🇦🇪 Dubai Company Registration
Dubai is the principal gateway to the Middle East and Africa, combining a free zone system with over 20 specialised zones and a mainland licensing regime administered by the DED. Free zone entities allow 100% foreign ownership with residence visa quotas; mainland entities can trade directly within the local UAE market and may require a local service agent for certain activities.
Dubai / UAE at a glance
Free zone or mainland?
- Free zone company — 100% foreign ownership, a registered address within the zone, and visa quotas for shareholders and staff. Suited to international trading, holding structures, e-commerce and asset management.
- Mainland company — licensed by the DED and able to trade directly in the UAE market. Since the 2021 commercial companies law reform, most commercial and industrial activities permit 100% foreign ownership; certain regulated activities still require local participation or separate approvals.
- Free zone registration is the lower-friction route for international businesses, but activities outside the licensed zone may require additional permits.
Key requirements
- Shareholder / director: minimum one of each; they may be the same person; no nationality restriction.
- Registered address: provided by the chosen free zone (shared or dedicated office options) or a local address for mainland entities.
- Registered agent and company secretary: required for free zone entities.
- Business activity: must fall within the approved activity list of the selected free zone or the DED licence.
- Share capital: varies by free zone and activity; most free zones do not require paid-up capital.
Process and ongoing obligations
- Structuring advice and jurisdiction selection (1 business day)
- Name reservation and activity approval (1-2 business days)
- Submission of incorporation documents and licence fee payment (2-3 business days)
- Trade licence issued (1-2 business days)
- Immigration card and residence visa processing (3-7 business days, parallel)
- Corporate bank account opening (2-6 weeks; UAE banks apply detailed KYC review)
- Annual: licence renewal, audited accounts where required, and corporate tax filings
Frequently asked questions
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax of 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000 with effect from June 2023, and applies a 5% VAT. Qualifying free zone companies may continue to benefit from preferential treatment under conditions. Please confirm the current position with our advisors.
UAE banks apply strict anti-money-laundering and business-substance checks. Applications commonly require a business plan, supplier or customer contracts, or a company website, and may require the director to attend in person. Preparing the documentation properly significantly improves the outcome.
Incorporation and licensing typically complete within 5-10 business days. Bank account opening is separate and usually takes longer, so plan it as a distinct step.