Business Setup in Dubai

Your first decision determines everything else. You’ll choose from 2,000+ approved business activities across categories including trading, professional services, industrial, consulting, and e-commerce. This stage requires understanding which activities are permitted in your chosen jurisdiction, whether multiple activities require separate licenses, if your activity needs special approvals, and minimum capital requirements.

Timeline: 1-2 days for consultation and activity confirmation

Trade name registration must comply with strict guidelines. The name cannot contain offensive or religious references, must not conflict with existing registered names, should reflect your business activity, and requires translation if using Arabic characters. The Department of Economic Development or free zone authority processes name approvals within 2-3 working days.

Timeline: 2-3 days for approval

Once your trade name is approved, you’ll submit completed application forms, passport copies valid for minimum 6 months, entry stamp or residence visa copies, business plan for certain activities, No Objection Certificate from sponsor if applicable, and educational certificates for professional licenses. For mainland companies, you’ll also finalize your Memorandum of Association with a local notary.

Timeline: 3-5 days for document preparation and submission

Mainland companies require physical office space with Ejari (tenancy registration). Minimum space requirements vary by activity, typically 100-300 sq ft. Office must be in an approved commercial area. Ejari registration takes 24-48 hours. Annual rent for entry-level spaces ranges from AED 12,000-25,000. Free zone companies can choose flexi-desk (AED 5,000-8,000/year), dedicated desk (AED 12,000-18,000/year), or private office (AED 25,000-50,000/year).

Timeline: 2-3 days for office setup and registration

After submitting complete documentation and proof of office space, the DED or free zone authority reviews the application, external approvals are obtained if required, license certificate is issued digitally and physically, and establishment card is issued for visa processing.

Timeline: 3-5 days for license issuance

With your license approved, visa processing begins. This includes application submission to immigration, medical fitness tests at approved centers (AED 300-500 per person), Emirates ID application, and visa stamping. For investors and partners, 2-year or 3-year residence visa options are available, with 10-year Golden Visa available with AED 2 million investment.

Timeline: 5-8 days for complete visa processing

Opening a corporate bank account requires trade license copy, Memorandum of Association, passport copies of shareholders and directors, Emirates ID if available, business plan and financial projections, reference letters from existing banks, and initial deposit requirements that vary by bank from AED 0-25,000. Current banking environment note: account opening timelines vary significantly (2-8 weeks), banks have different risk appetites for various business activities, and multiple bank rejections are common.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks (runs parallel to setup, not included in 14-day timeline)