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

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

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a marketing consultancy company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How much does it cost to set up a Marketing Consultancy business in Dubai Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Marketing Consultancy business in Dubai DED starts from approximately AED 12,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,500 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Dubai DED Marketing Consultancy licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Dubai DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Can I get a residence visa with my Marketing Consultancy licence from Dubai DED?

Yes, your marketing consultancy licence from Dubai DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Marketing Consultancy business in Dubai Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Marketing Consultancy Dubai DED company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What are the tax implications for a Marketing Consultancy business in Dubai Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Marketing Consultancy in Dubai Mainland for Italian nationals

MainlandProfessional

Marketing Consultancy in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Marketing Consultancy

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Dubai DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for marketing consultancy operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Mainland gives your Marketing Consultancy business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. The Marketing Consultancy activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up marketing consultancy businesses in Dubai Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Dubai DED for Marketing Consultancy?

Choosing Dubai DED for your marketing consultancy business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for marketing consultancy operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for marketing consultancy professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your marketing consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

For Italian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your marketing consultancy business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your marketing consultancy company in Dubai DED: Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Italian business structures.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Document attestation for Italian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Italy, (2) Attestation by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to marketing consultancy businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* 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 Dubai DED licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Italian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including marketing consultancy.

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