Company Formation

Every company in Dubai Mainland and across the UAE is required to have a business license. This is a very important step because your business won’t be legal without a license. The type of license you will need to apply for depends on the type of business activity you have. The Department of Economic Development will issue the license after you’ve submitted the proper paperwork. There are four types of business licenses available in Dubai Mainland.

Process for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Business setup in Dubai Mainland is one of the most sought after business locations. Business owners from all over the globe look for business setup here because of the many benefits like no taxes in qualifying free zones, a business-friendly government, the strategic location, and more. There are several rules and regulations to go through before forming a company on the Mainland.

Here are the steps you need to take;

01 Select the right company activity

The first step to Mainland business setup in Dubai is to decide on the type of business activity you will have. This will determine what type of business license you will need.

02 Issuance of initial approval and selection of trade name

Then, you’ll need to get initial approval from authorities and select your trade name. Your trade name must be unique in order to be approved.

03 Preparation of MOA or LSA agreement

You will have to prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and a Local Sponsor Agreement (LSA) and get them both notarized.

04 Acquisition of tenancy contract

Find a place to rent and get the tenancy contract from the landlord. We can help you find the perfect location for your company with our Business Center.

05 Getting the additional approvals

Next, you’ll have to get the approvals from the related government departments. Different business activities may require different approvals.

07 Final submission of documents to DED and issuing the trade license

Now, you’ll have to submit all the required documents to the Dubai Economic Department (DED). After you’ve submitted all the required documents and paid the fees, then you will be given your business license.

Documents Required;

• License Application
• Name reservation and initial approval certificates
• External departments approval
• Tenancy contract
• EJARI registration certificate
• Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Registration

BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI FREE ZONE

Dubai alone has more than 20 Free Zones in the emirate that range in a wide variety of activities. Each area is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, tax exemptions, world-class business amenities, and flexible government policies

5 Easy Steps for Dubai Free Zone Company Setup

By following these key steps – select a business activity, determine your company structure, keep your documents handy, and leave the rest to us. Our dedicated team members will help you from start to finish with your company formation process in the Dubai Free Zone.

There are certain formalities and procedures that need to be completed in order to get your business registered in the Free Zone. We shall be happy to guide you through the entire business setup process.

01Choose a business activity

The first step to Free Zone business setup in Dubai is choosing the type of business activity you will carry out. You won’t be able to apply for a business license until you’ve defined your business activity.

02 Find a Free Zone

Once you’ve decided on your business type, then you’ll have to decide on what type of Free Zone is right for your company. There are over 20 Free Zones in Dubai. Some of the zones are sector-specific, like IT, healthcare, trading, etc.

03 Choose a company name

Next, you’ll have to choose your company name. There are several requirements you’ll have to meet for your name to be approved. For starters, you can have a name that is already registered. You’ll also have to avoid using any blasphemous language, religious references, or political organizations.

04 Gather all the documents and apply for a license

Now, you’ll have to apply for your business license. The type of license you need will all depend on your business activity. In order to do this, you’ll have to fill the application out, gather all the required documents, and get it all submitted. You will get your business license in about 2-4 weeks. You can also apply for your visa during this step.

05 Open a corporate bank account

After you get your business license, you’ll have to submit that, along with other required documents, to the bank that you’ve chosen to set up your company account with.

Documents Required;

• Application license form
• Shareholder’s passport copy
• Shareholder’s visa copy
• NOC
• Business plan
• Board resolution
• Memorandum of association
• Articles of association