Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most dynamic business hubs in the world — attracting entrepreneurs from India, the UK, the US, and beyond. With its tax benefits, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure, setting up a company in the UAE has never been more appealing.

However, navigating the licensing, visa, and compliance requirements can feel overwhelming without expert help. Here's a complete step-by-step guide.

1. Choose Between Mainland or Free Zone

The first step is deciding where to register your business:

•**Mainland**: You can trade anywhere in the UAE or internationally. It allows working directly with government clients but has more compliance steps.

•**Free Zone**: 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and tax incentives. Ideal for e-commerce, consulting, and trading companies.

✅**Vacanzy Corporate Services Tip**: Free zones like RAKEZ, DMCC, and Dubai Silicon Oasis are ideal for startups due to lower costs and faster processing.

2. Select the Right Business Activity

Your business activity determines the license type:

•**Commercial License** – for trading and general business.

•**Professional License** – for services like consulting, IT, marketing.

•**Industrial License** – for manufacturing or production.

Each free zone has its own list of permitted activities.

3. Choose a Company Name

Trade names must follow UAE regulations:

•Must reflect business nature.

•Avoid offensive or religious words.

•Must be available in the registry.

Vacanzy can help you reserve and register the name within 24 hours.

4. Submit Legal Documents

Typical documentation includes:

•Passport copies of shareholders.

•Proof of residence.

•Business plan (sometimes required).

•No Objection Certificate (if applicable).

Vacanzy handles the complete document preparation and submission online.

5. Get an Office or Flexi-Desk

Every company must have a physical or virtual address.

Free zones allow flexi-desks (shared offices), while mainland setups require Ejari-registered offices.

6. Apply for Visa and Emirates ID

Once your trade license is issued, you can apply for:

•Investor visa

•Partner visa

•Employment visa

•Family visa

Vacanzy offers end-to-end visa services, including medicals and Emirates ID processing.

7. Open a Corporate Bank Account

UAE banks require valid trade licenses, passports, and a tenancy contract.

Vacanzy partners with leading UAE banks to simplify account opening for entrepreneurs.

8. Maintain Compliance

Renew your license annually and ensure you meet all accounting and reporting requirements. Vacanzy's team sends reminders and assists with renewals.

Conclusion

With proper planning and the right partner, setting up a company in the UAE is straightforward.

Vacanzy helps entrepreneurs worldwide establish, license, and grow their UAE business — all from one platform.

👉 **Start your UAE business today at Vacanzy.co.**

How to Set Up a Company in the UAE — A Complete Guide for Global Entrepreneurs