Steps to move your existing business from Singapore to Dubai in 2025 

Are you considering moving to Dubai UAE from Singapore? Now is the time to make that shift. As Dubai is rapidly transforming into a global hub for commerce, innovation, and investment, many entrepreneurs and established entities are choosing to move business from Singapore to Dubai, UAE. This progress is driven by the business-friendly policies, top-tier infrastructure, and the city’s broadening reach to global markets. 

So, if you want to assess the benefits of business migration to Dubai, and are looking for an extensive comparison of cost of living in Dubai vs. Singapore, this guide will help you understand why Dubai can be a perfect destination for establishing and growing your business. 

Understanding the market of Dubai – 2025

Dubai is developing progressively as a global economic hub in sectors like finance, logistics, and technology. The UAE expects to expand its GDP by 4% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, by diverting its focus from the oil sector to other diversified industries, such as real estate, tourism, technology, and others. The predicted expansion indicates a thriving environment for different kinds of businesses and investments.   

Key Economic Indicators:

• GDP Growth: Projected to grow by 4.4% in 2025; Recorded a profit of AED 119.7 billion in the first quarter.
• Non-Oil Trade: Expected to hit a new high in 2025-2026 by 4.5%.

Top reasons to move business from Singapore to Dubai 

Singapore companies seeking expansion, low operational burdens, and constant access to global markets can choose Dubai as their business base for a plethora of reasons:

• Access to Emerging Markets: Dubai is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, providing unparalleled access to emerging markets in the MENA, South Asia, and East Africa regions that comprise over 2 billion consumers. This strategic placement of the Emirate makes it an ideal place for global trade and logistics, opening doors to untapped opportunities and helping businesses grow and easily connect with global markets. 
• Pro-Business Regulatory Environment: Businesses in Dubai can experience a streamlined business setup process with investor-friendly regulations. Moreover, foreign business owners can enjoy full ownership of their company in most sectors and access a highly efficient company formation process in Dubai. 
• Diverse Economic Opportunities: Dubai has a diverse economy, spanning across many sectors, including real estate, finance, tourism, logistics, tech, and healthcare, allowing foreign entrepreneurs to tap into a broader range of industries and benefit from these rapidly growing sectors. 
• World-Class Infrastructure: Businesses relocating from Singapore to Dubai can avail advanced corporate facilities like ultra-modern office spaces, cutting-edge telecom infrastructure, smart city services, and robust transportation networks, and leverage reliable government support. 
• World-Class Free Zones: Dubai has over 40 Free Zones that offer 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, and full repatriation of capital and profits. 
• Lower Tax Rates: The corporate tax rates in Dubai are significantly lower than those in Singapore, providing a more favourable business environment for new companies. Similarly, the personal income tax is nil in Dubai, unlike Singapore, where this tax can go as high as 22%. Furthermore, the low VAT rate adds to the cost-saving benefits for businesses, creating a more profitable and sustainable environment for them to thrive.  
• Favorable Government Incentives: The tax holidays, free zone benefits, and grants offered by the Dubai government attract more foreign investment and fuel economic growth.  
• Lower Operating Costs: Unlike Singapore, where business costs are higher, Dubai offers more cost-effective solutions, such as affordable office spaces, reduced regulatory costs, and 100% business ownership and control. 
• Golden Visa: The prominent Golden Visa program offered by the UAE government provides long-term residency of up to 10 years to business owners, investors, and professionals, facilitating their stay and business operations in Dubai.  
• Attractive Lifestyle and Quality of Life: Dubai offers a luxurious lifestyle, with world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The city is known for its high-end lifestyle and entertainment options, all in a safe environment that is crime-free and family-friendly. Additionally, the large and diverse expat community in the Emirate makes integration easier for newcomers from Singapore.  
• Quality of Life and Talent Availability: The high standard of living, safety, multicultural society, business ecosystem, world-class healthcare and education facilities, and the global pool of talent make Dubai a top destination for businesses and professionals. This facilitates integration for newcomers from Singapore into the large and diverse expat community in Dubai.  

