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Setting up a business in Dubai costs between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000+, depending on your chosen jurisdiction, licence type, and visa requirements. If you are planning a UAE mainland company formation or a free zone structure, knowing the full cost breakdown upfront will save you from expensive surprises. Most online guides quote only the trade licence fee. The real number includes government approvals, notarisation, office space, and visa processing, all of which add significantly to your total investment. This guide gives you accurate, itemised 2026 figures so you can plan with confidence. How Much Does Business Setup in Dubai Cost? Business setup in Dubai typically costs between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000 for most SMEs, depending on jurisdiction and activity type. A free zone licence starts from around AED 12,000 per year. In contrast, a Dubai mainland trade licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) averages AED 20,000 to AED 35,000, including government fees. Visa costs, office space, and professional service fees are additional. Most investors budget AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 all-in for a single-shareholder setup with one visa. Trade Licence Fees: Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore The trade licence is the single largest upfront cost when setting up a business in Dubai. However, the fee varies considerably depending on whether you choose a mainland, free zone, or offshore structure. Dubai Mainland Licence (DET) The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues mainland trade licences in Dubai. Licence fees depend on your business activity and legal structure. For a sole establishment or a limited liability company (LLC), the base licence fee typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 per year. Additional approval fees from sector regulators such as the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, or the Roads and Transport Authority can add AED 2,000 to AED 10,000, depending on your activity. Free Zone Licence Dubai has over 30 free zones, each with its own authority and fee structure. Entry-level packages typically include a flexi-desk and one licence, starting from around AED 12,000 per year at zones such as Meydan Free Zone and IFZA. More established free zones like DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and DIFC start from AED 18,000 to AED 25,000 per year for the licence alone. You can explore the full breakdown of free zone company formation in Dubai to compare which jurisdiction matches your activity. Offshore Licence Offshore companies registered through Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) are primarily used for holding, asset protection, and international trading. Offshore registration fees start from approximately AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, but offshore companies cannot operate directly within the UAE or sponsor employee visas. What Other Costs Are Involved Beyond the Licence? A common budgeting mistake is treating the licence fee as the total cost. In practice, the trade licence fee covers only the authorisation to operate. Several mandatory and practical costs sit alongside it. Name Reservation DET charges a name reservation fee of approximately AED 620 to AED 2,000, depending on whether the name is purely alphanumeric or includes a personal name. Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting and Notarisation For mainland LLCs, the MOA must be drafted, translated, and attested. Legal drafting and notarisation costs typically range from AED 1,500 to AED 3,500, depending on the number of shareholders and complexity. Office Space or Flexi-Desk A physical or virtual office address is mandatory for most licences. Options include: Flexi-desk (hot-desk access): AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per year Shared office space: AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 per year Dedicated office: AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ per year, depending on location Professional Service Fees Most investors work with a registered company formation agent or PRO (Public Relations Officer) service. Professional service fees for end-to-end company formation typically range from AED 4,000 to AED 12,000, covering documentation, government submission, and liaison with authorities. Initial Approval and External Approvals Certain regulated activities, such as healthcare, education, food and beverage, and financial services, require external approvals before DET or a free zone authority issues the licence. These approval fees range widely from AED 1,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the regulator. How Much Does a Mainland Company Setup Cost in Dubai? Mainland companies are licensed directly by the DET and allow unrestricted trading within the UAE market without requiring a local distributor. For foreign investors, Dubai mainland company setup remains the preferred route for businesses targeting UAE-based customers. Here is a realistic all-in cost estimate for a single-shareholder mainland LLC with one investor visa in 2026: Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown: Initial Approval (DET): AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 Trade Name Reservation: AED 620 to AED 2,000 MOA Drafting and Notarisation: AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 Trade Licence Fee (annual): AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 Office Address (flexi-desk or shared): AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 Investor Visa Application: AED 3,500 to AED 5,500 Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID: AED 800 to AED 1,200 Professional/PRO Service Fee: AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 Total Estimated Range: AED 22,420 to AED 45,200 Most straightforward mainland setups in Dubai fall in the AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 range when working with a competent formation agent. The spread above accounts for activity type, number of shareholders, and office tier. Note: Regulated activities such as healthcare, real estate brokerage, or financial advisory require additional approvals and may push the cost above AED 50,000. Free Zone Business Setup Costs in Dubai (2026) Dubai’s free zones attract foreign investors largely because of the 100% foreign ownership, streamlined registration, and in-zone tax incentives. Costs vary significantly between zones based on facilities, prestige, and target industry. Low-Cost Free Zones (AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 per year) Zones such as Meydan Free Zone, IFZA, and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer entry-level packages competitive for consultants, freelancers, and digital businesses. An IFZA package including one licence activity, a flexi-desk, and one visa allocation can be secured from approximately AED 12,900 per year. Mid-Tier Free Zones (AED 18,000 to AED 35,000 per

