Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your business setup in Dubai—whether it’s in the mainland or a free zone. But the real journey starts after registration. Post-incorporation, there are several essential steps to ensure your company is fully operational, compliant, and ready for success in the UAE market.
This 10-step post-registration checklist will guide you through everything you need to do after setting up your company in Dubai—from immigration tasks and banking to compliance and brand-building.
1. Apply for Your Emirates ID & Residency Visa
Once your company is registered, you’re eligible to apply for a residency visa through investor or employment sponsorship. The process includes:
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Biometric scan
- Health insurance
Tip: You cannot open a personal or business bank account without an Emirates ID. Complete this step early to avoid delays.
2. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a business bank account in Dubai is essential for daily operations, invoicing, and compliance. UAE banks typically require:
- Trade license
- Shareholder passports
- Emirates ID
- MOA/AOA
- Office lease agreement
Popular banks include Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, and WIO for digital-first entrepreneurs. Approval time may range from 5–15 working days.
3. Lease or Activate Your Office Space
Even if you opted for a flexi-desk during setup (especially in Free Zones), you should:
- Collect your tenancy contract (Ejari for mainland)
- Ensure your office is active and accessible for licensing renewal
- Put up signage, as required by some jurisdictions
Some zones or bank processes require a physical visit to your office space.
4. Register for Corporate Tax (If Applicable)
Starting from 2023, the UAE has implemented a 9% corporate tax on net profits exceeding AED 375,000.
You must:
- Register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
- Maintain accurate financial records
- File tax returns annually (even if your income is below the threshold)
Free Zone entities may be eligible for a 0% tax rate, depending on activity and compliance with Qualifying Income rules.
5. Get VAT Registration (If Required)
If your company expects annual turnover above AED 375,000, VAT registration is mandatory.
- Apply via the FTA portal
- Ensure your invoicing and accounting systems are VAT-ready
- File VAT returns quarterly
Even if below the threshold, voluntary registration is possible and often recommended for B2B businesses.
6. Hire Employees & Issue Work Visas
If you plan to grow your team, apply for employee visa quotas via your Free Zone or Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland.
Steps include:
- Employment offer letter
- Visa medical + Emirates ID
- Labour card (for mainland)
- Health insurance
Note: Some free zones offer a limited number of visas with flexi-desk packages.
7. Activate PRO Services or Appoint a PRO
A Public Relations Officer (PRO) helps manage all government paperwork, visa renewals, license renewals, and labor card submissions.
While some free zones provide in-house PRO services, many businesses benefit from third-party PRO companies in Dubai to handle:
- Document clearances
- Visa processing
- Legal translations
- Government approvals
This saves time and ensures compliance.
8. Implement Accounting & Bookkeeping Systems
The UAE’s regulatory environment increasingly demands transparent financial reporting. Set up:
- Accounting software (Zoho, QuickBooks, Tally)
- Bookkeeping process (in-house or outsourced)
- Financial statement templates for tax purposes
Having clean, auditable records protects you from penalties and supports funding opportunities.
9. Build Your Digital Presence
Your legal entity is ready—now build your brand visibility and credibility:
- Purchase a domain (.ae or .com)
- Build a professional website
- Setup business email (G Suite, Outlook)
- Register business social media profiles
- List on Google Business (for location-based services)
Consider investing in SEO, digital marketing, or working with agencies specializing in business setup services in Dubai for a powerful launch.
10. Plan for License Renewal & Compliance
Most trade licenses in Dubai are valid for one year. To avoid penalties:
- Set reminders for renewal deadlines
- Track visa expiry dates for yourself and employees
- Maintain valid tenancy contracts
- Reconcile FTA and MOHRE filings in advance
Free zones often offer bundled license + visa renewal packages—consider locking these in for ease and savings.
Bonus Tips for New Business Owners in Dubai
- Network locally: Attend business chambers (like British Business Group Dubai), events, and expos
- Learn the culture: Understand local business etiquette, such as greetings, meeting structures, and negotiation norms
- Get legal advice: Especially if you’re entering regulated sectors (finance, education, healthcare)
- Hire local talent: This can help meet Emiratisation targets (if applicable) and build regional insight
Final Thoughts
Setting up a company in Dubai is a milestone achievement—but what you do after registration is just as critical for long-term success.
By following this 10-step post-incorporation checklist, you’ll ensure your business is legally compliant, financially prepared, and market-ready. From tax and banking to branding and team building, every step strengthens your foundation for scalable, sustainable growth in the UAE.