- 14+years in UAE company formation
- 500+businesses set up
- 1named adviser from call to licence
- Itemisedwritten quote before you pay
What can be done remotely, and what cannot
Get a written quoteRegistration of the company itself is generally accessible without travelling to the UAE: IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC and several other free zones accept digital applications and e-signatures. Residence visas are different: the medical test and biometrics are taken in the UAE. Banks decide for themselves whether a founder must attend; some accept remote onboarding for certain profiles, others ask for a meeting.
Documents non-residents usually need
Requirements differ by free zone and by shareholder type. The list below is the typical starting point; we confirm the exact checklist with the zone before you pay any fee.
| Document | Individual shareholder | Corporate shareholder |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | Valid for at least 6 months | For each director and authorised signatory |
| Proof of address | Utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months | Registered address of the company |
| Incorporation documents | Not applicable | Certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution |
| Legalisation | Only if the zone asks for certified copies | Attested or legalised according to the issuing country and the zone |
| Photo and CV | Some zones ask for them | Some zones ask for them |
Documents issued outside the UAE may need notarisation and legalisation. Whether an apostille is enough or embassy attestation is required depends on the issuing country, so check before you order copies.
Not sure which route fits your activity?
Send your activity and get a written recommendation with costs, itemised.
How long does it take?
Get a written quoteThe company registration itself can be quick once documents are accepted: DMCC, for example, describes about 7 to 10 working days for registration. Document attestation in your home country is often the slowest part: DMCC cites up to 15 business days, while Meydan says the full legalisation chain can take 4 to 8 weeks. Plan for the longer figure if your country requires several attestation steps.
Steps to open a company in Dubai from abroad
Get a written quote- Tell us your activity, your nationality, where your customers are and how many visas you need.
- We recommend two or three free zones and give an itemised written quote.
- Reserve the trade name and agree the activity list with the zone.
- Prepare and legalise your documents.
- Sign the application online and pay the zone fees.
- Receive the licence, then arrange the visa, medical test and Emirates ID on your UAE visit.
- Open the corporate bank account. Approval is the bank's decision.
Which structure suits remote founders?
Get a written quoteA free zone company is the usual choice for non-residents who serve clients abroad. If you need to sell inside the UAE market, compare it with a mainland licence first. Start with the free zones list, the Dubai free zone guide or the mainland guide.
Want the real number for your case?
We reply with an itemised quote: government fees, our fee and renewals shown separately.
Can a foreigner open a company in Dubai without visiting?
Often yes for the company registration itself, because many free zones accept online applications. You will still need to visit the UAE for the residence visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and some banks ask for a meeting.
Do I need a UAE residence visa to own a company?
No. You can own a free zone company without residing in the UAE. A residence visa is only needed if you want to live in the UAE or work from your company's office.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the zone, licence, visas and office type. See the cost guide for indicative first-year ranges, then ask for a written quote for your case.
Can I open a UAE bank account from abroad?
It depends on the bank and your profile. Some banks onboard non-residents remotely; others require a visit. We prepare the application and introduce suitable banks, but approval is the bank's decision.
Do my home-country documents need attestation?
Corporate shareholders usually need attested or legalised incorporation documents. Individuals often need only a passport and proof of address, unless the zone asks for certified copies.
Shareholder Agreement UAE: Why Every Multi-Founder Business Needs OneRead the guide 
Single Person Company (SPC) UAE: Complete Guide for Solo EntrepreneursRead the guide 
Corporate Bank Account Opening in Dubai: Requirements, Documents, Banks and ProcessRead the guide 
How to Get an NFT License in DubaiRead the guide Official sources
Check current fees, rules and forms with the issuing authority before you apply. Each link opens the authority’s own website.
Compare other routes and services
Not sure which structure fits? Get a written recommendation before you pay a fee.
Tell us your activity, partners and where your customers are. A consultant replies with the route, the costs and the documents, itemised.