Dubai makes it possible to start a company quickly, and that speed has created a crowded market of business setup consultants. Some act as genuine advisers. Others simply resell packages. The consultant you choose shapes your structure, costs and compliance for years, so it pays to ask the hard questions first.
Here are seven worth asking before you sign anything.
1. Are you licensed, and can I check?
A consultancy should hold a valid trade licence of its own. You do not have to take its word for it. The UAE Government portal lists official channels for verifying business licences, including Dubai Economy and Tourism’s licence search. The check takes minutes and tells you whether you are dealing with a registered business.
2. Will you compare mainland and free zone options objectively?
Many free zones work with registered agents, and some consultants lean towards the zones or packages they sell most. Ask why a jurisdiction is being recommended and what the alternatives would cost. A good answer is tied to your activity, customers, visa needs and budget.
3. Can you separate government fees from your fees?
Ask for an itemised quote that splits out three things: government fees, third-party costs such as notarisation and Ejari registration, and the consultant’s own service fee. An all-inclusive figure with no breakdown makes it impossible to compare offers. Ask what renewal will cost in year two as well.
4. Who will handle my tax obligations?
According to the Ministry of Finance, all Taxable Persons, including free zone companies, must register for Corporate Tax. If a firm will represent you before the Federal Tax Authority as a tax agent, it must be registered. The FTA keeps a public register of tax agents and states that practising as a tax agent without registration is an offence. The Ministry of Finance also reminds businesses to rely only on official MoF and FTA publications for Corporate Tax guidance.
5. Do you guarantee approvals or bank accounts?
Licences and approvals are issued by government authorities, and banks make their own account decisions. A consultant can prepare a strong, complete application. No consultant can guarantee the outcome. If someone promises guaranteed approval, treat it as a warning sign.
6. Will my company accounts and documents be in my name?
Your trade licence, Memorandum of Association and government portal accounts belong to your company. FTA services, for example, are accessed through UAE PASS, which is tied to an individual. Make sure you keep full access to every account, even if you change providers later.
7. What happens after the licence is issued?
Formation is only the first step. Your business will need visas, a corporate bank account, bookkeeping and licence renewals. Once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000, it will also need mandatory VAT registration. Ask whether the consultant supports these stages or simply hands you a licence and moves on.
How Bexford approaches these questions
At Bexford, we believe a founder should be able to ask all seven questions and get clear answers. We give itemised quotes that separate government fees from service fees, and we compare mainland and free zone options based on your plans. Each client gets one dedicated advisor who stays with them after formation for accounting, tax and renewals. We do not promise outcomes that rest with authorities or banks. We make sure your application is complete and well prepared.
Learn more about Bexford or book a free consultation.
