Detailed Steps for Dubai Company Registration: A Compliance Manual for Beginners
2025-12-11
Author:joyce 
Source:Zhuoxin Enterprise 
Current online readers: 36 As an economic hub in the Middle East, Dubai has become a popular choice for global enterprises to expand the international market with its free trade zone network, preferential tax policies and strategic geographical location. However, Dubai Company Registration involves a complex legal framework, multi-sectoral approvals and industry compliance requirements that require systematic planning.
1. Determine the type of company
free zone companies: suitable for international trade, cross-border e-commerce, technology services and other businesses facing the global market, can be 100 foreign-owned, enjoy tax benefits (such as corporate tax exemption, tariff relief), but usually need to operate in the free zone or through the agreement to operate in other regions.
Local Company (LLC): Industries suitable for deep-rooted Dubai local market (e. g. retail, healthcare, education), some industries allow 100 percent foreign ownership, but require a physical office address and meet the industry's foreign ownership requirements (e. g., specific industries such as oil and security still require local partners).
Offshore company: only used for asset holding, holding platform or estate planning, not to carry out business activities in the local, also can not apply for residence visa.
2. Select business scope
dubai provides licenses for retail, technology, media, finance, healthcare and many other industries, and needs to clarify the type of business to simplify the follow-up process.
3. Proposed company name
the name must comply with the naming regulations of the Dubai Economic Development Board (DED) or the Free Zone Authority and avoid the use of sensitive words (such as "Emirates", "Bank", "Insurance", etc.).
It is recommended to prepare 3-5 alternative names and submit them for approval online through DED or free zone platform.
1. Material preparation and notarization
list of core documents:
copies of passports of shareholders and directors, proof of address for the past 3 months (utility bill or bank flow), 2-inch white background photo.
The Articles of Association (MOA) shall be drafted and notarized by a local lawyer to clarify the scope of business, equity allocation, decision-making mechanism, etc.
Lease Agreement: Virtual office lease agreement issued by the Free Trade Zone Company to be provided by the regulatory body; local companies are required to submit a lease contract for the physical office address registered by the Dubai Land Department.
Special industry license: if it involves food and drugs, it needs the approval of the Ministry of Health, and the financial industry needs the business license issued by the financial regulatory department.
notarization certification process:
documents must be certified by the UAE Embassy in China or through a professional agency.
2. Online application and approval
submission Platform:
free trade zone companies: submit applications online through the official website of the corresponding free zone authority (e. g. DMCC, IFZA).
Local companies: Submit through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website or a designated registration service center.
If there are problems with the materials, they need to be supplemented or modified within 15 days, otherwise the application will be rejected.
3. Signing contracts and obtaining licenses
contract Signing:
after approval, a company establishment contract must be signed, specifying the company name, business activities, share capital, director and secretary information, etc.
The contract must be signed by shareholders and directors and certified by a notary public.
Licensing:
to obtain a business license, the license will indicate the company name, type, business scope and other core information.
Free trade zone companies are not required to declare global income, but they are required to declare income in the UAE; local companies are required to pay 5% VAT.
Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI Overseas Investment Filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!
Zhuoxin Consulting relies on its Chinese service network and Dubai executive team to provide professional one-stop business services without communication barriers for Chinese companies to enter the Middle East market. Its business covers company establishment and maintenance, accounting and taxation, bank account opening, PRO services and business services.
Zhuoxin Consulting has high-quality business resources and maintains close cooperation with many free zones, bankers and tax departments in the UAE to escort your expansion in the Middle East market.
