Setting Up a Business in Dubai: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business. With its strategic location, tax-friendly policies, and booming economy, it’s no wonder so many people want to start their company here. However, choosing the right business setup service is crucial to ensuring a smooth process. Many entrepreneurs have faced unexpected challenges due to hidden fees, lack of transparency, and poor customer service from certain setup agencies. In this article, we’ll discuss the common pitfalls and how to avoid them, along with why GenZone is different from the rest.
Beware of Hidden Fees and Unethical Practices
One of the biggest complaints about company setup services in Dubai is hidden fees. Here’s what one entrepreneur had to say:
“We’ve been trying to cancel a company for months, and around every turn, there are new fees and penalties. It was expensive to establish, and I’m amazed how difficult and costly it is to get away from them. Do yourself a favor, don’t work with them.”
This experience is unfortunately common. Many setup companies do not disclose all fees upfront. They take your money, and when you need additional services, they charge you extra—sometimes at exorbitant rates. Even worse, many big-name setup agencies impose huge fees if you want to leave them. Some even hide clauses in their contracts that make it nearly impossible to cancel without paying a hefty amount. Most entrepreneurs don’t read through every detail of the contract, leading to unpleasant surprises down the line.
Fake Reviews and Misleading Information
Another challenge is misleading online reviews. A business owner shared this review:
“Do not waste your money or time. We went with them thinking they had good reviews. Their fees were high, so we assumed this meant better service. How wrong we were.”
Many people look at Google reviews before selecting a business setup company. The problem is that good reviews are easy to manufacture. Some companies pay for fake reviews or manipulate their ratings. The real truth is often in the negative reviews because unhappy customers share their genuine experiences. However, even those are hard to find because some people are afraid of legal action or retaliation from the company.
Another issue is that people assume that higher prices mean better service. This is not always the case. Some companies charge premium rates but deliver the same low-quality service as cheaper competitors. This is why it’s critical to look beyond the marketing hype and evaluate the actual value provided.

Delays and Poor Customer Support
Time is money, and unnecessary delays can cost you dearly. Consider this review:
“Really bad experience. It took two months with this team, and they kept asking for more and more money. Before we paid, they were nice. After payment, the problems started—wrong license, no response to emails or calls, and rude behavior from one of the managers.”
Setting up a business in Dubai should not take more than one week in most cases. If a company is taking two months just to register your business, you are likely being scammed or neglected. Some agencies delay the process simply because they are overwhelmed with too many clients and not enough skilled professionals handling applications.
The worst cases involve incorrect license registrations. This means that after waiting months, some entrepreneurs end up with the wrong business activity on their license, which can severely limit their operations.
Why GenZone is Different
At GenZone, we believe in full transparency, fast service, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how we stand out:
1. No Hidden Fees
We provide a clear breakdown of all costs upfront. If any unexpected fees arise due to our mistake, we cover them ourselves. You’ll never get surprise invoices or feel trapped in a contract with us.
2. Fast and Efficient Process
Most business licenses can be issued within one week. The entire setup, including obtaining residency and a business bank account, takes about three to four weeks—far less than the two to three months that some other agencies take.
3. One-on-One Personalized Service
Unlike big agencies that delegate tasks to multiple team members, we assign a dedicated expert to each client. You will always have a direct point of contact, eliminating confusion and mismanagement.
4. Honest and Transparent Reviews
We don’t manipulate our online reviews. Our clients genuinely appreciate our service, and we let their feedback speak for itself. You won’t find fake reviews or deceptive marketing tactics with us.
5. Ongoing Support Beyond Setup
Setting up a business is just the first step. We help with:
- Becoming a tax resident in Dubai
- Managing non-residency status in your home country
- Opening corporate and personal bank accounts
- Ensuring compliance with UAE business laws
- We provide continuous guidance to ensure your business runs smoothly in Dubai.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely
The business setup industry in Dubai is full of both great and terrible companies. Many agencies promise low prices and fast service but fail to deliver. Others charge premium fees without adding real value. That’s why it’s essential to do thorough research before choosing a setup partner.
At GenZone, we are committed to offering a hassle-free, transparent, and efficient experience. If you’re serious about setting up a business in Dubai without unnecessary delays or hidden costs, book a call with us today. We’d love to help you take the next step towards success.
Book a free consultation with GenZone now!