Company registration in UAE has become one of the most attractive options for global entrepreneurs, investors, and fast growing businesses. With zero corporate tax in many free zones, simplified licensing procedures, global banking access, and world class infrastructure, the UAE provides one of the most friendly business environments anywhere in the world.
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As a global law firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf has supported hundreds of clients from emerging markets, Europe, North America, and Asia in forming companies across the UAE. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know before registering a business, including structure types, legal requirements, documents, timelines, and practical tips.
Our focus is to help you register a company in UAE smoothly, legally, and with complete regulatory compliance.
Why the UAE Is One of the Best Places to Register a Company
The United Arab Emirates continues to dominate global rankings for business friendliness. Entrepreneurs choose the UAE because it offers:
- Simple business setup procedures
- Full foreign ownership in most free zones and many mainland sectors
- Zero income tax and competitive corporate tax policies
- A safe and stable economy with world class infrastructure
- Global banking and payment accessibility
- Access to Middle Eastern, African, South Asian, and European markets
- Strong investor protection and transparent commercial laws
Whether you want to build a startup, open a branch, relocate your business, or start an international trading company, UAE offers a fast and highly regulated environment that gives your business credibility and scalability.
Types of Company Structures Available in the UAE
Choosing the correct structure is one of the most important decisions during company registration. Your structure affects licensing, ownership, visa quotas, banking, and operations.
Free Zone Company
A free zone company gives you:
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Zero income tax within the free zone
- Fast licensing process
- Modern office solutions like flexi desk or shared office
- No need for a local Emirati partner
Ideal for: e-commerce, consultancy, marketing agencies, digital businesses, international trading, tech startups, global service companies.
Mainland Company
A mainland company allows you to:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE
- Sign contracts with government entities
- Trade within the local UAE market
- Hire unlimited employees based on office size
Most mainland activities now allow 100 percent foreign ownership, except some strategic sectors. You may still require a local service agent depending on the activity.
Ideal for: restaurants, retail shops, construction, contracting, salons, transport companies, real estate, corporate offices.
Offshore Company
Offshore companies in UAE allow international operations with:
- Full foreign ownership
- Asset protection
- Confidentiality
- Zero taxation
- No requirement for office space
Ideal for: holding companies, asset ownership, international trading, and global investment structures.
Dewey & LeBoeuf assists clients in choosing the best structure based on tax efficiency, banking requirements, and long term strategy.
Step-by-Step Process for Company Registration in UAE
Registering a company in the United Arab Emirates requires careful planning to avoid delays. Below is the simplified and practical process we follow for our clients.
1. Choose the Correct Jurisdiction
Decide whether you want to set up in Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore. Each has its own cost, visa quota rules, and banking considerations.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we assess your business model, customer base, and banking priority to choose the right jurisdiction.
2. Select Your Business Activity
The UAE has thousands of approved business activities. Examples include:
- Professional services
- Commercial trading
- E commerce
- Industrial and manufacturing
- Real estate services
- Media and advertising
- Technology development
Your license type depends on the activity. Selecting the wrong activity is one of the most common mistakes people make, which can lead to compliance issues or rejection.
3. Reserve Your Company Name
Submit three possible trade name options. The name must follow UAE naming rules which do not allow offensive words, religious terms, or abbreviations of personal names.
Name reservation usually takes a few hours to one working day.
4. Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Passport copy of shareholders
- Passport size photo
- UAE entry stamp or tourist visa copy
- Address proof
- Business plan for some regulated categories
- Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association
- Initial approval form
If shareholders are companies, corporate documents such as Board Resolution, Certificate of Incorporation, and Power of Attorney may be needed.
Dewey & LeBoeuf prepares and drafts all legal documentation to ensure compliance.
5. Apply for Initial Approval
Initial approval confirms that the UAE authorities do not have objections to your business activity. After approval, you can proceed with license procedures.
6. Rent an Office or Co working Space
Depending on the structure and jurisdiction:
- Free zone companies can operate using flexi desk or virtual office.
- Mainland companies need a physical office with Ejari (tenancy contract).
Your visa quota is linked to office size in mainland setups.
7. Sign the Memorandum of Association
Shareholders sign the Memorandum of Association. Our law firm drafts the MOA based on your activity and structure to avoid future disputes.
8. Apply for the Trade License
Once the documents are signed and the fees are submitted, your trade license is issued. In many free zones it only takes 2 to 48 hours. Mainland licenses can take 2 to 5 working days depending on approval requirements.
9. Process Establishment Card and Visa Quota
If you need visas for yourself or your employees:
- Apply for an establishment card
- Open visa quota
- Request employment visas or investor visas
10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
UAE banks have strict compliance and KYC policies. We help clients prepare:
- Source of funds
- Business model explanation
- Personal financial history
- Contracts or invoices (if available)
- Utility bills and bank statements
Banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, RAK Bank, and also digital banking solutions are available depending on risk profile.
Dewey & LeBoeuf handles complete banking coordination.
Documents Required for UAE Company Registration
Documents vary slightly between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore structures but generally include:
- Valid passport copies
- Visa or entry permit copies
- Passport photo
- Business plan (if required)
- Proof of address
- Power of Attorney (if someone else is handling your setup)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Tenancy contract or flexi desk agreement
We prepare all legal drafts, including MOA and shareholder resolutions.
Costs Involved in Company Registration in UAE
Costs vary based on:
- Free zone or mainland
- Visa quota required
- Office type
- Business activity
- Additional approvals
General ranges:
- Free zone license: 7,000 to 15,000 AED
- Mainland license: 12,000 to 25,000 AED
- Office space: 5,000 to 30,000 AED yearly
- Visa costs: 3,500 to 5,500 AED per visa
- Bank account setup: Free but requires deposit depending on bank
We provide transparent cost breakdowns before starting the process.
Benefits of Registering a Company in UAE
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Zero income tax in many zones
- 9 percent corporate tax only above mandatory thresholds
- Simple import and export
- Full repatriation of profits
- Residency visas for investors and families
- Modern infrastructure and business ecosystem
- Gateway to Middle East, Asia, and Africa
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction
- Selecting incorrect business activity
- Not preparing proper bank documentation
- Using non licensed agents
- Failing to maintain renewals and compliance
Dewey & LeBoeuf ensures full compliance from license issuance to renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own a 100 percent company in the UAE?
Yes. Most activities in both free zones and mainland now allow full foreign ownership.
How long does it take to register a company?
Free zone companies can be registered within one to two days. Mainland companies take around three to five working days.
Do I need to be in UAE to register a company?
No. Many free zones and some mainland jurisdictions allow remote setup without physical presence.
Can I open a UAE bank account as a foreign owner?
Yes. But bank compliance is strict. Our legal team helps prepare documentation to increase approval chances.
What is the minimum capital requirement?
Most free zones require no minimum capital. Mainland companies often use standard capital models unless the activity is regulated.
Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf for UAE Company Registration
Dewey & LeBoeuf is a global law firm with a strong presence in Dubai. Our corporate and commercial team provides:
- Full legal handling of UAE business setup
- MOA drafting and review
- Trade license processing
- Visa and immigration support
- Banking introduction and compliance assistance
- Long term legal and business advisory
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
We ensure your UAE company is registered correctly, legally, and in the most cost efficient and compliant manner.
If you are planning to register a company in UAE, contact Dewey & LeBoeuf Dubai today. Our corporate law specialists will design the best structure for your business and take care of the entire legal process from start to finish.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE