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Company Formation in Dubai (2025 Guide)

Mohammad HumaidPublished at: August 24, 2025 Updated at: August 25, 2025

While company formation in Dubai is popular for its tax advantages, strategic location, and global credibility, the process can be significantly more difficult for non-resident foreigners. Beyond the paperwork, the real challenge lies in securing the right trade licence and opening a corporate bank account — two steps that are tightly linked in the UAE’s compliance-driven environment.

For high-risk businesses such as fintech, crypto, iGaming, or forex, the challenge doubles. Licensing requirements are stricter, approval times are longer, and many banks are cautious about onboarding such profiles without strong documentation and a proven compliance framework.

This is why using experienced professionals isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Experts can guide you through licensing complexities, prepare airtight KYC files, and connect you with banks that understand your sector.

Binderr bridges exactly this gap. Our corporate concierge takes each case one-on-one and, through our vetted network of service providers, delivers end-to-end company formation services in Dubai with tailored banking solutions.

Company formation in Dubai + Bank Account + Visa + and more!

Binderr makes this process smooth and stress-free by offering:

Fast-Track Setup – Get your licence and bank account approved in record time.
High-Risk Licensing Expertise – Crypto, fintech, iGaming, forex — we know the compliance drill.
Jurisdiction Matching – Choose the right setup for optimal tax and regulatory advantages.
Free Zone Selection – Pick the zone that fits your sector, budget, and visa needs.
Bank Account Opening – Access trusted local and international banks that fit your profile.
Visa Assistance – Investor, staff, and dependent visas handled from A to Z.
All-in-One Packages – Incorporation, licensing, and banking bundled for cost efficiency.

Dubai at a Glance: Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore

Dubai Mainland

Mainland company formation in Dubai gives you full access to the UAE market, allowing direct B2B and B2C trading anywhere in the country. It’s ideal for retail, services, and government contracts, with the added benefit of 100% foreign ownership for most activities. However, it requires a physical office and comes with standard UAE compliance and licensing rules.

Dubai Free Zone

Free zone company formation in Dubai is a popular choice for international trading, e-commerce, and service-based businesses targeting global markets. Key advantages include 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax incentives, and simplified import/export procedures.

Top Dubai free zones:

DMCC – Ideal for commodities trading, crypto, and fintech.
IFZA – Cost-effective setup with a wide range of business activities.
Meydan Free Zone – Strong e-commerce focus, with digital-friendly licensing.
Dubai South – Best for logistics, aviation, and trade near the Expo area.
JAFZA – Large-scale industrial and logistics operations.

Free zones generally require only a flexi-desk or shared office, but direct trade with the mainland is restricted unless you use a local distributor or set up a mainland branch.

Dubai Offshore

Offshore company formation in Dubai is designed for holding assets, protecting wealth, and facilitating international trade without a UAE physical presence. These entities cannot trade in the local market or employ staff in the UAE, and they do not provide visas.

Examples of offshore jurisdictions in the UAE:

RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) – Flexible structures for holding, SPVs, and global operations.
JAFZA Offshore – Strong legal framework, often used for holding Dubai property.

Offshore companies are popular for privacy, low maintenance costs, and ease of global banking, but UAE bank account opening can be more challenging and is assessed case-by-case.

Feature	Dubai Mainland	Dubai Free Zones	Offshore / IBC
Legal Presence in UAE	Full UAE legal presence	Presence within free zone jurisdiction	No physical operating presence in UAE
Trade within UAE Mainland	Yes – direct B2B & B2C	Limited – via distributors, agents, or mainland branch	Not allowed
100% Foreign Ownership	Yes (most activities)	Yes	Yes
Office Requirement	Mandatory (flexi-desk to full office)	Flexi-desk to dedicated office	None for holding structures
Visa Eligibility	Yes (quota based on office size)	Yes (quota based on office package)	Not available
Bank Account Opening	Yes – widest choice of banks	Yes – multiple local & international options	Possible but more challenging; case-by-case
Best For	Retail, services, government contracts, broad B2C markets	International trade, tech, e-commerce, holding companies	Asset protection, SPVs, international structuring

How to Form a Company in Dubai - Step-by-Step

Setting up a business in Dubai isn’t just about filling out forms — it’s about navigating licences, banking, visas, and compliance. The process can be straightforward for low-risk activities, but far more complex for non-residents and regulated industries.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to make company formation in Dubai UAE easier to plan and execute.

Step 1 — Define Your Activity and Structure

When starting company formation in Dubai, first decide your main and secondary activities — trading, consultancy, e-commerce, manufacturing, holding, etc. This shapes your licence type, regulator approvals, and banking options for your Dubai company formation.

Common legal structures include:

LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Sole Establishment (professional licence)
Civil Company (multi-partner professional)
Branch / Representative Office
FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company)
Free Zone Branch
Holding Company / SPV

Check if your activity needs external approvals — especially for education, healthcare, transport, legal, engineering, crypto/virtual assets, payments, or financial services. Getting this right speeds up your company formation in Dubai UAE and increases your bank account approval chances.

Step 2 — Pick the Jurisdiction

Your choice of jurisdiction defines ownership rights, costs, visa eligibility, and banking options for company formation in Dubai UAE.

Dubai Mainland (DET/DED) – Full access to the UAE market, ability to trade B2B and B2C, and eligibility for government contracts.
Dubai Free Zones – Faster setup, bundled visas, simplified admin, and potential 0% tax benefits (if conditions are met). Popular for trading, e-commerce, and tech ventures.
Dubai Offshore / IBC – Ideal for holding companies, asset protection, and international structuring. Not suitable for direct trading within the UAE.

Step 3 — Name, Initial Approval, and KYC Pack

Before finalising your Dubai company formation, secure approvals and prepare documentation.

Trade name reservation – Choose a unique name following UAE naming rules.
Initial approval – Obtain preliminary clearance from the relevant authority (Mainland DET or Free Zone).
KYC and documentation – Prepare passports, proof of address, CVs, ownership chart, and—for high-risk or regulated businesses—detailed business plan plus source-of-funds evidence.

Step 4 — Draft Documents and Sign

Proper documentation is the backbone of every company formation in Dubai, and this stage ensures your entity is legally recognised and compliant. Depending on your structure and shareholders, several key documents must be prepared, reviewed, and signed.

Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Articles of Association – Mandatory for LLCs and FZ-LLCs, this document outlines the company’s shareholding, activities, and governance structure.
Board Resolutions – Required if a corporate entity is a shareholder, formally approving the establishment of the Dubai company.
Power of Attorney (PoA) – Useful if you appoint a representative or PRO to handle the signing and submission of documents on your behalf.
Notarisation & Legalisation – Any documents issued outside the UAE (e.g., shareholder documents, incorporation certificates, board approvals) must be notarised in their home country and legalised through the UAE embassy before they can be used in the Dubai company formation process.

Step 5 — Lease Your Office

Office space is an important step in company formation in Dubai UAE, as it directly impacts visa quotas, licence type, and ongoing compliance. The UAE offers flexible options depending on your business model and budget.

Flexi-desk / Shared Desk – A cost-effective option widely used in free zones for startups, consultants, and service companies. These packages usually include a limited number of visas tied to the desk.
Dedicated Office / Warehouse – Necessary for larger operations, industrial activities, logistics, or trading companies that need physical storage. More space typically means a higher visa quota.
Dubai Mainland – Requires an Ejari tenancy contract, which is registered with the Dubai Land Department and serves as legal proof of your office lease.
Dubai Free Zones – Issue their own lease agreements, which may include flexi-desk, private offices, or customised facilities depending on the free zone chosen.

Choosing the right office setup not only fulfils the legal requirements of company formation in Dubai but also helps position your business correctly for banking and immigration approvals.

Step 6 — Licence Issuance and Launch

This is the milestone where your Dubai company formation officially comes to life. Once all prior steps are complete, you move into final approvals and receive the legal documents that allow your business to operate.

Pay Government or Free Zone Fees – Clear the final setup costs with the relevant authority (Dubai Mainland DET or your chosen free zone). These fees vary depending on business activity, office size, and visa quota, and are a major part of overall Dubai company formation costs.
Trade Licence Issuance – Your trade licence is officially released, confirming your entity’s existence and authorising you to conduct approved activities in Dubai or internationally.
Immigration & Labour Files – Open your establishment card, register with the e-channel system (where applicable), and set up labour files to sponsor visas for investors, employees, and dependants.

At this stage, your company is legally recognised, and you can begin applying for visas, signing contracts, and preparing for corporate banking — the next big hurdle for most non-resident entrepreneurs.

Why Choose Binderr for Company Formation in Dubai

Fast-Track Setup – Get your trade licence and structure approved quickly.
Application & Follow-Ups – We deal with DET, free zones, and regulators so you don’t have to.
Document Preparation – MOA, Board Resolutions, PoA, and all attestations done right the first time.
Office Setup - From flexi desk and virtual office to full physical office setup
Bank Account + Visa – Strong KYC packs, trusted banking partners, and smooth immigration processing.
Compliance Support – From AML policies to VAT and payroll, we keep you aligned with UAE laws.
Bundled Packages – Incorporation, licensing, visas, banking, and compliance in one transparent solution.

Opening a Business Bank Account in Dubai

No matter how smooth your company formation in Dubai goes, your business can’t truly launch without a corporate bank account. In fact, for many non-residents, this is the most difficult stage of company formation in Dubai UAE — even more challenging than getting the trade licence.

Why Are Business Bank Accounts in Dubai Complicated?

Dubai’s banking sector is highly regulated and compliance-driven. Banks are cautious about onboarding foreign-owned entities, especially if shareholders live outside the UAE. Non-residents often face long approval timelines, extensive KYC requirements, and requests for in-person verification.

For high-risk sectors — like crypto exchanges, fintech startups, forex brokers, and iGaming operators — the challenge is even greater. Banks demand detailed business plans, audited financials (or forecasts), compliance frameworks, and sometimes enhanced due diligence reports. Without these, rejection is almost guaranteed.

Typical Timelines for Bank Account Opening in Dubai

Digital Banks (e.g., Wio, Mashreq Neo Biz, Zand) – 1 to 5 working days for low-risk, straightforward businesses.
Traditional Banks (e.g., Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, HSBC) – 2 to 4 weeks for standard sectors, provided documentation is complete.
High-Risk Businesses – 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the profile and regulator requirements.

Open Your Business Bank Account in Dubai - Fast and Easy

Opening a corporate account is where most Dubai company formation journeys get stuck — especially for non-residents and high-risk industries. Binderr makes the process smoother, faster, and far less risky by managing it end-to-end.

Bank Matching – We connect you with the right bank that fits your business model, licence, and risk profile.
Document & Application Prep – Full KYC packs, business plans, and compliance documents prepared to banking standards.
Pre-Screening – We review your file before submission to minimise the chance of rejection.
High-Risk Banking Options – Dedicated solutions for crypto, fintech, forex, iGaming, and other regulated sectors.
Settlement Accounts & Gateways – Assistance with PSPs, merchant accounts, and payment gateways for global operations.
Non-Resident Support – Remote guidance and representation for founders who aren’t physically in the UAE.

Company Formation Dubai Costs

Getting clarity on company formation Dubai costs is crucial before deciding where to set up. While government fees are fixed, your total spend varies by jurisdiction, office space, and regulatory requirements. Here’s a realistic picture in AED:

Cost Component	Mainland	Free Zone – Value Tier (IFZA, Meydan, Dubai South)	Free Zone – Premium (DMCC, JAFZA)
Name & Initial Approvals	AED 1,000 – 2,500	Included / AED 500 – 1,500	Included / AED 1,000 – 2,000
Licence (Annual)	AED 6,000 – 15,000+	AED 10,000 – 18,000+ (package-dependent)	AED 18,000 – 30,000+ (activity-dependent)
Lease (Annual)	AED 8,000 – 30,000+	AED 5,000 – 15,000+ (flexi-desk / office packages)	AED 15,000 – 40,000+ (office / warehouse)
Establishment / Immigration	AED 1,000 – 3,500	AED 1,000 – 3,000	AED 1,500 – 4,000
Investor Visa (Each)	AED 3,500 – 6,000	AED 3,500 – 6,000	AED 3,500 – 6,000
Audit (If Required)	AED 3,000 – 8,000	AED 3,000 – 8,000	AED 4,000 – 12,000
Total Year-1 (Typical)	AED 20,000 – 60,000+	AED 18,000 – 45,000+	AED 35,000 – 80,000+

Dubai Company Formation Timelines

One of the most common questions about company formation in Dubai UAE is: how long will it take? While the UAE is known for efficiency, actual timelines depend heavily on your activity type, documentation quality, and especially banking. Here’s what you can realistically expect:

Company Name & Initial Approval – 1 to 3 working days (longer if external approvals are needed).
Licence Issuance (simple activities) – 2 to 7 working days for trading, consultancy, and e-commerce. Regulated/high-risk activities (crypto, fintech, healthcare, legal, education) may take weeks or even months.
Investor Visa (after licence) – 5 to 10 working days end-to-end.
Employee Visas – 5 to 15 working days depending on nationality, quota availability, and medical tests.
Bank Account Opening – 1 to 3 weeks, provided documentation is strong.
High-Risk Businesses (crypto exchanges, fintech startups, forex brokers, iGaming) – 3 to 6+ weeks due to enhanced due diligence, business plan reviews, and stricter AML/KYC checks.

