How Long Does Dubai Corporation Incorporation Take? Timeline & Process

Marketing Mirr Asia
Aug 8
2 min read

Updated: Sep 1

Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational companies. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and favorable tax environment make it an attractive choice for incorporation.

This guide provides a clear timeline, requirements, and costs—with special focus on the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), one of Dubai’s fastest-growing free zones.

Dubai Incorporation Options

Companies can be established under different jurisdictions in Dubai:

Mainland Company – Allows trade throughout the UAE.
Free Zone Company – 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup (e.g., IFZA, DMCC, JAFZA).
Offshore Company – Primarily for international operations without a UAE office.
Branch Office – Extension of a foreign company, requires a local service agent.

Each option has its own requirements and pricing, but IFZA Free Zone has become a preferred route for many due to flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Timeline: How Long Does IFZA Incorporation Take?

The IFZA incorporation process is efficient and can typically be completed in 2–4 weeks.

Step-by-step breakdown:

Submit shareholder/director documents
Pay incorporation fee
Confirm and reserve corporate name
Sign incorporation documents
Company incorporated, license issued
Apply for visa & Emirates ID (local presence required for medical test & biometrics, ~1–2 weeks)
Open bank account (requires local visit)

Official reference: IFZA Company Formation Guide

Important: IFZA requires shareholders/employees to visit Dubai to complete medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and bank account opening.

Cost of Incorporating at IFZA

At Mirr Asia, the IFZA incorporation package is USD 22,650 (≈ AED 83,000).

Package includes:

IFZA business license
Lease agreement
Two residence visas (including Establishment Card, medical test, Emirates ID, status change)
Business address (1 year)
KYC/CDD consultation and follow-up

To avoid confusion:

IFZA starts at USD 22,650 (AED ~83k).
Smaller free zones or mainland setups may fall on the lower end of AED 30k+.

Required Documents for IFZA Incorporation

Copy of shareholder/director passport
Certified/notarized verification of passport copy
Two types of recent (≤3 months) address proofs in English (must show same address)
Completed incorporation application form

Note: Originals must be verified locally.

Official Reference – IFZA Document Requirements

Compliance & Accounting in Dubai

All Dubai entities must comply with UAE law:

Maintain accounting records for 5 years
Annual audits (mandatory for most free zones, including IFZA)
File Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) & UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership) reports
Follow AML/CFT compliance rules (Ministry of Economy – AML Portal)

Official Reference – UAE Ministry of Economy – AML Portal

Why Choose Dubai & IFZA?

0% personal income tax
100% foreign ownership in Free Zones
Non-face-to-face incorporation available
Strategic access to MENA, Asia, and Europe
Competitive license packages, flexibility in combining business activities

How Mirr Asia Helps

At Mirr Asia, we specialize in making Dubai incorporation seamless. Whether you need a mainland LLC, an IFZA Free Zone entity, or a branch office, our experts provide end-to-end guidance: