DUBAI
REGISTERING A BUSINESS (OUTSIDE A FREE ZONE – SPONSOR REQUIRED)
Steps required to set up a business prior to operating any business in Dubai: The steps outlined below must be undertaken in order to meet the legal requirements of all concerned government authorities and to guarantee maximum commercial benefit for the business owner:
1) Determine the category/categories (commercial, industrial and/or professional) and type of business activity/activities to be practiced.
2) Determine all the related business activities that can be included within each business license, subject to a maximum of ten activities per license.
3) Determine the appropriate business legal form for your business taking into consideration the desired business activity/activities and the number and nationalities of the business owners.
4) Confirm all the requirements of the license to be issued.
5) Determine the trade name of the business.
6) Submit an application to the Department of Economic Affairs for an initial approval either by a document clearing service or a legal consultant's office.
7) Register a trade name after obtaining an initial approval.
8) Lease business premises. Thereafter visit the said Department's counter on the building's first floor for approval of the premises.
9) Prepare all required documents such as Memorandum of Association and other contracts such as the appointment of local service agent which has to be authenticated by the Notary Public and approvals of other relevant government authorities, which are necessary in each case.
10) Submit an application to the Department to obtain a final license. Applications can be submitted through a document clearing service or a legal consultant's office.
11) Pay the required fees to have a license issued.
12) Submit an application to the Department for a signboard permit for a business trade name as required by the economic regulations.
13) Obtain necessary connections for telephone, fax and Internet services, an application must be submitted to "Emirates Communications Corporation".
14) To obtain a P.O. box for an establishment, an application must be applied to the "General Postal Authority".
15) Obtain necessary work permits for business employees and management, an application must be submitted to both the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Department of Naturalization and Residence.
16) To register a trade mark or a commercial agency, you must refer to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
