Use this complete checklist to plan your UAE free zone company setup. Save it, print it, or send it to your lawyer or company formation agent — everything you need in one place.
📋 UAE Free Zone Company Setup Checklist 2026
Phase 1: Before You Start (1-2 Weeks)
- ☐ Decide on your business activity (only activities licensed in your chosen zone)
- ☐ Choose your company structure: FZE (solo) or FZCO (2+ shareholders)
- ☐ Choose your free zone using our Zone Finder Quiz or Cost Calculator
- ☐ Decide whether you need physical office space or flexi-desk
- ☐ Check if your activity requires any secondary approvals (MoH, TDRA, etc.)
- ☐ Budget for Year 1: trade licence + establishment card + investor visa(s)
- ☐ Decide on a company name (check availability with the chosen zone)
Phase 2: Document Preparation (1 Week)
- ☐ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) — all shareholders
- ☐ Recent passport-sized photograph (white background) — all shareholders
- ☐ Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease — less than 3 months old)
- ☐ Business plan or description of proposed activities
- ☐ Previous company registration documents (if registering a branch or subsidiary)
- ☐ UAE Entry Permit / tourist visa stamp in passport (for some zones — check specific requirements)
Phase 3: Application & Registration (3-15 Working Days)
- ☐ Submit application to the free zone authority (online or via agent)
- ☐ Pay licence fee and establishment card fee
- ☐ Sign Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA)
- ☐ Receive trade licence
- ☐ Sign flexi-desk or office tenancy agreement
- ☐ Obtain establishment card
Phase 4: Investor Visa (2-4 Weeks After Licence)
- ☐ Apply for entry permit (e-visa) — shareholders based outside UAE
- ☐ Enter UAE on entry permit
- ☐ Complete medical fitness test at approved centre (AED 200-350)
- ☐ Apply for Emirates ID biometrics
- ☐ Collect Emirates ID and investor visa stamp (residence visa)
Phase 5: Bank Account (2-6 Weeks After Visa)
- ☐ Prepare account opening documents: licence, MoA, CoI, share cert, passport, Emirates ID
- ☐ Prepare business plan / source of funds statement for the bank
- ☐ Submit to 2-3 banks simultaneously (increases chances)
- ☐ Receive bank account number and online banking access
- ☐ Set up online banking (try Wio Bank for fastest digital onboarding)
Phase 6: Compliance Setup
- ☐ Register for UAE Corporate Tax (required for all UAE entities with >AED 1M turnover)
- ☐ Register for VAT (required if turnover exceeds AED 375,000/year in taxable supplies)
- ☐ Set up accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, or Zoho are popular in UAE)
- ☐ Engage a UAE-licensed auditor if your zone requires annual audit for renewal
- ☐ Set a calendar reminder for licence renewal (60 days before expiry)
Use our Cost Calculator to estimate total costs, or our Zone Finder Quiz to find the right free zone for your business.