Setting up a business in Dubai involves several steps that must be followed carefully to comply with UAE laws.
The UAE government classifies business activities into categories such as commercial, industrial, and professional. Choosing the correct activity ensures proper licensing and regulation under the DED or Free Zone authority.
Your company structure, whether an LLC (Limited Liability Company), sole proprietorship, or branch office, determines ownership rights, taxation, and liability.
The trade name represents your brand identity. It must follow DED’s naming conventions, avoiding religious or political terms. After name approval, you’ll receive an initial permission certificate to proceed.
Gather essential paperwork such as passport copies, Memorandum of Association (MOA), lease agreement, and approval forms. Submit them to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone Authority.
Once all approvals are complete, you’ll receive your Dubai business license, which legally allows your company to operate. Depending on your business type, you may also need additional approvals from government departments.
After obtaining your license, open a corporate bank account in Dubai to manage your financial transactions securely. Most UAE banks require a valid license, shareholder details, and proof of business activity.