How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in a Free Zone?
Table of Contents
A Step-by-Step Timeline for Starting a Business in Dubai’s Free Zones
Setting up a company in a Dubai free zone is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to start your entrepreneurial journey in the UAE. But one question that almost every new founder asks is: “How long will it take?”
In this blog, GenZone breaks down the entire timeline, from deciding the type of company you want to launch, to getting your license, visa, and bank account.
Whether you’re an aspiring freelancer, e-commerce seller, coach, consultant, or an international company expanding into the UAE—this detailed article will help you plan the journey ahead.
What Affects the Timeline?
Before we jump into each phase, let’s understand the key factors that influence how fast (or slow) the process might be:
Free Zone Selection: Some free zones are lightning-fast (like Meydan, IFZA, Shams), while others are slower due to internal procedures or government dependencies.
Business Activity: Certain regulated activities (e.g., finance, media, health, education) may require external approvals.
Visa Requirements: If you’re applying with a partner or employees, the process might take longer.
Document Accuracy: Errors or missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
Nationality: Bank account timelines and visa approvals vary slightly based on your nationality.
Banking Choices: Digital banks move faster; traditional banks can take weeks to approve a business account.
Let’s now break down the steps one by one.
Step 1: Pre-Setup Planning (0–2 Days)
The moment you decide to set up a company in Dubai, you need to answer these key questions:
Do you need a visa or not?
What business activity will you select?
Do you need office space or work remotely?
Will you hire team members in the near future?
GenZone helps founders answer these questions based on your goals, budget, and target market. Once your setup strategy is clear, we proceed to documentation.
Step 2: Name Reservation & Initial Application (1–2 Days)
Most Dubai free zones allow you to suggest 3 company names. Once your preferred name is approved, the initial application is submitted for company formation.
Documents Required:
Passport copy
Passport-size photo (white background)
Entry stamp or visa copy (if already in UAE)
Residential address & contact details
📝 Optional documents depending on the free zone:
Business plan
CV or qualifications (for certain regulated activities)
Time Required:
Usually 1–2 business days if the documents are complete.
Step 3: License Issuance (1–5 Days)
Once your documents are reviewed and approved, you receive the following:
Trade license
Company registration certificate
Shareholder certificate
Articles of Association (AOA)
Lease agreement (virtual or physical office, depending on the free zone)
Time Required:
Meydan Free Zone: 1–2 days
IFZA or Shams: 2–4 days
DMCC / Dubai South / DSO: 3–7 days
DIFC / DDA-regulated zones: 7–10+ days (for regulated entities)
At this point, your company legally exists and can sign contracts, send invoices, and register for services like payment gateways or marketplaces.
Step 4: Immigration Card / Establishment Card (2–5 Days)
To apply for a visa (if required), your company must first open a file with the immigration department. This is called an Establishment Card or Immigration Card.
This card links your company to Dubai immigration and is mandatory before any visa processing can begin.
Time Required:
2 to 5 business days (depending on free zone)
Note: Some free zones offer this as part of the license package. Others charge it separately.
Step 5: Visa Application (Entry Permit) – 2 Days
After obtaining the establishment card, the Entry Permit (also called the employment visa or e-visa) is issued.
You can apply from:
Inside UAE (Change of Status)
Outside UAE (Entry by air)
Time Required:
24 to 48 hours typically
Longer for some nationalities (subject to security clearance)
Once the Entry Permit is issued, you must complete the remaining steps within 60 days.
Step 6: Medical Test + Emirates ID (5–7 Days)
Now comes the physical part of the visa process.
a) Medical Fitness Test (Same Day or 24 Hours)
Blood test and chest X-ray
Done at approved government centers
VIP services available for 1-hour results
b) Emirates ID Biometrics (1–2 Days)
Fingerprinting and face scan
Required for official identification across the UAE
Final Emirates ID + Visa Stamping Time:
Standard: 5–7 working days
Express: 3–5 working days (with additional fee)
Once done, you are officially a UAE resident!
Step 7: Corporate Bank Account Opening (7–21+ Days)
This is often the most time-consuming step. But it’s also the most important for your business operations.
Documents Typically Required:
Trade license
Emirates ID (if applying after visa)
Passport
Business plan
Proof of address
Invoices or contracts (if available)
Banking Options:
Digital Banks (Wio, Zand): 2–5 working days
Mid-tier Banks (Mashreq Neo, RAKBANK): 5–10 working days
Premium Banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB): 10–21+ working days
Tip: GenZone pre-qualifies you for the right banks based on your nationality and business activity to avoid rejections.
Total Timeline Recap
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Planning & Consultation | 0–2 Days |
| Name Reservation & Docs | 1–2 Days |
| License Issuance | 1–5 Days |
| Establishment Card | 2–5 Days |
| Visa Entry Permit | 1–2 Days |
| Medical & Biometrics | 5–7 Days |
| Bank Account Setup | 7–21+ Days |
| Total Estimate | 2–4 Weeks |
GenZone’s VIP Process
The VIP process is designed to streamline the entire residency visa journey, from registering your company to obtaining your Emirates ID and setting up personal and business bank accounts. Here’s a breakdown of the VIP process timeline:
1. Company Registration (3-5 Business Days)
2. E-Visa Application (3-5 Business Days)
3. Arrival in Dubai (Saturday or Sunday)
4. VIP Medical and Biometrics (Monday)
5. Residency Visa Application (Monday to Wednesday)
6. Emirates ID Delivery (Thursday or Friday)
7. Personal and Business Bank Account Opening
Can You Register a Company Without a Visa?
Yes! Many Dubai free zones offer zero visa packages where you don’t need to apply for a UAE residency.
This is ideal if:
You already have a valid UAE visa (e.g., through a spouse or employer)
You operate your business remotely
You only need a license to sell or invoice internationally
These setups are usually faster—often within 2 to 3 days.
Can You Register While Outside the UAE?
Yes, and GenZone helps you do this remotely.
With digital signatures and online verification, it’s possible to:
Register a company from abroad
Receive your documents via email
Visit later to complete the visa process (if needed)
Some free zones even allow fully remote visa stamping through UAE embassies or consulates.
Final Thoughts: Plan for Success
Registering a company in a Dubai free zone is a streamlined process—but only if you plan ahead.
Here’s GenZone’s Top Advice:
- Choose the right free zone for your business model
- Avoid delays by preparing all documents in advance
- Use a business setup expert (like GenZone) to handle the steps professionally
- Stay compliant post-license to avoid fines or visa issues
- Don’t wait until the last minute for a bank account—apply as early as possible
Ready to Start?
At GenZone, we help freelancers, e-commerce sellers, consultants, and international entrepreneurs set up their UAE companies the right way—with transparency, speed, and full support.
Book your free consultation today and avoid wasting time and money on hidden fees or the wrong free zone.
