Dubai has developed into one of the most business friendly and globally connected commercial hubs in the world. Entrepreneurs from Asia, Europe, Africa, and especially Bangladesh and South Asia choose Dubai to register companies due to its strategic location, tax benefits, advanced infrastructure, and ease of doing business.
Table of Contents
This complete guide from Dewey and LeBoeuf Dubai explains every step of company registration in Dubai, including mainland business setup, free zone setup, offshore incorporation, required documents, timelines, costs, and compliance. You will also learn how our law firm can assist you throughout the full registration process.
Why Register a Company in Dubai
Dubai offers an unmatched combination of strategic advantages that make business formation easy, profitable, and globally recognized.
Key Benefits of Registering a Company in Dubai
- 100 percent foreign ownership for most business activities.
- Zero corporate tax for qualifying free zone companies.
- No personal income tax.
- World class banking and financial system.
- Strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- Easy international logistics and import export facilities.
- Strong investor protection laws and business friendly regulations.
- High credibility for global trading, fintech, ecommerce, and consulting businesses.
For entrepreneurs from South Asia, Dubai is one of the fastest ways to build a global company without complex regulations or heavy taxes.
Types of Business Structures in Dubai
Dubai offers multiple company structures depending on your business activity, ownership style, and market goals. Choosing the right structure is critical and affects bank account opening, tax benefits, and licensing.
1. Dubai Mainland Company
A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Mainland companies allow you to:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE and globally.
- Take government contracts.
- Hire unlimited employees.
- Open offices anywhere in Dubai.
Today, most mainland business activities allow 100 percent foreign ownership.
2. Dubai Free Zone Company
Free zones are special economic areas that offer:
- Zero percent corporate tax for qualifying income.
- Full ownership.
- Fast registration.
- Lower cost packages.
- No import duties inside the free zone.
Popular free zones include:
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Meydan Free Zone
- IFZA
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Free zones are ideal for ecommerce, trading, IT, consulting, media, crypto, and global service businesses.
3. Dubai Offshore Company
Offshore companies are used for:
- International trading
- Asset protection
- Holding shares
- Intellectual property management
- Global tax planning
These companies cannot trade within the UAE but are excellent for global operations.
Step-by-Step Process for Company Registration in Dubai
The business setup process depends on the business structure, but the overall workflow is similar.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Dubai allows more than 2000 business activities.
Examples include:
- Consulting
- Software and IT
- Ecommerce
- Real estate
- Import and export
- Media and marketing
Selecting the correct activity determines your license type, approvals, and feasible jurisdiction.
Step 2: Choose Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
Your choice depends on:
- Whether you want tax benefits
- Whether you need a local market presence
- Your office needs
- Whether you want to hire employees
- Your budget
Dewey and LeBoeuf has helped thousands of entrepreneurs select the best jurisdiction based on business goals.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
Choose three name options.
Follow UAE naming rules:
- No religious references
- No offensive words
- Must reflect the business nature
- Must be unique
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Required documents typically include:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Passport-size photos
- UAE entry stamp or visit visa copy if available
- Address proof
- Business plan for certain categories
- Corporate documents if a foreign company is a shareholder
We prepare and verify all documents for you.
Step 5: Apply for Initial Approval
Initial approval confirms that the government has no objection to your company.
This step does not require physical presence.
Step 6: Sign Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Depending on the structure, the MOA is prepared and signed electronically or at a service center.
Our legal team prepares your MOA according to UAE commercial laws.
Step 7: Choose Office Space or Flexi Desk
Mainland companies require a physical office.
Free zones often allow a flexi desk or shared workspace which reduces cost.
Step 8 :Receive Your Business License
Once the license is issued, your company is legally registered and fully operational.
Step 9: Apply for an Establishment Card and an Investor Visa
If you want residency in Dubai, you can apply for:
- Investor Visa
- Partner Visa
- Employment Visa
Residency visas allow you to live and operate your business in Dubai long term.
Step 10: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Dubai offers strong banking options such as:
- Emirates NBD
- Mashreq
- RAKBANK
- ADCB
- WIO
- Mashreq Neo
Our team assists with KYC, documentation, and bank selection for seamless approval.
Required Documents for Company Registration in Dubai
For individuals:
- Passport copy
- Passport size photo
- Entry stamp or visit visa (if available)
- Residential address proof
- Phone number and email
For corporate shareholders:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Board resolution
- Power of attorney
All documents must be attested.
Cost of Company Registration in Dubai
Costs vary depending on free zone, mainland, office space, and number of visas.
Typical cost ranges:
- Free zone license: USD 3500 to USD 7000
- Mainland license: USD 7000 to USD 15000
- Flexi desk: USD 600 to USD 1500
- Investor visa: USD 2000 to USD 3500
- Emirates ID and medical: USD 800 to USD 1200
We provide a fixed fee breakdown after understanding your business type.
Timeline for Setting Up a Company in Dubai
- Name approval: 1 day
- Initial approval: 1 to 2 days
- License issuance: 3 to 7 days
- Visa processing: 5 to 15 days
- Bank account opening: 1 to 4 weeks
Most entrepreneurs can register a full Dubai company in less than 7 days.
Why Most Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai
1. Tax Friendly Policies
No personal income tax and zero tax for many free zone activities.
2. Global Banking and Easy Payments
Strong KYC infrastructure with multi currency accounts.
3. High Business Credibility
A Dubai company is internationally recognized and trusted.
4. 100 Percent Ownership
No need for a local partner for most business categories.
5. Safe and Stable Environment
One of the safest cities in the world to live and run a business.
How Dewey and LeBoeuf Dubai Helps You
We handle every legal and administrative step so you can focus on business growth.
Our services include:
- Advising on the perfect business structure
- Checking business activity requirements
- Preparing and reviewing all legal documents
- Drafting Memorandum of Association
- Handling approvals and government submissions
- Arranging office address or flexi desk
- Visa processing and Emirates ID support
- Corporate bank account assistance
We provide full transparency, clear pricing, and complete legal protection for your company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Registration in Dubai
Can foreigners own 100 percent of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Most business activities allow full foreign ownership in both free zones and mainland.
Do I need to live in Dubai to register a company?
No. You can register remotely. However, residency is optional if you want a visa.
What is the cheapest way to register a company in Dubai?
Free zone packages with flexi desk options offer the lowest cost setup for new entrepreneurs.
How long does the Dubai business license take?
In most cases, you can receive your license within 3 to 7 working days.
What business activities require special approvals?
Finance, education, healthcare, insurance, media, and food related businesses need additional approvals.
Start Your Company Registration with Dewey and LeBoeuf Dubai
Dewey and LeBoeuf is a global law firm trusted by entrepreneurs, investors, and international companies. If you want to register your company in Dubai with proper legal protection, accurate documentation, and fast approval, we are here to assist you.
Our legal team will:
- Identify the best jurisdiction
- Prepare all legal documents
- Handle every government step
- Ensure compliance and risk free incorporation
- Support your bank account and visa process
Book your consultation with Dewey and LeBoeuf Dubai today and let our experts register your Dubai company with zero stress and full legal assurance.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE