Register Company in Dubai 2026

• Before you register your company, you have to decide what type of business structure is best for your Dubai company. The common types of business structures in Dubai are as follows: 
  • Sole Proprietorship 
  • Partnership 
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) 
  • Free Zone Company 
  • Offshore Company 
  • Branch Office 
  • Representative Office 

• The most common type of business structure for foreign entrepreneurs in Dubai is usually the Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Free Zone Company, as they offer limited liability, flexibility, and 100% foreign ownership. 

• At this stage, Tetra Consultants will assess your business activity, ownership requirements, markets, and expansion needs to suggest the best option for your business.  

• Next, we will check your desired company name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or Free Zone authority to ensure compliance with Dubai naming regulations. 

• Our lawyers and incorporation specialists will start by understanding your business activity, market, ownership, and operational requirements.  

• After understanding your requirements, our experts would be able to provide you with the most appropriate licensing strategy, which could include obtaining a mainland license, free zone license, offshore license, or dual licensing, which would enable Free Zone companies to operate on the mainland. 

• Where necessary, we would also be able to determine your suitability for obtaining new licenses such as an Instant License, E-Trader License, Dubai Unified License (DUL), or Intelaq License, which would enable digital businesses and home businesses to operate. Moreover, we would also determine whether you would be able to appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA) for professional licenses on the mainland. 

• Tetra Consultants’ team of lawyers and incorporation specialists, we will check and reserve your desired business name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In addition, we will assist in the selection of the business activities that have been approved.  

• Our experts will assist in the preparation of all the required documents. The documents will include the incorporation documents, shareholder and director details, address proof, CV, bank reference letter, and regulatory forms such as the Registry Identification Code (RIC), if required by the Free Zone authorities. 

• Where Wet Ink Signatures are required by the banking and/or regulatory authorities, we will assist in the coordination of the document preparation and signature. Furthermore, we will assist in the selection of office lease requirements and the Ejari registration process. The Ejari process is the mandatory RERA-regulated tenancy process that is required for most mainland companies. 

• Once the documentation is complete, our lawyers and incorporation specialists will proceed with your company registration application with the DET or Free Zone authority of your choice. 

• Upon approval of your application, Tetra Consultants will procure your incorporation documents, trade license, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and your Dubai Unified License, which is your unified digital identity with all government authorities in the UAE. 

• Your incorporation documents will be securely dispatched to your preferred address.

• Tetra Consultants will utilize our banking network to assist in opening a corporate bank account with reputable banks in UAE and globally. We will prepare due diligence documents, assist with compliance requirements, and schedule meetings with banking institutions. 

• We will also assist clients with international reporting requirements, such as FATCA & CRS, which are applicable to US and European investors. Our experts will structure your company to comply with banking compliance requirements. 

• Once your company is incorporated, our team of lawyers and incorporation specialists at Tetra Consultants will assist in setting up your UAE business license (if not already obtained), offices, and employee registrations.  

• We will also guide you on operational requirements, which include lease, immigration, and labour registrations. This will enable your company to start operations smoothly. 

• Once your company is operational, our team of lawyers and incorporation specialists at Tetra Consultants will assist your foreign shareholders and employees in obtaining UAE visas. We will also guide you on immigration requirements.  

• We will work with relevant government agencies, which include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in obtaining immigration approvals, document attestation, and residence permits. 

• After the operational setup process is complete, Tetra Consultants’ team of accounting and tax experts will assist in corporate tax and VAT registrations. Our accounting and tax experts will assist you in the UAE’s corporate tax structure, which applies 0% up to 9% on the threshold of AED 375,000 taxable profit. 

• Further, Tetra Consultants’ team of accounting and tax experts will assist in Corporate Tax registration within three months of the issuance of the license and in VAT registration thresholds. The UAE’s mandatory threshold for VAT registration is AED 375,000, and voluntary at AED 187,500. 

• After the completion of the registration process, Tetra Consultants’ team of accounting and tax experts will assist in ongoing compliance with regulations. Our accounting and tax experts will assist in bookkeeping, and financial statement preparation, and corporate tax filings. 

