The sequence below is the common path for a mainland or free zone company in Dubai. Timelines vary with the activity and with how quickly documents are attested.
The registration sequence
1. Choose the business activity from the official activity list. Everything after this — approvals, licence type, visa quota — follows from the activity.
2. Choose the legal form: limited liability company, sole establishment, civil company, free zone company or a branch of an existing company.
3. Reserve the trade name. Names must avoid religious references, must not imply government links and must match the activity.
4. Get initial approval from DET or the free zone authority, plus approvals from any sector regulator your activity requires.
5. Prepare and notarise the memorandum of association, and register the tenancy through Ejari for mainland companies.
6. Pay the fees and receive the trade licence.
7. Apply for the establishment card and open the visa quota, then process employment and investor visas, medical tests and Emirates ID.
8. Open the corporate bank account, then register for corporate tax and, where applicable, VAT.
Documents usually required
Passport copies and photographs for every shareholder and manager, plus UAE entry stamps or visa copies where relevant.
Proof of address, and a no-objection certificate from a current UAE sponsor in some cases.
For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, memorandum, board resolution and a power of attorney.
Where applications slow down
Attestation of foreign corporate documents is the most common delay, because it runs through the issuing country and then UAE channels.
Regulated activities add a review cycle with the sector authority.
Bank account opening is a separate compliance process and is not part of the licence; expect it to take longer than the licence itself.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company in Dubai?
A straightforward free zone licence with standard documents is often issued within days. Mainland setups, regulated activities, corporate shareholders and document attestation extend that to several weeks.
Do I need to be in Dubai to register?
Many free zones allow remote incorporation with a power of attorney. You will normally need to be in the UAE in person for medical testing, Emirates ID biometrics and, in most cases, bank account opening.
Do I need a consultant?
No. You can apply directly to DET or a free zone authority. Consultants are useful mainly for document attestation, regulated activities and coordinating visas.