Steps to establish a company in Dubai Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for investors seeking to benefit from the broad opportunities in the global business market. Dubai has an advanced business environment and flexible laws, making the process of setting up companies smooth and efficient. In this article, we will discuss the steps for establishing a company in Dubai in cooperation with Itqan Company, helping investors understand the necessary procedures and specific requirements to start working in this dynamic and thriving market. With their extensive experience, the Itqan team helps you simplify these steps and guide you through the process. By partnering with Itqan, you can benefit from in-depth knowledge of local laws, regulations and strategic directives that help you build a successful foundation for your business in Dubai. Initiate cooperation with Itqan and embark on the journey of establishing a company in Dubai efficiently and competently, benefiting from the professional support and comprehensive knowledge that this distinguished company will provide you.
Establishing a company in Dubai
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Establishing a company in Dubai represents an important strategic step for investors seeking to benefit from the economic opportunities available in this global city. Dubai is characterized by a developed and diverse business environment, providing multiple opportunities to establish companies in various economic sectors.
Dubai is known for its flexible legislative policy and innovative business environment, which facilitates the process of setting up and operating companies efficiently. Government authorities in Dubai provide quick and simple procedures for licensing the establishment of companies, which contributes to attracting investors and enhancing commercial activity.
Furthermore, Dubai free zones offer multiple benefits to businesses, including the absence of taxes on income and profit in most sectors, easy access to regional and international markets, advanced infrastructure, and the provision of efficient logistics services.
Thanks to these opportunities and advantages, establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for investors who want to achieve success and growth in the global business market. By taking advantage of the thriving economic environment and effective regulation, investors can build sustainable and successful businesses in Dubai, contributing to the city’s economic development and strengthening its position as a major business hub both locally and globally.
Types of companies in Dubai
Here is a table showing the types of companies that can be established in Dubai:
Company type | Description |
---|---|
Limited Liability Company (LLC) | A company in which the partners share financial responsibility based on their percentage of capital contribution. There must be a 51% local partner if the company is outside the free zones. |
Public Joint Stock Company | A company whose shares can be traded on the financial market. Requires a minimum number of shareholders of 10 individuals, and this type of company is usually chosen for large companies seeking to raise capital through an IPO. |
Private Joint Stock Company | A company with a closed ownership structure, where shares are sold only to a specific group of individuals or entities, and not to the general public. Requires a minimum of 3 contributors. |
Sole proprietorship | A company owned by one individual, and that individual is responsible for all of the company’s obligations. It can be established in free zones without the need for a local partner. |
Subsidiary company | A subsidiary of a main company, operating under the supervision of the parent company, and carrying out the same activities as the parent company. |
A company wholly owned by a foreigner | A company wholly owned by foreign investors. Available in free zones without the need for a local partner. |
Company branch | A branch of an existing company operating in Dubai. The branch must be fully owned by the parent company and carry out the same activities as the parent company. |
Partnership company | A company in which a partnership is formed between two or more people, where the partners are jointly liable according to their agreement. |
Steps to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai involves a number of legal procedures. Here are the steps for establishing a company in Dubai:
- Determine the type of company: You must specify the type of company you wish to establish in Dubai, such as a local company, a limited liability company, a public company, or a branch of a foreign company.
- Choosing a company name: You must choose a suitable and unique name for the company, and you must ensure that it does not match the names of other existing companies.
- Determine the financial contribution: The financial contribution required to establish the company must be determined and the contribution percentages for the partners must be determined.
- Preparing the Articles of Association: The Articles of Association must be prepared, which defines the company’s structure, the rights and duties of the partners, and the proposed business activities.
- Signing contracts and documents: The articles of incorporation and other documents must also be signed by all partners participating in the company.
- Permitting and Registration: You must also submit an application to obtain a permit and register the company with the relevant authorities such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or the Dubai Department of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), where the company’s establishment will be reviewed and approved.
- Obtaining a business license: Then, after registering the company, you must obtain a business license from the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or the Dubai Economic Development and Regulation Authority (Dubai DED).
- Opening a bank account: A bank account must be opened in the name of the company to manage financial transactions.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires submitting a number of documents necessary to complete the legal and administrative procedures. Among the documents usually required are:
- License application form: The license application form must be filled out with all the details required by the company to be established.
