How To Register A Company In Dubai: Step by Step Instructions

Global entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders are some of the forward-thinking business leaders who launch their establishments in the UAE. If this is you, read on for more information on how to make your Dubai company launch a success. 

To start with, the company registration process in UAE, while simpler than in many parts of the world, is more complicated than it seems. Newcomers and recent hires should take note of this. If you wish to register your company in Dubai, you must follow a detailed process in line with the strict  rules and regulations that the UAE government has imposed. 

The process is worth it, however, as running a company in Dubai can be extremely profitable and offer investors and entrepreneurs many growth opportunities. Tax exemptions, business privileges, free zones, and other benefits are available for company registration in Dubai, UAE. 

So, what are the specific formalities that everyone must go through to set up a company in Dubai and enjoy all the advantages that come with it? Here’s a step-by step guide on the main processes and requirements.

Documents Needed For Company Registration In Dubai

Before moving on to the procedures themselves, let’s first go over the list of documents that must be submitted when you apply to register your business in the United Arab Emirates, 

• A thorough description of your company plan. 
• NOC from your active sponsor at the moment (If applicable) 
• The Trade Registrar’s properly completed forms 
• Translations of the directors’ and shareholders’ passports that have been notarized 
• Payment confirmation for the trade name registration of your company 
• Contracts for LSA and MoA 
• A legally binding tenancy agreement or sustainability pact 

Once you have all this organized and ready to go, let’s take a look at the process itself. 

The Dubai Company Registration Process – Step By Step 

The steps you must take in order for your company registration in Dubai, UAE are as follows: 

1. Choose A Legal Structure And Business Venture Type  

Selecting a legal structure and the types of commercial operations you will engage in Dubai is the first step in company formation in Dubai, UAE. 

To select the right legal structure, you will need to pick from a variety of choices, depending on your business’s particular needs. You can choose between:

Mainland Companies 

These include: 

• Civil companies 
• LLCs (Limited Liability Company) 
• Sole establishments
• Public joint stock companies
• Private joint stock companies
• Representative office of foreign companies
• Branch of GCC companies 
• Branch of local companies 
• Holding companies 

Free Zones 

Free zone legal structures include 

• FZ LLC or Free Zone Limited Liability Company 
• FZ Co. or Free Zone Company 
• FZE or Free Zone Establishment 

Your business setup consultant can help you identify the best option for your business. 

When it comes to Business Activity or type of venture, the Department of Economic Development has listed over 2,000 potential commercial endeavors to choose from. On the basis of the location and legal configuration of your company, you can also select a service provided by any other economic zone. The activities include:

• Manufacturing 
• Warehousing 
• Commercial trade 
• Consultancy services 
• Industry
• Education 
• Media 
• Ecommerce 

Arriving at the correct business type and structure in the UAE context can be a little confusing, but an expert business setup consultant can simplify this process for you. 

2. Pick A Company Name 

Decide the name of your business next. Make a list of the names you are thinking about and submit it for approval to the appropriate authorized body. While deciding on the name of your company, you need to adhere to certain guidelines. Some considerations are:

• The name should be connected to the activity of the company 
• The name should not be offensive or include any inappropriate words 
• The name should not contain any names of UAE government officials or organizations
• The name should not be registered by anyone else and should include FZE, LLC or whatever the legal structure of the company is 

3. Decide On A Business Location 

This is the next step in the process of business registration in Dubai. The UAE offers a plethora of options. The location you choose for your establishment will determine how many customers you can reach. 

For instance, for businesses that want to conduct unrestricted trade throughout the nation, the optimum jurisdiction is on the mainland. This economic zone provides you with a number of commercial advantages, including access to Dubai’s lucrative local market. 

4. Identify An Office Space for Rent 

The next step is to find the right office space in your preferred location. Renting office space in Dubai has a number of advantages. Choose to rent instead of buying property so you can save a substantial sum of money over time. You can use the money you save to fund a variety of other growth-related endeavors. Also, you won’t have to worry about selling the office building if you decide to move in the future. 

5. Complete Your Paperwork 

You will be completing the company formation in Dubai process after renting a place for your business. A number of official approvals and paperwork, including an initial approval certificate, a payment receipt for the reservation of a trading name, etc., are required to form a corporation in Dubai. A few external permissions may be needed for certain corporate operations or special privileges. 

6. Apply For Your Business License 

Once the paperwork is completed, you can contact the necessary agencies or the DED to submit an application for a business license. To obtain a business license, you can locate an LSA or Local Service Agent. 

7. Open A Bank Account 

As soon as it is done, you can begin the steps necessary to open a business bank account. Pick a bank that can be relied on to provide excellent banking services for your company. 

8. Obtain Residence Permits 

In the United Arab Emirates, obtaining a residence is an organized process with four distinct steps. The procedure begins when you submit your residence application and ends when you receive your residence permission. You are permitted to apply for more than two residences for Dubai in order to guarantee your stay as well as the status of your friends, coworkers, family members, etc. 

Trust Your Company Registration Process In The UAE To Bizvisor 

Understanding how to register a company in Dubai is much easier with professional assistance. Get in touch with qualified business setup experts in Dubai, like Bizvisor, if you’re planning to start a business in this economic powerhouse of a city. To save you the headache, we will handle both your application and the process of company formation in Dubai. Our experts will make sure that the company registration process is seamless for your organization. Get a free appointment today for company registration in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.