The 6 steps to set up
1. Choose your business activity
Pick the activity (or activities) you'll actually do — the UAE has 2,000+ regulated activities and your licence type and approvals depend on it. Get this right first; it drives everything else.
2. Choose your jurisdiction
Decide free zone (100% ownership, lower cost, trade in-zone + internationally) or mainland (trade directly across the UAE, needs an office). This is the single biggest cost and access decision.
3. Reserve your trade name & get initial approval
Reserve a compliant company name and get initial approval from the authority (free zone or DET). This confirms you may proceed with your chosen activity.
4. Apply for your trade licence
Submit passport copies and the application, pay the package, and receive your trade licence — often within a few working days in a free zone.
5. Get your establishment card & residence visas
Open your immigration file (establishment card), then process residence visas (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID) for you and any staff. Investors/specialists can also apply for the 10-year Golden Visa.
6. Open a corporate bank account
With the licence and visa in hand, open a UAE corporate bank account. Requirements depend on your activity and shareholder profile; pick a bank familiar with your setup.
→ Estimate your cost · → Free zone vs mainland · → Compare free zones
Cost & timeline at a glance
- Cost: from ~AED 6,000 (budget free zone, no visa) to ~AED 12,500–35,000+ (with visa/office)
- Trade licence: often 2–5 working days in a free zone
- Residence visa: ~1–2 weeks after the licence
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership in free zones and most mainland activities
How to start a business — FAQs
How do I start a business in Dubai?
Choose your activity, pick a jurisdiction (free zone or mainland), reserve a trade name and get initial approval, apply for and receive your trade licence, then process your establishment card and residence visas and open a corporate bank account. In a free zone the licence can be issued within a few working days.
How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
From about AED 12,500 for a small free zone company with one visa; budget zones start near AED 6,000 licence-only. Mainland and premium zones cost more once office and multiple visas are added. Use our cost calculator for your exact estimate.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
A free zone licence is often issued within 2–5 working days once documents are ready. Residence visas add roughly 1–2 weeks after that. Mainland timelines vary with approvals and office/Ejari.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE business?
Yes — free zones give 100% foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now allow 100% ownership too. A few strategic activities still require a local partner or agent.
What documents do I need to start?
Typically your passport copy and photo, proposed activities and name options, and (for some activities) a CV or qualifications. Higher visa quotas may need an office/desk agreement.
Next steps
Official sources
Last updated: September 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team