Is it easy to set up a business in Dubai?

Yes, setting up a business in Dubai is straightforward — and with DMCC, the entire process is 100% digital, meaning you can set up your company remotely from anywhere in the world. There's no need to be physically present, making it one of the most accessible free zones for international entrepreneurs and businesses.

What are the steps to set up a business in DMCC?

The setup process is fully online and can be completed remotely in three steps: submit your application, pay, and e-sign your documents via a video call, then choose your office solution. If you opt for a flexi-desk, your company is licensed at Step 2 — no physical office visit required. DMCC provides comprehensive support at every stage, whether you're applying from Dubai or overseas.

How long does it take to set up a business in DMCC?

Setting up a business in DMCC typically takes 2–3 weeks, and the entire process is 100% digital.

How much of the DMCC company setup cost is for the business licence?

The business licence is a significant part of the overall cost, typically ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year. The exact amount depends on whether you choose a Trading, Service, or Industrial licence, which directly impacts your total initial investment.

Can I get a visa for my employees through DMCC?

Yes, DMCC provides visa services for business owners and their employees. The number of visas you can apply for depends on the size of your office space and the type of business licence.

Are there any specific legal requirements for setting up a business in DMCC?

Yes, businesses must comply with UAE laws and DMCC regulations, which include obtaining necessary approvals, meeting share capital requirements, and adhering to specific business activity guidelines.

Can I set up a DMCC company without being in Dubai?

Yes. DMCC offers a streamlined digital company setup process, allowing applicants to submit their online pre-approval application, upload required documents, and complete payment and document signing online. Once the setup process is completed, your trade licence is issued electronically (E-license) within 2-3 working days. All DMCC companies must also have a registered office address within DMCC, which can be fulfilled through office solutions such as a flexi-desk, serviced office, or dedicated workspace.

Can I operate my DMCC business remotely?

Many DMCC companies manage their business operations remotely once the company has been established. However, if you apply for a UAE residence visa through your DMCC company, you will need to visit the UAE to complete required steps such as the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometric registration. After these requirements are completed, many business activities can be managed remotely depending on the nature of the company.

Documents Required to Set Up a Dubai Company Remotely: A Checklist

Key takeaways

The documents required for company setup in Dubai depend on the ownership structure, business activity and where each document was issued.
Individual shareholders must provide standard identity and address documents, and most need no attestation.
A company with a corporate shareholding structure must provide more extensive documents, covering the parent company's registration, shareholders and authorised signatories, and a UBO declaration naming its ultimate owners. All of them must be notarised.
An apostille alone does not replace UAE legalisation and attestation requirements where these apply, as the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
If a shareholder or officer grants signing powers to another person, an attested power of attorney (POA) may be required.
Incomplete, inconsistent or out-of-date documentation can lead to follow-up requests and extend the application timeline.

Document requirements for setting up a Dubai company remotely vary based on the ownership structure, business activities and where the documents were issued. This guide covers the requirements for individual and corporate owners, how to sign documents from abroad, which steps require an in-person visit and what to check before submitting an application.

Remote vs in-person: when do you need to be in the UAE?

A company can be formed and licensed fully remotely. You may only need to visit later to process the UAE residence visa and open a corporate bank account. DMCC's company registration process takes around 7 to 10 working days, though this may vary if documents are incomplete or regulated activities need approval. Once licensed, the company may operate with a limited physical presence, depending on its activity and workspace, as long as it meets licensing, tax, and compliance requirements.

Stage	Remote?	How it works
Company application	Yes	Apply and upload documents in the DMCC Business Setup Wizard, make payment and sign company documents online.
Licence issuance	Yes	DMCC issues the licence electronically.
UAE residence visa	Not fully	Medical fitness procedures and Emirates ID biometrics require the applicant to be physically present in the UAE.
Document legalisation	Depends on the document	Complete authentication and attestation via relevant authorities in the issuing country, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Corporate bank account	Depends on the bank	Banks apply their own onboarding and KYC requirements, and an in-person visit may be required.

DMCC confirms that its company registration process can be completed remotely, while banking and immigration procedures remain subject to the requirements of the relevant third parties.

Documents to provide as an individual shareholder

Individual shareholders, such as founders or owners, need to provide only a few core documents, including standard identity and address documents. Most of these need no attestation.

Depending on the proposed business activity, DMCC may also request further information, such as a business plan or supporting business information.

