Getting your trade licence feels like the finish line. It isn’t. Within a week you’ll be at the bank, meeting your first clients and sending your first invoice, and each of those needs something printed.
We print for a lot of new companies in Dubai, and most of them make the same mistake: they order things one at a time, in a hurry, with a slightly different logo or company name on each. Here’s the list we’d give a friend, in the order you’ll actually need it.
1. Company stamp (week one)
This comes first because the bank account usually can’t wait. Many banks and government offices expect documents to be stamped, and you’ll use it on contracts, delivery notes and invoices from day one.
- Put the company name in English and Arabic, exactly as it reads on your trade licence. One wrong letter and you’re ordering a second stamp.
- Add the city and emirate. Licence number and P.O. Box are optional.
- Most offices are happy with a self-inking stamp. If your logo has fine detail or small Arabic text, a pre-inked stamp keeps it sharp.
We deliver company stamps anywhere in Dubai in 3 hours. If your bank has its own rules about what goes on the stamp, ask them before you order.
2. Visiting cards (week one)
You’ll hand out more cards in your first month than in any month after it. Don’t leave them for later.
- Standard cards can be with you in as little as 3 hours. That’s the right choice if you have a meeting tomorrow.
- Premium cards with gold foil, spot UV, 3D UV or soft-touch take at least 3 days. Order a small standard batch now and the premium ones alongside, so you’re covered either way.
- No designer yet? We help with card design, and for some orders we’ll make a printed sample for you to approve before the full run.
See visiting cards, or read how to choose a card finish.
3. Letterheads and envelopes (weeks one to two)
Quotes, offer letters and anything going to a government office look more serious on a proper letterhead. Ask us for a print-ready PDF version too, so your team can send the same design by email.
Match your envelopes to it. A DL envelope fits an A4 letter folded in three, and an A4 envelope takes contracts flat. Start with standard letterheads. Foil or embossed versions can come later.
4. Invoices, receipts and delivery notes (before your first sale)
Even if your accounting is digital, a lot of Dubai businesses still need paper. Think trading, contracting, logistics and anywhere goods change hands on site.
- Bill books and receipt pads with numbered carbonless copies.
- Invoices, delivery notes and receipt vouchers in your branding.
- Computer invoice paper if you print from a system.
If you’re VAT-registered, check with your accountant what each document needs to show before it goes to print.
5. Office signage (once you have the keys)
Clients and couriers need to find you. Your building management may also have rules about door signs, so ask them first.
- Office door signs or name plates for the entrance.
- Reception signs with your logo if you have a reception area.
- Meeting room signs once the team grows.
6. A roll-up banner (before your first event)
Your first networking event or trade show will come sooner than you expect. A roll-up banner packs into a bag and works at a stand, a hotel conference room or your own reception. Our roll-up banner guide covers sizes.
Do it once, do it right
The simplest thing you can do is get all of this from one place, using one logo file and one spelling of your company name. Have these ready before you start:
- A copy of your trade licence
- Your logo as a vector file (AI, PDF or SVG)
- Office address, phone and email, plus the names and job titles for each card
Delivery is free anywhere in Dubai. Find your area on our areas we serve page. Send us the list and we’ll quote it all at once. Request a quote and tell us your company is new, and we’ll suggest what to print first.
