How to Open a Company in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide 2025
Complete guide to registering a business in the UAE. Choosing jurisdiction, documents, timelines and costs. Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore explained.
The UAE has become one of the world’s leading business hubs, offering a unique combination of tax advantages, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure. Here’s everything you need to know to open a company in Dubai.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
The type of business license depends on your activity. UAE authorities classify activities into:
- Commercial license — buying and selling goods
- Professional license — services and consulting
- Industrial license — manufacturing
- Tourism license — hospitality and travel
Choose carefully, as the activity type determines your license category and the regulators involved.
Step 2: Select a Jurisdiction
Mainland
- Trade anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts
- 100% foreign ownership available since 2021 in most sectors
- From 20,000 AED
Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership
- Zero corporate tax under QFZP status
- 40+ free zones in the UAE
- From 15,000 AED
Offshore
- International operations outside UAE
- Privacy and tax optimization
- From 10,000 AED
Step 3: Choose Your Company Name
The name must be unique and comply with UAE rules:
- No religious or governmental references
- Cannot duplicate existing companies
- Personal names of founders are allowed
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Standard documentation:
- Passport copy of all shareholders
- Proof of address (utility bill, not older than 3 months)
- Business plan (required by some free zones)
- CV/resume for professional licenses
Step 5: Office Requirements
- Virtual office / flexi-desk — accepted by most free zones
- Serviced office — shared workspace with amenities
- Physical office — required for some Mainland activities
Step 6: Receive Your License
After document review and payment of fees, you receive:
- Trade License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Certificate of Incorporation
Step 7: Open a Bank Account
Submit applications to 2–3 banks simultaneously. Timeline: 2–8 weeks depending on the bank and your KYC profile.
Top banks for business: Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, ADCB, Mashreq
Step 8: Get Your Residency Visa
Based on your license and office lease:
- Investor visa (2–3 years, renewable)
- Emirates ID
- Health insurance
Cost & Timeline Summary
| Type | Registration Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Free Zone | 1–5 working days | from 15,000 AED |
| Mainland | 1–2 weeks | from 20,000 AED |
| Offshore | 3–7 days | from 10,000 AED |
Ready to get started? Book a free consultation.