Company registration in Dubai for foreign entrepreneurs

Dubai continues to attract foreign businesses that want a clear route into the wider region. The city supports cross-border trade, encourages new ventures, and offers a structured approach to company registration in Dubai that is accessible even if you are starting a business there for the first time. This guide explains the main routes to establishing a company in the UAE, what each option involves, and how you can plan your business setup confidently.

Why establish a company in Dubai

Many foreign entrepreneurs choose company registration in Dubai, UAE, when planning expansion because the city offers a stable environment, clear regulations, and strong access to regional markets. You operate in a place that supports cross-border activity, welcomes digital commerce, and provides structured pathways for company formation. 

The e-commerce sector grows steadily through a mix of reliable infrastructure and broad consumer adoption, giving you room to test new ideas without unnecessary friction. You also gain the advantage of working in a market that values international ownership and transparent licensing, which can make opening a business more predictable.

Understand your options: mainland, free zone, or Dubai Unified Licence

Mainland companies (Dubai DET)

A mainland company is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, giving you the freedom to trade across the UAE without geographic limits. This route appeals to entrepreneurs who plan to work with local clients, hire a wider range of employees, or open physical branches. 

Mainland businesses follow a clear digital process that includes choosing activities, selecting a legal form, and submitting the required documents through official channels. You gain the flexibility to operate across sectors, and you work under a licence recognised throughout the country. 

Free zone companies

Free zones offer an alternative route for setting up a company in Dubai, giving foreign entrepreneurs full ownership and a defined regulatory environment. Each zone operates under its own authority, and you work within rules designed to support specific sectors such as trade, logistics, technology, or professional services. 

Free zones, such as Dubai CommerCity (DCC) free zone, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City, provide benefits such as simplified customs processes and dedicated support teams, which can help you start a business with fewer operational barriers. Steps usually include reserving a name, applying for initial approval, submitting formation documents, and securing a workspace ranging from flexi-desks to full offices. 

Authorities such as DMCC outline clear procedures and timelines, helping you map out what your first weeks or months may look like. This structure suits businesses that want a defined regulatory base without the need to trade directly on the mainland.

Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) introduces a single digital identity for your company across mainland and free zone systems, creating a smoother path for business setup in the UAE. 

DUL brings company data into one record, which reduces duplicate steps and shortens verification times during licensing and banking. The DUL framework supports cross-jurisdiction activity, giving you the freedom to operate under one unified profile while still choosing the structure that suits your plans. 

Banks can process applications more quickly under this model, which can make opening a business account more predictable for foreign entrepreneurs. For those who want to streamline their early setup stages, the DUL structure creates a more organised path from registration through to operational readiness.

A note on 100% foreign ownership

Foreign entrepreneurs can hold full ownership of many mainland and free zone companies under the current Commercial Companies Law. This applies across a wide range of activities, giving international founders more control over their business structure and long-term plans. 

The shift towards full foreign ownership removes the previous requirement for a local partner in most sectors, allowing you to establish a company in Dubai or the wider UAE with a clearer governance model.

The rules apply differently depending on activity, so the chosen licence must align with the specific commercial, professional, or industrial category you select. Activities that still require a local partner are now limited and mainly relate to strategically regulated areas. 

How to register a mainland company

The process is digital, structured, and designed to move quickly once your documents are in order. Most foreign entrepreneurs complete the core steps within a week, provided that approvals and documents are ready. 

Obtain initial approval

The first step is to submit your chosen business activity, legal form, and partner details through the licensing system. Foreign applicants must hold a valid entry permit or residence status, which is processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Approval confirms that the activity is permitted and that you may proceed with registration.

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Clean criminal record
• Activity list and proposed structure
  
  

Timeline: 1–2 days

Reserve a trade name

Once you receive initial approval and have the certificate, you can now reserve a trade name that reflects your activity and complies with naming rules via the Invest in Dubai portal. You provide several options, and the system checks availability. Certain terms require special clearance, and names must avoid misleading references.

Documents:

• Initial approval certificate
  
  

Cost: AED 620 (non-refundable)

Draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The MOA outlines shareholding, management roles, and permitted activities. For an LLC, you typically list two or more shareholders, although capital requirements have been removed. The MOA is then notarised through the designated courts or authorised notary services.

Requirements:

• Passports and Emirates IDs (if applicable)
• Share structure
• Legal form
  
  

Cost: AED 2,000–5,000 (including legal fees)

Secure an office lease and register Ejari

A physical premises is required for mainland entities. You may choose a flexi-desk or a larger commercial space, depending on your activity. The tenancy contract is then registered under Ejari, creating an official record linked to your licence.

Documents:

• Signed lease agreement
  
  

Cost:

• Annual lease: AED 20,000–50,000
• Ejari registration: AED 220
  
  

Obtain an establishment card

The establishment card is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It allows your company to sponsor employee visas and confirms your registration within the labour system.

Documents:

• MOA
• Lease and Ejari
• Initial approval
  
  

Cost: AED 1,000–2,000

Apply for the trade licence

Submit the collected documents for final review. Once issued, the trade licence confirms your company’s legal existence and allows you to begin operations. Licence types include commercial, professional, and industrial, each with specific activity tables.

