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 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Marketing Consultancy company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including marketing consultancy. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

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

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.

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

The typical processing time for a marketing consultancy licence at Dubai DED is 3 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.

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.

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.

Marketing Consultancy in Dubai Mainland for Russian 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 Russian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Dubai DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for marketing consultancy operations. Growing community (~40,000), 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 Russian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Russian business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

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 Dubai DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 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 Dubai DED, 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 Dubai DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

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)	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 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 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. 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: 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, Russian 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