What is the Process to Start a Company in UAE?

Business setup in Dubai involves several structured steps, tailored to your business type, location, and ownership structure. Start by choosing the right jurisdiction—Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore—depending on your target market and business activities. Mainland allows trading within the UAE, while Free Zones offer tax benefits and full foreign ownership but limit local trade unless using a local distributor. Next, select your business activity from the list approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective Free Zone authority. Then, choose a company name that complies with the UAE’s naming guidelines—avoid offensive or religious terms and ensure it's unique. Once approved, submit your application for initial approval, along with passport copies, business plan (if required), and relevant forms. You’ll also need to secure office space or a Flexi-desk, depending on the jurisdiction. After initial approval, submit final documents, pay the license fee, and obtain your trade license. For Free Zone businesses, this includes signing the lease and incorporation documents with the Free Zone Authority. Finally, apply for residency visas for you and your employees and open a corporate bank account. Consulting a local business setup consultant can streamline the process significantly.