- Copy of passport: for all shareholders, directors and partners in the company.
- Trade Registration Certificate: If the company is already established in another country, its Trade Registration Certificate must be submitted.
- Lease Contract or Proof of Ownership: A copy of the lease contract for the address where the company will be located, or proof of ownership if the property belongs to the company, must be provided.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan must be submitted that explains the goals and activities of the proposed company, including financial forecasts and marketing plans.
- Details of shareholders and directors: A list of names and contact details of all relevant shareholders and directors of the company must be provided.
- No-objection certificate: If a shareholder is not a resident of Dubai, he may be required to obtain a no-objection certificate from an authority.
The cost of establishing a company in Dubai
The cost of establishing a company in Dubai is affected by several factors, including the type of company, the amount of capital required, and additional services that the company may need. Here’s a summary of the main setup costs:
- State licensing fees: These fees vary depending on the type of company and business activity chosen. These fees may range from several thousand to several tens of thousands of UAE dirhams.
- Administration and Legal Consultation Costs: You may need to consult an attorney or legal advisor to assist you in preparing necessary legal documents and complying with local laws and regulations. The cost of these services ranges depending on the complexity of the process and the reputation of the attorney.
- Business Address and Virtual Office Costs: In some cases, you may be required to provide a local business address and virtual corporate services companies can provide this service for an annual fee.
- Required Capital: Minimum capital requirements vary between types of companies. For example, LLCs may have a certain minimum capital, while sole proprietorships or partnerships may require different capital.
- Registration and attestation fees: You may need to pay a fee to register the company and obtain and attest the necessary legal documents.
- Insurance and social security costs: You may need to pay for health insurance and social security for employees, depending on the requirements of working in Dubai.

Regulations that must be adhered to while establishing a company in Dubai
While setting up a company in Dubai, several regulations and laws must be adhered to to ensure legal compliance and successful operation of the company. Here are some of the main regulations that must be adhered to:
- Companies and Partnerships Law: First and foremost, this law regulates the establishment and operation of companies in Dubai, including different types of companies such as joint-stock companies and limited liability companies.
- Economic sector regulations: There may also be regulations and laws specific to the economic sector to which your company belongs, such as building regulations, health care, or financial services.
- Tax laws: Therefore, companies must adhere to local tax legislation, including paying local taxes and submitting tax reports regularly.
- Labor and Human Resources Regulations: Companies must adhere to local labor laws and provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees, including requirements for obtaining work permits and labor rights.
- Environmental regulations: There may also be local environmental regulations that companies need to adhere to, such as safe waste disposal and protection of natural resources.
- Intellectual Property Laws: Companies must then protect their intellectual property rights and possess the necessary licenses to use technologies, trademarks, and patents.
- Occupational safety and health regulations: Companies are also committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for employees and customers, in accordance with local occupational safety and health regulations.
Commercial licensing procedures for establishing a company in Dubai
The business license procedures for establishing a company in Dubai include several important steps that must be followed to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations. Below is a breakdown of these procedures:
- Choosing a Business: The first step is to decide what business your company will do. You can choose from more than 2,100 businesses available in Dubai.
- Determining the legal form of the company: Choosing the legal form of the company depends on the type of business activity and the number of shareholders. The company can be a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of a foreign company, a public or private joint-stock company, etc.
- Choosing a company name: You must choose a trade name for the company that complies with the regulations on company names in Dubai. The name must be unique and not conflict with existing brand names.
- Preparing legal documents: Preparing the company’s articles of incorporation and articles of association, which includes details of partners and ownership percentages.
- Submit an application for initial approval: Submit a request to the Department of Economic Development (DED) to obtain initial approval. This step includes submitting an initial application form and paying the required fees.
- Obtaining external approvals (if necessary): Some commercial activities require approvals from other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism, etc.
- Office Rental: The company must rent an office in Dubai. Submit the lease as part of the registration documents.
- Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the current partner or manager works for another entity in the UAE, you may need a NOC from your current employer.
- Submitting final documents: Submit all required documents to the Department of Economic Development, including the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, a copy of the partners’ passports, the initial approval, the lease contract, and the no-objection certificate.