• Further, we assist in business expansion, additional licensing, Dual Licensing, Dubai Unified License (DUL), and corporate restructuring. Our accounting and tax experts, in conjunction with our lawyers and incorporation experts, will assist in maintaining your business in the UAE in compliance and ready for expansion. 

Timeline to register company in Dubai in 2026

• Dubai company registration – 3 weeks 

• Corporate bank account opening – 4 weeks 

• Overall timeline – 7 weeks 

Cost to setup register company in Dubai in 2026

• For a standard Dubai company, the Department of Economy and Tourism or relevant Free Zone authority registration fee amounts to at least AED 5,500. The final amount depends on business activity, type of business entity and whether it is in a Free Zone.  

• The process of opening a company in Dubai also includes various costs such as company registration, trade name reservation, initial approvals, Memorandum of Association documentation, and business license fees, depending on your business activity. You also need to consider office costs, which vary depending on your location and office space requirements, such as flexi-desks or serviced offices.  

• Moreover, Tetra Consultants provides complete cost transparency with clear requirements for regulatory costs, sponsor costs, visa costs, share capital costs, and tax costs. Experts at Tetra Consultants provide clear fee structures with no hidden costs, no additional costs, or any unexpected costs. 

Regulatory authority and governing laws to register company in Dubai (2026)

• For Dubai mainland, the regulatory authority for company registration is the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), responsible for trade name reservation, licence issuance, and entry of companies in the trade register, all through digital platforms.  

• The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation, operating under the umbrella of the Department of Economy and Tourism, and incorporated by Law No. (6) of 2023, facilitates the entire registration and licensing process for companies efficiently and effectively. 

Sector-specific regulatory approvals in Dubai

• Food and Beverage: Businesses need to seek approval from Dubai Municipality and the Food Safety Department, especially for restaurants, food trading, and manufacturing. 

• Media and IT: Businesses may need to seek approval from the National Media Council or media free zone authorities, depending on the nature of the business. 

• Healthcare: Medical clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities need to seek licensing and approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) before commencing operations. 

Governing laws to register company in Dubai

• Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (Amended in 2025): Regulates the formation, ownership structure, and management of commercial companies, allowing 100% foreign ownership. 

• UAE Commercial Companies Law: Defines the principles of incorporation, MoA, and personality after registration. 

• Law No. (6) of 2023: Established DBLCLC and unified business licensing in Dubai. 

• DET Executive Regulations: Regulate approvals, documentation, and compliance of business operations. 

• Dubai Economic Agenda D33: It is the guiding document for the economic development of Dubai. It promotes and facilitates foreign direct investments and business expansion in the emirate in line with the country’s future economic plans. 

• Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022: It is the law that governs corporate tax in the UAE. It establishes a new corporate tax system ranging from 0% to 9%, depending on the income. 

• Ministerial Decision No. 261 of 2024: It provides updated rules and guidance on the taxation and structuring of unincorporated partnerships and family foundations. 

• Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020: It mandates that all companies file and submit the Ultimate Beneficial Owner declarations. 

• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: It helps facilitate international trade and strengthens Dubai’s position in the global business landscape. 

How can Tetra Consultants help you to register company in Dubai? 

• Tetra Consultants provides end-to-end support for company registration in Dubai, including advising on the optimal business structure, reserving company names, preparing incorporation documents, and obtaining approvals and licenses. Clients also benefit from corporate bank account opening, VAT registration, visa processing, and ongoing compliance support. By managing administrative, legal, and regulatory requirements, Tetra Consultants ensures a smooth, efficient setup while allowing clients to focus on business operations. 

Find out more about how to register company in Dubai

• Tetra Consultants works as your advisor and trusted partner in your business expansion and company registration in Dubai. With our own team of lawyers, incorporation specialists, compliance team, and accountants, we tell our clients what they need to know, instead of what they want to hear. Most importantly, we are known for being a one-stop solution for our valued clients. 
• Contact us to find out more about how to register company in Dubai. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours. 

FAQ