Dubai / UAE

Company Formation in Dubai (UAE)

We assist foreign entrepreneurs and companies with Dubai company formation across Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore structures—covering activity selection, licensing, incorporation documents, and setup steps to support banking and UAE residency visas (if needed).

Who is it for / Suitable for

Foreign entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporations looking to operate in Dubai.

Individuals seeking 100% foreign-owned businesses in Free Zones or selected Mainland structures.

Investors want access to the UAE market, tax benefits, and international business hub advantages.

Online businesses, consulting firms, trading companies, service providers, and regional headquarters.

Key Requirements

Choose business jurisdiction: Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.

Determine business activity (must match licensing category).

Minimum one shareholder and one director (can be foreign).

Valid passport and UAE entry visa (if required, depending on structure).

Registered office address in the UAE.

For some activities, external authority approvals may apply (e.g., medical, education, banking).

Capital requirements vary by Free Zone but often no minimum capital is required.

Clients need to provide the following information / documents

Document Name

Notarized

Passport copies of shareholders/directors

Must be valid for at least 6 months

Passport-sized photos

For license application

Visa/entry stamp (if applicable)

Depends on Free Zone/Mainland requirements

Proof of residential address

Utility bill or bank statement

Business activity description

To determine license category

Company name options (3–5 names)

For initial approval

Memorandum of Association / Articles

Required for incorporation

Yes (if signed abroad)

Bank reference letter (if requested)

Not mandatory for all Free Zones

Board Resolution for corporate shareholder (if any)

Approving formation in UAE

Yes

Average Processing Time

Free Zone: 5–15 business days
Mainland: 1–3 weeks

Time varies depending on business activity, approvals, and the selected jurisdiction (Free Zone vs Mainland).

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What you would get when the application is complete

Trade License (the company’s main operating license)

Certificate of Incorporation

Memorandum of Association / Share Certificate

Establishment Card (for immigration)

Company Registration Number

Eligibility to apply for UAE Residency Visas (for shareholders/employees)

On-going Compliance Requirements

After formation, companies must maintain ongoing compliance:

Annual license renewal

Maintain a valid registered office address

VAT registration and monthly/quarterly filings (if applicable)

Annual financial accounts and audit (mandatory for most Free Zones & Mainland)

Visa renewal for shareholders and employees

Compliance with activity-specific regulations (if applicable)

Government Agencies Involved

Government agencies involved / overseeing the application:

Department of Economic Development (DED)

Mainland company licensing.

Free Zone Authorities

Free Zone company formation (e.g., DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, RAKEZ, IFZA).

Ministry of Economy

Certain commercial activities.

Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

VAT compliance & registration.

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

Visa & establishment card.

Municipality authorities

Depending on business activity and office requirements.

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Consult With Our Corporate Advisory Team

Our team is ready to guide you through the full process. Reach us on WeChat or WhatsApp.