Fast-Track Company Formation in Dubai with Binderr

Most delays in company formation in Dubai happen because of choosing the wrong bank for your profile. That’s where Binderr makes the difference.

Avoid Rejections – We pre-screen your application, identify risks, and fix red flags before submission.
Fast-Track Setup – From name reservation to licence issuance, our concierge team handles the paperwork and follow-ups.
Bank Account Success – We prepare full KYC packs and match you with banks aligned to your activity, whether low-risk or high-risk (crypto, fintech, forex, iGaming).
Non-Resident Advantage – Tailored support for foreign founders to meet UAE compliance without unnecessary travel.
End-to-End Bundled Packages – Incorporation, visas, banking, and compliance in one seamless solution.

Business & Investor Visas in Dubai

A trade licence alone isn’t enough — visas are what allow you, your team, and your dependants to live and work legally in the UAE. Visa allocation is directly tied to your licence type, office space, and jurisdiction, making it a key part of company formation in Dubai UAE.

Investor / Partner Visa – Granted to business owners and shareholders, typically valid for 2–3 years. Required to act as a company signatory, sponsor dependants, and maintain banking access.
Employee Visas – Quotas depend on office size and business activity. Each visa involves medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and labour contracts.
Dependent Visas – Once your investor visa is active, you can sponsor family members (spouse, children, sometimes parents).
Free Zone vs Mainland – Free zones allocate visas based on the office package (flexi-desk = fewer visas, larger office = more). Mainland companies have more flexibility but require Ejari tenancy registration.
Timelines – Typically 5–10 working days for investor visas and 5–15 working days for employees, depending on nationality and approvals.

Getting the visa stage right is critical. Delays or mistakes can block banking, payroll, and even the ability to legally operate.

With Binderr, you don’t just get a licence — you get the visas that make your company formation and business setup in Dubai UAE truly operational.

Fast Track UAE Visas Approvals with Binderr

Visa processing is one of the most detail-heavy parts of Dubai company formation, but with Binderr it becomes simple and predictable.

End-to-End Visa Handling – From application to Emirates ID, we manage every step.
Investor & Staff Visas – Full support for both shareholders and employees, with clear quota planning.
Dependent Visas – Assistance with family sponsorship for a smooth relocation.
Bundled with Setup – Visa services are integrated with your company formation, banking, and compliance package.

Bottom Line

On paper, company formation in Dubai UAE looks simple — a few approvals, a trade licence, and a bank account. In reality, every stage comes with complications. Non-residents face stricter banking scrutiny, high-risk businesses like crypto and fintech deal with licensing hurdles, and even standard setups can stall over visa quotas, office leases, or missing documents.

The truth is, delays and rejections are common. Banks want detailed KYC packs, regulators demand external approvals, and compliance rules shift quickly. Without the right guidance, what should take weeks can drag on for months.

That’s where Binderr changes the game.

We fast-track approvals by handling submissions and follow-ups.
We pre-screen files to avoid costly rejections.
We prepare every document — from MOAs to compliance reports.
We match you with the right banks for your profile, even if you’re a non-resident or high-risk.
We bundle incorporation, visas, banking, and compliance into one clear package.

With Binderr, you don’t just survive the complexities of Dubai company formation — you turn them into an advantage. Faster setup, fewer headaches, and a business that’s built to last.

FAQs: Company Formation in Dubai

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Yes. Since the 2021 reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most activities in the mainland now allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local Emirati partner. This aligns the mainland more closely with free zones, where 100% foreign ownership has always been standard.

That said, there are exceptions in a few strategic or sensitive sectors such as oil & gas, utilities, and defence, where majority local ownership is still required. For many entrepreneurs, this reform has made company formation in Dubai much more attractive — you can now register an LLC on the mainland and retain complete control, while still being able to bid for government contracts or trade directly in the UAE market.

