Business Setup & Licensing in UAE

Setup times vary depending on the type of business and location:

• Freezone companies: 3-7 working days
• Mainland companies: 5-10 working days
• Specialized activities (medical, education, etc.): 7-15 working days

Basic requirements include:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• Visa copies (if resident in UAE)
• Proof of address
• Business plan (for some activities)
• Additional documents may be required depending on the activity

Requirements vary:

• Mainland companies typically require physical office space
• Many freezones offer flexi-desk options
• Some freezones provide virtual office solutions
• Certain professional licenses may allow home-based businesses

Yes, most company formations allow you to apply for residency visas:

• Number of visas depends on office space and license type
• Typically 1-3 visas for small businesses
• Can sponsor family members
• Process takes 2-4 weeks after company formation