The UAE has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for doing business. Whether you’re an investor, freelancer, or entrepreneur, registering a company in the UAE opens doors to tax advantages, global market access, and a modern legal framework that supports growth. But what does the company registration process in the UAE actually look like?
Having assisted several founders with registration across various emirates and zones, I can tell you this: while the process is straightforward, it does require planning and accuracy. If you’re planning to enter the UAE market, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right jurisdiction to submitting your final documents.
Step 1: Choose the Right Business Jurisdiction
The UAE offers three main types of business jurisdictions, and your choice here shapes everything else in your company setup:
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Mainland (Onshore): Registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate. Allows you to trade across the UAE and internationally without restriction.
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Free Zone: Ideal for 100% foreign ownership. Best suited for businesses that don’t need to directly trade with the UAE market (unless using a local agent). Examples include Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), JAFZA, Dubai South, and Sharjah Media City (Shams).
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Offshore: Registered for international business purposes only. Popular for holding companies, wealth management, and asset protection. Jurisdictions include JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, and Ajman Offshore.
Mainland is preferred if you plan to operate within the UAE local market, while free zones are great for startups, e-commerce companies, and service providers targeting global clients.
Step 2: Select a Legal Entity Type
Next, determine the legal structure of your company. Common types include:
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Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Best for SMEs; requires a UAE-based service agent in some cases
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Sole Proprietorship – Owned by a single person (only for UAE nationals in certain emirates)
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Branch of a Foreign Company – Allows your parent company to operate in the UAE
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Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – For single-shareholder businesses within a free zone
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Free Zone Company (FZC) – For multiple shareholders in a free zone
Each structure has its own requirements for capital, ownership, and management, so choosing the right one is essential.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Your company name must be unique and must not violate any UAE naming guidelines. It should not include offensive words, references to religion or politics, or closely resemble an existing company’s name.
You can check name availability and reserve it through:
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The DED portal (for mainland businesses)
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The free zone authority website or office
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A business setup agent or PRO service
In most cases, the name is reserved for 30 days and can be renewed if needed.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
Initial approval is a pre-approval from the relevant licensing authority that confirms you are allowed to operate your chosen business activity in the UAE. You’ll need to submit:
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Passport copies of shareholders/directors
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Trade name reservation certificate
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Business activity details
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Initial application form
In some cases, additional NOCs (No Objection Certificates) may be needed from existing sponsors or regulatory authorities, especially if you’re switching from a visit visa or tourist visa to a business license.
Step 5: Draft and Sign Legal Documents
At this stage, you’ll need to prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA), shareholder agreements, and in some cases, lease contracts for office space. These documents should be notarized and translated into Arabic.
Free zones often simplify this process by providing ready-made templates, while mainland setups require more tailored documents, especially for LLCs.
Step 6: Lease Office or Virtual Space
To register a company in the UAE, you must have a registered business address. Options include:
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Physical office space (mandatory for most mainland businesses)
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Flexi-desk or smart office (available in most free zones)
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Warehouses or retail spaces (depending on your business type)
Mainland companies must register the lease through Ejari, Dubai’s real estate regulation system. Free zones typically handle office arrangements internally.
Step 7: Finalize License and Registration
After submitting all the required documents and securing your business location, you’ll receive your business license. This license is your official permit to begin operating and will include details like:
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License number
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Business activity
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Validity period (usually one year, renewable)
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Shareholder names and company structure
You’ll also be issued your Company Registration in the UAE certificate, and your trade name will be formally listed in the commercial registry.
Step 8: Apply for Visas and Open Bank Account
Once your business is registered, you can sponsor residence visas for yourself, your employees, and your dependents. The number of visas permitted depends on your office size and license type.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to follow the standard steps:
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Entry permit
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Medical fitness test
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Emirates ID
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Visa stamping in your passport
Opening a corporate bank account is the final administrative step. Banks in the UAE typically request:
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Valid business license
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MOA or company structure details
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Office lease agreement
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Passport copies of shareholders
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Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, or website)
Account approval can take 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the bank and your business type.
Cost of Company Registration in the UAE
Registration costs can vary based on:
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Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore
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License type and number of activities
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Office space requirements
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Visa quotas
Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Free zone setup: AED 5,000 – AED 20,000
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Mainland setup: AED 15,000 – AED 30,000
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Additional fees: Office rent, visa fees, Emirates ID, medical tests
Some free zones offer packages for startups and freelancers with no physical office required, making it cost-effective for first-time founders.
Timeframe for Company Registration
The full company registration process in the UAE can take 7 to 15 working days if all documents are in order. Free zones usually have faster processing times than mainland authorities, which may involve more government departments and documentation.
Final Thoughts
Starting a company in the UAE is a smart move for many entrepreneurs, but it’s essential to understand the process to avoid costly mistakes. From choosing the right jurisdiction and license to preparing the right documents and navigating visa approvals, every step requires careful planning.
The UAE offers a flexible and modern environment for startups, freelancers, and global businesses alike. And with the support of government-backed free zones and efficient digital platforms, company registration is more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re launching a tech venture, retail brand, or consultancy, the process of company registration in the UAE is your gateway to one of the most dynamic business ecosystems in the world.
