What documents does a Russian national need to start a marketing consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Russia, attested documents via Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille, and a business plan for your marketing consultancy venture.

How long does it take for a Russian citizen to set up a marketing consultancy company in DIFC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Marketing Consultancy licence in DIFC?

The typical processing time for a marketing consultancy licence at DIFC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

What documents do I need to set up a Marketing Consultancy business in DIFC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What business activities can I include on my DIFC licence?

Your DIFC licence can include marketing consultancy as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Marketing Consultancy in Dubai International Financial Centre for Russian nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Marketing Consultancy in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Marketing Consultancy

As a Russian national looking to establish a Marketing Consultancy business in Dubai International Financial Centre, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Russia has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Russian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Marketing Consultancy business will benefit from independent legal framework (common law) and own courts and arbitration centre. The DIFC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your marketing consultancy setup in DIFC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DIFC for Marketing Consultancy?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai International Financial Centre continues to attract marketing consultancy entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for marketing consultancy operations. Additionally, own courts and arbitration centre ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 18,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Premier financial hub further enhances the appeal of DIFC for marketing consultancy professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your marketing consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIFC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Russian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Russian business community.

Independent legal framework (common law)

Own courts and arbitration centre

Premier financial hub

Zero tax for 50 years

Access to regional capital markets

Visa Requirements for Russian Nationals

Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your marketing consultancy licence is issued by DIFC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Russian Business Owners

Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations. IBA assists with proper documentation and bank selection. For your marketing consultancy business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Russian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Russia-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Russian Nationals

Russian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for marketing consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	18,000
Shared Office	35,000
Private Office	80,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 35,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your marketing consultancy business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Russian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Russia through Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the marketing consultancy licence application to DIFC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DIFC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations.

Start Operations

Your marketing consultancy business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Russian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Marketing Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750