Two numbers get conflated in most marketing: how fast the licence is issued, and how fast you can actually operate. They are not the same measure.
Stage by stage
| Stage | Where | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction and activity selection, name reservation | Remote | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Document submission and initial approval | Remote | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| MOA signing and licence issuance | Remote or in person | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Establishment card and visa quota | Filed for you | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics | In the UAE | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance | In the UAE | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Corporate bank account | In the UAE | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Fully operational is a different measure.
What each stage includes is set out on the mainland and free zone company setup page.
What extends the timeline
- Corporate shareholders - attestation of parent-company documents is a separate step.
- Regulated activities - education, healthcare, food, finance and similar require separate approvals.
- Name rejections - names implying government affiliation, religious references or existing trademarks are refused.
- Enhanced bank due diligence - the most common cause of delay.
- Public holidays - Eid and National Day periods pause government processing.
A marketed company-setup quote describes name reservation or an initial approval certificate, not a tradeable company with a bank account.
Planning your trip
The in-person requirements - medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, bank interview - are best compressed into a single visit, which requires appointments booked in advance.
Arriving without appointments generally wastes the trip. Lexoford schedules these before clients travel, and since Lexoford also holds a tour operator licence, it can arrange the logistics of the visit itself.
Share your target start date and Lexoford will map the sequence backward from it.
FAQ
How long does UAE company formation take?
Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. The full process including residence visa and bank account is a separate, longer measure.
How long do I need to be in the UAE?
The medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and the bank interview, provided appointments are booked in advance.
What causes delays?
Corporate shareholder document attestation, regulated activity approvals, company name rejections, enhanced bank due diligence and public holiday periods.
Is an “all-in” setup quote cheaper than an itemised one?
Not necessarily — an all-in sticker can hide markup and missing items, so compare the itemised year-one total. Ask every agent to split free-zone / government licence fees, visa and Emirates ID government fees, premises, and the agent’s service fee. Lexoford’s service fee is Starter AED 3,999, Business AED 4,999 or Premium AED 7,999; government and free-zone fees are extra, paid at cost. Checklist: fee honesty vs all-in quotes.
How do I choose a company formation agent in Dubai?
Verify the agent’s UAE trade licence, get a written split of service fee vs government fees, and pay only to a corporate account. Walk away from guaranteed bank or visa outcomes and same-day payment pressure. The Lexoford Services trade licence is 2651822.01 - check Lexoford the same way. Full checklist: how to choose an agent.
What does Lexoford not guarantee?
Lexoford does not guarantee visa or Golden Visa approval, corporate bank account opening, search rankings or AI citations — banks and authorities decide independently. Lexoford coordinates documents and process within the agreed scope and explains the risks before you pay. Lexoford is not a law firm. Full list: What Lexoford Does Not Guarantee.