Company Setup — Dubai (UAE)
Comprehensive business formation services in Dubai and the UAE, from Freezone and Mainland setup to Investor Residency Pathways.
Freezone Setup
Establish your business in a UAE Freezone with 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and streamlined registration.
Eligibility
- Any nationality can apply
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- No minimum capital requirement for most freezones
- Business activity must align with freezone licence categories
Process
- 1Select the appropriate freezone based on business activity
- 2Choose company structure (FZE, FZC, branch)
- 3Reserve trade name and apply for initial approval
- 4Submit incorporation documents
- 5Obtain trade licence
- 6Apply for visa and establishment card
- 7Open corporate bank account
Documents Required
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Business plan or activity description
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed in UAE
- Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
- Bank reference letter
Timeline
1-3 weeks for licence issuance
*Timelines may vary based on freezone/authority
Mainland Company Formation
Set up a mainland company in Dubai to trade freely within the UAE and internationally, with access to government contracts.
Eligibility
- 100% foreign ownership now permitted for most activities
- Local service agent required for certain activities
- Physical office space required
- Business activity must be approved by DED
Process
- 1Select business activity and legal structure
- 2Apply for initial approval from Department of Economic Development (DED)
- 3Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- 4Secure office premises and tenancy contract
- 5Obtain trade licence from DED
- 6Register with relevant authorities (Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
- 7Apply for residency visas
Documents Required
- Passport copies of all partners/shareholders
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
- Memorandum of Association
- Initial approval certificate
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Bank reference letters
- Business plan
Timeline
2-4 weeks for full company formation
*Timelines may vary based on freezone/authority
Investor Residency Pathways
Secure long-term UAE residency through investment in property, business, or special investor visa programmes.
Eligibility
- Property investment of AED 2 million+ for Golden Visa
- Business owners with investment capital in UAE
- Entrepreneurs with approved startup projects
- Specialised talent and professionals in priority sectors
Process
- 1Assess eligibility for investor residency stream
- 2Prepare investment or business documentation
- 3Submit application to relevant authority (ICP/GDRFA)
- 4Biometrics and medical examination
- 5Residency visa issuance
- 6Emirates ID application
Documents Required
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Investment evidence (property title deed, share certificates)
- Bank statements showing investment funds
- Trade licence (for business investors)
- Health insurance
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate
Timeline
2-4 weeks for Golden Visa processing
*Timelines may vary based on freezone/authority