If you are setting up a business in the UAE, you will almost certainly hear the term “PRO,”  but many founders are unsure what this role actually involves. A PRO, or Public Relations Officer, is a licensed government liaison who handles the official paperwork and regulatory processes that every UAE business must complete to operate legally. Without a PRO, routine tasks like employee visa stamping, trade licence renewals, and MOHRE registrations can stall for weeks. For foreign investors and entrepreneurs managing UAE mainland company formation, understanding the PRO’s role early saves time, money, and compliance risk. What Is a PRO in the UAE? A PRO  Public Relations Officer is an authorised representative who acts as the official interface between a business and the AE government bodies. The role exists because the UAE’s regulatory framework requires companies to interact with multiple government entities, often in Arabic, across different portals and physical offices. The PRO holds a company’s power of attorney documents and is authorised to submit applications, collect approved documents, and represent the business in routine government matters. This is not an administrative assistant role; it is a compliance-critical function that requires knowledge of current UAE labour law, immigration rules, and licensing requirements. In practical terms, a PRO does the following for your business: processes new employee residence visas from entry permit to Emirates ID, renews trade licences before expiry, registers employment contracts with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and handles any changes to company structure that require government approval. For startups and SMEs, hiring a dedicated in-house PRO on a full-time basis is often unnecessary and expensive. Many businesses instead use professional PRO services in the UAE to access the same expertise on a per-transaction or annual retainer basis. The PRO role is particularly important during the company’s first year. New businesses face the highest volume of government transactions, including initial approvals, establishment cards, employee registrations, and office lease attestations, all of which happen within a short window. A competent PRO keeps this process moving. What Are the Core Responsibilities of a PRO in Dubai?  The responsibilities of a PRO in Dubai cover every point where a business interacts with a government authority. Below is a structured breakdown of the main duties. Visa and Immigration Processing The PRO manages the complete visa lifecycle for employees and their dependents. This begins with applying for an entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once the employee arrives in the UAE, the PRO arranges the medical fitness test, biometrics registration, and the Emirates ID application through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Residence visa stamping in the passport, along with the issuance of the UAE ID card, takes approximately 2 to 5 working days after all approvals are granted. The PRO tracks these deadlines and ensures no employee overstays on a visit or temporary entry permit. Labour and MOHRE Compliance Every employment contract in the UAE must be registered with MOHRE. The PRO submits the Wage Protection System (WPS) registration, files new hire contracts, processes NOC letters, and handles contract amendments. Failing to register contracts correctly exposes a company to fines starting at AED 1,000 per violation. The PRO also manages the Establishment Card, the company-level document issued by MOHRE that authorises the business to sponsor employees. Renewals typically take place annually and require updated trade licence documents. Trade Licence Renewal and Amendment A UAE trade licence must be renewed every year. The PRO collects the necessary documents, tenancy contract, shareholder approvals, NOCs where applicable, and submits the renewal application to the DED (for mainland companies) or the relevant free zone authority. Late renewals attract fines and can freeze the company’s ability to process employee visas. The PRO also handles mid-year amendments such as adding new business activities, changing the legal address, or updating shareholder information. Attestation and Notarisation Educational certificates, marriage certificates, and corporate documents often require attestation before they are accepted by UAE authorities. The PRO coordinates this process across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), notary publics, and, where needed, consulates of the employee’s home country. Government Portal Submissions Much of the UAE’s government system has moved online. MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, and DED all operate digital portals. A PRO maintains active access to these portals on behalf of the company and knows how to navigate technical errors, document upload requirements, and approval queues that the average business owner would find difficult to manage. What Government Departments Does a PRO Deal With? A PRO in Dubai regularly works with the following UAE government authorities: Department Full Name Main PRO Tasks DED Department of Economy and Tourism Trade licence issuance, renewal, and amendments MOHRE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation Labour contracts, WPS, Establishment Card GDRFA General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Residence visas, entry permits, and visa cancellations ICP Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security Emirates ID applications, biometrics MOFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs Document attestation Municipality Dubai Municipality / Abu Dhabi Municipality Tenancy Ejari, business premises approvals Free zone companies have a slightly different process. Their PRO primarily works with the free zone authority (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA) for internal approvals, but still needs to engage GDRFA and ICP for visa and ID processing. For businesses operating in free zone company formation in Dubai, the free zone authority handles licensing, but visa-related processes still require coordination with federal immigration bodies. In-House PRO vs Outsourced PRO Services: Which Is Better? This is a practical question every growing UAE business faces. The right answer depends on transaction volume, headcount, and budget. In-House PRO An in-house PRO is a full-time salaried employee who works exclusively for your company. This option makes sense when you have a large workforce, typically 30 or more employees, where the volume of visa transactions, contract registrations, and renewals justifies a dedicated resource. The cost of an in-house PRO in Dubai ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per month in

Yes, you can. And no, it is not a gimmick. Dubai now offers two legitimate fast-track licensing routes that let entrepreneurs get a fully legal business license in as little as 5 to 60 minutes. One comes from the government’s own Department of Economy and Tourism. The other comes from Meydan Free Zone. Both are real. Both are compliant. Both give you 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. This blog post breaks down exactly how instant license Dubai works, what the 5-minute claim actually means, which route suits your business, and what happens after you get licensed. What Is an Instant License in Dubai? An instant license is a trade license that is issued digitally, on the same day you apply, without requiring a physical office lease, lengthy paperwork review, or days of waiting. The technology behind it connects your application directly to government approval systems, processes your details automatically for eligible business activities, and issues your license document the moment payment clears. Dubai operates two distinct instant license products in 2026: The DET Instant License is a mainland trade license issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. It is processed through the Invest in Dubai portal using UAE Pass authentication. For eligible activities, the license is issued within 5 to 15 minutes of payment. The Meydan Fawri License is a Free Zone LLC license issued by Meydan Free Zone. It is fully digital, requires no office, no NOC, and no physical documentation. The license is issued in under 60 minutes. These are two different products serving two different business needs. Understanding which one is right for you is the most important decision you will make in this process. The DET Instant License: Dubai’s 5-Minute Mainland Trade License What Is the DET Instant License? The Dubai Instant License is an initiative by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that allows entrepreneurs to issue a commercial or professional license in a single step without the immediate need for a physical office or an Ejari contract. It is a mainland license, meaning it gives you full access to the UAE domestic market from day one. How Fast Is It Really? For a single-owner application with all documents ready and an eligible activity, the license is typically issued in 5 to 15 minutes after payment. The 5-minute headline is accurate for straightforward applications. More complex setups, or those that need additional document checks, may