Starting a business in the UAE is one of the smartest decisions entrepreneurs make today. The country offers a stable economy, investor-friendly laws, and a lifestyle that attracts global talent. But the real challenge begins when you try to understand the setup procedures, legal requirements, and countless approvals. This is where having the right guidance makes all the difference.
At BFGAdvisory, we work closely with new business owners every day, and we understand the common questions, confusions, and worries they have when starting their journey. Here’s a clear and practical guide on how to open a company in the UAE, without any unnecessary complications.
1. Choose the Right Business Activity
Everything starts with deciding what your company will do. The UAE has hundreds of approved activities — trading, consultancy, e-commerce, restaurants, contracting, real estate, and much more.
Your activity affects:
The license type
The approvals you’ll need
The business structure you can choose
Most entrepreneurs already have an idea, but checking whether the activity is allowed in your chosen jurisdiction is important. A quick discussion with a business advisor saves a lot of time here.
2. Select Mainland or Free Zone
This is one of the biggest decisions in the setup process.
Mainland (DED License)
Ideal for:
Businesses that want to operate anywhere in the UAE
Companies that want to work with government clients
Retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses
Free Zone
Perfect for:
100% ownership without local sponsor requirements
Low-cost startups
Import/export businesses
Entrepreneurs working remotely or internationally
Each free zone has its own rules, fees, and benefits, so choosing the right one is crucial.
3. Finalize a Trade Name
Your company name must follow UAE guidelines — no religious references, no offensive terms, and it must clearly reflect your business activity.
BFGAdvisory often handles this step for clients to avoid rejections or delays.
4. Apply for Initial Approval
This step confirms that the government has no objection to you starting the business. It’s a simple but mandatory requirement before moving to documentation and office selection.
5. Choose an Office Space or Flexi-Desk
Depending on your license type, you may need:
A physical office
A shared workspace
A flexi-desk (mainly in free zones)
Even though virtual offices are getting popular, not all activities qualify for them. This is where guidance becomes important.
6. Prepare the Legal Documents
You may need:
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Local service agent agreement (for specific licenses)
copyright copies
Visa pages
NOC if currently employed
Any missing detail can slow down the entire process, so document handling must be accurate.
7. Submit for Final License Issuance
Once all documents are in place and approvals are collected, the license is issued. This is the moment your company officially becomes legal in the UAE.
8. Apply for Visas & Corporate Bank Account
After receiving the trade license, you can open your:
Investor visa
Employee visas
Corporate bank account
Bank account opening can be time-consuming due to strict compliance checks, but with the right advisory, it becomes much smoother.
Why Entrepreneurs Prefer BFGAdvisory
Setting up a company in the UAE isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about choosing the right structure, avoiding unnecessary costs, and ensuring compliance from day one.
At BFGAdvisory, we:
Provide personalised guidance
Handle all documentation
Help select the right jurisdiction
Support visa processing
Assist with bank account opening
Most importantly, we take the stress out of the process so entrepreneurs can focus on growing their business, not chasing approvals.
Conclusion
Opening a company in the UAE is a rewarding move, whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced investor. With the right support, the process becomes smooth, predictable, and fully transparent.