How Long Does It Take To Setup A Company In Dubai?
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Setting up a business in Dubai is one of the most exciting moves an entrepreneur can make—but if you’re planning this journey, you’ve probably asked yourself: how long does it actually take?
You’re not just thinking about company registration, but also:
Getting your entry permit
Securing your UAE residency
Completing medical and biometrics
Receiving your Emirates ID
And finally, opening your bank account
Each of these steps has a timeline, and depending on your urgency and the service provider you choose, it could take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks.
At GenZone, we help streamline every step of this journey. In this guide, we’ll break down the full process for setting up a free zone company in Dubai, along with the slow, normal, and fast-track (VVIP) timelines so you can make an informed decision.
Why Dubai? Why a Free Zone?
Dubai is one of the most business-friendly cities in the world with:
100% foreign ownership in free zones
Zero personal income tax
A globally connected economy
Strategic geographic access between Europe, Asia, and Africa
A free zone is often the preferred setup for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups because of:
Quick licensing
Cost-effective packages
Simplified residency process
And that’s why we’re focusing on free zone company formation for this article.
Overview of the Business Setup Journey
Here’s what the full timeline looks like when broken into core phases:
Company Registration
Entry Permit (e-Visa for residency)
Medical Tests & Biometrics
UAE Residency Visa & Emirates ID
Bank Account Setup
Slow, Normal, and Fast Track Timelines
| Step | Slow Process | Normal Process | GenZone Fast-Track (VVIP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company License | 2–3 weeks | 1–4 days | Within 60 minutes |
| Entry Permit | 3–5 days | 1–2 days | Next-day |
| Medical & Biometrics | 7–10 days | 4–5 days | Same-day |
| Emirates ID | 5–7 days | 3–5 days | 3 business days |
| Bank Account | 1–2 weeks | 3–5 days | Same or next day |
| Total | 4–5 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 5–9 business days |
Step 1: Company Registration in a Dubai Free Zone
This is the foundational step. Before anything else, you need to register your business and obtain your trade license.
What Affects the Timeline?
Your nationality
The business activity you choose
The free zone authority (each has its own speed)
How complete your documentation is
Fastest Option: 60-Minute License
Some Dubai free zones now offer ultra-fast business setup services where, if your documents are ready and you meet the eligibility criteria, your company license can be issued within 60 minutes.
At GenZone, we make this happen for clients who need to move quickly. In most cases, we’ll have your company set up in 1 to 3 business days.
Step 2: Entry Permit (E-Visa)
Even if you’re from a visa-free country, to get your residency in the UAE, you’ll still need a special entry permit — also known as an employment e-visa.
How Long It Takes:
Standard time: 3–5 business days
With GenZone VVIP: 24–48 hours
Pro Tip: Don’t book your flight to Dubai until your entry permit is issued. You can’t begin the residency process without it.
Step 3: Medical Tests & Biometrics
Once you arrive in Dubai, you’ll complete:
A medical fitness test (blood test + chest X-ray)
Biometrics scanning (fingerprint and iris)
This is mandatory for all residency applicants.
Regular Timelines:
Medical result: Same day (VIP) or up to 2 days (standard)
Biometrics appointment: Usually takes 4–5 days to schedule
With GenZone:
We arrange same-day medical and biometrics under our VVIP services, saving you nearly a week in processing time.
Step 4: Emirates ID & Residency Visa
Once biometrics are done, your Emirates ID and residency stamp will be processed.
Emirates ID card is typically delivered in 3–5 business days
Your residency is activated the same day as biometrics if done via GenZone
By this point, you are officially a UAE resident and can move freely, rent housing, and access banking and telecom services.
Step 5: Opening Your Bank Account
Banking in the UAE can be the trickiest and most time-sensitive step.
Why? Because banks are cautious. They may require:
Clear documentation
Residency proof (Emirates ID)
A valid trade license
Business Bank Account:
May take 3–5 days without help
Some cases can be delayed for up to 2–3 weeks without expert guidance
GenZone Fast Banking:
We assist you with account openings at top banks like:
Emirates NBD
WEO
RAKBANK
And others on request
Most of our clients get their personal and business accounts opened within 24 hours — and often the same day.
Why Timelines Vary So Much
There’s no single “universal” timeline because timelines are impacted by:
Your nationality and passport
Whether your documents are accurate and complete
Which free zone you choose
If you’re doing it yourself or with professional support
We’ve had clients in the past using other service providers who waited 3 months for their license. Meanwhile, our clients have seen licenses issued in one day.
Real Example: One Client’s Timeline
Here’s a real story from one of our recent clients:
Sunday: Application submitted
Monday: License issued
Tuesday: Entry permit received
Wednesday: Flew into Dubai, did medical and biometrics
Thursday: Residency stamped, ID processing began
Following Tuesday: Emirates ID delivered, bank account opened
Total time: 6 business days
Why Work with GenZone?
You can try doing it all yourself — and potentially:
Misfile documents
Choose a slow or inappropriate free zone
Delay your Emirates ID
Be rejected from bank accounts
Or you can work with GenZone, where we:
Guide you through every step
Handle document submissions and approvals
Schedule fast-track medicals and biometrics
Liaise directly with banks on your behalf
We don’t just do business setup. We do it the right way — the first time.
What’s Included in Our Setup Package?
Business license
Entry permit
Residency visa
Emirates ID
Medical and biometrics (VIP)
Bank account setup
Office space (if required)
Ongoing business support
How Much Time Should You Plan to Spend in Dubai?
Even with fast processing, we recommend that you spend at least 1.5 to 2 weeks in Dubai to:
Complete all steps
Open your accounts
Take care of any follow-ups
Start networking or exploring property options
Who Should Consider Our Services?
GenZone is perfect for:
Digital nomads and remote workers
Startup founders and freelancers
E-commerce and drop shipping businesses
Service providers and consultants
Global entrepreneurs moving HQ to Dubai
Final Thoughts: Save Time, Money, and Energy
Trying to set up a company in Dubai on your own is like navigating a maze without a map. We’ve walked this path hundreds of times — so we know the shortcuts, the bottlenecks, and how to get things done fast.
Instead of spending 4–6 weeks trying to figure it out yourself, why not get it done in 6–9 business days with a team that’s done it for hundreds of founders just like you?
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to launch your business in Dubai the right way, book a free consultation call with our expert team at GenZone.
Visit our website or click below to schedule your call. Let’s build your business in Dubai — the right way.
