Company Incorporation
Company Incorporation
Incorporating a company in the UAE involves several steps, which may vary slightly depending on the emirate and the type of business you intend to set up (mainland, free zone, or offshore). Below is a general overview of the main steps:

- Choose a Business Activity
- Determine the type of business activity your company will undertake.
- The choice of activity can influence licensing requirements and permissible locations.
- Select a Jurisdiction
- Decide between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore:
- Mainland: Allows operation anywhere in the UAE, including the local market.
- Free Zone: Provides 100% foreign ownership and specific trade benefits but restricts local market operations.
- Offshore: Suitable for international business and tax optimization without physical office requirements.
- Decide on a Legal Structure
- Select a legal entity type (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Sole Proprietorship, Branch Office).
- The choice depends on the jurisdiction, activity, and ownership preferences.
- Reserve a Trade Name
- Choose a unique business name following UAE naming conventions.
- Submit the trade name for approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority.
- Obtain Initial Approvals
- Seek preliminary approvals for the business activity and company structure from relevant authorities (DED, free zone, or offshore registrar).
- Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Prepare and notarize the MOA or Articles of Association (AOA) as per UAE regulations.
- Include details such as ownership percentages, capital contributions, and operational guidelines.
- Lease an Office Space
- Secure a physical office address or a flexi-desk space (mandatory for mainland and most free zones).
- Obtain a tenancy contract and Ejari registration if required.
- Apply for a Business License
- Submit all required documents to the appropriate authority:
- Mainland: Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Free Zone: Relevant Free Zone Authority
- Pay the applicable fees to obtain your license (e.g., Trade License, Industrial License, or Professional License).
- Register for Immigration and Labor
- Mainland companies must register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for employee visa processing.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account
- Choose a UAE-based bank to open a corporate account.
- Provide required documents like trade license, MOA, passport copies, and company information.
- Apply for Visas
- Process visas for the business owner(s), employees, and dependents, if applicable.
- Comply with Additional Requirements
- Ensure compliance with local regulations such as VAT registration, ESR (Economic Substance Regulations), or UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership) declarations, if applicable.