Starting a Business in the UAE: Simple Registration & License Guide for 2025

Starting a Business in the UAE: Simple Registration & License Guide

The UAE offers one of the easiest environments in the region to start a business-as long as you know the steps. This quick guide covers only the registration and licensing process, with direct links to official portals so you can begin your application immediately.

1. Choose Where You Want to Register

The first decision is whether your business will be set up in a free zone or on the mainland.

Free Zone

Best for: E-commerce, consulting, services, trading, and new startups.

Benefits include 100% foreign ownership and simpler setup.

Mainland (DED)

Ideal for: Retail shops, salons, restaurants, construction, or businesses needing to serve the local UAE market.

Apply through the economic department of your emirate:

• Dubai- https://invest.dubai.ae

• Abu Dhabi- https://www.adbc.gov.ae

• Sharjah- https://sedd.ae

2. Choose Your Business Activity

Your activity decides what type of license you’ll receive.

Browse approved activity lists here:

• Dubai- https://ded.ae/Services/BusinessActivites

• Abu Dhabi- https://www.adbc.gov.ae/business-activities

3. Register Your Trade Name

Pick a name that meets UAE naming guidelines and is available for registration.

Check availability and register through:

• Dubai- https://invest.dubai.ae

• Abu Dhabi- https://www.adbc.gov.ae

• Sharjah- https://sedd.ae

4. Apply for Initial Approval

This confirms that the authorities allow you to proceed with setting up your company.

Apply online through your chosen DED or free zone portal.

Approval usually takes 1–3 working days.

5. Secure Office Space or Workspace

Requirements depend on your setup:

• Mainland companies usually need a physical office or Ejari (Dubai)- https://ejari.gov.ae

• Free zones often offer flexi-desks or co-working spaces

6. Submit Final Documents & Pay Fees

Typical documents include:

• Passport copy

• Visa copy

• Initial approval

• Trade name certificate

• Lease or workspace details

Submit everything through the same portal you used earlier (Invest Dubai, ADBC, SEDD, or your free zone platform).

7. Receive Your Trade License

After approval, your trade license is issued digitally.

Processing time is usually 1–3 days, and the license is valid for one year.

Once you have the license, your business is officially registered and ready to operate.

Quick Summary

1. Decide between free zone or mainland

2. Select your activity

3. Reserve your trade name

4. Apply for initial approval

5. Arrange office space

6. Submit final documents

7. Receive your trade license

After Registration: Build Your Brand & Grow

Once your business is licensed, the next step is getting customers and that’s where Man Made Marketing supports new UAE businesses.

We help you with:

• Brand identity and website creation

• Local SEO to appear on Google

• Social media strategy and content

• Lead generation campaigns

If you're launching a new company in the UAE and want to grow faster, we’re here to help.

Book a free consultation with Man Made Marketing and let’s build your business the right way.