How to Register a Company in UAE? Dubai’s business landscape has garnered global admiration for many years. Known for its highly attractive tax regime 0% on both personal and corporate income Dubai is strategically positioned to facilitate trade worldwide.
Moreover, the UAE is renowned for its numerous initiatives and incubators designed to foster business growth. The country’s straightforward legislation further supports this goal, earning the Emirates a regular spot in the top ten of the World Bank’s Doing Business Index. This ranking highlights the ease of establishing and running a company in the UAE.
Registering a company in Dubai is a straightforward process, making the region highly appealing to entrepreneurs. The entire process can be completed in just six simple steps.
Documents required for company registration
- Copy of passport for all shareholders and directors.
- Copy of national identity card for each director and shareholder.
- Recent bank statement, credit card statement or utility bill showing the names and residential addresses of shareholders and directors.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the company.
- Board resolution outlining the setup of the branch or subsidiary and naming the authorized manager.
- Details of the company’s share capital and ownership structure.
- Duly signed and verified service or appointment agreement for the company prepared with the help of DubaiBusiness Services.
Step 1: How to Register a Company in UAE? Choose Your Business Activity
The first step in registering a company in the UAE is selecting your business activity. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) permits over 2,000 activities across various sectors and subsectors. It’s crucial to detail every activity you plan to undertake. Multiple activities can be listed under one license, depending on the license type you apply for. A company set-up firm can assist in identifying the best options for your organization.
Step 2: How to Register a Company in UAE? Choose the Right Setup
This stage involves two critical decisions. First, determine the type of business license required—professional services, industrial activities, etc. Next, decide whether to establish your business on the Dubai mainland or in one of the many free zones. The mainland setup allows direct trade with the local UAE market and access to lucrative government contracts. Free zone setup offers benefits like 0% tax rate, full customs tax exemption, no currency restrictions, and the ability to repatriate 100% of capital and profit.
Step 3: How to Register a Company in UAE? Choose a Business Name
Selecting a business name in Dubai involves adhering to specific conventions. The name must not include offensive or blasphemous language or references to Allah or Islam. If using a personal name, it must be the full name, not just a surname or initials. Ensuring the chosen name is available for registration is crucial. A company formation expert can assist with this step.
Step 4: How to Register a Company in UAE? Submit Your Application
Once your business nature and trading name are decided, it’s time to submit your business license application. For free zone registration, submit your application and documentation directly to the chosen free zone. For mainland setup, send your application to the DED. The required documents vary based on factors like business size and nature. A company formation expert can streamline this process by handling all aspects of the application and liaising with authorities on your behalf.
Step 5: How to Register a Company in UAE? Apply for Visas
With your business license secured, you can apply for necessary visas, including your own, employee visas, and those for dependents. The number of visas you can apply for typically depends on your business size and setup location. The process for applying for dependent visas is straightforward, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 6: How to Register a Company in UAE? Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a bank account as a foreign national in the UAE can be challenging. Various local and international banks have different application criteria. An expert can help by recommending suitable banks and organizing meetings with financial institutions.
Starting Your Business in Dubai
Setting up a business in Dubai is both easy and affordable. The cost to register a company in UAE varies based on business type and size, but starting on a budget is possible. While the application process is straightforward, it requires meticulous attention to avoid delays or rejections. Therefore, working with a company setup specialist is advisable. Provide basic documentation and business information, and let the experts handle the rest, including license and visa applications and communication with relevant authorities. It’s that simple.
Benefits of Company Registration in Dubai
You get the following benefits when setting up a company in Dubai.
Strategic hub and advanced infrastructure: Dubai sits at the crossroads of global commerce, supported by world-class logistics, modern ports and state-of-the-art infrastructure. This strong connectivity makes Dubai a powerful entry point to international markets.
Easy and fast business setup: The company registration process remains simple and time-efficient, helping you to start operations without delay. With access to over 2,000 approved business activities, you can easily choose the right structure for your business goals.
Attractive tax benefits: Dubai offers a very favorable tax system with no personal income tax, minimal corporate tax liabilities and relief from import-export duties and hidden charges. This clear structure supports long-term business growth.
Industry-focused free zones: Dubai offers dedicated free zones designed for specific sectors, each with its own regulations and legal benefits. These zones allow businesses to operate with greater freedom and operational ease.
Full foreign ownership: Foreign entrepreneurs can retain 100% ownership of their company, giving them complete control over management decisions and business direction.
Affordable and skilled workforce: Dubai’s labor policies help businesses efficiently recruit and retain skilled professionals, allowing companies to build a strong and cost-effective team.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main steps to register a company in Dubai?
The main steps to register a company in Dubai include defining your business activity, choosing the right legal structure, choosing a unique business name, applying for the right business license, finalizing the business location, and setting up a corporate bank account. Dubai Business Services can help you complete these steps efficiently to ensure a smooth registration process.Q2
Q2. What are the different business structures available for company registration in Dubai?
Dubai offers several company formation options such as Limited Liability Company (LLC), Free Zone Company, Offshore Company, Onshore Company, and Branch Office. The ideal structure depends on your business objectives, ownership preferences, capital investment, and type of activities. Dubai Business Services provides guidance to help you choose the right setup for your business goals.
Q3. What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
Dubai issues various types of business licenses, including commercial licenses for trade, import and export activities; industrial licenses for manufacturing and production sectors; and professional licenses for service providers, consultants and skilled professionals. Dubai Business Services helps you obtain the right license for your business type to ensure full legal compliance.
