Company Formation

Starting a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide. With a dynamic economy, investor-friendly policies, and access to global markets, the UAE has become one of the most attractive business destinations in the world.

At Max Serve, we specialize in helping investors and entrepreneurs navigate the entire company formation process smoothly — from documentation to licensing and visa assistance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of forming a company in the UAE and highlight how Max Serve can simplify each stage for you.

Step 1: Choose the Right Jurisdiction

The first step is to decide where to set up your business. The UAE offers three main jurisdictions:

Max Serve helps you compare these options and select the most beneficial setup for your goals and budget.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Activity and Legal Structure

Your business activity determines the license type and regulatory requirements. You can choose from over 2,000 approved activities — including commercial, industrial, professional, and tourism categories.

Next, decide your legal structure, such as:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Sole Establishment
• Branch Office
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE or FZ-LLC)

Max Serve ensures your activity and structure comply with the latest UAE regulations and ownership policies.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Once you’ve chosen your activity, you’ll need a unique trade name that follows UAE naming rules (no offensive or religious terms). Max Serve registers your preferred name with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority and secures the approval quickly.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approvals

The initial approval confirms that the UAE government has no objection to your business setup. You’ll need to provide:

• Shareholders’ passport copies
• Business plan or proposed activity details
• Preliminary application form

Our team at Max Serve handles these submissions and tracks the approvals to save you time and effort.

Step 5: Draft the MOA and Legal Documents

Depending on your business type, you may need a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association (AOA).

These documents outline ownership percentages, management roles, and capital distribution. Max Serve prepares and notarizes all legal documents in line with UAE company law.

Step 6: Secure an Office or Business Address

Every UAE business must have a registered address.

Mainland companies require a tenancy contract (Ejari), while free zones offer flexi-desks, private offices, or warehouses.

We assist in arranging cost-effective office spaces or virtual offices that meet the authority’s requirements.

Step 7: Submit Final Application and Pay Fees

After all documentation is complete, Max Serve submits your final license application to the concerned authority and pays the government fees on your behalf.

Once approved, your trade license is issued — officially marking your company’s establishment in the UAE.

Step 8: Apply for Visas and Corporate Bank Account

Post-incorporation, you can apply for:

• Investor and Partner Visas
• Employment Visas for staff
• Dependent Visas for family members

We also guide you through opening a corporate bank account with reputed UAE banks, ensuring all KYC and compliance requirements are met smoothly.

Step 9: Register for VAT and Stay Compliant

Depending on your business type and turnover, you may need to register for VAT.

Additionally, companies must maintain accounting records, renew trade licenses annually, and comply with UAE Economic Substance and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership) regulations.

Max Serve provides end-to-end compliance and renewal support to keep your business in good standing.

Step 10: Launch and Grow with Max Serve

Once your company is officially registered, Max Serve continues to support your growth with:

• PRO and document clearance services<
• Visa renewals and medicals
• Insurance and EID assistance
• Business consultancy and digital marketing partnerships

We believe your success is our success — and our experienced team ensures your UAE business journey is smooth, compliant, and future-ready.