take slightly longer, but the process still completes on the same day. Who Can Apply for a DET Instant License? The DET Instant License works for most standard commercial and professional activities. For activities not on the eligible list, DET routes the application through its standard workflow, which still benefits from the digital infrastructure but typically takes 2 to 5 working days, not minutes. This is where many first-time founders are caught out: they read “5-minute trade license” headlines and do not realise their planned activity falls outside the instant track. In 2026, the commercial vertical is deeply integrated with automated government platforms, allowing for the immediate generation of an Instant License across more than 500 pre-approved trading activities without requiring upfront physical office space for the initial year. Activities that typically fall outside the instant track include healthcare, financial services, education, and anything requiring external ministry approvals. How to Apply for a DET Instant License Step by Step Log in to Invest in Dubai using UAE Pass, which is the unified federal digital identity and is now mandatory for almost all government transactions. Select “Establish a Company” then “Instant License” from the dashboard. The system prompts you to choose your legal form: typically Sole Establishment, LLC, or Civil Company. Choose your business activity from the searchable database. After selecting your activity and legal form, upload your passport copy, pay the government license fee, and receive your digital license by email. DET Instant License Costs Available for AED 5,000 to 18,000, this streamlined process allows eligible entrepreneurs to obtain their commercial license in just 5 to 10 minutes, complete with virtual office address, chamber membership, and banking options, making it perfect for testing the market without physical office commitments. The exact fee depends on your business activity type and the number of activities you want to include on your license. Government charges, Dubai Chamber membership, and visa processing fees remain payable on top of the base license cost. DET Instant License: Key Facts Feature Detail Issuing Authority Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) License Type Mainland trade license Processing Time 5 to 15 minutes for eligible activities Office Requirement No physical office needed in year one Foreign Ownership 100% for most activities Market Access Full UAE mainland market Starting Cost From AED 5,000 Application Portal investin.dubai (UAE Pass required) The Meydan Fawri License: Dubai’s 60-Minute Free Zone LLC What Is the Meydan Fawri License? Meydan Free Zone has officially launched Fawri, a groundbreaking service that enables entrepreneurs to obtain a complete business license in just 60 minutes. This innovative platform redefines the speed and simplicity of company formation in Dubai, empowering founders to launch their businesses with unprecedented efficiency. Fawri is a fully digital, all-in-one licensing solution designed specifically for solo entrepreneurs. With a seamless application process, eligible individuals can receive all core legal documents, including the business license, certificate of formation, share register, memorandum and articles of association, and lease agreement, within the same hour. What Makes Fawri Different From a Standard Free Zone License? The Fawri License offers solopreneurs a highly efficient and expedited licensing process. With minimal paperwork and rapid approvals, entrepreneurs can establish their business presence in Dubai swiftly, avoiding lengthy bureaucratic delays. The license covers a broad spectrum of permitted activities, including consultancy, professional services, and e-commerce, allowing solopreneurs to operate within diverse sectors. Fawri is Meydan Free Zone’s instant trade license, a fully registered Dubai LLC, issued entirely online in under 60 minutes. 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor, and no office required. Who Is Fawri Built

Getting a UAE Free Zone license is one of the fastest company registration processes in the world. But the honest answer to “how long does it take to get a UAE Free Zone license?” is this: it depends on which Free Zone you choose, how ready your documents are, and whether your business activity needs any extra approvals. For most investors, the license is in hand within 3 to 7 working days. Some Free Zones go faster. A few take a little longer. This blog post breaks it all down so you can plan with confidence. The Short Answer: UAE Free Zone License Timeline at a Glance Before going into the details, here is a quick overview of the timelines you can realistically expect: Setup Speed Timeline What It Typically Covers Express / Same-Day 1 hour to 1 working day Meydan Fawri, select northern emirate zones Fast-Track 1 to 3 working days IFZA, SHAMS, Ajman Free Zone, UAQ FTZ Standard 3 to 7 working days Most Dubai and Abu Dhabi Free Zones Extended 7 to 15 working days Sectors needing external government approvals The 3 to 7 working day window covers the large majority of applications. If your documents are clean, your business activity is straightforward, and you use a professional setup service, there is no reason to fall outside that window. What Is a UAE Free Zone License and Why Does It Take This Long? A UAE Free Zone license is an official permit issued by a Free Zone Authority that allows your company to operate legally under a specific set of business activities. It defines your company name, ownership structure, and the type of trading or service activities you are licensed to carry out. The reason the timeline varies across Free Zones comes down to three main factors: Factor 1: Whether the Free Zone Does Its Own Approvals Some Free Zones, particularly in the northern emirates, have internal approval systems. They issue your license directly without needing a sign-off from external government bodies. This is why zones like Ajman Free Zone and UAQ FTZ can register a company within one to two working days. Free Zones that require immigration pre-approval, such as RAKEZ, add a step that typically takes an additional two to three days. This is not a drawback. It is part of their process for ensuring visa quotas are properly managed. Factor 2: Your Business Activity Type Standard commercial, consulting, and trading activities process faster than regulated sectors. Healthcare, education, financial services, and media businesses often require approvals from a relevant UAE ministry or regulatory body before a license can be issued. These approvals can extend your timeline to 10 to 15 working days, occasionally more for complex applications. Factor 3: Document Readiness This is the most controllable factor. Incomplete applications, missing passport copies, unclear business plans, or incorrect forms are the single biggest cause of delays. Investors who submit clean, complete documentation from day one consistently receive their licenses at the faster end of the timeline. UAE Free Zone License Timelines by Zone: A Detailed Comparison Understanding how individual Free Zones compare helps you make the right choice based on your deadlines and budget. Dubai Free Zones Dubai is home to over 40 Free Zones, each with its own regulatory body, cost structure, and processing timeline. IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of the fastest options in Dubai. Standard applications are processed in 3 to 5 working days, and the zone has the capability to issue a license within 24 hours for straightforward applications with complete documents. IFZA is a popular choice for startups, SMEs, and consultancies looking for a Dubai address at competitive cost. Meydan Free Zone is currently the fastest setup option in the UAE by a significant margin. The Meydan Fawri service issues licenses in under one hour for eligible applicants. Standard setups complete in 1 to 3 working days. The zone supports over 2,500 business activities, making it highly flexible for multi-activity businesses. