What is the steps of company registration in Dubai?

Everyone has two options when it comes to company registration Dubai namely, mainland company formation and free zone company formation. The government provides the two types considering the nature and technical requirements that different businesses have. The operational capacity and scope of the business are two other factors that affect the decision to choose between the two company types.

The two options have been successful at promoting business activity through various incentives for businesses. To register company in Dubai, the process is easy if the required set of documents is complete.

Requirements for Registration of Business

There are different rules for the two different company registration types.

If you want to register a mainland company, the first thing that you require is to register with the Department of Economic Development (DED). The department is responsible for relevant business activities and other areas as well. The department will issue a Dubai Business License under which you can conduct business activities in Dubai.

To complete your company registration Dubai, you need to follow a few steps.

Choose Your Business Type

You need to select the business activity that you want your business to indulge in. The category that the business falls in will be determined by the activity chosen by you. Categories can be tourism, industrial, commercial and others. All types of activities have different laws to regulate them.

Decide Legal Form Of Your Business

The legal form of the business will need to be chosen by you. Your business can be given one of the many different legal forms and laws will be applied on your business accordingly. This makes process and regulations smooth for the business community in Dubai. It is up to you to decide whether your business is going to be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company or one of the other types that exist.

All legal forms have advantages and disadvantages and it is only an expert that can provide you with an insight on the legalities.

Choose a Name for Your Company and Trademark

The next step is to give a name to your business. Copyright laws are strict in the UAE and there is no compromise on intellectual property. The business has to be reserved by paying a fee to the relevant authorities. The name reservation is temporary unless the fees charged for name registration are paid within 3 days.

Getting NOC or Initial Approval Certificate

The No Objection Certificate has to be received from the DED, which is the initial permission to continue with business development and acquiring a business license. The initial approval is required to obtain the trade license; however, this does not mean that you can run your business. There are a few more steps before you can operate a business.

Preparing Memorandum of Association or Local Service Agreement (LSA)

A Memorandum of Association may also need to be signed by you depending on the legal form of your business. The memorandum is required for corporate or local service agent, as this is the legal requirement for some types of business types in Dubai and the UAE as a whole. Without the local service agent, a foreigner cannot own or operate a business in the UAE.

Finalize the location/office for your Company

Your business in Dubai has to have a physical existence. The rent agreement that you sign with building or place owner will also be attested by the Ejari. Initial approval and other important documents will be required by Real Estate Regulatory Authority. The attested agreement will later be required for issuance of trade license as well.

Getting Relevant Business License

Sometimes, depending on the activities of the business, licensing approvals are required by other government departments and local and federal level as well. This depends on the area of jurisdiction of a government department within which the business activity falls. If you are setting up a new restaurant, the food department might also need to be approached for approvals before you can start your operations.

Once you have the required approvals from all the government departments involved and have received the trade license, your business setup process is complete.

Cost of company Registration in Dubai

The cost of company registration consists of the different fees that are charged at different steps by the relevant authorities. These fees have to be paid within certain a time for every step or else that specific step has to be repeated.

The estimated cost of company registration in Dubai is near about AED 9500 (changes varies on rules & regulations of UAE Govt.) which includes all charges that have to be paid for attestations and all processing fees. Some of the costs involved in the process are yearly however, some costs are to be incurred only once at the time of company registration.