Author
Miloslav Makovini
A Slovak attorney with more than 12 years of practice, an LL.M. graduate of Université Panthéon-Assas in Paris and a member of the Slovak Bar Association. Based in the UAE since 2016, he is the founder of INCORPORTAS and specialises in cross-border tax planning and corporate structures.
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Timeline for Setting Up a Company in Dubai
The entire company formation process in Dubai can be divided into three key phases:
Week 1 – Company formation:
- Completion of initial onboarding (personal data form)
- Copy of passport
- Ideally, an entry stamp from your last visit to the UAE (if applicable)
- Professional CV
- Passport-size photo
- Signing of incorporation documents
This stage can be completed remotely - your physical presence in the UAE is not required.
Week 2 – Visa Processing:
- Submission of your entry visa application
This step also does not require your physical presence in the UAE.
Week 3 – Finalisation:
- Your personal presence in Dubai
- Visa stamping and medical screening
- Application for bank account opening
By the end of the third week, you’ll have your visa issued.
Estimated Costs of Incorporation and Operation
When budgeting, consider the following recurring and one-time costs:
Annual Operating Costs:
- Government fees: €4,000 – €8,000
- Accounting: from €400/month
- Bank fees: from €50 – €200/month
- Corporate administration: €2,750/year from the second year onward
Estimated total annual cost: €12,150 – €16,500
Practical Aspects of Company Formation
When establishing a company in Dubai, it is essential to:
- Choose the right legal structure (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
- Accurately define the business activity
- Select the right bank for your business needs
- Prepare all required documents in advance
- Plan for your personal visit to obtain residency and Emirates ID
The system is highly streamlined - a “one-stop-shop” approach where all key steps are handled in a single location.
Residency Visa & Emirates ID
Company formation includes obtaining:
- Investor (residency) visa
- Emirates ID – a vital document for living and doing business in the UAE
- Optional family sponsorship for dependents
With your Emirates ID, you can:
- Register a local mobile number
- Open a UAE bank account
- Conduct all legal and commercial activities in the Emirates
Need Help Setting Up Your Company in Dubai?
Our experts will guide you through the entire process – from choosing the right business structure to opening your corporate bank account.
Reach out to us for a free initial consultation.
