Setting up a business in the UAE is an exciting journey, and the process, while straightforward, involves a series of essential steps. Whether you’re planning to establish a company in one of the Free Zones or need to navigate through a variety of regulatory requirements,
Affiniax Partners is here to guide you through each phase of the process. From document preparation to securing your residence visa, we’ve got you covered with a seamless, efficient process!
Step 1: Document Preparation
The first stage of your business setup journey begins with ensuring your documents are in perfect order. At Affiniax Partners, we request a set of documents to review internally before they are sent to the authorities. This review process is crucial to avoid any unnecessary delays. By getting your paperwork right from the start, we can prevent possible returns from the authorities, saving you time and stress.
Step 2: Submission to the Free Zone
Now that your documents are ready, we move to the next part – determining the activity or activities of your new business. This is the foundation of your company formation, and it’s essential to make sure everything aligns with your intended business purpose. Affiniax Partners will assist in identifying if any external approvals are necessary for your chosen activity. These external approvals are vital to ensure your company is compliant with all regulatory requirements, allowing you to operate safely and legally.
Once your activities are settled, the next task is to choose a trade name. The Free Zone will ask for three possible names, prioritizing the first one for availability. Remember, some Free Zones may require your business activity to be part of the name reservation.
Step 3: Ownership Structure and Shareholding
The Free Zone will determine this by asking for the shareholding details of your company.
If you’re an individual shareholder, a passport (along with your visa and Emirates ID if applicable) will suffice.
For corporate shareholders, however, you’ll need fully attested corporate documents, as well as the passport of the UBO.
Step 4: Number of Employees
Depending on the Free Zone, the number of employees (or visas) your company needs will vary. Some jurisdictions will simply ask for the number of visas required, while others will factor in your office space to determine the number of visas.
We will help you define the number of visas required and make sure your company complies with all relevant regulations.
Step 5: The KYC Process
Once all the documents and details are submitted, the Free Zone will begin their KYC process. This is an essential review to ensure your business is fully compliant. Not only will the Free Zone perform an internal review of the submitted documents, but they may also coordinate externally with other authorities, such as the CID and DET, to verify your application.
Step 6: License Issuance and Registration Completion
Once the KYC process is successfully completed and the authorities give their approval, your business license will be issued. If you’ve opted for visas, the Free Zone will also process an Establishment Card within three days of the license issuance.
This card links your company to the immigration department, allowing you to proceed with residence visa applications for your employees.
Step 7: UAE Residence Visa Application – You’re Officially in Business
With the Establishment Card in hand, it’s time to apply for your UAE Residence Visa. Affiniax Partners will request the necessary documents and details for the visa applicant, ensuring that everything aligns with the authorities’ requirements. The visa application includes a medical examination and biometric scanning (because, why not, right?).
Once all steps are completed, the visa and Emirates ID will be issued. Your residence visa will be valid for two years, while your company documents are good for one year – don’t worry, we’ll keep track of everything to ensure your business remains compliant and up-to-date.
Affiniax Partners is your trusted consultant for seamless business setup and company formation in the UAE. Contact us at mail@affiniax.com to get started.