Foreign investors should still carefully choose between mainland and free zone structures depending on their business activity, target market, and banking requirements.

Here’s the expanded version of that FAQ, with a bit more explanation on each option:

The three primary structures for company formation in Dubai are:

Mainland LLC (Dubai Economy & Tourism – DET/DED) – A Limited Liability Company registered on the mainland allows you to trade directly across the UAE, bid for government contracts, and open offices anywhere in Dubai. Most activities now permit 100% foreign ownership. An Ejari tenancy contract is required for office space, and visa quotas are tied to the size of the lease.
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC or Free Zone Branch) – Free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, or JAFZA are popular for international trading, e-commerce, consultancy, and tech ventures. They offer 100% ownership, simplified incorporation, bundled visa quotas, and tax incentives. However, direct trade with the UAE mainland is limited unless you appoint a distributor or set up a branch.
Offshore / IBC (RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore) – Offshore companies are mainly used for holding, asset protection, and international structuring. They don’t require office space or visas and cannot trade locally in Dubai. While they can sometimes open UAE bank accounts, approvals are stricter and assessed case by case.

Each structure carries different costs, visa entitlements, and banking options. Choosing between them depends on your activity, target market, and long-term plans for expansion.

What is the fastest way to open a company in Dubai?

The quickest route to company formation in Dubai is usually through service-based activities in value-tier free zones such as IFZA, Meydan, or Dubai South. In many cases, these free zones can issue a trade licence within 2–7 working days once your documents are ready and initial approvals are secured.

Free zones are designed for speed and simplicity, often offering digital incorporation, pre-bundled visa quotas, and flexible office packages like flexi-desks. This makes them ideal for consultants, freelancers, e-commerce startups, or international trading businesses looking for fast entry into the UAE market.

By comparison, mainland company formation in Dubai may take longer because of additional requirements like Ejari tenancy registration, external activity approvals, and more complex immigration steps. High-risk or regulated sectors (such as crypto, fintech, education, or healthcare) can also extend timelines, sometimes taking weeks or months.

For entrepreneurs prioritising speed, value-tier free zones are usually the best option. However, working with experienced company formation services in Dubai ensures that even fast setups are compliant, properly documented, and bank-ready — preventing costly delays after the licence is issued.

Can I register a Dubai company remotely?

Yes. Most free zones and even the Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) department allow remote company formation. This means you can complete the entire licensing process — trade name reservation, initial approval, document signing, and licence issuance — without physically being in Dubai. Many free zones now accept e-signatures and couriered documents, making the process efficient for international investors.

However, while the company licence itself can be obtained remotely, certain steps such as opening a corporate bank account may still require a personal visit or at least a video verification call, depending on the bank’s policies.

Do I need to visit Dubai to incorporate?

Not for the incorporation and licensing itself. The major steps of company formation in Dubai — from approvals to licence issuance — can usually be handled remotely.

That said, you will need to visit Dubai for:

Residency visas – Biometrics, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance require your physical presence.
Bank accounts – Some traditional banks (like Emirates NBD or ADCB) request face-to-face meetings with shareholders or directors, particularly for high-risk businesses.
Regulated sectors – Certain industries (e.g., healthcare, education, crypto/fintech) may involve additional in-person approvals or interviews.

In short, company incorporation can be done remotely, but visas and banking still require a trip to Dubai at some stage. Working with company formation services in Dubai like Binderr reduces the number of visits needed and ensures you’re fully prepared when you do arrive.

What is the average cost of setting up a company in Dubai?

The cost of company formation in Dubai varies depending on whether you choose the mainland, a value-tier free zone, or a premium free zone.

Value-tier free zones (e.g., IFZA, Meydan, Dubai South) – AED 18,000 to 45,000 typically covers the trade licence, flexi-desk office package, and a visa quota. These zones are popular with startups and service-based companies looking for cost efficiency.
Mainland (DET/DED) – AED 20,000 to 60,000+ is common for a standard LLC setup. Costs include licence fees, Ejari tenancy, investor visa, and immigration establishment card. This option is best if you need direct access to the UAE market or government contracts.
Premium free zones (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA) – AED 35,000 to 80,000+ depending on activity, office size, and visa requirements. These zones are globally recognised and ideal for large-scale trading, logistics, or regulated industries.

