Company Registration in Dubai

Company registration in Dubai is the legal process of incorporating a business with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It establishes the company’s legal identity, allowing it to operate, sign contracts, and hire employees. It is mandatory for any business activity conducted within Dubai’s mainland jurisdiction.

Following the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reforms introduced in 2020, foreign investors can open a business in the Dubai mainland without a local sponsor for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities. Only a limited number of strategic sectors, such as oil exploration, banking, and telecommunications, still require UAE national participation. To start a company in Dubai, foreigners must select a licenced activity, apply for initial approval, reserve a trade name, prepare incorporation documents, secure a tenancy contract, and submit their application to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). EGSH provides end-to-end support throughout the business setup process, ensuring full compliance with UAE company registration regulations.

Mainland company formation involves: — Choosing the legal structure and activity from DET’s approved list. — Getting Initial Approval. — Reserving a trade name. — Preparing and submitting all incorporation documents. — Finalising tenancy and obtaining the trade licence. EGSH manages all steps on behalf of the client to streamline the process.

Your company’s legal structure in Dubai depends on several factors, including business activity, the number and nationality of shareholders, and desired liability protection. Common structures include: — Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most suitable for commercial and industrial activities. Requires 1–50 shareholders and allows 100% foreign ownership for most sectors. — Sole Establishment: Ideal for individuals conducting professional services under their name. Full liability applies. — Civil Company: Used for professional activities involving two or more partners. — Branch of a Foreign Company: This allows existing companies to operate under the same name in Dubai without a separate legal identity. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) sets the legal framework. EGSH assists clients in evaluating business needs and selecting the most appropriate structure for a compliant and efficient company setup in Dubai.

Initial Approval is an official no-objection confirmation from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), indicating that your proposed business activity and legal structure are acceptable under UAE regulations. It does not grant permission to conduct business but is required before reserving a trade name, signing a tenancy contract, or preparing the Memorandum of Association. It is valid for six months and must be renewed if the setup is not completed within that period. EGSH handles the application, submission, and follow-up with DET, ensuring timely receipt of Initial Approval and a smooth progression to the following stages of company formation.

To reserve a trade name in Dubai, you must apply for DET through their official portal or an authorised centre, EGSH. The name must be unique, in line with naming guidelines (no religious, political, or offensive terms), and reflect the chosen business activity. Trade names may be in English or Arabic and must not duplicate registered names. The reservation is valid for 6 months and incurs a standard government fee. EGSH verifies availability, ensures compliance with DET rules, and submits the request on your behalf to secure approval without delay.

To register a company in the UAE, you must submit passport copies of all shareholders and managers, an Emirates ID and residence visa (if applicable), a reserved trade name certificate, and a valid Ejari tenancy contract for the business premises. You also need a Memorandum of Association (MoA) outlining ownership structure, roles, and responsibilities—signed and notarised as required. Additional documents may include board resolutions, external approvals (e.g., from DHA, Dubai Municipality, or KHDA), or activity-specific clearances. All papers must follow DET formatting and language requirements. EGSH ensures complete and compliant UAE company registration by compiling, reviewing, translating (if needed), and submitting all documents on your behalf.

Company incorporation generally takes 3–5 working days if all documents and approvals are in place. EGSH ensures documentation is correct and liaises with DET to minimise processing delays.

Yes. As per UAE Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2020, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most commercial and industrial activities on the Dubai mainland, without requiring a UAE national sponsor. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) maintains a list of over 1,000 eligible activities, covering sectors such as trading, manufacturing, consultancy, and services. However, some strategic sectors (e.g. oil, defence, banking) may still require local shareholding or special approvals. EGSH helps investors navigate activity selection, confirm ownership eligibility under DET rules, and ensure full compliance throughout the company formation process in Dubai.

The government registration cost for company setup in Dubai starts from AED 1,295, the standard fee the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) charges for licence issuance. Additional fees apply based on your chosen business activity, number of shareholders, legal form, and any required external approvals. For example, trade name reservation costs AED 620, and initial approval is AED 120. Other potential expenses include Ejari registration, market fees (2.5% of annual rent), and MoA attestation. EGSH calculates all applicable fees, manages secure payments via the official DET channels, and ensures a fully compliant transaction process for your business setup in Dubai.

A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) for an office space is mandatory for mainland company registration. EGSH advises on suitable locations and ensures the contract complies with DET requirements.

DET issues the company registration certificate once all documentation is verified and the trade licence is granted. It confirms the entity’s legal existence and is required for banking, invoicing, and regulatory purposes. EGSH delivers this certificate upon issuance.

Yes, after a business is set up in Dubai, UAE, company owners and eligible employees can apply for investor and employment visas. EGSH facilitates visa applications linked to the registered business, including quota approvals and medical fitness processing.

Registered through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Mainland companies may operate anywhere in the UAE and are permitted to trade directly with the local market and government entities. They can also open multiple branches and bid for public sector contracts. Free zone companies, in contrast, are established within designated jurisdictions (e.g., DMCC, DAFZA) and benefit from 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, and simplified customs procedures. However, they are restricted from direct trade within the UAE mainland without appointing a local distributor. EGSH assists with company formation on both the mainland and in the free zone, advising clients on legal frameworks, activity scopes, and ownership structures to ensure an optimal business setup aligned with UAE regulations.