Document checklist for individual shareholders
Document	What to prepare	Attestation
Passport copy	A clear copy of the passport, valid for at least six months.	Not required
Proof of residential address	A utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.	Not required
Application form	The completed online application, including the proposed company name and intended business activities.	Not required
UAE residence documents	A copy of the UAE residence visa and Emirates ID if the applicant is already a UAE resident.	Not required
Supporting business information	A business plan or other supporting information if requested for the proposed activity.	Usually not required
Educational or professional certificates	Required only for business activities that need evidence of qualifications.	Foreign-issued certificates may require attestation
Power of attorney (POA)	Required only when a representative is authorised to sign, submit or collect documents on the applicant's behalf.	A POA signed outside the UAE may require notarisation, legalisation and UAE attestation

Documents to provide as a corporate shareholder

A company with a corporate shareholding structure looking to set up in Dubai must provide a more extensive list of documents than an individual shareholder or a founder. The required documents mainly confirm that the parent-company is legally registered, provide details of the parent-company and its shareholders, and identify who is authorised to sign for the new entity. The application must also include a UBO declaration identifying the individuals who ultimately own or control the company.

Foreign-issued documents usually need to be notarised and attested to be accepted in the UAE. They must also be in Arabic or English, or come with a legally certified translation. An apostille is not accepted in place of full attestation, as the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Precise attestation requirements depend on the document and the country of issue.

Documents checklist for corporate shareholders
Document	What to prepare	Attestation
Certificate of incorporation	The document confirming that the corporate shareholder is legally registered.	Required
Memorandum and articles of association	The corporate shareholder's constitutional documents or their equivalent.	Required
Shareholding structure	A current record showing the company's shareholders and ownership structure.	Required
UBO declaration	A completed UBO declaration and supporting information identifying the individuals who ultimately own or control the company.	Not required
Valid trade licence	A copy of the corporate shareholder's current trade or business licence.	Required
Supporting business information	The proposed company name, intended business activities, office lease or property documents and, where required, a bank reference or evidence of a capital deposit.	Not required
Parent-company documents	Any relevant documents showing the relationship between the corporate shareholder and its parent or group companies.	Required
Board resolution	A resolution approving the establishment of the UAE entity and authorising the designated signatory, where required.	Required
Register of directors or certificate of incumbency	Current information confirming the company's directors and authorised officers, where applicable.	Required
Identification documents	Passports, visas where applicable, photographs and proof of address for the relevant shareholders, directors, authorised signatories and general manager, as required.	Not required

Signing documents without being in Dubai

Company documents can be signed electronically through DMCC's digital setup process, so applicants do not need to travel to Dubai solely to sign formation documents. DMCC verifies authorised company signatories by video call and sends the relevant company documents through DocuSign for electronic signature.

Where a shareholder or officer grants signing powers to another person, the relevant POA must meet DMCC's applicable attestation requirements.

Checks to make before submitting your application

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can lead to follow-up requests and extend the application timeline. Before submitting, check the following:

Document quality: Make sure scans are complete and readable.
Consistent personal details: Check that names and other details are consistent across documents.
Document validity: Make sure proof of address and corporate documents fall within applicable validity periods.
Attestation: Complete any required notarisation and attestation before the relevant stage.
Business activity information: Make sure the proposed activity is correctly selected and provide any required supporting information or third-party approval.
Trade name: Check the proposed name against DMCC's naming requirements.
Corporate resolutions: Make sure required corporate approvals and authorised signatories are correctly recorded.
POA: If one is being used, make sure it meets the applicable DMCC requirements.

Start your business setup remotely

A company in Dubai can be set up remotely once the right documents are in order. Checking your documents early and allowing sufficient time for any required attestation can help reduce avoidable follow-up during the application process. Start your application with the DMCC Business Setup Wizard, and our team will guide you through each step.

Frequently asked questions

Individual shareholders provide a passport copy and proof of address, and these usually need no attestation. A company with a corporate shareholding structure must also provide attested parent company documents, such as its certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, trade licence, and a completed application form with a UBO declaration.
The core documents are the same for most activities. Certain activities may also require additional documents or third-party approval from the relevant authority, which can affect the timeline.
No. A company can be formed and licensed without a UAE residence visa or an Emirates ID. Copies of UAE residence documents are required, where applicable, if the applicant is already a UAE resident.
Yes. You can sign company formation documents from outside the UAE. You upload them online and sign them digitally through the DMCC Member Portal. You may only need to visit later to process a UAE residence visa or open a corporate bank account once the company is set up.
An apostille alone does not replace the UAE legalisation and attestation process where attestation is required. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Most standard individual shareholder documents, such as a passport copy and proof of residential address, do not themselves require attestation under DMCC's current individual setup requirements.
Usually, the parent company's certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, shareholding structure, trade licence, parent or group company documents, board resolution, and register of directors or certificate of incumbency. Identification documents and supporting business information usually do not require attestation. Precise requirements depend on the document and the country of issue.
It depends on the document, country of issue and attestation route. MOFA states that outside-UAE attestation through its service-provider route may take up to 15 business days. Inside the UAE, eligible digital attestation can be completed within two hours during official working hours, while service-provider attestation generally takes one to three business days. Any required notarisation or legalisation in the country of issue takes additional time.
It depends on the bank. DMCC notes that UAE banks typically require applicants to be present before finalising a business account, although requirements vary by bank. Account opening remains subject to the bank's own due diligence and approval.