Business setup in Dubai
Steps For Company Formation in Dubai
Key Benefits of Business Setup In Dubai
Business Activities for Business Setup Dubai
Establish a healthcare facility in Dubai Healthcare City or mainland, obtain DHA approval, DED trade license, corporate bank account, residency visas, and Golden Visa eligibility with expert business setup consultancy.
Establish your consultancy firm in Dubai mainland or a free zone, register with DED, draft an MOA, obtain trade license and residency visas, open a corporate bank account, and access Golden Visa eligibility.
Start your IT services company in Dubai’s DMCC free zone or mainland, secure DED and free zone trade licenses, register with TECOM, open corporate bank account, and obtain residency visas.
Types of legal forms in Dubai Mainland
Sole Proprietorship
Civil Company
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Partnership (General or Limited)
Public Joint Stock Companies
Essential Documents for Company Formation in Dubai
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS FOR COMPANY FORMATION IN DUBAI
Visa and Emirates ID Requirements for Company Formation in Dubai
Depending on the business activity and company structure, the required visa type may vary. Below are the primary visa types and their documentation requirements for company formation in Dubai.
- UAE Residence Visa:
A valid UAE Residence Visa requires an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the individual’s current employer or sponsor, which is essential for business registration and company setup in Dubai. - Tourist Visa:
To set up a business in Dubai with a Tourist Visa, submit a copy of your valid visit visa as part of the company formation documents. - Cancel Visa:
If holding a Canceled Visa, provide a copy of the visa cancellation document to comply with legal registration requirements. - On Arrival Visa:
The On Arrival Visa applies to citizens from countries like the USA, UK, and other eligible nations. A copy of the visa issued upon arrival must be presented during company registration. - Golden Visa:
Golden Visa, awarded to investors and high-skilled professionals, does not require a NOC. Provide a copy of the valid Golden Visa for the business setup process.
NOC Requirement for Business Setup in Dubai: Residence Visa Holders
- For individuals holding a UAE Residence Visa, obtaining an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the current sponsor is a crucial step for company formation in Dubai. The NOC serves as formal permission to proceed with business registration.
- Additionally, choosing a unique company name is essential to meet government guidelines. The proposed name must be verified for availability and approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or other relevant authorities. Failing to secure a valid trade name can delay the licensing process.
Trade License Documentation Requirements for Business Setup in Dubai
- Business Plan:
While a business plan may not be required for all business activities in Dubai, it is mandatory for certain sectors. For instance, the Ministry of Health and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) require a comprehensive business plan for setting up pharmacies, educational institutes, or similar enterprises. - Goods Standard Certificate, Resume, Personal Profile, and Education Certificate:
Depending on the nature of the business, you may need additional documents such as a Goods Standard Certificate, Resume, Personal Profile, and Education Certificate. These are particularly relevant for industries like military trade, education setup, chemical activities, and sports academies. - Military Trade:
For military-related business activities, it is essential to provide a Good Standing Certificate to demonstrate compliance with industry standards. - Education Institute Setup:
Educational businesses, such as training centres or institutes, must submit both a resume and an education certificate to meet the licensing requirements. - Chemical Activity:
Businesses engaged in chemical trading or manufacturing need a Goods Standard Certificate and a detailed personal profile for regulatory compliance. - Sports Academy Setup:
Establishing a sports academy requires a resume and personal profile to validate the professional qualifications and experience of the personnel involved.
Business Setup In Dubai Cost
Our Business Setup services In Dubai include:
Our PRO services in Dubai manage governmental paperwork, visa processing, Emirates ID applications, and UBO filings. We liaise with the Dubai Economy Department, DED, and free zone authorities for seamless, fast compliance.
Renew your Dubai trade license promptly with our expert service—handling DED or free zone authority filings, document submission, Emirates ID updates, and Emirates ID renewal to ensure uninterrupted business operations in the UAE.
Register your business for UAE corporate tax with guidance—preparing financial records, submitting registration to the Federal Tax Authority, advising on tax planning, ensuring full compliance with UAE corporate tax regulations.
Register your UAE company for VAT with a service preparing VAT application, submitting to the Federal Tax Authority, ensuring invoicing compliance, advising on VAT returns, documentation to ensure seamless tax filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business setup In Dubai
To launch a Dubai company, first identify your business activity (retail, e-commerce, consulting), then choose mainland, Free Zone (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ), or offshore. Reserve your business name with the Dubai Economy Department or Free Zone Authority, draft your Memorandum of Association (MOA), apply for your trade license, and open a corporate bank account. Finally, process investor or employment visas (including Golden Visa UAE eligibility).
Define your activity and legal structure.
Choose jurisdiction: Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore.
Submit documents (passports, MOA, tenancy contract) to DED or Free Zone Authority.
Obtain your trade license and register for VAT/Corporate Tax.
Open a corporate bank account, apply for visas/Emirates ID, and start operations.
Yes—100% foreign ownership is available in many Free Zones (e.g., DMCC, IFZA). On the mainland, you can use a Local Service Agent or establish an LLC with UAE national sponsorship. Both options allow full company registration in Dubai UAE, visa issuance, and corporate bank account opening for non-residents.
Free Zone setup typically starts at AED 12,000 for license fees and flexi-desk packages. Additional costs include visas (≈AED 3,000 each), corporate bank account setup, and optional office space. Complex activities or specialized licences may increase fees—plan for low cost business setup in Dubai from AED 12,000–AED 20,000+.
Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, ideal for export/import, limited to zone boundaries.
Mainland: Unlimited market access across the UAE, no office-location restrictions, but may require a Local Service Agent for certain activities.
Choose based on your target market, visa quotas, and trade license approval needs.
Select a bank (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq), prepare your trade license, MOA, shareholder passports, and director’s Emirates ID. Submit KYC documents—including board resolutions and tenancy contract—then meet your relationship manager for account activation. Typical turnaround: 5–10 business days.
Shareholder/director passport and Emirates ID copies
Completed application form and business plan
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or Free Zone flexi-desk agreement
NOC from current sponsor (for visa holders)
Board resolution (if corporate shareholder)
Proof of corporate bank account relationship
Invest in a qualifying UAE company—mainland LLC or approved Free Zone entity with minimum share capital (varies by jurisdiction). Maintain active operations, a valid trade license, and properly audited financials. Submit your application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) with corporate documents, passport copies, and proof of bank account. Enjoy 10-year residency for you and your family.
