Indian Company Formation in the UAE
Complete guide for indian entrepreneurs setting up a business in the UAE.
Key Information for Indian Entrepreneurs
| Nationality | Indian |
|---|---|
| Country Code | IN |
| Region | South Asia |
| Market Trend | 14.9% YoY growth H1 2025 |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes — available in all free zones and most mainland activities since 2021 |
| Document Attestation | Indian documents must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India and then by the UAE Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulates in Mumbai or Chennai. HRD attestation is required for educational certificates before MEA attestation. |
Recommended Free Zones for Indian Entrepreneurs
| Free Zone | Emirate | Specialty | From (Year 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRTIP | Sharjah | Technology, R&D | AED 5,500 |
| Shams | Sharjah | Media, creative, e-commerce | AED 5,750 |
| SPC | Sharjah | Publishing, printing | AED 5,750 |
| Masdar | Abu Dhabi | Clean energy, sustainability | AED 7,000 |
| KIZAD | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing | AED 9,450 |
| UAQFTZ | Umm Al Quwain | Trading, manufacturing, services | AED 9,999 |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | General business, manufacturing | AED 17,500 |
| DMCC | Dubai | Commodities, finance, tech, blockchain | AED 35,484 |
| ADAFZ | Abu Dhabi | Aviation, logistics | Contact |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | Financial services, fintech | Contact |
| ICAD | Abu Dhabi | Heavy industry, manufacturing | Contact |
| twofour54 | Abu Dhabi | Media, entertainment | Contact |
| AFZ | Ajman | General trading, manufacturing | Contact |
| AMC | Ajman | Media, freelancing | Contact |
| DTEC | Dubai | Tech startups | Contact |
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Proof of address (home country)
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- CV/Resume for professional licenses
- Educational certificates (attested, for regulated activities)
- Business plan or activity description
- Good conduct certificate (for some free zones)
- NOC from current employer (if already a UAE resident)
Visa Options
Indian nationals can obtain the following visas through company formation:
- Investor Visa (3 years) — by owning shares worth AED 50,000+ in a UAE company
- Employment Visa (2-3 years) — sponsored by your own company
- Golden Visa (10 years) — for investments of AED 2M+ or exceptional entrepreneurs
- Green Visa (5 years) — self-sponsored for skilled professionals earning AED 15K+/month
- Freelance Visa (1-3 years) — through approved free zone freelance permits
- Dependent Visas — for spouse, children, and parents
Start Your UAE Company as an Indian Entrepreneur
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