How long does it take to register a company in Dubai?
Realistic timelines for free zone and mainland formation, and what actually slows the process down.
Timelines vary more by jurisdiction and activity than most founders expect. Here's a realistic breakdown.
Free zones
Most free zone licences are issued in 3–5 working days once your documents are approved and payment is confirmed. IFZA and SHAMS are typically on the faster end of that range.
Mainland
Mainland setups usually take 5–10 working days, since they can involve external approvals from sector regulators and Ejari tenancy registration on top of the standard licensing steps.
What actually causes delays
Incomplete documentation is the single biggest cause of delay, followed by activities that require an external approval you weren't expecting. Confirming your activity's requirements upfront avoids most hold-ups.
Every package shows its typical licence timeline before you apply.
See a live timeline estimate for your package