One of the major benefits of setting up a freezone business in Dubai is the fast and efficient process. The government has taken significant steps to streamline the procedures, making it easier for businesses to set up and operate in the freezones.
But how long does it really take to set up a freezone business in Dubai? Well, that depends on several factors such as the type of company you want to register, your chosen freezone, and your readiness with all necessary documents and requirements. A Dubai free zone business setup is generally quick and efficient, but timelines can fluctuate depending on several factors, including:
Initial business registration:
The first step in setting up a free zone business is registration. This process typically takes between 1 to 5 days, depending on the free zone’s procedures and how quickly the required documentation is submitted. Registration involves choosing a business name, determining the appropriate license, and submitting the necessary identification and corporate documents. For a smooth process, it’s recommended to prepare these documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
Business licensing:
Once registered, the next step is obtaining the business license, which can range from 2 to 10 days. The exact duration will depend on the type of license you need (e.g., commercial, industrial, or service) and the free zone’s internal processing time. For example, tech-related businesses in Dubai Silicon Oasis might experience quicker licensing than trading companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone due to differing requirements.
Office space and infrastructure setup:
Securing office space is another key step that can influence your setup timeline. Some free zones offer virtual offices or shared workspaces that can be set up in a day, while others may require more time if physical office space needs to be leased and configured. This process can take between 3 to 7 days, depending on the availability and requirements of the office space.
Visa processing:
For companies requiring employee visas, the visa processing time can vary. Typically, the processing of visas for owners and employees can take 5 to 7 days, assuming all documents are in order. Free zones offer streamlined visa services to expedite this process. However, additional delays may occur if there are issues with health checks, documents, or approvals.
Final approval and setup completion:
After completing all necessary steps and submitting documents for licensing, registration, and visas, the final approval and setup process generally takes another 3 to 5 days. This involves the submission of final paperwork and receiving the physical business license and other relevant approvals.