Dubai has become a magnet for business owners who want to take advantage of its zero-tax policies, international trade links, and business-friendly environment. But while the city makes it easy to start a company on paper, the reality is different. Many entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in a maze of licensing approvals, banking restrictions, visa processes, and regulatory requirements.
That’s where Aston VIP steps in. Unlike traditional company formation services that just hand over a trade license and leave clients to figure out the rest, Aston VIP provides a full-service solution—from corporate structuring and banking to visas, relocation, and compliance.
To understand what really sets the firm apart, we sat down with Stephan Korsgaard, the founder of Aston VIP, who shared his experience and insights into what it takes to build a business in Dubai the right way.
“A trade license alone won’t get you far” – An inside look at business setup in Dubai
Q: What inspired you to launch Aston VIP?
“I moved to Dubai and quickly realized that most business setup companies do the bare minimum, register a company, charge hidden fees, and disappear. That doesn’t work for serious entrepreneurs who need banking, tax efficiency, and the right structure from day one. I wanted to build a company that takes care of everything, so business owners don’t
waste months stuck in paperwork and regulatory delays.”
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when setting up a company in Dubai?
“Thinking that getting a trade license is the finish line. It’s just the start. The real challenge is getting a corporate bank account, securing visas, handling compliance, and structuring the company properly. Many people set up their company incorrectly, only to realize later that they need to start over because they chose the wrong Free Zone, have the wrong banking setup, or are paying unnecessary taxes. We prevent these mistakes by handling everything from the beginning.”
Q: Banking has become a big challenge in Dubai. How does Aston VIP help?
“Banking in Dubai is tough right now. Many business owners open a company but struggle to get a bank account because of compliance issues. We have direct connections with leading banks, and we know exactly how to structure applications to get them approved quickly. Some of our clients have had their bank accounts opened in less than a week, something that would take months if you don’t know how to navigate the system.”
VARA licensing: Helping crypto businesses get approved in Dubai
Dubai has positioned itself as a global leader in crypto, Web3, and blockchain regulation with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This regulatory body ensures that businesses in the virtual assets space operate legally and comply with international financial laws. But obtaining a VARA license is a complex process, and many companies struggle to get approvals due to strict compliance rules.
Q: Why is the VARA license so important for crypto and Web3 companies in Dubai?
“A VARA license is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a stamp of legitimacy. Without it, a crypto business cannot operate legally in Dubai. The UAE government is taking compliance very seriously, and we’ve already seen companies get shut down for failing to meet these standards. A proper VARA license allows businesses to work with banks, access global markets, and attract investors who want to deal with regulated entities.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges companies face when applying for a VARA license?
“The first challenge is compliance. The UAE has strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) laws that crypto companies must adhere to. Many startups struggle with setting up the right compliance framework, which leads to application rejections.
The second issue is corporate structuring. Not every crypto business fits into the same category—some need a trading license, others need a custody or advisory license. Choosing the wrong one can delay approvals by months.
And finally, banking. Most banks are hesitant to work with crypto businesses unless they are properly licensed and compliant. Without banking, a company is dead in the water.”
Q: How does Aston VIP help businesses get approved for a VARA license?
“We take care of the entire process, from corporate structuring to regulatory approvals. Our team has direct connections with VARA authorities, ensuring that applications are processed quickly and correctly.
We also set up the right compliance framework for our clients, making sure they have the necessary AML policies and risk controls in place before they even apply. This eliminates delays and increases approval chances significantly.”
Q: Can VARA-licensed businesses get bank accounts in Dubai?
“Yes, but only if they’re set up properly. Many crypto businesses struggle to open bank accounts because most banks are still cautious about digital assets. Since we work with top banks in Dubai, we help our clients find the right banking partners who are comfortable working with VARA-licensed companies.”
Wealth protection: Setting up trusts, foundations, and holding companies
For high-net-worth individuals and investors, setting up a company in Dubai isn’t just about doing business—it’s about protecting assets and structuring wealth in a way that makes sense. Aston VIP provides expert guidance on:
✔ DIFC Trusts for wealth preservation
✔ ADGM Foundations for long-term asset protection
✔ Holding companies to manage multiple businesses and investments
“Most people don’t realize that trusts and foundations can be used to legally protect assets from taxation and legal claims. We work with top legal advisors to create customized solutions for our clients, so they can grow their wealth in a safe and structured way.”
VIP relocation: Making the move to Dubai hassle-free
For business owners moving to Dubai, Aston VIP handles more than just company setup. The firm offers full relocation services, including:
✔ Investor visas and Golden Visa applications
✔ Housing assistance in high-end communities
✔ Driver’s license conversion and residency services
✔ Networking and business introductions
“A lot of entrepreneurs move to Dubai without knowing anyone. We help with everything—finding a place to live, getting visas sorted, even making the right business connections. We make sure our clients don’t waste time trying to figure things out alone.”
Client stories: What business owners say about Aston VIP
📌 “I started a crypto business and needed a VARA license. Aston VIP handled the whole process, and I was fully approved without any issues. I wouldn’t have known where to start without them.” – Mark L., Crypto Founder
📌 “Aston VIP didn’t just open my company—they got my banking approved and structured my business properly. This is the only firm I trust for Dubai business setup.” – Lars P., Serial Entrepreneur
📌 “I moved my entire family to Dubai, and Aston VIP took care of everything—business, visas, housing. It was the easiest transition I’ve ever had.” – Ahmed S., Investor
Dubai is open for business – But only if you do it right
Dubai offers zero personal income tax, strong banking, and a stable economy, but setting up a business here requires expertise, planning, and the right connections. Many entrepreneurs waste time and money trying to do it themselves, only to realize later that they need to fix costly mistakes.
Aston VIP ensures that business owners set up their companies correctly from day one, with the right banking, licensing, and compliance in place. The firm’s end-to-end service allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses instead of dealing with paperwork and delays.
“We don’t just set up companies. We create business structures that actually work—so our clients can scale, protect their assets, and get things done in Dubai.” – Stephan Korsgaard, Founder, Aston VIP
📌 Ready to set up your business the right way? Visit Aston VIP and schedule a consultation today.
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