How to Register an Indian Company in Dubai

To register an Indian company in Dubai you’ll need a UAE local partner (51% share), or now there is option with ownership. choose your business activity and trade name, secure an office tenancy (Ejari), sign a Local Service Agent agreement and Memorandum of Association, apply for your DED trade license, and then open your corporate bank account.

1. Choose Your Business Activity

• How it matters: Defines your legal structure, required approvals and future scope.

• Options: Sole Proprietorship or Limited Liability Company (LLC) on the mainland.

• Tip: Review the DED’s activity list to ensure your core services (e.g., import/export, consulting, IT) are covered.

2. Register a Unique Trade Name

• Guidelines:

  • No profanity or religious references

  • Reflects your brand and activity

  • Not already in use by another UAE company

• Process: Reserve online via the DED portal or at a Tasheel service centre.

3. Secure Your Office & Ejari

• Location factors: Accessibility, proximity to clients, Free Zone vs Mainland benefits

• Ejari: Register your tenancy contract under the Ejari system to validate your license application.

4. Sign Local Service Agent Agreement & MoA

• Local Service Agent (LSA): An Emirati national who holds 51% share but takes no management role; fixed annual fee.

• Memorandum of Association (MoA): Outlines shareholding, capital, and governance—drafted and notarized by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

5. Apply for Your Trade License

• Mainland (DED): Submit your application, MoA, Ejari and passport copies to the Department of Economic Development.

• Free Zone alternative: If you prefer 100% ownership with simplified visas, apply through your chosen Free Zone authority.

• External approvals: Certain activities (e.g., healthcare, education) require additional clearance from relevant UAE agencies.

6. Open Your Corporate Bank Account

• When: After license issuance

• Documents needed: Trade license, MoA, Ejari, passport copies, board resolution (for LLCs)

• Banks: Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, Standard Chartered—each with tailored SME packages.

Documents Checklist

• Indian passport copies & visa pages

• Recent passport‑size photographs

• Local Service Agent’s Emirates ID copy

• Notarized LSA agreement and MoA

• Ejari tenancy contract

• DED license application form

• Any required external approvals (e.g., Municipality, RTA)

Why Indian Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai

• Tax Efficiency: Zero personal and corporate income tax on mainland revenues.

• Strategic Location: Gateway between Asia, Europe and Africa.

• Ease of Doing Business: Quick license turnaround—often within 5–7 days.

• Free Zone Benefits: 100% ownership, simplified visas and repatriation of capital.

How CIG Dubai Simplifies Your Setup

With over 16 years of experience, CIG Business Setup offers end‑to‑end support:

• Activity selection & license processing in mainland and 30+ Free Zones

• PRO services, document attestation and government liaison

• Office sourcing, Ejari registration and bank account introductions

• Investor and employee visa processing