Hi Matteo,

I'm Kuldeep, and I regularly assist entrepreneurs who are setting up businesses in the UAE. One of the biggest concerns for first-time investors is understanding both the process and the timeline before getting started.

For a standard mainland company, the entire setup usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks, while the trade licence itself can often be issued within 3 to 7 working days, provided all documents are in order and no additional approvals are required.

Here's how the process generally works:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Start by deciding the exact business activities your company will carry out. This determines the type of licence you'll need and whether any additional regulatory approvals are required.

Step 2: Select the Legal Structure

Choose the legal structure that best suits your business, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Today, most commercial and professional activities allow 100% foreign ownership.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Apply for a unique company name through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Once approved, the name is reserved for your business.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

The DET reviews your application and issues an initial approval, allowing you to proceed with the remaining incorporation formalities.

Step 5: Lease Office Space

A mainland company must have a registered business address. You'll need to rent an office or workspace and register the tenancy contract through Ejari.

Step 6: Prepare the Legal Documents

Draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and any other legal documents required for your chosen business structure.

Step 7: Obtain Additional Government Approvals

If your business operates in a regulated sector, such as healthcare, education, food trading, or engineering, you'll need approvals from the relevant government authorities before your licence can be issued.

Step 8: Collect Your Trade Licence

Once all approvals are in place and the government fees have been paid, the DET issues your mainland trade licence.

What Happens After the Licence Is Issued?

Your business setup doesn't end with the licence. The next steps usually include:

• Residence visas: Investor and employee visa processing, including medical fitness tests and Emirates ID registration, generally takes 7 to 14 days.
• Corporate bank account: Opening a business bank account usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the bank's compliance review, business activity, and KYC requirements.

The smoother your documentation and approvals are, the faster the entire process can be completed.