Dubai registered over 40,000 new business licenses last year alone. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or establishing a regional HQ, the registration process is straightforward once you know the steps. Here's the complete guide to getting your company registered.
Registration Options
Free Zone Entity (FZE): single shareholder company. Free Zone Company (FZCO): multiple shareholders. Limited Liability Company (LLC): mainland structure, 1-75 shareholders. Sole Establishment: one-person mainland business. Branch Office: extension of existing foreign or local company. Civil Company: for professional services (doctors, lawyers, engineers).
Free Zone Registration Process
1. Select your free zone based on activity, cost, and location. 2. Choose business activities (most zones allow 2-10). 3. Reserve company name online (instant in most zones). 4. Submit: passport copies, photos, proof of address, bank reference. 5. Review and sign Memorandum of Association. 6. Pay license fee. 7. Receive license within 1-5 business days.
Mainland Registration Process
1. Get initial approval from DET (Department of Economy and Tourism). 2. Reserve trade name. 3. Prepare and notarize Memorandum of Association. 4. Secure office space (Ejari required). 5. Submit final application to DET. 6. Obtain external approvals if needed (municipality, civil defense, etc). 7. Pay fees and receive trade license. Timeline: 1-3 weeks.
Costs by Registration Type
Free zone FZE (IFZA): from AED 5,750. Free zone FZE (DMCC): from AED 15,000. Free zone FZCO: from AED 8,000-20,000. Mainland LLC: from AED 15,000-30,000 (including DET, Ejari, MOA). Branch office: from AED 15,000-25,000. All plus visa costs (AED 3,000-6,000 per person) and any activity-specific approvals.
Post-Registration Steps
Open a corporate bank account (apply to 2-3 banks). Apply for visas for yourself and employees. Register for VAT (if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000). Register for corporate tax with FTA. Set up accounting system. Consider health insurance (mandatory for visa holders). Get your establishment card (if required by your zone).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does company registration cost in Dubai?
From AED 5,750 (IFZA free zone) to AED 30,000+ (mainland LLC with office). Average first-year cost including one visa: AED 12,000-25,000 for a free zone company, AED 25,000-45,000 for a mainland company.
Can foreigners register a company in Dubai?
Yes. Since 2020-2021 reforms, foreigners can own 100% of both free zone and most mainland companies. No local partner or sponsor required for over 1,000 business activities. Some activities (like certain government-related services) still require a UAE national partner.
What is the fastest way to register a company in Dubai?
Same-day registration is possible with IFZA, Shams, and some other free zones. Submit documents in the morning, receive your license by afternoon. Mainland registration typically takes 1-2 weeks due to multiple approval stages.
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