never have to start from scratch. Whether you’re seeking local partners or regional distributors, the ecosystem here makes it easy to plug in and grow.
Life in Dubai is built around comfort, safety, and convenience. It’s clean, well-organized, and full of energy. For families relocating from Switzerland, the transition feels natural. International schools, spotless public spaces, world-class healthcare, and consistent sunshine make it one of the easiest places in the world to settle down.
Even more appealing? The sense of balance. Dubai offers fast business and slow living in equal measure – a combination hard to beat.
To start a company in Dubai, Swiss nationals must follow three main steps: choose a jurisdiction, secure the appropriate trade license, and obtain residency through a visa.
You’ll need to decide whether to establish in a free zone or the mainland.
Until recently, foreign entrepreneurs needed a local partner for mainland operations. That’s no longer the case for most activities. Swiss investors now enjoy 100% ownership, ensuring full control of profits, management, and strategic decisions – something both business owners and their accountants appreciate.
Swiss business owners typically apply for a Partner Visa or Investor Visa, both linked to their business license. These visas last 2 or 3 years, are renewable on expiry, and allow you to live, work, and sponsor dependents in the UAE.
Those planning a long-term base can explore the Golden Visa, which grants ten years of residency for qualified investors or professionals. It’s an attractive choice for entrepreneurs looking to anchor their operations regionally.
Setting up in Dubai is straightforward once you know the order. It involves selecting your activity, picking your structure, choosing your jurisdiction, reserving your company name, applying for your trade license, securing your visas, and opening a corporate bank account.
First, clarify your activity, such as consulting, logistics, engineering, hospitality, or design. Each requires a specific license.
Then pick your legal structure:
Knightsbridge Group helps you weigh your options and ensures your setup meets both UAE law and your long-term goals.
Your jurisdiction defines your market reach.
Choosing correctly early on saves time and prevents costly restructuring later.
Your company name must follow Dubai’s naming rules – clean, clear, and apolitical. Once approved, submit your license application through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or your chosen free zone authority.
Expect to provide the following paperwork:
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for your residence visa. The process involves a brief medical test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping. Once issued, you can legally live and work in the UAE – and sponsor employees or family members if you choose.
Every company needs a corporate bank account to trade. Local and international banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq, HSBC, and ADCB all support new entrepreneurs.
Because compliance checks can be strict, Knightsbridge Group manages documentation and introductions to make the process faster and smoother.
The cost of starting a business in Dubai is competitive compared to Zurich or Geneva. You should budget AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 for setup, depending on your activity and the number of visas required.
Typical expenses to expect:
Once you hold a valid residence visa, sponsoring your family is a straightforward process.
You can bring your spouse, children (sons up to 25, daughters until marriage), and, in some cases, parents. You’ll need proof of housing and a monthly income between AED 4,000 and 10,000.
Once approved, dependents receive UAE residency, healthcare access, and schooling options – many with European or bilingual programs.
For Swiss families, Dubai offers something rare: a safe, organized environment with an international outlook, where business success and family life coexist comfortably.
Starting a company abroad is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated one. Since 2010, Knightsbridge Group has helped thousands of European entrepreneurs – including many from Switzerland – launch and grow in Dubai. We handle everything: trade license registration, visas, banking introductions, and government coordination.
But we go beyond paperwork. We act as partners, advising on structure, compliance, and scaling strategies so your business starts strong and grows steadily.
With Knightsbridge Group, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and get expert support that blends Swiss precision with Dubai speed.
Contact us today to take the first step toward your new venture in the UAE – and bring Swiss innovation to one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
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Global Law Experts is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to clients around the world. With a vast network of highly skilled and experienced lawyers, we are committed to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients in various jurisdictions.
Global Law Experts is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to clients around the world. With a vast network of highly skilled and experienced lawyers, we are committed to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients in various jurisdictions.
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