How to Open a Company in the UAE in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Planning to open a company in the UAE in 2025? You’re not alone. Dubai and the wider UAE remain among the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and global investors thanks to their stable economy, low tax regime, and fast-track company formation processes. At BIMC, we support business owners every day with Dubai company setup, helping them navigate free zones, mainland registration, and banking with confidence.
Why Opening a Company in the UAE Is Profitable in 2025
The UAE consistently ranks as a global hub for trade, finance, and entrepreneurship. Even after the introduction of corporate tax in 2023, businesses with annual income below AED 375,000 remain tax-exempt. Other advantages of UAE company registration include:
- 100% foreign ownership in most activities.
- No personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates.
- Fast setup times, usually between 3–7 business days.
- Access to world-class infrastructure and a developed banking system.
- No currency restrictions and agreements to avoid double taxation with many countries.
This combination makes the UAE one of the most profitable places to establish a company in 2025, whether you’re a startup, SME, or multinational branch.
Step 1: Decide on the Jurisdiction
Before you register your company, you must decide where your business will be licensed. In the UAE, three main structures exist: Free Zone, Mainland, and Offshore.
Free Zone Companies
- 100% foreign ownership without a local partner.
- Simplified registration and accounting requirements.
- Quick licensing (as fast as 2–5 business days).
- Flexi-desk or virtual office options in some zones.
- Residency visa eligibility for owners and employees.
However, Free Zone companies cannot directly trade with the UAE mainland unless they appoint a distributor or open a mainland branch.
Mainland Companies
- Full access to the UAE market and ability to trade locally.
- Eligible to apply for government contracts and tenders.
- Physical office space required (minimum size depends on activity).
- 100% foreign ownership now allowed for most business activities.
This option is ideal if your business needs onshore visibility, retail presence, or direct engagement with UAE customers.
Offshore Companies
- Best suited for asset protection, holding structures, or international trade.
- Not allowed to operate inside the UAE or apply for residency visas.
- Popular for real estate ownership and investment vehicles.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business License
Once you’ve selected the jurisdiction, you’ll need to decide on the right license type:
- Commercial License – trading, import/export, wholesale, and retail.
- Professional License – services such as consulting, IT, design, and marketing.
- Industrial License – manufacturing, processing, and logistics activities.
Each Free Zone or emirate has its own activity lists, so working with experts at BIMC ensures your chosen activity aligns with your business model.
Step 3: Register Your Company
The registration process in 2025 is streamlined and usually takes between 3 and 10 working days. Popular Free Zones include:
- IFZA – flexible packages, affordable licensing.
- RAKEZ – cost-effective with industrial focus.
- DMCC – prestigious free zone for trade and finance.
Mainland company formation is handled through the Department of Economic Development (DED) of each emirate, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Step 4: Prepare Documentation
Typical documents required include:
- Passport copy of each shareholder.
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank letter).
- CV or short profile of the founder.
- Three proposed company names for approval.
Names must avoid religious, political, or offensive references and must be unique.
Step 5: Obtain Your Trade License
Once approved, you’ll receive your:
- Certificate of registration.
- Business license.
- Articles of incorporation and other corporate documents.
At this stage, your UAE company is legally established and ready to operate.
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
A corporate bank account in the UAE is essential for operations. Banks often require:
- Business website and contracts/letters of intent.
- Company documents and trade license.
- Proof of source of funds and founder’s background.
Popular choices include Emirates NBD, WIO Bank, RAKBANK, and Mashreq NeoBiz. Account approval usually takes 1–3 weeks.
Step 7: Apply for Residency Visas (Optional)
Your new company can sponsor residency visas for owners and employees. The process includes obtaining an Establishment Card, medical exams, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Residency visas are valid for two years and renewable, making them ideal for entrepreneurs planning to relocate.
Step 8: Secure Office Space
Depending on the jurisdiction, you may choose:
- Flexi Desk – low-cost virtual address.
- Fixed Desk – shared co-working space.
- Private Office – full office unit.
- Warehouse – for industrial or logistics activities.
Free Zones often allow Flexi Desk solutions for startups, while mainland companies must lease physical office space.
Why Work with BIMC?
At BIMC, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs open a company in Dubai and across the UAE with full transparency and expert guidance. From license selection and documentation to banking and visa services, we handle the details so you can focus on your business growth.
Ready to register your UAE company in 2025? Contact BIMC today to explore tailored packages for free zone, mainland, or offshore company formation — and take advantage of one of the world’s most business-friendly environments.