Cost: AED 10,000–25,000 depending on activity

Timeline: 1–3 days

Open a corporate bank account and apply for visas

A corporate account can be opened once your licence is active. Banks request standard compliance documents, and minimum balance requirements vary. Visa applications follow, supported by your establishment card.

Documents:

• Licence
• MOA
• Shareholder passports
  
  

Indicative costs:

• Visas: AED 3,000–5,000 per person
• Bank minimum balance: usually AED 50,000 or higher
  
  

Total estimated costs as of 2025

Registering a free zone company

Free zones remain a popular route for foreign entrepreneurs who want a defined regulatory base and full ownership while keeping operational processes straightforward. 

Select a zone and activity

Each free zone focuses on particular industries such as commodities, logistics, aviation, technology, or professional services. Choose the activity that matches your planned operations, as this determines your licensing category. 

Many zones provide digital tools to review permitted activities and outline any conditions linked to specialised sectors. You can find the full list here.

Reserve a name and obtain pre-approval

You submit a name reservation request along with basic shareholder and activity details. The zone authority confirms availability and checks that the proposed activities match its permitted list. Pre-approval allows you to proceed with documentation and space selection.

Submit formation documents and MOA

Free zone authorities outline a predictable document set that includes passports, proof of address, and a business plan for certain activities. Some structures require notarisation of formation documents, while others accept digitally issued forms. Ultimate Beneficial Owner declarations form part of the compliance process.

Secure a workspace

Free zones offer a range of workspace options, from flexi-desks to dedicated offices and warehouses. Your choice may influence visa quotas and ongoing operational costs. The lease agreement becomes part of your licence file.

Pay fees and receive the licence

Once the documents are approved and fees settled, the authority issues your electronic licence. This confirms your company’s legal status within the zone and allows you to operate according to the permitted activities.

Visas and bank account

You can apply for investor and employee visas based on your quota. Banks typically request your licence, MOA, shareholder documents, and proof of address. Minimum balance requirements vary, and some banks process free zone accounts more quickly if your documentation is complete.

Specific free zone examples

DMCC (commodities and trading focus)

DMCC provides a structured setup path with clear guidance through its digital tools. Timelines typically run around ten days once documents are ready. The zone requires at least one shareholder and a registered address within JLT.

Documents: passports, recent utility bills, MOA, and a bank reference.

Costs: AED 10,345–84,515 depending on workspace and licence term. Visa costs are additional.

JAFZA (logistics and industrial focus)

JAFZA supports various company types including FZE, FZCO, and branch structures. Authorities offer digital applications and dedicated guidance for activity-specific requirements.

Costs: AED 15,000–35,000 for a standard annual licence.

Capital requirements: none for most activities.

DAFZA (aviation and trading focus)

DAFZA provides a three-step online process for name reservation, licence selection, and workspace agreement.

Costs: AED 12,000–30,000 for standard packages, with flexi options available.

Capital requirements: from AED 1 depending on company type.

Total estimated costs for free zones as of 2025

Documentation checklist for foreign entrepreneurs

Mainland Dubai

• Passport copy for each shareholder, partner, and manager
• UAE residence visa or entry permit for non-GCC nationals (when applicable)
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval certificate
• Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association
• Office lease agreement registered through Ejari

Free zone

• Completed application form provided by the chosen free zone
• Business plan when required for the selected activity
• Passport copies for each shareholder, director, and manager
• Proof of residential address for each shareholder and director
• Existing trade licence or registration certificate if forming a branch

Other requirements and considerations

Visas for owners and employees

Investors and employees require valid UAE visas linked to the company. An investor visa is available once your licence is issued, and employees can be sponsored based on your workspace size and quota. 

The process includes medical checks and biometric registration. Visa fees vary by category, and companies planning to scale should account for renewal cycles and headcount forecasts.

Bank account

You may open a corporate bank account once your company is licensed and your documents are complete. Banks review your activity, shareholder information, and proof of address. 

Minimum balance thresholds differ by institution and often range from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000. Early preparation of documents helps shorten the review period.

Compliance

Companies operating in the UAE follow established compliance rules that include annual renewals and activity-specific obligations. Some structures require audited financials once they reach defined revenue thresholds, and free zones set their own reporting standards. 

Entities operating in sectors linked to financial activity or cross-border trade may also follow anti-money-laundering requirements, including Ultimate Beneficial Owner reporting.

PRO services

Some entrepreneurs choose to work with service providers to manage visa applications, document submissions, and renewals. These services support companies that prefer not to handle government processes internally. Fees vary by scope and can be added as needed to support ongoing operations.

Conclusion

Company registration in Dubai gives foreign entrepreneurs a clear path into a market built for regional trade and steady commercial activity. Mainland, free zone, and DUL structures each offer defined steps that help you move from planning to active operations. Reviewing your activity, ownership model, and intended reach guides you toward the route that fits your plans. 

Many businesses start with the Invest in Dubai platform or the relevant free zone portals to confirm current fees and requirements. Once your structure is in place, you can focus on building your operations with a predictable framework for licensing and compliance.