1. Decide the Business Type and Jurisdiction
Mainland – You can do business anywhere in UAE & internationally. Requires a local sponsor (in some cases).
Free Zone – 100% foreign ownership, but limited to free zone and international trade.
Offshore – For international operations only, no local UAE market access.
2. Choose the Business Activity
Select from the approved activity list of Department of Economic Development (DED) (for mainland) or the relevant Free Zone Authority.
Some activities need additional approvals (e.g., finance, healthcare, legal).
3. Reserve a Trade Name
Submit at DED or Free Zone Authority.
Ensure the name is unique, not offensive, and follows UAE naming rules (no references to religion or politics).
4. Obtain Initial Approval
Apply for “Initial Approval Certificate” from the relevant authority.
This confirms the UAE government has no objection to you starting the business.
5. Draft MOA (Memorandum of Association) / LSA (Local Service Agent Agreement)
Required for mainland companies.
Defines shareholding structure, ownership, and company operations.
Notarized by a public notary in Dubai.
6. Choose Office Space & Ejari
For mainland companies, you must have a physical office lease.
Register tenancy contract with Ejari (Dubai’s tenancy system).
Free zones may provide flexi-desk / shared office space options.
7. Submit Documents & Pay Fees
Submit all documents to DED (Mainland) or Free Zone Authority.
Pay the trade license fees.
8. Obtain Business License
Trade/Commercial/Professional/Industrial License will be issued depending on your activity.
9. Register with Immigration & Labour Department
For visa allocation & employee hiring.
Register establishment card.
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10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Required for transactions.
Each bank has its own KYC process (may require a business plan, office lease, passport copies, etc.).
✅ Documents Required
(Some documents may vary depending on mainland/free zone/offshore)
For Individual Shareholders
Passport copy of all shareholders
Visa copy / Entry stamp / Emirates ID (if applicable)
Passport size photos
NOC from current sponsor (if UAE resident)
For Corporate Shareholders
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Board Resolution to establish a company in Dubai
Passport copy of company representative
For Business Setup
Trade Name Reservation Certificate
Initial Approval Certificate
Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Local Service Agent Agreement (if applicable)
Office Lease Agreement + Ejari Certificate
Additional approvals (if required for special activities)
Post-Incorporation
Establishment Card (Immigration)
Labour Establishment Card (for hiring employees)
Corporate Bank Account documents