How Dubai Business Setup Works
From first conversation to operational business in 4-6 weeks. Here's exactly what happens at each stage — no surprises, no hidden steps.
Six steps from idea to operating business
Setting up a Dubai company involves multiple authorities, documents, and approvals. We've systematized the process so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation about your business. What do you do? Who are your customers? What's your budget? Where do you want to be based? This helps us recommend the right structure.
What we discuss
- •Your business activities and target market
- •Mainland vs free zone decision
- •Visa requirements for you and your team
- •Office needs and budget constraints
- •Timeline expectations
Outcome
Clear recommendation with cost estimate
Documentation & Preparation
We prepare your application package. You provide passport copies, photos, and basic information. We handle the rest — trade name reservation, MOA drafting, and authority applications.
What we handle
- •Trade name reservation and approval
- •Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- •Initial approval applications
- •Office/Ejari documentation
- •Government fee payments
Outcome
Complete application package ready for submission
License Issuance
We submit your application and track it through government processing. Free zones often process in 3-5 days; mainland licenses take 5-10 days. You receive your trade license.
What happens
- •Application submission to authorities
- •Government review and approval
- •Fee settlement
- •License issuance
- •Company registration completion
Outcome
Trade license in hand — your company is officially registered
Visa Processing
With your license active, we process investor/employee visas. This includes entry permit, status change (if in UAE), medical test, Emirates ID, and residence visa stamping.
What we handle
- •Entry permit application
- •Status change (if currently in UAE on visit)
- •Medical fitness test coordination
- •Emirates ID application
- •Residence visa stamping
Outcome
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID — you can legally live and work
Bank Account Opening
The trickiest part of setup. We prepare your documentation, introduce you to appropriate banks, and support through the account opening process until you have an active account.
What we handle
- •Documentation preparation
- •Bank selection and introduction
- •Application support
- •Follow-up on pending applications
- •Account activation confirmation
Outcome
Active corporate bank account — you can receive payments and operate
Operational Support
Your business is running. We remain available for ongoing needs: license renewals, visa additions, PRO services, and any government relations. Most clients stay with us long-term.
Ongoing services
- •Annual license renewals
- •Additional visa processing
- •PRO and government services
- •Document attestation
- •Business amendments
Outcome
Continued compliance and operational support
Choose Your Setup Speed
Timelines vary based on urgency and budget. We offer different tracks to match your needs.
Express Setup
Fastest possible setup for urgent needs
Businesses with time-sensitive opportunities
Priority processing, expedited visa, banking introductions
Standard Setup
Normal processing with efficient handling
Most businesses without urgent deadlines
Full service setup with typical government timelines
Budget Setup
Cost-optimized with flexible timing
Budget-conscious founders with flexible start dates
Same deliverables, optimized for cost over speed
What do you need to do?
Provide basic documents
Passport copy, photo, proof of address. We guide you on exactly what's needed.
Sign paperwork
MOA, license applications, visa forms. We prepare everything; you review and sign.
Complete biometrics
For visa processing: medical test, Emirates ID capture. We schedule and accompany.
Attend bank meeting
Banks want to meet account holders. We prepare you and can accompany if helpful.
What do we handle?
Everything else. Government applications, fee payments, document preparation, authority visits, follow-ups, issue resolution, and coordination across multiple departments.
You shouldn't need to visit any government office or navigate any portal. Our PRO team handles all physical submissions and tracks all applications.
We keep you informed with regular updates. You'll know what's happening at every stage without having to manage any of it.
Our commitment
If something gets stuck or rejected, we handle it. Our fees include resolution of normal complications — you don't pay extra because a government clerk requested additional documents.
Process FAQs
Can I complete setup remotely without visiting Dubai?
Partially. Company registration and license issuance can be done remotely with Power of Attorney. However, visa processing requires physical presence for biometrics and medical tests. Many founders do initial setup remotely, then visit for 3-5 days to complete visas.
What documents do I need to provide?
Minimum requirements: passport copy (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo, and proof of address. Some activities require educational certificates or professional credentials. We provide a complete checklist based on your specific setup.
What if I want to make changes after setup?
Everything is changeable: activities can be added/removed, shareholders can be modified, trade names can be updated, and you can even switch jurisdictions. These are normal amendments that we process regularly.
How involved do I need to be during setup?
Minimally. After the initial consultation, you provide documents and we handle everything else. You'll sign some paperwork and attend the bank meeting, but we manage the government interactions.
What happens if something goes wrong?
We've done this 50+ times — most issues are predictable and manageable. If authorities request additional documents or reject initial applications, we handle it. Our fees cover resolution of normal complications.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation. We'll discuss your business, recommend the right structure, and give you a clear timeline and cost estimate. No obligations, no pressure.