Additional expenses may include audits (AED 3,000–12,000 depending on jurisdiction), external activity approvals, and banking compliance costs. High-risk businesses such as crypto, fintech, or forex may also need enhanced documentation and licensing, which adds to the overall budget.

In short, while marketing often promotes “cheap company formation in Dubai,” a realistic year-one budget should start at AED 18,000 and scale depending on your structure, activity, and visa needs.

What types of licences can I get in Dubai?

Dubai offers a wide range of licences under its mainland and free zone authorities, tailored to different business activities. The main categories include:

Commercial Licence – For trading businesses (import/export, retail, wholesale).
Professional Licence – For service providers, consultants, freelancers, and specialists.
Industrial Licence – For manufacturing, industrial operations, and assembly.
E-Commerce Licence – For online retail, marketplace platforms, and digital trading.
Tourism Licence – For travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality services.
Educational Licence – For training centres, institutes, and educational services.
Healthcare Licence – For clinics, medical practices, and wellness centres.
Media Licence – For advertising, broadcasting, and production activities.
Crypto / Fintech Licence – For virtual asset trading platforms, payment services, and other regulated financial activities.

Each licence type may involve different government authorities (e.g., DET, free zones, or regulators like VARA, DHA, or KHDA) and varying company formation in Dubai costs.

Can one company have multiple activities?

Yes, but within certain limits. Many free zones allow a mix of activities (for example, consultancy + trading, or e-commerce + services) under one licence, provided they fall within the same category. Some free zones, like IFZA or Meydan, are more flexible in combining activities, while others require separate licences.

On the mainland, Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) permits multiple activities, but you may need additional approvals if they cross categories (e.g., education, healthcare, engineering, or financial services).

Keep in mind that some regulated activities — such as crypto, payments, legal, or medical services — require external approvals and stricter compliance. For complex cases, it’s often easier to establish separate entities under one corporate group.

Do e-commerce activities need a special licence?

Yes. If you plan to sell goods or services online, you’ll need an E-commerce Licence or a General Trading Licence with online activities added.

E-commerce Licence – Issued by free zones such as Meydan, IFZA, or Dubai CommerCity, or by the mainland DET, this licence is tailored for businesses operating websites, apps, or digital platforms. It typically covers online retail, dropshipping, and cross-border e-commerce.
General Trading Licence with Online Activity – Allows you to import, export, and trade multiple categories of goods while also conducting e-commerce sales. This is often chosen by businesses combining physical trading with online distribution.

E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE, but note that you’ll still need to comply with VAT registration (if turnover exceeds AED 375,000), data protection rules, and payment gateway integration. Costs vary by jurisdiction, but free zone e-commerce licences generally start around AED 12,000–18,000.

How do I get a General Trading Licence in Dubai?

A General Trading Licence allows you to deal in a wide range of goods under one umbrella licence — from electronics to textiles to consumer products — without listing each activity separately.

Mainland (DET/DED) – Apply through Dubai Economy & Tourism. This route allows you to trade directly in the UAE market and participate in government contracts.
Free Zones (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, Meydan) – Offer general trading licences with international recognition, warehousing options, and simplified import/export processes. DMCC and JAFZA are particularly strong for large-scale trade and logistics.

Costs – General trading licences in Dubai typically start at AED 30,000–35,000+ and increase based on office size, visa quota, and additional approvals. While more expensive than activity-specific licences, they provide flexibility to handle multiple product categories under one entity.

For international traders, pairing a general trading licence with the right business bank account in Dubai is key, as banks will want to see contracts, supplier invoices, and a clear business plan before approving accounts.

Do crypto or fintech companies need special licences?

Yes. Both crypto and fintech are considered regulated, high-risk sectors in the UAE and require specific approvals before you can operate legally.

Crypto / Virtual Assets – Businesses involved in crypto exchanges, brokerages, custody, or token issuance must obtain a licence from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai or set up in free zones such as RAK DAO or DMCC (for proprietary crypto trading). These licences involve detailed compliance requirements including AML/KYC frameworks, cybersecurity policies, and proof of financial resources. Operating without a crypto licence in Dubai exposes companies to heavy fines and banking restrictions.
Fintech / Payments – Companies dealing with digital payments, remittances, crowdfunding, or neobanking require approval from either the ADGM FSRA (Abu Dhabi Global Market), the DIFC DFSA (Dubai International Financial Centre), or directly from the UAE Central Bank depending on their business model. These licences typically demand a robust business plan, capital adequacy, audited financials, and strict compliance procedures.

