Setting up a company in Dubai involves more than just getting a license. To launch your business with confidence and compliance, you need a clear understanding of the full process — from selecting the right jurisdiction to securing office space, handling government approvals, and completing visa formalities.
With the right guidance, the process becomes faster, more affordable, and stress-free. At Profound UAE, we make it easy by handling all the moving parts — licensing, PRO services, documentation, and more — so you can focus on building your business.
Whether you’re setting up in the mainland, a free zone, or offshore, here’s how the business setup in Dubai process works from start to finish.
Step 1: Identify the Best Jurisdiction for Your Business Goals
The first step is deciding whether to set up in the Dubai mainland, a free zone, or through an offshore jurisdiction. Each serves a different purpose:
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Mainland gives you access to the full UAE market and the ability to bid for government contracts.
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Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, and fast setup — ideal for consultants, e-commerce, and digital startups.
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Offshore is best suited for global operations, asset protection, and holding companies with no need for local presence.
At Profound UAE, we assess your business type, budget, visa requirements, and long-term goals to help you choose the right structure.
Step 2: Select Your Business Activity and Legal Structure
Dubai’s licensing system requires you to define your business activity — whether it’s general trading, consultancy, logistics, or media. Your license type (commercial, professional, or industrial) and legal structure (LLC, branch, sole establishment) are directly tied to this.
Choosing the wrong activity or structure can delay approvals. That’s why our consultants ensure your selection aligns with UAE regulations and future-proof growth.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name and Get Initial Approval
You’ll need to select a unique trade name that follows Dubai’s naming rules. It must not violate public morals or reference religious or political terms. After the name is approved, we submit an application for initial approval from the relevant authority — typically the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a specific free zone.
This step signals that the government has no objection to your proposed business.
Step 4: Secure an Office Space or Virtual Setup
To complete your license, you must provide a registered office address. Mainland companies require a physical office that meets DED requirements (including Ejari registration), while free zones offer more flexible options like:
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Flexi-desks
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Co-working spaces
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Executive offices
Profound UAE has partnerships with business centers and real estate providers across Dubai to help you secure a location that’s both affordable and compliant.
Step 5: Submit Legal Documents and Issue the Trade License
Once your office space is confirmed, we prepare and submit all required legal documents, including:
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Passport and visa copies of shareholders
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MOA (Memorandum of Association) or LSA (if required)
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Tenancy contract or lease agreement
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Initial approval and trade name certificate
After final submission, your trade license is issued. This is the legal document that authorizes your business to operate in Dubai.
Step 6: Apply for Visas and Immigration Clearance
Once your license is active, you can apply for:
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Investor/partner visas
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Employee visas
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Dependent/family visas
Visa processing in Dubai includes entry permits, medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, and residency stamping. Profound UAE handles the full immigration journey with in-house PRO support, so you don’t have to visit government offices yourself.
Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a bank account in the UAE requires a valid trade license, proof of address, business activity documentation, and sometimes a business plan. Different banks have different compliance standards.
Profound UAE has long-standing relationships with local and international banks and will help match you with the right institution — guiding you through documentation, profiling, and onboarding.
Step 8: Register for VAT and Ensure Post-Setup Compliance
If your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000, you must register for VAT. Even if not mandatory, voluntary VAT registration can be beneficial depending on your trade activity.
Profound UAE also assists with:
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Ongoing PRO services
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License renewals and amendments
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VAT filings and tax advisory
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UBO and ESR compliance
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Bookkeeping and audit preparation
Why Entrepreneurs Trust Profound UAE
With more than 14 years of experience, over 10,500 licenses issued, and a 4.8/5 customer rating, Profound UAE is a trusted name for full-service business setup in Dubai. We go beyond documentation — offering real strategic guidance, transparent pricing, and long-term support that keeps your operations smooth and compliant.
Whether you’re launching a small consultancy or an international branch office, we provide the tools and expertise you need to grow confidently in the UAE.
Ready to Start Your Dubai Business?
Let Profound UAE walk you through every step — from licensing to immigration, office space to tax. We make business setup in Dubai simple, fast, and fully compliant.
📞 Book your free consultation today
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