Many aspiring entrepreneurs want to know if they can have a business setup in Dubai alone, without a huge team. The answer is actually "Yes". In fact, Dubai has become one of the most welcoming places in the world for solo founders. The government has spent years rewriting the rules to make sure that a single person with a laptop and a dream has the same legal support to have a business set up in Dubai as any billionaire. Whether you want to be a consultant, a freelancer, or a solo trader, the path is wide open.
Here is a deep, human guide on how you can launch your new business setup in Dubai as a one-person army.
The Legal Reality: You Don't Need a PartnerFor a long time, there was a rule that forced foreigners to have a local Emirati partner who owned 51% of the business setup in Dubai. Now things are different. The law allows 100% foreign ownership of Dubai business setups in most sectors. When you start your business setup in Dubai, you can choose a legal structure specifically designed for one person, such as a "Sole Establishment" or a "Single-Member LLC".
Choosing Your Path: Mainland vs Free ZoneAs a solo founder, your first big decision is where to plant your flag. This choice will define how your Dubai business setup functions day-to-day.
Free Zones: Most Free Zones in Dubai offer "Freelancer Permits" or "Solo-Preneur" packages. They are often the cheapest way to start a business setup in Dubai. You get a residency visa, a "flexi-desk" and you don't need a physical office.
Mainland: If you want to trade directly with the local Dubai market or bid for government contracts, a mainland business set up Dubai is the way to go. Thanks to recent reforms, you can now own 100% of a mainland company in over 1,000 different activities.
The Power of the "One-Person LLC"In the past, an LLC (Limited Liability Company) required at least two people. Now, you can form a "Single-Member LLC". This protects your personal life. If your business setup in Dubai runs into debt or a legal problem, your personal house, car, and savings are usually safe. When you talk to a business setup company in Dubai, they will likely recommend this structure because it combines the total control of a solo business with the safety of a big corporation.
The Practical Steps: From Idea to LicenseStarting a business set up in Dubai by yourself follows a very logical path. First, you pick the activity of your business setup in Dubai from the list of over 2,000 activities. Next, you register your "Trade Name." This is the name of your Dubai business setup. After that, you get "Initial Approval," which is the government saying, "We like your idea, go ahead."
The final big step is the "Ejari" or lease. If you are a solo Dubai business setup founder in a Free Zone, your "flexi-desk" agreement acts as your lease. Once you have these documents, you pay your fees and your license is issued, sometimes in as little as 24 hours if you use the "Instant License" service.
Why You Might Need a Business Setup Company in DubaiMany solo founders find the paperwork of a business setup in Dubai confusing. A business setup company in Dubai acts as your silent partner. They know exactly which office handles which stamp. They can save you weeks of time and prevent you from making "rookie mistakes" that could cost you money later. For a one-person business setup in Dubai, your time is your most valuable asset. You could spend a little and take the help of a professional business setup company in Dubai to handle the new business setup in Dubai.
The Tax Question for Solo FoundersOne of the best parts about a new business setup in Dubai is the tax environment. As a solo founder, you generally pay 0% personal income tax. There is a Corporate Tax of 9%, but it only kicks in if your business makes more than 375,000 AED in profit. For many people starting out, this means you get to keep almost everything you earn to reinvest in your growth.
ConclusionDubai is no longer just for the giants. It is a city that has realized that small businesses and solo founders are the heartbeat of the economy. If you have been waiting for "the right time" or for "the right partner" to start your journey, stop waiting. You have the legal right, the digital tools, and the professional support of every business setup company in Dubai to help you succeed. All you need is the courage to take that first step. Your Dubai business setup isn't just a piece of paper, it’s your ticket to a new life in the most exciting city in the world.
1. Can I get a residency visa if I am the only person in the company?
Yes, absolutely. When you complete your business setup in dubai, you become an "Investor" or "Partner" in the eyes of the immigration department. This allows you to apply for a 2-year or 3-year residency visa. You can even sponsor your family (spouse, children, and parents) to live with you in Dubai once your own visa is stamped.
2. Do I need a physical office if it's just me?
Not necessarily. If you choose a Free Zone setup, you can use a "Flexi-Desk" or a "Co-working space." These are very popular in 2026 because they are social and cost-effective. However, if you go for a mainland dubai business setup, you generally need a physical address, but this can be a very small, affordable office in a business center.
3. Is there a minimum amount of money I need in the bank?
For most solo businesses, there is no "Minimum Capital" requirement anymore. You don't have to show the government a bank statement with a million dirhams in it to get started. You just need enough to cover the license fees and your initial setup costs.