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Company Setup in Dubai: Free Zone Guide
Dubai, with its strategic location, vibrant economy, and status as a business hub, offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in the Middle East. To tap into this dynamic market, companies must navigate the process of setting up their business, which includes obtaining the necessary license from a Free Zone Authority in Dubai. This license is crucial as it outlines the business activities the company is permitted to conduct within Dubai. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the company setup process in a Dubai free zone, highlighting the essential steps, required documents, and associated fees.
Company Setup in Dubai: Free Zone Guide
Steps for Company Setup in Dubai
1. Submit the Required Documents and Complete the Payment
The initial step involves preparing and submitting a comprehensive set of documents to the Free Zone Authority. This step is coupled with completing the payment for the license and other associated services, such as formation, visa allocation, and access to facilities like a flexi desk office.
2. Receive a Timeline
Upon submission and payment, you will receive a timeline from the Free Zone Authority, detailing the expected duration of the process. This timeline helps businesses plan their activities and prepare for the commencement of operations.
3. Receive an Electronic License
The final step is receiving an electronic copy of your UAE free zone business license, which serves as the official authorization to conduct your selected business activities within the Free Zone.
Fees Structure
License Fee: Starting from AED 12,500, covering up to three groups of business activities.
Inclusive Packages: Often bundled with company formation and visa allocation services, plus access to facilities.
Variable Costs: These may change depending on visa needs or additional business activities beyond the initial allocation. Use our cost calculator for business setup to get an accurate estimate.
Required Documents for Company Setup
For All Shareholders, Managers, and Directors
- Passport Copy: A colored, clear full-page copy, valid at the time of company formation.
For Parent Company (If Corporate)
Company Documents: Includes Certificate of Formation/Incorporation, recent Certificate of Incumbency, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Board Resolution.
Notarization: Documents must be notarized or legally attested by the issuing authority in the country of formation.
Translation: Documents not in English or Arabic must be officially translated.
Additional Remarks for Specific Nationalities
Specific nationalities may require additional pages or documents such as a UAE Family Book or Emirates ID copy, especially for UAE nationals.
Document Specifications
Ensuring that all documents meet the specified requirements is crucial for a smooth company setup process. This includes the notarization of parent company documents and the provision of legally translated documents when necessary.
How Can Choose UAE Help
Setting up a company in Dubai involves detailed steps—from documentation to licensing and visa processing. Choose UAE simplifies this journey with end-to-end support covering residence visas, corporate banking, creative branding services, and ongoing compliance assistance. Contact us today to set your business on the path to growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
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