Comparing Singapore vs Dubai

Here’s a structured comparison of the business environment in Dubai and Singapore:

Steps to move business from Singapore to Dubai

Moving to Dubai UAE from Singapore can be a strategic move for those looking to enhance their global reach and establish their company in a business-friendly environment. To make this shift, all you need to do is follow a defined process that involves a series of steps:- 

Step 1. Evaluate the business structure 

Choose a suitable jurisdiction for your company in Dubai. The options include the Mainland, Freezone, and Offshore, each offering unique advantages based on the business activities and ownership preferences.  While many prefer free zones due to the full ownership and streamlined licensing structure, others choose the mainland for greater flexibility. 

Step 2. Choose an appropriate business activity and license

The primary types of licenses issued in Dubai include Commercial, Professional, and Industrial licenses. Business owners or investors from Singapore must ensure to choose the one that aligns with their current operations. This step is very crucial to ensure compliance with UAE regulations and a smooth business incorporation in the UAE. 

Step 3. Reserve a trade name and obtain initial approval 

Find a unique business name and reserve it with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the relevant authority. Further, obtain initial approval to proceed with relocation and setup. 

Step 4. Finalize Legal Structure and Documentation 

Prepare the necessary documents to register your foreign company with the UAE authorities. The key requisites include passport copies of the business owner and partners, the business plan, board resolution, and the Certificate of Incorporation of the Singapore business. 

Step 5. Partner with a business setup consultant

Working with the business setup consultants at Dubiz can help you navigate local regulations, legal requirements, and government procedures, ensuring a seamless business relocation to Dubai while maintaining compliance and minimizing delays. 

Step 6. Set up an office or virtual workspace 

Depending on the business activity, you may need a physical office space, a co-working desk, a virtual office, or other workspace solutions that align with both low-cost business setup and premium operations. 

Step 7. Open a corporate bank account 

Once the company is successfully registered, open a corporate bank account to handle business transactions. You need to provide specific documentation to the banks to complete the process. It is advisable to seek professional assistance from Dubiz to ensure a quick and seamless procedure. 

Step 8. Apply for relevant visas 

Apply for residency through investor or employment visas to legally reside and work in the UAE. 

Step 9. Transfer and launch operations 

Now it’s time to relocate the assets, intellectual property, and key business operations to the UAE and re-launch and grow your Singapore business in the region. 

Step 10. Scale and expand 

Build regional partnerships, participate in trade shows, and utilize government incentives to expand your operations across multiple sectors in the UAE. 

Cost of business relocation Singapore to UAE

Business relocation to Dubai from Singapore typically involves business setup costs (license fees, visa costs, and office rentals) and operational expenses (rent, salaries, and other expenses). The cost of business setup here in Dubai generally starts from around AED 11,999*. 

Please note that costs are subject to changes. Connect with the business setup consultants at Dubiz who will provide customized quotes based on your specific needs, while ensuring a smooth and affordable transition and full legal compliance. 

Comparison of cost of living in Dubai vs. Singapore 

Generally, Singapore is considered more expensive than Dubai, especially in terms of accommodation and transportation. However, the specific cost may vary depending on the lifestyle and needs of the individual. For businesses, Dubai offers lower operational costs and attractive tax benefits. 

Essential tips to expand your business in Dubai, UAE 

We are hereby sharing a few tips that can help you scale your business across Dubai and the UAE:

• Conduct Market Research – Conduct extensive research of the Dubai market to understand consumer behavior, competition, and regulatory needs. 
• Establish a Local Presence – Collaborate with a local office or with nearby businesses to achieve smoother operations. 
• Leverage Networking Opportunities – Become a part of regional business communities through trade shows and corporate events. 

Conclusion

Dubai offers significant opportunities for development in several industries. Hence, those planning to move business from Singapore to Dubai can take advantage of the strong infrastructure, tax advantages, and pro-business environment of the Emirate to successfully enter its dynamic market.  

Furthermore, the city’s well-regulated ecosystem enables unmatched flexibility, infrastructure, and scalability, allowing investors to set up a profitable company in the UAE. 

Dubiz can help move business from Singapore to Dubai

Dubiz specializes in helping investors and business owners navigate the complex business laws of the UAE. From choosing the right legal structure to securing your business licenses and visas, Dubiz ensures a hassle-free business migration to Dubai, while maintaining proper compliance with the established regulations.  

With transparent pricing and end-to-end support from their experts, smoothly move your Singapore business to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Fast-track your business setup and get a detailed comparison of cost of living in Dubai vs. Singapore from Dubiz consultants. 

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
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📧 Email: info@dubiz.co 

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