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the world’s top-ranked Free Zone by the Financial Times fDi Magazine. The standard DMCC setup takes 7 to 10 working days due to the more comprehensive review process. This is worth it for businesses in commodities, trading, finance, and sectors where the DMCC brand name carries institutional credibility. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) are premium zones with structured approval processes. These typically take 10 to 15 working days and are best suited for financial services, aviation, and logistics businesses that specifically require access to these ecosystems. JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and import-export businesses. Standard JAFZA setup takes 7 to 10 working days, and the zone’s location near Jebel Ali Port is a major operational advantage for physical goods businesses. For investors choosing Dubai, our Dubai Free Zone Company Formation service handles the full application process to ensure your timeline stays on track. Abu Dhabi Free Zones Abu Dhabi Free Zones are well-structured but generally take slightly longer than their Dubai counterparts, reflecting the capital’s more regulated business environment. ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is the financial hub of Abu Dhabi and a common choice for asset management, fintech, and legal services. ADGM applications typically take 10 to 15 working days due to its regulatory-grade review process. KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) suits manufacturing and industrial businesses and takes around 7 to 10 working days. KIZAD’s integrated port, industrial zone, and logistics facilities make it a strong choice for businesses with physical production needs. twofour54 handles media, entertainment, and creative industry businesses. Standard applications complete in 5 to 7 working days, though content-related activities may require additional regulatory clearances. Explore our Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation page for zone-specific guidance and current processing timelines. Sharjah Free Zones Sharjah offers some of the most affordable Free Zone options in the UAE, and many of them also deliver fast processing. SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the most

Starting a UAE Free Zone company is one of the smartest business moves for foreign investors in 2026. But one question keeps coming up before people take the first step: Do you need a local partner for a UAE Free Zone company? The short answer is no. UAE Free Zones are specifically designed to give foreign investors 100% ownership, zero equity sharing, and complete business control without involving a UAE national as a partner or sponsor. This blog post walks you through everything you need to know, from the ownership rules to what changes when you want to operate in the UAE mainland. What Is a UAE Free Zone Company and Why Does It Matter? Many investors come to the UAE with big plans but unclear expectations. They have heard stories about needing a local sponsor or giving away 51% equity to a UAE national, and that concern stops them from moving forward. Here is the good news: those rules apply to UAE mainland companies, not Free Zone companies. The Local Partner Rule Does Not Apply to Free Zones A UAE Free Zone is a government-designated business zone where foreign nationals can set up companies under simplified regulations. Each Free Zone operates under its own authority, such as DMCC in Dubai, RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah, IFZA in Dubai, or ADGM in Abu Dhabi. These authorities grant operating licenses, manage company registrations, and set their own rules, all of which are built around the principle of 100% foreign ownership. When you set up in a Free Zone, you do not need a local partner, a local sponsor, or a UAE national shareholder. You own 100% of your company from day one. Why This Model Was Created The UAE government created Free Zones to attract foreign direct investment. By removing the local partner requirement and offering tax benefits, the zones encourage international businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups to set up regional operations in the UAE without barriers to entry. This model has been in place for decades and continues to be strengthened through new reforms and updated legislation. Who Can Set Up a UAE Free Zone Company Without a Local Partner? The freedom to own a Free Zone company without a local partner is available to virtually any foreign investor. Here is a breakdown of who commonly uses this structure: Foreign entrepreneurs and solo business owners launching startups International companies setting up a UAE branch or subsidiary Freelancers and consultants who need a legal business entity E-commerce businesses targeting the UAE and global markets Trading companies managing import and export activities Technology businesses needing a regional headquarters in the Middle East Service-based professionals in fields like marketing, finance, and design Investors looking for a UAE holding company structure Whether you are based in Europe, South Asia, Africa, or North America, a UAE Free Zone company is accessible to you with no local equity requirement. What Ownership Structure Does a Free Zone Company Use? Understanding the legal structure of your Free Zone company helps you stay compliant and plan properly. Here are the main forms available: FZE (Free Zone Establishment) A Free Zone Establishment is a single-shareholder entity. One person owns the entire company. This structure suits solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individuals who want full personal control over their business without partners. FZCO (Free Zone Company) A Free Zone Company allows two or more shareholders to co-own the business. This suits joint ventures, business partnerships, and families running a company together. All shareholders can be foreign nationals, and no UAE national is required. Branch of a Foreign Company If you already own a company abroad, you can set up a branch in a UAE Free Zone. The branch operates under the parent company and does not require a separate local partner. It is treated as an extension of your existing business. Key Benefits of 100% Foreign Ownership in a UAE Free Zone Choosing a Free Zone company gives you more than just ownership control. The business advantages are significant for any serious investor. Full Profit Repatriation You can transfer 100% of your profits and capital back to your home country with no restrictions. There are no dividend controls, no capital ceilings, and no local partner share to factor in. Every dirham your business earns stays with you. Zero Personal Income Tax The UAE does not impose personal income tax on business owners or employees. This means the money you draw from your Free Zone company as salary or dividend is yours to keep, creating a major tax advantage compared to most Western countries. Corporate Tax Advantages for Qualifying Businesses Under the UAE Corporate Tax Law introduced in 2023, Free Zone companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. This is a powerful incentive for international businesses, particularly in services, technology, and trading. Fast and Simple Company Registration Most UAE Free Zones complete company registration within 3 to 7 working days. The process is mostly digital, with streamlined document requirements and dedicated support teams in each zone. There is no lengthy government approval process to navigate. When Do You Need a Local Partner in the UAE? While you do not need a local partner for a UAE Free Zone company, there are specific situations where a local partner or sponsor becomes relevant. Understanding these boundaries will save you from costly mistakes. Operating on the UAE Mainland Free Zone companies are licensed to operate within their designated zone and internationally. If you want to sell directly to mainland UAE customers, operate a physical retail outlet on the mainland, or bid for UAE government contracts, you will need either a mainland license or specific approvals. Until recently, this required a local Emirati partner holding 51% of a mainland company. However, reforms have opened most business activities to 100% foreign ownership on the mainland too. Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, Free Zone companies in Dubai can now apply for permits

