UAE company formation: a checklist
The logical order for setting up a UAE company — activity, jurisdiction, structure, licence, visas, banking — and what to confirm at each step.
Most costly setup mistakes come from doing things out of order. This is the evergreen sequence we follow — a checklist to orient you before you start. Specific requirements vary by activity, jurisdiction, and current rules, so confirm details with the relevant authority.
1. Define the activity
Pin down exactly what the business will do. Activity drives the licence type and which jurisdictions are open to you — get this right and the rest follows.
2. Choose the jurisdiction
Mainland, free zone, or offshore — decided by your market access and residency needs. Mainland for local-market trade; free zone for foreign ownership and sector fit; offshore for international holding without a UAE presence.
3. Select the legal form and licence
Choose the structure (LLC, branch, holding company, SPV, offshore entity) and obtain the licence from the relevant authority. Confirm ownership conditions for your specific activity.
4. Plan visas, then banking
Arrange investor and employee residency where the structure allows, then open corporate banking with full UBO and KYC documentation prepared. Sequencing these correctly avoids rework.
This resource is general in nature and should be reviewed against current UAE requirements before action is taken. For your specific situation, a consultation is the most reliable next step.
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