Complete UAE Business Setup Guide
Everything you need to know about setting up a business in the UAE. From choosing your jurisdiction to obtaining licenses, opening bank accounts, and processing visas - we cover it all.
UAE Business Setup Process
Choose Your Business Activity
Select the business activity that best describes your operations. This determines the type of license you'll need.
- •Identify your primary business activity
- •Check activity availability in your chosen jurisdiction
- •Consider future expansion activities
- •Verify activity requirements and restrictions
Select Jurisdiction
Choose between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore based on your business needs and target market.
- •Mainland: Access to local UAE market, requires local sponsor
- •Free Zone: 100% ownership, tax benefits, zone-specific operations
- •Offshore: International business, asset protection, no local presence
Reserve Business Name
Check and reserve your company name. Ensure it's unique and complies with UAE naming regulations.
- •Check name availability across jurisdictions
- •Ensure compliance with naming regulations
- •Reserve approved name (valid 30-60 days)
- •Prepare alternative names if needed
Apply for License
Submit license application with all required documents to the relevant authority.
- •Prepare all required documents
- •Submit application to DED or Free Zone authority
- •Pay license fees
- •Await approval (typically 3-7 business days)
Open Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank. Required for business operations and visa processing.
- •Choose a suitable bank
- •Prepare bank account opening documents
- •Submit application and initial deposit
- •Complete KYC requirements
Process Visas
Apply for investor/partner visas and employee visas. Required for residency and business operations.
- •Apply for investor/partner visas
- •Process employee visas if needed
- •Complete medical and Emirates ID
- •Receive visa and Emirates ID
Business Setup Requirements
Documents Required
- Passport copies (all partners/shareholders)
- Visa copies (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Business plan (for some activities)
- Bank reference letter
Capital Requirements
- Minimum capital varies by activity and jurisdiction
- Free zones: AED 5,000 - AED 50,000 typically
- Mainland: AED 50,000+ depending on activity
- Professional services: Lower capital requirements
- Capital can be in cash or assets
Office Requirements
- Free zones: Flexi-desk or office space options
- Mainland: Physical office or shared office space
- Virtual office available in some free zones
- Warehouse space for trading activities
- Office lease agreement required
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Up to 100% (with local agent) | 100% Foreign | 100% Foreign |
| Local Market Access | Full Access | Limited (zone-specific) | No Local Access |
| Tax Benefits | Corporate tax may apply | Zero tax in free zones | Tax benefits |
| Setup Time | 7-14 days | 3-7 days | 5-10 days |
| Office Requirement | Physical office required | Flexible options | No office required |
Ready to Start Your Business Setup?
Contact our experts for personalized guidance on your UAE business setup journey
Frequently Asked Questions
The UAE business setup process involves several key steps: 1. **Choose Business Activity:** Select your primary business activity 2. **Select Jurisdiction:** Choose Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore 3. **Reserve Business Name:** Check and reserve your company name 4. **Apply for License:** Submit application with required documents 5. **Open Bank Account:** Establish corporate banking relationship 6. **Process Visas:** Apply for investor and employee visas 7. **Get Office Space:** Secure required office or flexi-desk 8. **Complete Registration:** Finalize all registrations and approvals Najoom Corporate Services guides you through each step, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Business setup timelines vary by jurisdiction: - **Free Zone Companies:** 3-7 business days for license approval - **Mainland Companies:** 7-14 business days for DED approval - **Offshore Companies:** 5-10 business days Additional time required for: - Bank account opening: 5-10 business days - Visa processing: 7-14 business days - Office setup: Varies by location Total setup time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for complete business setup including licenses, bank accounts, and visas.
Required documents typically include: - **Passport copies** of all partners/shareholders (attested) - **Visa copies** (if already in UAE) - **Passport-size photographs** (white background) - **No Objection Certificate (NOC)** from current sponsor if applicable - **Business plan** (for certain activities) - **Bank reference letter** - **Educational certificates** (for professional licenses) - **Previous experience certificates** (if required) Document requirements may vary by jurisdiction and activity. Our team provides a complete checklist tailored to your specific setup.
Capital requirements vary significantly: - **Free Zones:** Typically AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the zone and activity - **Mainland:** Minimum AED 50,000+ depending on business activity - **Professional Services:** Lower requirements, typically AED 10,000-30,000 - **Trading Activities:** Higher capital requirements Capital can be in cash or assets. Some free zones offer flexible capital options. Contact us for specific capital requirements based on your chosen activity and jurisdiction.
Office requirements depend on jurisdiction: - **Free Zones:** Flexible options including flexi-desk, shared office, or virtual office (varies by zone) - **Mainland:** Physical office space typically required - **Offshore:** No office requirement Many free zones offer cost-effective flexi-desk solutions starting from AED 1,500-3,000 annually. Our team helps you find the most suitable and cost-effective office solution.
Key differences: **Mainland:** - Access to local UAE market - Requires local sponsor or agent - Physical office required - Can trade directly with local market **Free Zone:** - 100% foreign ownership - Zero corporate tax - Flexible office options - Zone-specific operations - Fast setup process **Offshore:** - 100% foreign ownership - No local market access - No office requirement - International business focus - Asset protection benefits Our consultants help you choose the right structure based on your business goals and requirements.
Yes, you can add or change business activities, but the process varies: - **Adding Activities:** Submit application with required documents and fees - **Changing Primary Activity:** May require license amendment or new license - **Free Zones:** Generally easier to add activities within the zone - **Mainland:** May require additional approvals and documentation Process typically takes 3-7 business days. Some activities may require additional capital or office space. Our team assists with activity changes and ensures compliance.
Ongoing compliance requirements include: - **License Renewal:** Annual renewal before expiration - **Office Lease:** Maintain valid office lease agreement - **Bank Account:** Keep corporate account active - **Visa Renewal:** Renew investor and employee visas annually - **Audit Requirements:** Some companies require annual audits - **Tax Compliance:** File returns if applicable (corporate tax from 2023) - **PRO Services:** Regular document processing and government liaison Najoom Corporate Services offers comprehensive PRO and compliance services to ensure your business remains compliant.