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Corporate moves
Steps to Set Up a Business in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The usual steps to set up a business in Dubai — mainland or free zone, trade name, initial approval and licence — and Dubai’s popular free zones.
Dubai licenses new businesses through two routes: the mainland, licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and the free zones, each run by its own authority with its own list of permitted activities. Most founders follow the same sequence whichever route they choose. Fees, capital and office requirements differ by authority and change over time, so confirm them with the licensing authority before you commit.
The usual steps
Choose mainland or free zone
A free zone licence covers the activities that zone permits; a mainland licence comes from the Department of Economy and Tourism. Mainland licences no longer require a local partner for most activities.
Define the activity and legal form
The activity you register decides which authority can license you and which approvals you need.
Reserve a trade name
The name is checked against the authority’s naming rules and reserved before you apply for the licence.
Get initial approval, then the licence
Initial approval lets you complete the remaining steps — premises, documents and payment — before the licence is issued.
Arrange premises and visas
The licence sets the kind of premises you need and which residence visas the company can sponsor.
Popular free zones in Dubai
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Outsource City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Science Park
- Dubai Design District
- DMCC
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Each zone sets its own share capital, fees and office options, and they change — check the current terms with the zone authority rather than relying on a figure in an article.
Setting up the office
Office moves across Dubai
Once the licence is in place, the practical move follows. Fusion Relocations has handled office moves across Dubai since 2010.
After hours and weekends
Moves are planned around your operating hours, with after-hours and weekend options.
One project manager
A dedicated commercial project manager runs the move from survey to handover.
Next steps
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