Is initial approval sufficient to open a company in the UAE?

Initial approval is not sufficient to open a company in the UAE. It only confirms that the government has no objection to your proposed business activity and structure. To legally establish your company, you must also reserve a trade name (if not yet done), sign a tenancy contract, notarise the Memorandum of Association (MOA), and apply for a trade licence. Only after completing these steps can your company be legally registered and allowed to operate.

How long does it take to receive an initial approval from DET?

Initial approval is typically issued instantly by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) when all documents are in order and the activity does not require additional review. For certain business types, a manual assessment may be required, which can extend the processing time. EGSH ensures accurate submission and tracks the status until approval is granted.

Is initial approval mandatory before applying for a trade licence?

Initial approval is mandatory before you can apply for a trade licence. It is the first formal step in the business registration process in Dubai. Without this approval, you cannot proceed with tenancy registration, document notarisation, or final licence issuance. EGSH, as a government-authorised centre, ensures that your initial approval application is submitted correctly, without delays or compliance issues.

Can a foreign investor apply for initial approval as part of registering a new company in Dubai?

Foreign investors can apply for initial approval when registering a new company in Dubai. Non-GCC nationals must provide a valid UAE residence visa or entry permit alongside their passport. Depending on the legal structure, additional corporate documents may be required. EGSH assists foreign investors with preparing and submitting all documents in compliance with DET regulations.

What is the cost of the initial approval in Dubai?

The official government fee for initial approval for business in Dubai is AED 120. This fee is paid upon submission of the application. EGSH processes the payment on your behalf using authorised banking channels to ensure timely and compliant submission.

Can I apply for initial approval before completing a trade name registration in Dubai?

You can apply for initial approval either before or after completing trade name registration. These two steps are independent of each other and can be done in either order. EGSH can assist you with both procedures as part of the whole business setup process.

Can I change my business activity after receiving initial approval?

You can change your business activity after receiving initial approval, but you must submit a new request reflecting the updated activity. The initial approval is activity-specific, and the DET must reassess any change. As part of the regulated process for business setup in the UAE, the revised application must meet all current legal and procedural requirements. EGSH ensures that any updates are submitted correctly and in full compliance.

How long is the initial approval valid?

Initial approval is valid for six months from the date of issuance. During this period, you must complete the remaining steps of the company setup process, including trade name registration, tenancy contract, MOA notarisation, and trade licence application. If the initial approval expires before these steps are completed, you will need to reapply.

Request for Initial Approval in UAE – Issue Initial Approval Certificate with EGSH

Name: Initial Approval
Brand: EGSH

What Is Initial Approval for Business Setup in Dubai?

UAE Government’s No Objection to Your Company Launch

Initial approval is a mandatory step in the UAE business setup process. It confirms that the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has no objection to the proposed legal form, ownership structure, and selected business activities.

This approval is required before proceeding with tenancy contracts, external approvals, and trade licence issuance. You may apply before or after reserving your trade name.

EGSH submits your initial approval request through authorised government systems. Most approvals are issued instantly if documents are in order. In cases requiring manual review, additional processing time may be needed depending on the activity and authority involved.

UAE Government’s No Objection to Your Company Launch

Visit Our Centre

Meet with an EGSH advisor to confirm your legal form, activities, and business structure.

Prepare the Documents

Submit a passport copy, visa, and corporate documents. EGSH verifies and completes your file.

Pay the Service Fee

Settle the official government fee via an authorised bank or payment partner.

Receive the Certificate

Get your official Initial Approval certificate within 10 minutes after DET approval.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday — Saturday: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Call us +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

For Individuals

Passport copy and valid UAE visa or residence permit (for non-GCC nationals).

For UAE Companies

Articles of Association, trade licence, MOA, and board resolution to open a branch.

For Foreign Companies

Parent company’s registration certificate, MOA, trade licence, and authorised representative letter.

For All Applicants

Feasibility study and manager’s authorisation letter (if applicable to your business type).

About EGSH

Licensed Business Setup Experts in the UAE

EGSH is a government-authorised service centre officially approved to manage initial approval requests in coordination with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

All steps — from verifying business activities and ownership structure to submitting the request and receiving the official certificate — are processed through authorised government systems.

Applications are reviewed for compliance with legal form requirements, activity restrictions, and supporting documentation. Clients receive full support, error-free filing, and fast approval within minutes.

Licensed Business Setup Experts in the UAE

Why EGSH

EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Our Mission

To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.

Our Vision

To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.

Our Values

Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.

Business Licence

Get your Dubai business licence with EGSH.

Company Registration

Start your business in Dubai with EGSH’s expert company registration services.

Print Trade Licence

Need an official printed copy of your UAE trade licence?

All Services

View all Business Registration and Licensing Services

Still have any questions?

Government-Authorised Licensing Centre

EGSH is an officially authorised Real Estate Services Trustee, fully compliant with Dubai Land Department regulations.

One-Stop Service

All procedures, document submissions, and payments are handled in one place, so there is no need to contact multiple offices.

Confidentiality Guaranteed

All personal data and documents are processed securely and confidentially in accordance with UAE law.

Multilingual Support

Our team speaks several languages, ensuring clear communication for clients of almost all backgrounds.

Personalised Assistance

Each client is assigned a dedicated consultant for individual support throughout the process.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

Book your visit at a convenient time. Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

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I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

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I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

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One of the best people to work with. These guys are really smart and professional. Thanks to Ms Zara

Zara helped me with my services and the process was very easy and she was very helpful

UAE Initial Approval Request

What Is Initial Approval for Business Setup in Dubai?

How to Get Initial Approval for a UAE Company

Documents Required for Initial Approval

About EGSH