Do You Need a Business Setup Consultant in Dubai? Here’s the Truth

Starting a business in Dubai sounds exciting, right? You imagine setting up fast, making deals, and growing in a city known for its business-friendly environment. But soon after searching online, most people feel overwhelmed.

There is too much advice. Some websites say you can do it all by yourself. Others push hard to sell their consultancy services. You might wonder, “Do I really need a business setup consultancy in Dubai, or is this just marketing talk?”

That’s a fair question. Thousands of new businesses open in Dubai every year. According to Dubai Economy, over 72,000 new business licenses were issued in 2024 alone. Out of these, many business owners used consultants. Others went through the process alone.

So, who is right? And what’s the best choice for you?

This article will give you clear, honest answers. We will break down what consultants do. We’ll also explain what happens if you skip hiring one. You’ll see the real pros and cons, not just sales pitches.

What Does a Business Setup Consultant Actually Do in Dubai?

Many people think a business setup consultant is just a middleman. But that’s not fully true. Their job covers a wide range of tasks that most new business owners find confusing and time-consuming.

First, they help you choose the right business license. Dubai offers different options like mainland, free zone, and offshore licenses. Each one has its own rules. Some allow full foreign ownership. Others require a local sponsor. If you pick the wrong one, you may face legal issues or extra costs later.

Next, they handle your paperwork. Setting up a company in Dubai means dealing with forms, approvals, notarizations, and government portals. A consultant knows which document goes where and how to avoid delays.

They also guide you through visa processing. If you want to live and work in Dubai, you need the correct visa. This includes getting your Emirates ID, medical fitness tests, and sometimes even opening a bank account.

Another big part of their work is dealing with government departments. Dubai has many authorities like DED, DMCC, and various free zone authorities. A consultant acts as your representative, saving you from making multiple trips to government offices.

They also help with finding office space. Some free zones require a physical office. Others allow flexi-desks or virtual offices. A consultant knows the cheapest and fastest options. On top of that, some consultants offer PRO services. This means they can renew your licenses, handle employee visas, and take care of future business changes.

Let’s take a real example. Suppose a foreign entrepreneur wants to start an IT company in Dubai Internet City. Without help, he would need to research free zone rules, submit applications, get tenancy contracts, and apply for visas. With a consultant, all this happens faster and with fewer mistakes.

In short, a business setup consultant handles the heavy lifting. They simplify the complicated process. They help avoid errors that could cost time and money. But does that mean you always need one? Not necessarily. Let’s look at what happens if you choose to set up your business without a consultant.

Can You Set Up a Business in Dubai Without a Consultant? 

Yes, you can. Many people have done it. The Dubai government has made the process more online and more open in the past few years. But here’s the catch. Setting up a business in Dubai on your own takes time, patience, and attention to detail.

First, you need to decide where to register your business. Do you want a mainland license? Or should you choose a free zone? Each option has different rules about ownership, office space, and business activities.

Once you decide, you must handle all the paperwork yourself. This means visiting government portals, filling out application forms, submitting identity documents, getting approvals, and sometimes visiting multiple offices.

If you’re going for a mainland company, you will likely deal with the Department of Economic Development (DED). For free zones, you’ll work with their respective authorities like DMCC, Dubai South, or Meydan Free Zone. Then comes the visa process. You’ll need to apply for an establishment card, an entry permit, do your medical tests, and get your Emirates ID. This part alone can take several days if you don’t know the exact steps.

You’ll also need a tenancy contract or Ejari for your office space if required. Plus, you must open a corporate bank account, which often needs several visits and document submissions. Many people who do it themselves end up spending more time than expected. Delays happen because of wrong document formats, missing signatures, or misunderstanding government rules.

One business owner shared online that he spent over 5 weeks handling everything alone. In comparison, his friend used a consultant and finished within 10 days. So yes, you can set up your business without help. But you need to be ready for paperwork, back-and-forth communication, and unexpected delays.

Advantages of Hiring a Business Setup Consultant

Many new business owners wonder if hiring a consultant is really worth it. The short answer is: it depends on your situation. But for most people unfamiliar with Dubai’s business rules, using a consultant brings real benefits. Here are some key advantages that make many entrepreneurs choose this option:

• Time-Saving Support:
  Consultancy Firms like Felix Happich Consultancy know the exact steps and government procedures. They speed up your application process. What could take you weeks might get done in days.
  
• Fewer Mistakes:
  Consultants review your documents and make sure everything meets government rules. This reduces the chances of application rejections.
  
• Help with License Selection:
  Dubai offers many license types—mainland, free zone, or offshore. A consultant will guide you to choose the right one based on your business activity and budget.
  
• Strong Government Connections:
  Experienced consultants often have direct contacts inside Dubai government departments. This means faster approvals and smoother communication.
  
• Visa Assistance:
  They help with employment visas, investor visas, family visas, and even dependents’ visas. They also guide you through medical tests and Emirates ID steps.
  
• Office Space Solutions:
  Whether you need a flexi desk, shared office, or full commercial space, they know where to look and who to contact.
  
• Bank Account Opening Help:
  UAE banks have strict requirements. Consultants know which banks suit your business type. They can help you prepare the right documents and schedule appointments.
  
• Post-Setup Support:
  Good consultants don’t stop at setup. They help with license renewals, visa renewals, and amendments if you want to add new activities later.

Disadvantages and Hidden Costs of Using a Consultant 

Hiring a business setup consultant in Dubai sounds great at first. But it’s important to know that there are also some downsides. Not every consultant works with your best interests in mind. Some may push extra services you don’t really need. Others might hide fees until the last minute.

Before you make a decision, here are the common disadvantages and hidden costs you should watch out for:

• Consultant Fees:
  Their service does not come free. On top of government fees, you’ll pay the consultant’s charges. These can range from AED 3,000 to AED 20,000 depending on your business type and complexity. Some consultants add extra charges for simple tasks like document submission or visa typing. They may not explain this clearly in the beginning.
  
• Lack of Transparency:
  Not all consultants explain each step in detail. Some may complete things without keeping you informed, making you feel left out of your own business process.
  
• Limited Customization:
  Many consultants offer fixed packages. These may include things you don’t want or miss important things you need.

Real Cost Comparison: DIY vs Using a Consultant (300 words)

Many people ask, “Is hiring a consultant worth the extra money?” To answer that, it helps to compare the actual costs and time involved in both options.

Both methods, doing it yourself or using a consultant, come with government fees. These fees are fixed and apply to everyone. The big difference lies in service charges, time investment, and risk of mistakes.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Cost Item	DIY Setup	Using a Consultant
Government Fees	AED 10,000–15,000 (depends on license type)	AED 10,000–15,000 (same government fees)
Consultant Service Charges	None	AED 3,000–20,000 (varies by consultant and business type)
Time Spent	3 to 6 weeks (if no mistakes)	1 to 2 weeks (average)
Risk of Mistakes	High (especially for first-timers)	Low (consultant checks documents)
Office Space Search	Self-managed	Consultant offers ready options
Bank Account Opening Help	Must contact banks yourself	The consultant arranges meetings and prepares documents
Visa Processing	Must learn each step and schedule yourself	The consultant handles appointments and paperwork