Activity first
The intended business activity shapes the legal form, licence category and any additional approvals that may be required.
Mainland company setup
Build the mainland setup around the activity you intend to operate.
A mainland setup starts with the business activity and legal form, then moves through the relevant economic authority, licensing, premises and any activity-specific approvals.
Authority and location
Mainland licensing is handled through the relevant emirate-level economic authority, with premises and local requirements considered as part of the setup.
Compliance after setup
Formation is only the beginning. Ongoing licence, tax, accounting, employment and regulatory obligations should be planned from the outset.
Typical decision path
A clear sequence before paperwork begins.
Requirements vary by activity, legal form, emirate and authority. AIM can help structure the questions before you commit to a route.
- 01Define the business activity and operating model.
- 02Select a suitable legal form and identify the relevant licensing authority.
- 03Confirm trade-name, initial-approval, premises and activity-specific requirements.
- 04Complete licensing and then establish the ongoing compliance calendar.
Information reviewed against an official UAE source.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Final requirements should be confirmed for the specific activity and authority.