Starting a business in the UAE requires the right paperwork and getting it wrong can delay your licence by weeks. Whether you are registering a mainland company through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), setting up in a free zone, or incorporating an offshore entity, every application depends on a specific set of documents submitted in the correct format. This checklist covers every document you need for UAE company registration, broken down by business structure, with notes on format requirements, translation obligations, and common submission errors that cause delays. What Documents Are Required for UAE Company Registration? Every UAE company registration application, regardless of jurisdiction, requires a core set of personal identification and legal formation documents. These form the baseline for all applications submitted to the DED, free zone authorities, and offshore registrars. Core documents required for all UAE company types: Passport copy of each shareholder and director (valid for at least 6 months from the date of application) UAE visa copy and Emirates ID copy (required for applicants already residing in the UAE) Proof of residential address: a utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy contract no older than 3 months Completed trade licence application form (format varies by authority) Proposed company name: minimum 3 options submitted in order of preference Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining company activities, shareholder details, and share capital Business activity description aligned to the UAE’s approved list of commercial, professional, or industrial activities For UAE residents applying through the mainland DED, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer is also required, unless they are already business owners or investors. If you are exploring your structure options before gathering documents, a detailed comparison of free zone versus mainland business setup will help you understand which jurisdiction suits your activity. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) does not require registration documents at the formation stage. UAE corporate tax registration is a separate process completed after the trade licence is issued. It applies to businesses whose taxable income exceeds AED 375,000 note that this is a taxable income threshold, not a revenue threshold. Mainland Company Registration Documents (DED) Registering a mainland company in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate is handled by the relevant Department of Economic Development. The DED in Dubai is the most commonly used authority for mainland company registration. Documents required for mainland LLC registration: Document Format Notes Passport copy (all shareholders) Colour scan Minimum 6 months validity UAE visa and Emirates ID (residents) Colour scan Required for UAE residents Proof of residential address Colour scan or PDF Utility bill or bank statement, max 3 months old No Objection Certificate (NOC) Original or attested Required if applicant is employed in UAE Trade name reservation certificate Issued by DED 3 preferred names submitted Memorandum of Association (MOA) Notarised original Must be in Arabic or bilingual Arabic/English Tenancy contract (Ejari) Ejari-registered Physical office address required Initial approval certificate Issued by DED Obtained before MOA signing Business activity approval (if regulated) From relevant authority Healthcare, education, finance require sector approval The DED issues an initial approval certificate before the MOA is signed, which gives conditional clearance to proceed with the formation. Regulated activities such as healthcare, education, financial services, and food trading require additional approvals from sector-specific authorities including the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), or Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) before a trade licence is issued. The entire mainland registration process through the DED typically takes 7 to 15 business days once all documents are received. Fees for a basic mainland commercial licence start from approximately AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the activity and emirate. Free Zone Company Registration Documents The UAE has over 45 free zones, each regulated by its own authority. The most established include DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority), and Meydan Free Zone. Document requirements are broadly similar across free zones, with some authority-specific variations. Standard documents for free zone company registration: Document Format Notes Passport copy (all shareholders/directors) Colour scan Minimum 6 months validity Proof of residential address Colour scan or PDF Max 3 months old CV or business profile PDF Required by DMCC, DIFC, and some others Board resolution (for corporate shareholders) Notarised Required if a company, not an individual, is the shareholder Certificate of Incorporation (for corporate shareholders) Attested original Required for existing foreign or UAE companies investing in the free zone entity Memorandum and Articles of Association of parent company Attested Applies to corporate shareholders only Business plan PDF Required by DIFC and regulated free zones Office lease agreement From free zone Flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated office depending on package Free zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership, import and export tax exemptions, and simplified registration. For businesses focused on international trade, consultancy, or technology, a free zone company formation in Dubai is often the fastest and most cost-effective route to a UAE trade licence. DMCC requires a minimum share capital of AED 50,000 for most company types. DIFC, which operates under English common law, has a more structured application process and is suited to financial services, fund management, and fintech businesses. Most free zone applications are approved within 3 to 7 business days. Fees range from AED 8,000 to AED 30,000 depending on the free zone and licence package. Offshore Company Registration Documents UAE offshore companies are registered in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC), Ajman Free Zone, or the Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore jurisdiction. Offshore companies cannot trade within the UAE but can hold assets, open bank accounts, and operate internationally. Documents required for offshore company registration: Passport copy of each director and shareholder (minimum 6 months validity) Proof of residential address utility bill or bank statement, no older than 3 months Bank reference letter from the applicant’s primary bank confirming the account is in good standing Source of funds declaration required for AML compliance across all offshore jurisdictions Proposed company name and business activity

