Setting Up Your UAE Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

As a UAE legal professional dedicated to helping businesses thrive in our dynamic market, I'm pleased to present this comprehensive guide to establishing your business in the UAE.

Two Primary Setup Options:

  1. Fast Track: Bashr eService
    • Complete setup in 15 minutes
    • Fully integrated with government entities
    • Instant license issuance
    • Available online 24/7
  2. Traditional Setup Process (Detailed steps below)

Essential Steps for Business Establishment:

Step #1: Define Your Business Activity

  • Choose from 6 license types:
    • Commercial
    • Industrial
    • Professional
    • Tourism
    • Agricultural
    • Occupational
  • Note: You can select multiple activities under one license

Step #2: Select Legal Structure

Choose the most suitable option:

  • LLC (most common)
  • Partnership (General/Limited)
  • Joint Stock Company (Public/Private)
  • Sole Establishment
  • Branch Office Options

Step #3: Register Trade Name

Requirements:

  • Must include legal structure (LLC, EST, etc.)
  • Must be unique and available
  • Cannot include religious/government references
  • Must align with business activity

Step #4: Obtain Initial Approval

Key points:

  • Government non-objection status
  • Foreign investors need GDRFA approval
  • Special activities may require additional permits

Step #5: Legal Documentation

Prepare and attest:

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Local Service Agent agreement (for non-GCC)
  • All documents must be notarized

Step #6: Secure Business Location

Requirements:

  • Valid lease agreement
  • Municipality compliance
  • Ejari registration (Dubai)
  • Location suitable for activity
Registration and renewal of ejari contract

See also: Corporate Tax Calculator

Step #7: Additional Approvals

Sector-specific permits from:

  • Ministry of Interior
  • Ministry of Justice
  • TDRA
  • Local Health Departments
  • Other relevant authorities

Step #8: License Issuance

Submit:

  • Initial approval documents
  • Attested lease contract
  • MOA/LSA documents
  • All relevant approvals
  • License fee payment

Critical Reminders:

  1. Pay license fees within 30 days
  2. Keep all documents properly attested
  3. Ensure timely renewals
  4. Maintain regulatory compliance

Professional Tips:

  • Begin documentation early
  • Double-check all requirements
  • Consider professional assistance for complex setups
  • Plan for annual compliance requirements

Need specific guidance? Our team is committed to ensuring your successful establishment in the UAE market. We're here to help at every step of your business journey.

What is BASHER?

BASHER is a government platform that provides services to establish and conduct business. BASHER provides an integrated package that has been developed as one of the initiatives of the Proactive Services Department of Ministry of Possibilities in the United Arab Emirates.

BASHER offers a unique digital experience to explore the market, register your business and get approvals and business documents for doing business in simple steps, allowing investors to begin running their business immediately.

As a foreign investor, what are the must-know legal requirements?

Foreign investors have specific requirements to navigate. Here's what you absolutely need:
#1 Key Requirements:
- GDRFA approval before initial business approval
- Local Service Agent (LSA) if 100% foreign-owned
- Properly attested legal documentation
- Physical UAE business location
#2 Critical Notes:
- LSA must be a UAE national
- Documents need UAE embassy attestation
- Certain activities have foreign ownership restrictions
- Memorandum of Association must be notarized

What are the most common mistakes to avoid during the setup process?

When establishing your UAE business, three critical areas demand careful attention: proper documentation with correct attestation, strategic location selection that aligns with your business activity and local regulations, and choosing the right legal structure and license type for your operations. These fundamental elements often become stumbling blocks, but with proper planning and professional guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth setup process. Remember: investing in proper initial setup is always more cost-effective than correcting issues later.

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I am student in UAE who love write everything about United Arab Emirates, the people around the world must know about the lovely of UAE by reading my articles