Working in Dubai

Checklist

Getting started 
All companies setting up outside a free zone in Dubai must have a trade licence, which determines which business activities you are permitted to practise. One of your first points of call should be the Department of Economic Development (DED) which issues trade licences and is the integral authority for business in the UAE. You will need sponsorship from a UAE national (who will have a 51% stake in your business) if setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or public/private shareholding company. Alternatively, you will need sponsorship from a local service agent if setting up a branch company, sole proprietorship or civil business.
 
Applying for a trade licence
This is a multi-step process that requires you to register your trade name, apply for an Initial Approval Certificate, rent/buy commercial premises, and obtain special licensing approvals (if required). These procedures are dealt with by the DED and Ministry of Economy, Only then will you receive a full trade licence. This is usually valid  for one year.
 
Getting a PO Box
You will need to organise a company PO Box as part of the set-up procedure. All mail is then sent to a PO Box address, registered at your company premises. See emiratespost.ae for details.
 
DCCI
All commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai must be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), responsible for registering and attesting members, and recording information on companies.

Business Domain Name
You can register your domain name through Etisalat which handles domain name registration through UAEnic (United Arab Emirates Network Information Center), or through du which is an accredited registrar of the .ae Domain Administration. It can also register other top-level domains such as those ending with .com and .net. 
 
Get, set, go!
These companies can assist you in setting up a business, dealing with licensing, start-up and free zone applications, as well as offering ongoing services such as audits and accounting, HR and recruitment:

 
Setting up in a free zone Free zones offer business licences to companies 100% owned by foreign nationals. This negates the need for a UAE national sponsor or local service agent; you simply apply to the relevant Free Zone Authority (FZA) – there are more than 20 to choose from in Dubai, each designed around one or more industries.
 

Write to us

Latest News

View More

  • Broadway nights

    Downtown Dubai, dubbed the ‘Centre of Now’, and the nearby dynamic financial district, are hotspots for t...

  • An alternative mall experience

    There is much more than stores and eateries at The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping destinations...

  • Dubai's stunning architecture

    The UAE continues to develop at pace and almost every week makes incredible announcements. There are too many formid...

  • Eats, engines & entertainment

    The culinary culture in Dubai takes a detour from its usual gastronomic delights to introduce a new breed of ‘m...

  • Innovative workspaces around Dubai

    Traditional office settings too mundane? Or perhaps one too many distractions while working from home? We have the so...

Newsletter Subscription

View Newsletter
About us Contact us Join us Advertise Corporate Shop