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Dubai is one of the best capitals in the world to do business in, and highly sought by investors
across the world, due to its developed infrastructure and prestigious location, plus accessible
diversified market with low operational costs and efficient logistics. Besides these facts, there are
over 25 free trade zones in Dubai; hence, foreign business owners are highly encouraged to
register their firms there. The most important stage for an entrepreneur interested in setting up a
business in Dubai is the registration of the firm with the Dubai Municipality.
Here is how to register your company with Dubai Municipality.
Why Register with Dubai Municipality?
Over the last ten years, Dubai has experienced a phenomenal growth and cementing its status as
a prime location for various entrepreneurial endeavors. To regulate all business ventures,
registration with Dubai Municipality has become mandatory. Once you register your company in
Dubai Municipality, you ensure that your business is operated according to local law; hence, it
becomes legally recognized within the city.
Which Business Activities Require Dubai Municipal Registration
This registration is fundamental if you are going to perform such diverse activities as
- Opening a retail store
- Starting a construction project
- Operating a medical clinic
- Managing a food or beverage business
- Running a nightclub or other entertainment venue
- Handling waste transportation and disposal
- Manufacturing or selling goods
- Obtaining a trade license for your business
- Organizing large-scale events
- Expanding or renovating a building
- Storing hazardous or dangerous goods
- Importing or exporting food products
If you’re unsure whether your specific business activity requires Dubai Municipality registration,
it’s best to consult experts, such as Emifast, who can provide clear guidance and help simplify
the process.
Primary Documents Required for Company Registration
Before you start to register in the municipality of Dubai, ensure that all the necessary documents
are available.
- Copy of Valid Trade License The firm should be registered within the UAE, and it
should be associated with food activities within the trade license. - Documents for Identity and Residency: This could include Emirates ID for the
shareholder, partner, or the company manager. - Contact Details of the Company: Company address, Mobile Number, Email address,
Landline, P.O. Box - Completely Filled Application Form: The application form should be entirely filled with
passport copies of all shareholders and partners - No Objection Certificate: NOC from existing sponsor, if any.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): The MOA must reflect the structure of the
company, information regarding the ownership of the same, and the scope of the business
activities undertaken by the company. - Leasing Contract: You will be required to prove that your business has a physical
location within Dubai, and this will be achieved through a leasing contract. - Initial Approval Certificate from DED: This initial approval is compulsory before you
take further steps for registration purposes. - Registration of the Company in Dubai Municipality Procedure
How to Register a Company in Dubai Municipality? Step-by-Step Guide
For Admin Account
Step 1: Create an Admin Account on the Dubai Municipality Portal: Begin by logging into the
Dubai Municipality portal and creating an account for your company’s administrator. You will
need to provide various details about the company to complete this step.
Step 2: Provide Company Information: Input details such as the license number, issuing
authority, company address, license members, and any relevant importer codes. Attach the
required documents, accept the terms and conditions, and proceed.
Step 3: Submit User Details: Fill in details about the personal identity and contact information of
the admin user. Attach all your requirements of necessary documents to your account and
validate email address and phone number.
Step 4: Receive Registration Confirmation Notice: Once you have filled in all the required details
and verified them, you will receive a confirmation notice for your registration, with a reference
number so that you may track it later on.
Step 5: Verification with Dubai Municipality Team: The details you provided will be checked
and verified by the Dubai Municipality. Further instructions will then be issued to you after you
are approved, and these may be received through your registered email.
Step 6: Creating Account Password: At this step you are asked to follow the procedures as stated
in that email, creating the account password. You should also receive confirmation that you are
through with this step.
Step 7: Login to the Portal: With your new credentials, you can now log in to the Dubai
Municipality portal.
For Business Account
Step 1: Assign Business Services: To access services provided by Dubai Municipality, you need
to create a business user profile. Only business users, assigned by the company’s admin, can
access these services.
Step 2: Add Sub-User Details: Log in as the Admin User and navigate to “Management of
Company Users.” Add the sub-user’s details and assign the required services and roles (for
example, those related to food products).
Step 3: Receive Business User Confirmation: After adding sub-user details, the business user will
receive a confirmation email with instructions to set up their password. It’s important to note that
the business
Step 4: Access Business E-Services: Once you receive the confirmation notification, you can log
in and access Dubai Municipality’s e-services.
Registration with the FIRS System
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll need to register with the Food Import and Re-
export System (FIRS). To activate FIRS services, send an email to the Food Trade Control
section of Dubai Municipality, along with the following documents:
- A copy of your UAE trade license
- The IRS application form, signed and stamped by the company
- Emirates ID of the company representative
- An authorization letter from the company, declaring the person in charge of managing all matters related to food trade control.
Food Trade Person In Charge (PIC)
Dubai Municipality requires that companies appoint an authorized Food Trade Person In Charge
(PIC) to manage all interactions with the Food Safety Department regarding imported
consignments. At least one person from your company must be nominated and undergo PIC
training, which is provided by Dubai Municipality. Alternatively, you can submit an undertaking
letter (on the company’s letterhead) confirming that the nominated individual will complete PIC
training within three months of registration.
Work With Experts
We hope our guide helps you understand how to register a company in Dubai Municipality.
Adhering strictly to these procedures and taking professional help at each step, you can also, by
yourself, complete the process of registration of your company with Dubai Municipality and
unlock huge opportunities available in Dubai.
At Emifast, we are specialized to assist business owners with the Dubai Municipality registration
process. Our professionals know the whole process and make it a hassle-free experience for you.
Contact us today and make us assist you in putting your business dreams into reality in the great
city of Dubai!