How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

The time to set up a company in Dubai depends heavily on your activity, legal structure, jurisdiction, and whether your activity needs external approvals. Straightforward activities with no special approvals can often be licensed relatively quickly once the trade name is reserved, initial approval is granted, the Memorandum of Association is signed, and premises are secured. Activities that are 'regulated' and require sign-off from an external authority, or that involve corporate shareholders needing attested documents from abroad, typically take longer because of the additional approval and document-legalisation steps. Free zones run their own timelines through each authority. Because timeframes are not fixed and can change with the volume of approvals required, it is best to confirm an estimate with the Department of Economy and Tourism or your chosen free zone for your specific activity rather than relying on a generic figure. To avoid delays from incorrect documents or activity selection, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI for guidance.