Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, Dubai offers a streamlined process for company formation.
This article will guide you through the steps of company formation in Dubai and highlight how our law firm can support you legally throughout the setup process in 2025.
Contact our expert lawyers & legal consultants in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
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Steps of Company Formation in Dubai
Dubai offers two main options for company formation: the mainland and the free zones. Both are designed to support various types of businesses and investors.
Mainland Company Formation
You’ll work through Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) to start a mainland company. Here are the essential steps:
Decide on Your Legal Structure
Choose the right legal form based on your business needs. Options include:
- Sole Establishment.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC).
- Civil Company.
- Branch of a Foreign Company.
- Private/Public Joint Stock Company.
- Representative Office.
Identify the Business Activity
Dubai offers over 2,000 licensed activities. Choose one that matches your company’s purpose.
Your chosen activity will determine the license type: commercial, industrial, professional, tourism, agricultural, or occupational.
Learn more about the Types of Company Formation in Dubai.
Register the Trade Name
Pick a unique name. It must follow DED rules:
- Not already registered.
- Compatible with your business activity.
- No offensive words or references to government/rulers.
- Must include the legal structure abbreviation (e.g., LLC).
Apply for Initial Approval and Draft MOA or LSA
This is a government “no objection” approval. It allows you to proceed with the next steps but doesn’t allow you to start business operations yet.
LLCs and similar entities need a Memorandum of Association (MOA), and sole establishments with foreign ownership need a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
Learn about forming a Foreign Company Branch in Dubai.
Choose Business Location and Get Additional Approvals
All Dubai companies must have a physical office. You must provide a tenancy contract registered through the Ejari system.
Certain business types require extra approvals from relevant authorities, such as:
- Ministry of Economy.
- Ministry of Justice.
- Dubai Municipality.
- Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
- Local Health Departments.
- Executive Council (for tourism, services, etc.).
Submit All Documents
Include:
- Initial approval.
- Tenancy contract.
- MOA or LSA.
- Required external approvals.
Pay Fees and Register with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Pay fees online or at a DED service center, then register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This is the final step to making your company fully recognized and operational.
Free Zone Company Formation
Dubai has multiple free zones like DMCC, DAFZA, and Dubai South. Steps to form a company here include:
- Choose Your Business Activity.
Free zones offer licenses for trading, services, e-commerce, media, logistics, innovation, and more. - Select the Legal Structure
You can choose Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZ Co.), or Free Zone LLC. - Register the Trade Name
Apply for a name through the free zone authority. It must be unique and follow naming rules. - Select Office Space
Free zones offer flexible solutions, including virtual offices, coworking spaces, and full facilities with IT and utilities. - Apply for Initial Approval
Submit required documents, including passport copies, business plans, and application forms. - Register and Pay Fees
Once approved, pay for your license and register your company. Then, submit notarized documents such as an MOA, Power of Attorney, and shareholder details.
Legal Services for Business Formation in Dubai
Our law firm in UAE offers specialized legal services to support every step of company formation in Dubai. We work with both local and international clients.
Legal Services We Offer:
- Legal Structuring and Advice
We help you choose the right legal form for your business—LLC, sole establishment, branch office, etc.—based on your goals and UAE law. - Drafting MOAs and LSAs
We prepare and review Memorandums of Association and Local Service Agent agreements to ensure full compliance with Dubai’s legal requirements. - Trade Name Registration Legal Oversight
Our lawyers ensure that your chosen trade name complies with the legal framework, avoiding conflicts and registration issues. - Obtaining Initial Approvals
We handle the legal documentation required to obtain the government’s initial consent to set up your business. - Handling Additional Regulatory Approvals
We support legal filings and applications to authorities like the Ministry of Economy, TDRA, and local health or municipal departments for special business activities. - Contract Review and Tenancy Agreement Vetting
We legally review your tenancy contracts and ensure they meet the requirements for business licensing and Ejari registration. - Document Authentication and Notarization
We prepare and notarize essential company documents such as Board Resolutions, POAs, and shareholder agreements. - Legal Representation
We act as your legal representatives in dealings with government entities, DED, free zone authorities, and licensing bodies.
FAQs about Business Setup in Dubai
Starting a company in Dubai is efficient and business-friendly. With options in both the mainland and free zones, Dubai continues to attract global entrepreneurs.
However, proper legal guidance ensures a smooth, compliant, risk-free setup.
Our law firm is here to provide all legal services you need for company formation in Dubai—from the first consultation to full registration.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
