What this guide covers
This guide explains what needs to happen after a company has been incorporated in the UAE. The first 90 days are particularly important, as there are a number of registrations and steps required to make the business fully operational.
It focuses on the key post licensing obligations that are often overlooked.
Who this applies to
This is relevant if you have recently set up a company in the UAE or are planning to do so and want to understand what happens immediately after incorporation.
The short answer
Setting up the company is only the first step.
To operate properly, you will need to complete visas, open a bank account, register for tax and ensure you meet any regulatory requirements within specific timeframes.
Start with visas
One of the first priorities after incorporation is visa issuance.
You will need to issue visas for directors or managers so that the company can be operated from within the UAE. Without a locally resident individual, it can be difficult to open a bank account.
Visa issuance also requires the individual to be physically present in the UAE for the medical and Emirates ID process.
Establishment card
Before visas can be issued, the company needs to be registered with the relevant immigration authority.
This is done through an establishment card, sometimes referred to as a labour card. This allows the company to register with immigration and issue visas.
For mainland companies, this is usually completed separately after incorporation. In many free zones, it is handled as part of the setup process, although this may not be the case if the company was set up with zero visa allocation.
Opening a bank account
Once visas are in place, the next step is typically opening a corporate bank account.
This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months depending on the bank, the nature of the business and the risk profile.
In some cases, you may also need to deposit share capital into the account to meet licensing requirements.
Regulatory registrations
Depending on the activity of the business, there may be additional registrations required with third party authorities.
For example, regulated businesses may need to register with authorities such as the Securities and Commodities Authority.
In some cases, companies sign an undertaking to complete these registrations within 90 days of incorporation. Missing this step can create compliance issues later on.
Corporate tax registration
Corporate tax registration is a mandatory requirement for all UAE companies.
You must register with the Federal Tax Authority within 90 days of incorporation. If you fail to do so, a penalty of AED 10,000 applies.
This is a hard deadline and one of the most important post licensing obligations to complete on time.
VAT registration
VAT registration depends on revenue.
Once a company reaches AED 375,000 in taxable turnover, it must register for VAT within 30 days.
There is also the option to register voluntarily once revenue reaches AED 187,500.
Office and inspections
If you have a physical office, it needs to be set up properly and ready for use.
In some cases, immigration authorities may carry out an inspection to ensure the office meets requirements, including signage and safety standards. This is particularly relevant for mainland companies.
Ongoing administration
There are also a number of smaller but important operational steps to complete.
This can include setting up a company stamp, which is often required when dealing with banks and government authorities, as well as putting in place processes for ongoing compliance and reporting.
Ongoing support
Many companies choose to work with a PRO or corporate service provider to manage these requirements.
This helps ensure deadlines are met and reduces the risk of missing key obligations, particularly in the first 90 days.
Summary
The period immediately after incorporation is where most of the operational work happens.
Visas, banking, tax registration and regulatory compliance all need to be completed within specific timeframes. If these are handled properly, the business can operate smoothly from the outset.