1. Market analysis : Study the products or services you will offer, and understand the size of the demand, the competition, and the target customers.

2. Review the classification of activities : Review the list of activities approved by the competent authority (mainland or free zones) and select the appropriate main activity.

3. Adding related sub-activities : To increase the scope of services without the need to obtain multiple licenses.

4. Verify regulatory requirements : Check for necessary approvals or certifications (e.g., health, engineering, education, tourism).

5. Estimating costs associated with approvals : Include regulatory fees in the project budget.

6. Determine the operational form : such as a physical store, a virtual office, or an online store, and know what each option requires in terms of proof of headquarters and fees.

7. Consider scalability : Choose an activity that allows for development or the addition of future services without changing the entire license.

8. Prepare a brief description of the activity and a preliminary business plan : to clarify the idea and ensure its clarity when submitting the application.

1. Choose a name that reflects the business:  It should be appropriate to the company’s identity and the nature of its services or products.

2. Adherence to official standards : such as not using offensive or religious language or government references, and adding appropriate legal language.

3. Ensure the name is unique : it must not be used or similar to a previously registered trademark.

4. Prepare an alternative list of names : 3 to 5 names to increase the chances of acceptance.

5. Verify name availability electronically : via the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority platform.

6. Submitting a reservation request : Attach the required documents, such as a copy of your passport or ID, with the application form.

7. Payment of reservation fees : Pay the amount required to complete the process.

8. Take into account the reservation validity period , which is usually between 30 and 90 days, and complete the license within that period to avoid rebooking.

Obtaining preliminary approvals is a fundamental step before issuing a final commercial license in Dubai . It aims to ensure that the company’s activity and legal form are acceptable to the relevant authorities:

1. Determine the entity responsible for approval : the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the selected free zone authority.

2. Submitting a preliminary approval application : This includes business activity data, legal form, partners, and initial headquarters.

3. Attach the required documents : such as a copy of your passport or ID, trade name reservation, and application form.

4. Review of the activity by the relevant authorities : to verify its compliance with laws and regulations.

5. Obtaining special approvals when needed : such as approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for medical activities, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for education, Dubai Municipality for food or construction activities, Civil Defense for industrial activities, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for telecommunications activities.

6. Payment of the initial approval fee : Paid to the competent authority or through its electronic platforms.

7. Receiving the initial approval certificate : This is an official document that allows you to complete the remaining steps of establishing the company. It is usually valid for between 6 months and a year.

8. Commitment to the validity period. Complete the remaining procedures before the expiry date to avoid re-application.

1. Valid passport copy : for all partners, shareholders and managers.

2. A copy of the Emirates ID card : If the partner or manager is a resident of the country.

3. Proof of address : such as a utility bill or lease.

4. A copy of the trade name reservation issued by the competent authority.

5. A copy of the initial approval certificate : issued by the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority.

6. Articles of Association (MOA) or Partnership Agreement : Certified according to the legal form of the company.

7. Commercial premises lease contract (Ejari or equivalent) : registered and approved by the competent authority.

8. No Objection Letter (NOC) : If the partner or manager is a resident and works for another entity.

9. Additional activity-specific approvals : such as approvals from Dubai Municipality, the Health Authority, or Civil Defense.

10. Authentication and translation of foreign documents : If they were issued outside the country, they must be certified by the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

11. Minutes of a meeting or decision of the Board of Directors : for foreign companies or joint-stock companies.

Determining a business location and completing a lease is an important step in establishing a company, as the law requires a physical headquarters or registered office to issue a commercial license, as follows:

1. Determine the appropriate type of location for the activity : office, store, warehouse, or industrial space, depending on the nature of the business.

2. Selection of geographical location : on the mainland or in one of the free zones, in accordance with the target group and activity laws.

3. Ensure that the site complies with the requirements of the competent authorities , such as the required area, security and safety specifications, and municipal conditions.

4. Contract with the property owner or area management : after agreeing on the rental period and contract value.

5. Preparing the lease contract : in a format approved by the competent authority (such as the Dubai Ejari system or its equivalent in the free zones).

6. Officially document the contract : through Dubai Municipality or the Free Zone Authority to register it in the official records.

7. Obtain a certified copy of the contract to use in submitting the commercial license application.

8. Preparing basic facilities : such as electricity, water, communications, and internet services, before starting operation.

9. Keep your lease and utility bills as official proof of your company’s location upon request from regulatory authorities.

1. Review the final fee statement issued by the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority to ensure that all items are included.

2. Verify the validity of the attached documents : such as the lease contract, special approvals, and ID or passport.

3. Payment of the required fees : which include license issuance fees, activity fees, trade name fees, and any additional approvals.

4. Choose the appropriate payment method : cash, bank card, or via government electronic platforms.

5. Receive a payment receipt : as official proof of completion of the transaction.

6. Issuance of a commercial license : after verifying that all requirements have been completed.

7. Receive a paper or electronic copy of the license : which contains data on the activity, partners, and registered location.

8. Keep copies of the license and receipt for use in opening a bank account, contracting, and other government procedures.