Business registration in the UAE, handled end to end
Registering a business in the UAE means choosing the right jurisdiction, legal form and licence activity, then completing approvals, tenancy, licence issue, visas and tax registrations. We manage the sequence so nothing is missed.
What business registration involves
Every UAE business needs a licence from a licensing authority. On the mainland that is the economic department of the emirate, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. In a free zone it is the free zone authority. Offshore companies are registered with the relevant offshore registry.
The licence lists your business activity, legal form, trade name and, where applicable, your office address. Choosing the activity correctly matters because it decides which approvals you need and what you may trade.
Choose the right legal form
LLC
Limited liability company on the mainland with one or more shareholders. Common for trading and service businesses.
Sole establishment
A single owner operates under their own name. Often used for professional and service activities.
FZE or FZCO
Free zone establishment (one shareholder) or free zone company (multiple shareholders).
Branch
An existing foreign or UAE company opens a branch under the parent company name.
The registration process
Define the plan
Activity, partners, ownership, visa count and where your customers are.
Pick the jurisdiction
Mainland, free zone or offshore, based on your plan.
Reserve the trade name
Name rules differ by authority and activity.
Initial approval
The authority approves the name and activity before the licence.
Documents and tenancy
Sign the incorporation documents and secure an office or flexi-desk where required.
Licence issued
Pay government fees and receive your trade licence.
Visas, bank and tax
Residency visas, corporate bank account guidance and tax registrations.
Documents usually needed
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of residential address in your home country
- Business activity and trade name options
- Shareholding structure and number of visas
- Parent company documents for a branch, attested as required
Not sure where to start?
Tell us your activity and where you are based. We recommend a structure and send an itemised written proposal.
Message a consultantTax registrations after you register
After the licence is issued, UAE companies generally need to register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. VAT registration depends on your taxable turnover. We guide you through these steps so your company starts in good standing.
Related pages
Checked before you submit
A complete, correct file avoids delays. We review your documents and activity before anything goes to the authority.
Review my documentsFrequently asked questions
How long does registration take?
It depends on the authority, your activity and how fast documents are ready. We give you an expected timeline in the written proposal.
Can I register a business without being in the UAE?
For most structures you can start remotely using digital documents. Residency visa steps need a short visit for a medical test and biometrics.
Which is better: mainland or free zone?
It depends on where your customers are and what you do. See our mainland and free zone pages or use the planner on the home page.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on licence, activity, authority, office and visas. We quote each item before you commit.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your plan and we reply with the recommended route, an itemised proposal and the next steps.