Getting a UAE trade license is not a single action it is a sequenced process with multiple approval stages, and the total timeline depends heavily on whether you set up on the mainland or inside a free zone. In most cases, a free zone trade license takes 3 to 7 working days, while a Dubai mainland license from the DED takes 5 to 10 working days for standard activities. If you are planning your business entry into the UAE, understanding this timeline upfront will help you avoid costly surprises. For a full overview of your setup options, see our guide to UAE mainland company formation.  Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Is Faster for a UAE Trade License? The fastest route to a UAE trade license is almost always through a free zone. Free zones operate as semi-autonomous economic authorities with their own internal approval systems, which means fewer external departments and shorter processing chains. The slowest scenarios consistently involve mainland activities that require NOC letters or approvals from federal ministries. Here is how the two jurisdictions compare across the key processing stages: Stage Mainland (DED/DET) Free Zone (e.g., IFZA, SHAMS, DMCC) Trade name reservation 1–2 working days Same day to 1 working day Initial approval 2–3 working days 1–2 working days Document review 2–3 working days 1–2 working days External approvals (if needed) 5–20 additional working days 3–10 additional working days License issuance after payment 1–2 working days 1–2 working days Total (standard activity) 5–10 working days 3–7 working days Total (restricted activity) 3–6 weeks 2–4 weeks For foreign investors who want full ownership without a local sponsor, free zones offer both a faster timeline and 100% foreign ownership as standard. If your business model requires direct access to the UAE local market or UAE government contracts, a mainland license is the correct structure though it now also permits 100% foreign ownership across most activity types following the 2021 Companies Law amendments. Choosing between the two jurisdictions is not purely about speed. You can explore how free zone structures work specifically in free zone company formation in Dubai for a detailed breakdown of the most popular zones and their advantages. UAE Trade License Timeline: Step by Step Understanding the individual stages helps you plan accurately and spot where delays are most likely to occur. The following applies to a standard commercial or consultancy license without restricted activity classifications. Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction and Business Structure Before any application begins, you need to decide between mainland and free zone, select the legal structure (LLC, sole establishment, branch, free zone establishment), and confirm which free zone or emirate is most suitable. This decision phase takes 1 to 3 business days if you are working with an advisor, or longer if you are researching independently. Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name Submit three to five preferred name options to the DET (mainland) or your chosen free zone authority. Names are checked for duplication, compliance with UAE naming regulations, and any reference to restricted words. Name approval typically comes back within 1 working day for most free zones and 1 to 2 working days for mainland applications. Names that include words like “international,” “group,” or “global” may require additional approval. Step 3: Submit Your Initial Application and Documents Once your name is approved, you submit your full application package. For a mainland LLC, this includes passport copies of all shareholders, the Memorandum of Association (MoA), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a current UAE employer if applicable, and a lease agreement or Ejari registration. Free zones typically require a simpler document set passport copy, application form, and business plan in some cases. Document review takes 2 to 3 working days at the DET and 1 to 2 working days in most free zones. Step 4: Obtain External Approvals (If Required) This is the most variable stage. Activities in regulated sectors require sign-off from external bodies before the trade license can be issued. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the UAE Central Bank each have their own processing timelines ranging from 5 to 20 additional working days. Step 5: Pay Government Fees and Receive Your License Once all approvals are in place, you pay the applicable government fees. The license is then issued digitally within 1 to 2 working days of confirmed payment. Physical license documents, where required, are available for collection or courier delivery within a further 2 to 3 days. What Activities Take Longer to License? The single biggest driver of a longer UAE trade license timeline is your chosen business activity. The UAE categorises commercial activities into standard and restricted types. Standard activities general trading, consulting, IT services, marketing, e-commerce move through the approval process at normal speed. Restricted activities trigger mandatory referrals to federal or emirate-level bodies. The following activity categories consistently add time to the licensing process: Healthcare and Medical Services: Any activity involving clinical services, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices requires approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Expect an additional 10 to 20 working days on top of the standard timeline. Financial Services and Investment Activities: Activities involving money exchange, brokerage, fund management, or financial advisory require a No Objection Certificate from the UAE Central Bank or approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). These approvals typically add 15 to 25 working days. Education and Training: Any company delivering educational programmes, whether online or in-person, requires approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Timeline impact: 10 to 15 working days. Legal Services: Law firms and legal consultancies require approval from the Legal Affairs Department and, in some cases, registration with the relevant Bar association. These approvals can take 3 to 6 weeks in total. Food and Beverage: F&B activities require a food safety inspection and approval from

Introduction Every serious business investor knows one thing about the UAE mainland: it gives you the entire country as your market. When you start a mainland business in the UAE, you access the full UAE economy. You sell directly to UAE consumers, win government tenders, hire without restrictions, and expand across all seven emirates without changing your license. This is not something a free zone company delivers. Only a mainland company gives you that level of market reach. In 2026, the UAE mainland is more attractive than ever. The government removed the mandatory local partner requirement for most business activities, which means foreign investors keep 100% ownership and 100% of their profits. This guide gives you every step, every cost, every document, and every decision you need to start a mainland business in the UAE successfully. No guesswork. No surprises. What Is a Mainland Business in the UAE? A mainland business in the UAE is a company that operates under a license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the emirate where it registers. It faces no geographic restrictions on where it trades inside the country. Why Mainland Stands Apart from Other Structures Mainland companies differ from free zone and offshore companies in one critical way: freedom of operation. A mainland company trades directly with any customer in the UAE, bids for federal and emirate-level government contracts, and opens branches in any city without any additional licensing requirements. A free zone company, by contrast, restricts trade to its own zone or international markets unless it uses a mainland distributor. An offshore company cannot trade inside the UAE at all. If your business model depends on UAE customers, government contracts, or retail presence, the mainland is the only structure that delivers everything you need. Who Should Start a Mainland Business in the UAE? Not every business needs a mainland license. But these specific situations call for it directly: You sell products or services directly to UAE consumers or businesses You want to bid for UAE government and public sector contracts You operate a retail store, restaurant, clinic, or any walk-in business You plan to open multiple branches across different emirates You work in a regulated industry that requires a DED license specifically You want the full credibility of an unrestricted UAE trade license You plan to sponsor a large number of UAE residence visas You want to scale your operation without zone restrictions holding you back Types of Mainland Company Structures in the UAE Before you start a mainland business in the UAE, you must choose the legal structure that matches your ownership model and business goals. The four main structures are: Limited Liability Company (LLC) An LLC is the most popular mainland structure. It requires a minimum of two shareholders and caps each shareholder’s liability at their share value. Under the 2021 Companies