Company Registration in Dubai
Quickplus makes company registration in Dubai simple, fast, and fully compliant, whether you are looking to start, expand, or relocate your business.Â
How to Register a Company in Dubai: Full Process
To register a company in Dubai, you must first decide on your business activity and choose the appropriate legal structure. You’ll also need to choose a physical or virtual office location and potentially get visa approvals for employees.
Key Considerations
1. Mainland Companies
Operate outside free zones, are managed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), and can operate both within and outside the UAE.
2. Costs
The cost of company registration in Dubai varies based on location, business activity, and other factors.
3. Free Zone Companies
Offer specific benefits and regulations, with various free zones catering to different industries.
4. Timeframe
Registration can take anywhere from a week to two weeks.
Why Register Your Company in Dubai
100% foreign ownership in most sectors
Strategic location between East and West
0% corporate and personal tax in selected zones
Robust infrastructure and government support
Access to global talent and investors
Types of Company Structures in Dubai
| Company Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Mainland LLC |
Operates across UAE; flexible structure |
Local & international trade |
|
Free Zone Company |
100% ownership; no import/export tax |
Startups, SMEs, freelancers |
|
Offshore Company |
No physical office; asset protection |
Global operations & tax planning |
|
Branch of Foreign Entity |
Full extension of foreign company |
International expansion |
Documents for Company Registration in Dubai
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Proposed company name(s)
- Business activity list
- Visa or entry stamp copy (if applicable)
- Tenancy contract / Ejari (for Mainland setup)
- NOC from current sponsor (if required)
Types of Legal Entities for Company Registration
Solo Establishment
In Dubai, you have the legal option to establish a company in either a free zone or the mainland. If you establish it independently, you retain full ownership and control.
Branch
Branches in Dubai operate as extensions of a foreign company. You can launch your business as a branch, but it must comply with UAE regulations.
Partnerships
In Dubai, general partnerships and limited partnerships are the two primary forms of partnership structures.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
You can establish an LLC in Dubai either on the mainland or within a free zone. It offers limited liability protection and flexible business operations.
Joint Stock Companies
To split business ownership into shares, you can set up your company in Dubai as either a PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) or a PrJSC (Private Joint Stock Company).
Solo Establishment
In Dubai, you have the legal option to establish a company in either a free zone or the mainland. If you establish it independently, you retain full ownership and control.
Branch
Branches in Dubai operate as extensions of a foreign company. You can launch your business as a branch, but it must comply with UAE regulations.
Partnerships
In Dubai, general partnerships and limited partnerships are the two primary forms of partnership structures.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
You can establish an LLC in Dubai either on the mainland or within a free zone. It offers limited liability protection and flexible business operations.
Joint Stock Companies
To split business ownership into shares, you can set up your company in Dubai as either a PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) or a PrJSC (Private Joint Stock Company).
Cost of Different Company Registrations
Sole Establishment Registration
Starts from
AED 13,500*/-
Civil Partnership
Registration
Starts from
AED 15,500*/-
LLC Company Registration
Starts from
AED 20,420*/-
What Our Clients Say
Our Offshore Company Formation Include:
1. Free Consultation
Understand your goals and suggest the best setup — Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.
2. Choose Business ActivityÂ
Understand your goals and suggest the best setup — Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.
3. Trade Name and Initial Approval
We assist in reserving your company name and securing necessary pre-approvals.
4. License Application and Documentation
Our experts handle document preparation and submission to the authorities.
5. Office Space and Corporate Bank Account
We help you select a physical or virtual office and support with bank account opening.
6. Visa Processing and PRO Services
We handle investor, partner, and employee visas along with ongoing PRO support.
Ready to Register Your Company in Dubai?
Contact Quickplus today for a free consultation and experience the most reliable, efficient, and trusted business setup services in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Company registration in Dubai is the official process of setting up your business with a valid trade license. You can opt to set up your business in the Mainland, a Free Zone, or Offshore jurisdiction.
The cost to register a company in Dubai typically starts from AED 5,500 and can go up to AED 50,000+, depending on your license type, jurisdiction, visa needs, and office space.
- Free Zone setups are often cheaper, with packages starting around AED 5,500 for zero-visa options.
- Mainland registrations involve DED fees, local sponsor/service agent fees, and Ejari (office rental), usually starting from AED 15,000+.
- Visa issuance, bank account setup, and additional activity approvals can add to the cost.
- Quickplus offers transparent, customized pricing based on your business model.
To start a business in Dubai, you need to select your activity, decide on a legal structure, choose a name, obtain approvals, and acquire a trade license.
- Choose your business activity and legal jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)
- Reserve a unique trade name as per UAE naming rules
- Get initial clearance from the DED or the respective Free Zone authority.
- Submit the required documents and apply for your trade license.
- Choose an office space (virtual or physical)
- Apply for visa quotas and complete Emirates ID/medical
- Open a corporate bank account
Yes, for most Dubai mainland companies, a local sponsor or service agent is required — unless your activity is fully permitted under 100% foreign ownership.
- In 2021, UAE laws allowed 100% foreign ownership in many activities without needing a UAE national partner.
- Depending on your business type, commercial or industrial licenses may require a local service agent or Emirati sponsor.
Quickplus provides corporate nominee sponsorships to give you full operational control with legal protection.
It takes 3 to 7 working days to register a company in Dubai, depending on the jurisdiction, documentation, and approvals required.
- Free Zone setups are typically faster (as quick as 2–3 days).
- Mainland registrations can take up to 7 working days due to DED and Ejari procedures.
Extra time may be required for name reservations, external approvals, and visa processing.
Dubai offers a wide range of business activities, including trading, professional services, manufacturing, and technology. You can set up your company in the mainland or a free zone, depending on your business needs and industry type.
- Foreign investors are permitted full 100% ownership of their companies in both Mainland and Free Zone regions of the UAE.
- This covers the majority of commercial, professional, and industrial activities.
- However, certain strategic or restricted activities on the UAE Mainland still require a local Emirati partner.
- In such cases, the local partner is legally required to hold at least 51% of the company shares.
- Quickplus assists investors in identifying eligible activities for full ownership and provides compliant local partnership solutions when necessary.
Registering a company in Dubai is a straightforward process and typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks.
The precise timeline varies based on factors like:
- The chosen jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, Jurisdiction)
- The type of business activity
- Accuracy and completeness of submitted documents
- Additional external approvals, if required
- Free Zone companies in Dubai are not permitted to trade directly within the UAE mainland market.
- To conduct business outside their free zone, they must appoint a local distributor or agent licensed in the mainland.
- In contrast, Mainland companies are allowed to freely trade anywhere within the UAE without the need for intermediaries or local distributors.
- Mainland setup is ideal for businesses targeting local UAE customers and government contracts.