Because both sectors fall under “high-risk,” they also face more challenges with corporate bank account opening. Banks expect stronger KYC files, detailed client onboarding policies, and in some cases, external compliance audits.

For entrepreneurs considering company formation in Dubai UAE in these industries, using expert support is almost essential — the licensing process is complex, timelines are longer, and rejection risk is high without a properly prepared application.

Can investors get UAE residency visas?

Yes. Investor or partner visas are standard entitlements once you complete company formation in Dubai. After your trade licence is issued, you can apply for an investor visa, which allows you to live, work, and sponsor family members in the UAE.

Investor visas are especially important for non-residents, as banks often prefer (or require) at least one shareholder to hold UAE residency when opening a corporate bank account. The visa process typically includes medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and entry stamping. Free zones bundle a set number of visas with office packages, while mainland visa quotas are linked to office size under Ejari tenancy contracts.

How hard is it to open a corporate bank account in Dubai?

Opening a business bank account in Dubai is often more challenging than obtaining the licence itself. For low-risk companies (e.g., consultancy, trading, or e-commerce) with clean documentation, the process can be relatively straightforward — especially with digital banks such as Wio or Mashreq Neo Biz. These institutions focus on SMEs and offer quicker onboarding with simplified requirements.

For high-risk industries like crypto, forex, iGaming, adult, or large-scale international trading, the scrutiny is far tougher. Banks typically require:

A comprehensive KYC pack (passports, proof of address, CVs).
Detailed business plans and financial forecasts.
Proof of contracts, invoices, or client pipelines.
Source-of-funds documentation and compliance policies (AML/KYC).

In these cases, rejection risk is high if the file isn’t properly prepared. Many non-residents also face additional hurdles, as banks prefer to see local substance — such as a UAE residency visa, office lease, or local staff.

How long does it take to open a UAE business bank account?

Timelines vary widely depending on the type of bank and your business profile:

Digital Banks (e.g., Wio, Zand, Mashreq Neo Biz) – 1 to 5 working days for straightforward, low-risk businesses.
Traditional Banks (e.g., Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, HSBC) – 1 to 3 weeks if documentation is in order.
High-Risk Businesses – 6+ weeks, as applications go through enhanced due diligence, regulator checks, and sometimes in-person interviews with shareholders.

Overall, while incorporation in Dubai can take under a week, banking is where most delays occur. Working with experienced company formation services in Dubai helps streamline the process by pre-screening applications, positioning your company with the right banks, and avoiding rejections.

How to get a crypto licence in Dubai?

To operate legally, crypto companies must apply for a crypto exchange licence in Dubai through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) or specialised free zones like RAK DAO or DMCC. Activities such as exchanges, custody, broker-dealer services, and token issuance all require licensing.

Because this is considered high-risk, the process involves strict AML/KYC compliance, cybersecurity policies, and proof of capital. It’s one of the most complex parts of company formation in Dubai UAE, and opening a crypto bank account in Dubai can take weeks due to tighter due diligence by banks.

Can I open a forex company in Dubai?

Yes. A forex business requires a licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) on the mainland or from financial regulators like the DFSA (DIFC) or FSRA (ADGM).

This falls under regulated, high-risk company formation in Dubai, which means stricter capital requirements, ongoing audits, and higher compliance costs. Banks also treat forex firms cautiously, so pairing the licence with expert support for corporate banking is essen

Can freelancers set up companies in Dubai?

Can I open a restaurant or café in Dubai?

Yes. To set up a restaurant or café, you’ll need a Dubai mainland company formation through DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism) and additional approvals from Dubai Municipality for food safety, hygiene, and site compliance.

These types of businesses fall into more complex company formation services in Dubai, as you’ll also need Civil Defence clearance and possibly liquor permits. Costs are higher due to fit-out requirements and inspections, but the mainland gives you direct access to Dubai’s large consumer market.

Can I run an online store with a Dubai company?

Yes. An e-commerce licence in Dubai allows you to operate an online shop selling locally or globally. Free zones like IFZA, Meydan, and Dubai CommerCity are popular for this type of company formation in Dubai UAE, as they provide digital-friendly licensing, bundled visas, and simplified import/export procedures.

You’ll also need VAT registration (if turnover exceeds AED 375,000), a payment gateway, and ideally a business bank account in Dubai for smooth operations.