Law, foreign investors own 100% of an LLC in most business activities, with no mandatory UAE national partner required. This structure suits traders, service providers, and businesses that plan to scale with multiple employees and shareholders. Sole Establishment A sole establishment belongs to one individual owner who holds full control and full personal liability. UAE nationals and expatriates holding a valid UAE residence visa can set up a sole establishment. This structure suits independent consultants, freelancers, and single-owner professional services businesses that operate on a smaller scale. Branch of a Foreign Company A foreign company that wants a UAE mainland presence without creating a separate legal entity opens a branch office. The branch operates under the parent company’s name and carries out the same activities. A licensed local service agent (LSA) must be appointed, but the LSA holds no ownership stake or financial interest. The parent company remains fully responsible for all branch obligations. Civil Company A civil company suits licensed professionals: doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, and consultants. It allows two or more professionals to jointly offer their services under one entity. This structure falls under the Ministry of Economy rather than the DED for certain activities. 100% Foreign Ownership on the UAE Mainland: What Changed in 2021 Foreign investors now own 100% of their mainland company in most business activities. This is the direct result of Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, which the UAE enacted to attract global investment and remove long-standing ownership barriers. Before 2021, most mainland companies required a UAE national to hold a 51% majority stake. That requirement is gone for the majority of commercial and industrial activities. Certain strategic sectors, including oil and gas, military services, and some utilities, still require a UAE national partner. For every other activity, full foreign ownership is available as a right, not an exception. This change made the UAE mainland the most competitive business destination in the region and removed the single biggest concern foreign investors had about setting up here. Step-by-Step: How to Start a Mainland Business in the UAE in 2026 Follow these ten steps exactly and you will hold your UAE mainland trade license with zero wasted time or money. Step 1: Define Your Business Activity Your business activity tells the DED what your company does and which license type it needs. The UAE lists more than 2,000 approved activities covering commercial, industrial, and professional categories. Pick every activity you plan to offer from day one. Adding activities after license issuance costs extra fees and extra processing time. Step 2: Choose Your Legal Structure Select the legal structure that fits your ownership model and long-term plan. Most foreign investors choose an LLC for its flexibility, limited liability, and full foreign ownership. Sole establishments suit solo operators. Review each structure against your business activity, visa requirements, and shareholder count before deciding. Step 3: Register Your Trade Name Submit your chosen company name to the DED for approval. UAE trade name rules prohibit names that contain offensive language, abbreviations of personal names, or references to religion, politics, or government bodies. The DED approves compliant names within one to

You want to protect your assets, reduce your tax bill, and build a global business structure from one of the most powerful financial cities in the world. A UAE offshore company gives you all three. But here is the part most people get wrong. They pick a jurisdiction without understanding the differences. They choose based on the cheapest quote instead of the right fit. Then they spend months fixing a structure that should have been right the first time. The UAE gives you three offshore jurisdictions to choose from: JAFZA, RAKICC, and Ajman. Each one targets a different type of investor. Each one carries different costs, banking relationships, legal frameworks, and long-term advantages. This guide breaks all of it down in plain language so you walk away with a clear decision, not more confusion. What Makes a UAE Offshore Company Different? An offshore company in the UAE is not a mainland company and it is not a free zone company. It sits in its own legal category entirely. A UAE offshore company operates legally in the UAE but conducts all its business outside the UAE market. It cannot sell directly to UAE residents, open a local retail outlet, or obtain residence visas for its owners. What it can do is hold international assets, open corporate bank accounts, run global trading operations, and protect wealth in a politically stable, zero-tax environment. Every offshore entity in the UAE operates under the oversight of the UAE Ministry of Economy and the respective free zone authority that governs it. This regulatory backbone is exactly why global investors trust UAE offshore structures. The Six Core Advantages Every Offshore Investor Counts On Every offshore jurisdiction in the UAE delivers these six baseline benefits, regardless of which one you choose: Zero corporate tax on international profits earned outside the UAE, giving your business a clean and legal tax base to work from. Full 100% foreign ownership, so no UAE national partner or local sponsor is required at any stage. No requirement for a physical office, which strips out one of the biggest fixed costs any business carries. Complete profit repatriation, meaning you move your money out of the UAE without restrictions or approval processes. Strong privacy protections, because shareholder and director details remain outside any public registry. Fast incorporation, with most jurisdictions completing registration in 3 to 7 working days from full document submission. These six advantages are the foundation. The differences between JAFZA, RAKICC, and Ajman sit on top of them. JAFZA Offshore: The Prestige Choice JAFZA stands for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. It launched its offshore company program in 2003, making it the original and most established UAE offshore jurisdiction. It sits inside the Jebel Ali Free Zone, one of the largest free zones on the planet, and its offshore companies carry that institutional weight wherever they operate in the world. JAFZA offshore companies earn their premium price tag through three specific advantages that neither RAKICC nor Ajman can fully match. First, JAFZA is the only offshore jurisdiction that the Dubai Land Department officially recognises for direct property ownership in Dubai’s freehold areas. If you want to hold Dubai real estate through a corporate structure, JAFZA is the only offshore vehicle built for it. Second, JAFZA companies carry stronger international banking credibility than any other UAE offshore option. Major international banks look at a JAFZA company and see a well-regulated, well-recognised structure. Third, JAFZA requires shareholder presence for document signing, which adds a layer of verification that many banks actually view positively. The trade-off is cost and time. JAFZA setup costs start from approximately AED 19,000 and run higher depending on your structure and documentation requirements. