Dubai Company Setup Checklist

Define your business

• ☐ Describe the products or services you will actually sell.
• ☐ List customer locations and any UAE premises you need.
• ☐ Identify shareholders, ownership percentages, and managers.
• ☐ Estimate your visa needs and proposed start date.

Compare the setup

• ☐ Confirm exact activity codes and any external approvals.
• ☐ Compare mainland, free zone, or a suitable holding structure.
• ☐ Check legal form, liability, ownership, and minimum capital rules.
• ☐ Verify workspace acceptance and visa allocation.

Ask for a complete quote

• ☐ Licence and registration charges.
• ☐ Workspace, deposits, and lease-related charges.
• ☐ Immigration file, visas, medical checks, and Emirates ID.
• ☐ Service fees, applicable VAT, and optional extras.
• ☐ Renewal, amendment, and cancellation charges.
• ☐ Accounting, tax filing, and audit costs where applicable.

Prepare documents securely

• ☐ Passport copies and required identification.
• ☐ Proposed names and activity description.
• ☐ Address evidence and ownership details where requested.
• ☐ Attested corporate documents for a corporate shareholder or branch, if required.
• ☐ Confirm the authority’s final document list and a secure submission channel.

After the licence

• ☐ Assess corporate tax and VAT registration.
• ☐ Complete required beneficial owner records.
• ☐ Prepare for bank due diligence.
• ☐ Schedule renewals, filings, and employment obligations.

This checklist is a planning aid. Your authority may require additional steps.