Setting up a company in Dubai mainland involves selecting a business activity and legal structure, reserving a trade name, getting initial and external approvals, and then securing a physical office space and trade license. The process is managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and requires submitting specific documents like passport copies and a lease agreement.
Steps for company setup
- Choose a business activity and legal structure: Select a business activity from over 2,000 options and a legal structure like an LLC or sole establishment.
- Reserve your trade name: Choose and reserve a unique and memorable trade name for your company.
- Apply for initial approval: Obtain initial approval from the DET for your business activity, partners, and legal status.
- Submit additional external approvals (if required): Certain business activities need extra approval from other government bodies.
- Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA): Prepare and sign the MOA, which outlines the company's structure and rules.
- Secure a physical office space: Lease an office space and obtain an Ejari (lease agreement) as it's a mandatory requirement for mainland companies.
- Submit documents and pay fees: Submit all required documents, including the trade name registration proof and lease agreement, and pay the associated fees to the DET.
- Receive your trade license: Once all steps are completed and paid for, the DET will issue your trade license, allowing your company to legally operate.
Required documents
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of residence and passport-size photographs
- Lease agreement (Ejari) for your physical office
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable (e.g., if you are under a visitor visa)
- Business plan.