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks rather than days. JAFZA also requires annual audit submissions to the free zone authority, which adds a compliance cost other jurisdictions do not impose. Who Should Choose JAFZA? JAFZA delivers its maximum value to investors who need to own or plan to own property in Dubai, multinational corporations that need a UAE offshore holding company with strong international recognition, businesses where premium banking relationships are critical to daily operations, and investors who view compliance credibility as a long-term commercial asset rather than a burden. RAKICC Offshore: The Smart Investor’s Pick RAK ICC stands for Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. It sits in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 60 kilometres north of Dubai. RAKICC has grown into the UAE’s most popular offshore jurisdiction by volume, and it earns that position through a combination of cost efficiency, processing speed, and banking flexibility that most investors rate higher than prestige alone. RAKICC offshore setup starts from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 14,000, which places it firmly in the mid-range of UAE offshore pricing. Registration completes in 3 to 5 working days in most cases, and the process runs entirely remotely. No shareholder needs to visit the UAE in person. RAKICC requires only one director compared to JAFZA’s minimum of two, and it accepts corporate directors, which simplifies international holding structures considerably. The most significant update for RAKICC investors came recently: RAK ICC now permits property ownership in designated areas of Dubai. This was previously a JAFZA-exclusive advantage. For investors choosing between the two, this shift fundamentally changes the cost-benefit calculation. You now get Dubai property ownership capability at a significantly lower setup cost. Banking with a RAKICC company is also notably smoother than with Ajman. UAE banks recognise RAKICC as a credible, well-regulated structure, and account opening, while never automatic, moves through the process with fewer complications than Ajman offshore entities typically experience. Who Should Choose RAKICC? RAKICC suits entrepreneurs and investors who want the strongest balance of cost, speed, banking access, and legal flexibility. It works particularly well for international holding companies and group structures, online businesses and digital entrepreneurs who need a reputable UAE entity without a physical presence, asset protection structures where privacy and simplicity matter more than prestige, and investors who want Dubai property ownership without

Introduction Every single day, smart entrepreneurs and serious investors register a company in the UAE and start building wealth in one of the world’s most business-friendly economies. They choose the UAE because it rewards action. Zero income tax, full foreign ownership, and a government that actively wants you to succeed. If you have been sitting on the idea of starting a business here, 2026 is your year to act. This guide gives you everything you need. You will learn the exact steps to register a company in the UAE, understand the real costs, pick the right business structure, and avoid the mistakes that waste time and money. We keep it simple, sharp, and straight to the point. Why Register a Company in the UAE in 2026? Smart business people do not make decisions based on guesswork. They look at the facts. Here is what the UAE puts on the table for every investor: Zero personal income tax. Every dirham you earn stays in your pocket. No income tax on your salary, your profits, or your dividends. 100% foreign ownership. The UAE updated its Companies Law in 2021. Today, foreign investors own 100% of their company in most mainland business activities and across all free zones. Digital-first business setup. The UAE government launched the Basher platform, which lets you complete your entire business registration online in under 15 minutes. A location that connects the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi sit at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Your business gains access to billions of consumers across three continents from day one. Rock-solid economic stability. The UAE consistently ranks among the top five countries globally for ease of doing business, economic freedom, and investor protection. These are not marketing claims. These are the exact reasons thousands of entrepreneurs complete UAE company registration every single month. Types of Business Setups in the UAE Before you register a company in the UAE, you must choose the right structure. This single decision shapes your ownership rights, your tax obligations, your location flexibility, and your long-term growth potential. Choose wisely.  1. Mainland Company A mainland company gives you the full UAE market. You trade freely across all seven emirates, work with government entities, and open as many branches as your business demands. You register through the Department of Economic Development (DED) in your chosen emirate. Dubai DED handles mainland licenses in Dubai. Abu Dhabi ADDED covers the capital. If you want direct access to UAE consumers and government contracts, the mainland is your answer. 2. Free Zone Company A free zone company operates inside one of the UAE’s 40-plus designated economic zones. You get 100% ownership from day one, zero customs duties, and a streamlined visa process. The trade-off is that you cannot sell directly on the UAE mainland without using a local distributor. Top free zones include Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Each zone focuses on specific industries, so choose the one that matches your business activity. Free zones deliver the best results for international traders, consultants, technology companies, and media businesses. 3. Offshore Company An offshore company does not trade inside the UAE. It holds assets, manages international operations, and protects wealth. Popular offshore jurisdictions include Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAKICC) and Jebel Ali Offshore. If privacy, asset protection, and international tax efficiency are your goals, an offshore structure delivers all three. Still weighing your options? Our company formation experts help you match the right structure to your exact business model before you spend a single dirham. Step-by-Step: How to Register a Company in the UAE Here are the steps you need to follow to register a company in the UAE in 2026. These apply to most mainland and free zone setups. Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity Every company in the UAE operates under a defined business activity. This activity determines your license type, your legal requirements, and the approvals you need to secure. The UAE offers more than 2,000 approved business activities covering commercial, industrial, and professional categories. You can list more than one activity on a single license. Define this correctly from the start. Getting it wrong costs you time and money to fix later. Step 2: Select Your Legal Form Your legal form tells the government how your company operates and who owns it. The main options are: Sole Establishment: One owner, full control, full personal liability. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Two or more shareholders, with liability capped at share value. Branch Office: An extension of a company already operating outside the UAE. Free Zone Company: Single or multiple shareholders operating within a specific free zone. Your legal form affects ownership rules, shareholder rights, and the regulations that apply to your business. Align it with your long-term business plan from day one. Step 3: Register Your Trade Name Your trade name is your business identity in the UAE. It must be unique, professional, and fully compliant with UAE naming regulations. The government rejects names that contain offensive language, religious references, or the names of government bodies. Submit your trade name for approval through the DED for mainland companies or through your chosen free zone authority. Approval typically takes one to two business days. Step 4: Secure Initial Approval Initial approval is the official green light from the government. It confirms that the authorities have no objection to your business activity and legal form. You cannot move to the next steps without it. Certain business activities require additional pre-approvals from government ministries before the DED issues initial approval. Identify these requirements early and address them first. Step 5: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) The MOA is the legal backbone of your company. It formally records your shareholders, share distribution, business purpose, and management structure. Mainland LLCs require a licensed UAE notary to witness and attest the MOA. Free zone authorities manage this process internally for their registered companies. A properly drafted MOA