Dubai is such a hotbed for business activity, with a lot of opportunities and a relatively uncomplicated setup procedure (as opposed to what it is in other places). This guide will show you how to make your company operational in Dubai in 2025.
1. Nail Down Your Business Activity
It is not only about a cool idea here; it’s about defining your business purpose and activity precisely, as Dubai’s licensing authorities should have a precise notion of what you’re up to.
Dubai has a huge list of approved business activities, so be as specific. This will help in the licensing process.
2. Choose Your Company Structure
Next in line, how are you planning to establish a Company in Dubai? The following options are:
Mainland Company: This allows you to have business operations directly in the UAE market and internationally.
Free Zone Company Setup: These are designated special economic zones with their own rules and regulations. You can have 100% foreign ownership,
Offshore Company: These are beneficial for international businesses and those who want asset protection.
3. Pick a Trade Name
Time to get creative! Your trade name is also the identity of your company, and thus you must make it a good one. It should be unique, not contradictory to public morals, and it should be preferable to what your business does.
Before you get emotional about a name, ensure that it is not taken up by anyone else in the Department of Economic Development (DED). You do not want to spend all that time and effort to register and find out that your dream name is taken.
4. Register Your Company
Now for the paperwork. All necessary documents must be sent to DED which comprises of your business plan, copies of your passport, and proof of address must be submitted. If you are planning to take the Mainland route you also have to get your local sponsor agreement in place.
DED will examine your application and if everything is alright, they will issue your first approval.
5. Find an Office Space
If you are not taking up a completely virtual business, you will require physical office space. The type of space required will depend on your business activity and employee strength.
6. Get Your License
You can apply for your real business license. This involves producing more documents and money for paying the required fee.
What kind of license one needs depends on his or her business activity (again!). Commercial license is what is required for trading companies, professional license for service providers and so on.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Your business operations will require you to have a bank account. This can be a little process-oriented exercise since banks in UAE are quite strict on compliance.
8. Get Your Visa (If Needed)
If you are a foreign investor, you have to acquire a residency visa to reside and work in Dubai.
The visa requires medical tests, security check, and documents submission.
9. Start Doing Business!
Congratulations, you have completed your business setup in Dubai. It is time that you implemented your business plan and start printing money.
