The UAE Government offers the Bashr eService, a unified online platform that allows investors to get a commercial licence within 15 minutes. Bashr connects with federal and local government entities, providing a seamless UAE business setup process.
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Economic Development offers instant licence services online.
Dubai and other emirates have similar services to streamline company formation and incorporation.
This route involves several steps and approvals from the Department of Economic Development and other government authorities.
Your business activity shapes your licence type, legal structure, and jurisdiction.
Licence types: Commercial, Professional, Industrial
High-risk niches (crypto, fintech, iGaming) require specialized licencing and additional approvals
Your legal structure must match your business activity. Options include:
LLC, Limited/General Partnership
Public/Private Joint Stock Company
Civil Company
Branches (local, foreign, GCC, Free Zone)
Sole Establishment
Holding Companies
Match your business to the right jurisdiction for speed, cost, and market access during your UAE business setup.
Trade name rules: Must reflect business activity, avoid offensive/religious/political terms, follow DED or free zone naming conventions.
Trade names often registered in English and Arabic.
Initial approval confirms your structure, activity, and jurisdiction comply with UAE regulations during company incorporation.
Confirms the UAE government has no objection to your business setup
Foreign investors require approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs
Certain activities (legal, financial, security) require additional pre-approvals
A registered UAE business address is mandatory for:
Receiving trade licence and official correspondence
Registering your company with authorities
Opening a corporate bank account
Applying for employee/residence visas
Demonstrating operational legitimacy to clients, banks, and partners
Office Options:
Upon approval, you’ll receive:
Official Trade Licence – Specifies business activity and jurisdiction
Company Registration Certificate – Confirms legal incorporation
Chamber of Commerce Certificate – Required for trade and contracting
Establishment Card – For visa and immigration services
This is the final step in the company incorporation process for your UAE business.
Step 7: Open a corporate bank account in the UAE
Upon approval, you’ll receive:
Official Trade Licence – Specifies business activity and jurisdiction
Company Registration Certificate – Confirms legal incorporation
Chamber of Commerce Certificate – Required for trade and contracting
Establishment Card – Needed for visa processing and immigration services
Banks enforce strict KYC/AML procedures, especially for high-risk sectors. Non-residents may face additional scrutiny or delays.
Documents required:
Initial approval receipt and previously submitted documents
Attested lease agreement
Attested Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Approvals from relevant authorities
Attested Local Service Agent (LSA) contract (for 100% foreign-owned entities)
Notes:
Trade license payment must be made within 30 days of receiving the payment voucher.
Failure to pay in time cancels the application.
