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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
May 28, 2025
Dubai is a highly attractive business destination, and the numbers prove it. With Dubai's GDP growing by an impressive 3.8% in 2024, it's clearly a place with money-making potential. However, to tap into this opportunity, you need to invest in starting your own business. But what if you don't have any starting capital?
In this article, we'll explore whether it's possible to start a business in Dubai with no money. It's an ambitious challenge, but let's examine the possibilities.
In this article, we'll explore whether it's possible to start a business in Dubai with no money. It's an ambitious challenge, but let's examine the possibilities.
- Benefits of doing business in Dubai
- Starting without capital: realistic expectations
- Unavoidable costs
- Top business ideas with minimum upfront capital
- Best online businesses to start in Dubai with minimal investment
- Company formation: How to incorporate a company in Dubai
- Some tips for starting a business in Dubai with little money
- Resources to help you start your business on a budget
- How to avoid unnecessary costs and penalties
- FAQ
Benefits of doing business in Dubai
As said earlier, Dubai's economy is on a roll. Many factors contribute to it, and these are the main things:
- Low taxes
- Strategic location
- Business infrastructure
- Business-friendly laws
However, Dubai is also one of the most expensive cities in the world for living expenses. So, is it really possible to start a business here without capital?
Starting without capital: realistic expectations
Let's be clear: "no money" doesn't literally mean zero dirhams. Rather, it means starting with minimal spending. Here's what you can do:
- Start as small as you can and grow with your profits
- Use free tools and platforms to operate (ChatGPT, Notion, Google Docs, etc.)
- Work from home or online to avoid office rent
- Do the work yourself instead of hiring a team at first
Unavoidable costs
- Trade License. You must have a license to operate a legal business. Prices for a freelance or e-commerce license in Free Zones start from around AED 5,000.
- Emirates ID & visa. These are required to live and work legally as well as to open a personal and business bank accounts. Emirates ID and residential visa costs start from AED 5,000.
We offer cost-effective support services that can save you valuable time and resources during this process.
Top business ideas with minimum upfront capital
While starting a business in Dubai with absolutely no money isn't realistic, here are some promising ideas that work well with minimal startup capital:
- Freelance services – Graphic design, writing, translation, video editing, social media management and similar digital services.
- Cleaning services – Provide residential or office cleaning with basic supplies.
- Home-based cooking or baking – Sell homemade dishes through Instagram or food delivery apps.
- Tour guide or cultural experiences – If you know Dubai well, offer guided walking tours or authentic food experiences.
- Handmade products – Jewelry, art, candles—sell these at local markets or through online platforms.
Best online businesses to start in Dubai with minimal investment
Online businesses are perfect for those seeking low-risk, minimal-investment opportunities. Here are five options that need very little startup capital:
- Affiliate marketing – Promote other companies' products and earn commissions on sales
- Dropshipping – Sell products online without maintaining inventory—your supplier handles storage and shipping.
- Online tutoring – Teach languages, math, music, or skills through video calls.
- Content creation (YouTube, Instagram) – Create and monetize content through advertising revenue, brand sponsorships, and digital product sales.
Company formation: How to incorporate a company in Dubai
When you've picked a niche for your business, it's important to get it right. There are three simple things you need to do:
1
Create a business description
Write a detailed business description or business plan for your future company and send it to us by email.
Write a detailed business description or business plan for your future company and send it to us by email.
2
We’ll schedule a call
Our expert consultants will review your business plan and schedule a call with you. We will understand your needs and create the best solution for your e-commerce business. Our goal is to help you save time and money during setup. We always give you at least two good options to choose from, so you can pick what works best for your business goals and budget.
Our expert consultants will review your business plan and schedule a call with you. We will understand your needs and create the best solution for your e-commerce business. Our goal is to help you save time and money during setup. We always give you at least two good options to choose from, so you can pick what works best for your business goals and budget.
3
You’re license will be ready within a week
Good planning is key — when we know what to do, things are done really efficiently.
Good planning is key — when we know what to do, things are done really efficiently.
Some tips for starting a business in Dubai with little money
Here are tips to lower your costs:
- Start as a freelancer if possible. The licenses are cheaper, and the tax-free threshold is higher than for companies
- Use shared office spaces to save on rent
- Use free tools for design (Canva), marketing (social media), and communication (Zoom, WhatsApp)
- Promote on free platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
- Work from home to avoid transportation and office costs
Resources to help you start your business on a budget
Starting a business with limited funds can be challenging. Fortunately, Dubai offers several valuable resources to help you launch your venture:
- Dubai SME – Government support for small businesses
- Free Zones with affordable licenses – e.g., IFZA, SPC Free Zone, SHAMS
- Business Incubators – Offer funding and advice
- Online communities – Social media groups and live events for entrepreneurs
- Freelance platforms – Fiverr, Upwork, Freelance Marketplace, FreelancerHub, etc.
How to avoid unnecessary costs and penalties
- Don’t start without a license – You may get fined
- Renew licenses and visas on time – Avoid late fees
- Keep records of income and expenses – Helps avoid accounting mistakes
- Ask for expert advice before signing long contracts or leases
- Don’t rush – Start small, test your idea, then grow
movingo is an all-in-one platform for company formation, visas, and everyday legal in the UAE. We started out as a tiny little startup ourselves. We know how it feels to start from scratch. We're here to give you a helping hand and make sure nothing gets in the way of your journey.
FAQ
It’s a challenge. Choose a low-cost license, work from home, and focus on online or service-based businesses.
Freelancing, online teaching, or dropshipping – these don't require much or any upfront investment.
The minimum is AED 5,500–8,000. This article already covers all the costs of starting a business. Check it out before you start.
No. You'll need to cover basic costs like a license. But you can keep it minimal.
The most profitable sectors are e-commerce, real estate, and digital services.
Yes, a residency visa is required unless you are a UAE citizen or already have one.
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