- Payment of license fees: Pay the fees required to obtain a commercial license.
- Receiving the commercial license: After reviewing and approving the application, the Department of Economic Development will issue a commercial license .
- Registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce: After obtaining the license, the company must be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Opening a bank account: Opening a bank account for the company in one of the local or international banks in Dubai.
- Visa and Residency Procedures: Submit applications for visas and residencies for managers and employees, as needed.
Following these steps carefully can facilitate the process of obtaining commercial licenses to establish your company in Dubai legally and smoothly. It is recommended to cooperate with Itqan Company in establishing companies to ensure full compliance with local procedures and laws.
Advantages of cooperating with Itqan to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai offers many advantages that make it an ideal destination for businessmen and investors. Here are some key advantages:
- Thriving business environment: Dubai also has a developed and dynamic business environment, making it one of the most attractive cities for business in the world.
- Facilitated tax policies: Companies in Dubai then have the advantage of not being taxed on income and profit in most economic sectors, which attracts investors.
- Access to regional and global markets: Therefore, thanks to its strategic location, Dubai provides easy access to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Europe, facilitating international trade operations.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai also has an advanced infrastructure that includes international airports, crowded sea ports, and an advanced network of roads and public transportation, which facilitates movement and trade.
- Cultural and linguistic diversity: Dubai is considered a multicultural and multinational center, providing a diverse and open environment that facilitates the process of communication and cooperation.
- Advanced legal legislation: Dubai also adopts advanced and transparent laws and legal regulations that protect the rights of investors and ensure efficient company establishment procedures.
- Modern business facilities: Modern facilities such as luxury offices, co-working spaces, upscale shopping malls, and international hotels are also available in Dubai, making it easier for businessmen to establish and operate their companies with ease and comfort.
By cooperating with Itqan , you can benefit from their experience and comprehensive knowledge of local laws and regulations. Their team helps you simplify the process and guides you through every step. Thanks to this partnership, you can build a successful and strong company in Dubai, and benefit from the distinguished business environment that the city offers.
Establishing your company in Dubai is a step by step towards success
In conclusion of our article, establishing a company in Dubai can be a gateway to success and prosperity in one of the most dynamic and developed cities in the world. By following the basic steps carefully and carefully, investors can achieve their dreams and establish a thriving business. The journey of establishing a company begins with understanding the market and choosing the appropriate type of company that meets the business needs and future goals. After that, it is the turn to prepare the necessary documents and apply for a license from the competent government authorities, while ensuring compliance with all local regulations and laws.
Dubai is an ideal environment for establishing companies thanks to its advanced infrastructure, significant government support, and reliable legal environment. In addition, Dubai offers countless benefits such as tax incentives, customs facilities, and access to regional and global markets. These advantages make Dubai a global center for business and trade, attracting investors from all over the world.
After obtaining the license, the company can officially start its operations, and take advantage of the facilities offered by Dubai to grow and expand the business. It is also important that business owners continue to update their information and keep up with legal and economic changes in the region to ensure continued success.
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai represents an important strategic step that opens up wide horizons of opportunities for investors. With the support available from government agencies and local partners such as Itqan Company, entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and achieve their goals efficiently. Establishing a company is not only a legal and administrative process, it is also the beginning of an exciting business adventure in a city that provides an inspiring and encouraging environment for innovation and growth. If you are looking to start your own business, Dubai is the perfect choice to be part of your successful business story.
The most frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
What types of companies can be established in Dubai?
Several types of companies can be established in Dubai, including sole proprietorship, limited company, partnership, and public company.
What are the necessary procedures to establish a company in Dubai?
Establishing a company in Dubai requires several steps, including choosing the type of company, determining and confirming the company name, submitting the required documents, and obtaining the necessary licenses.
What are the legal requirements for establishing a company in Dubai?
Corporations must meet a range of legal requirements, including having shareholders and directors, identifying the necessary capital, and complying with local laws and regulations.
What are the tax advantages of establishing a company in Dubai?
Companies in Dubai enjoy important tax benefits, as Dubai does not impose taxes on income or profit in most sectors.
Can foreigners establish companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to establish companies in Dubai, and enjoy the same rights and privileges as UAE nationals in some sectors, subject to local laws.