Setting up a company in Dubai: Benefits and costs Dubai is one of the most prominent global investment destinations thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and dynamic economic environment. By setting up a company in Dubai, investors can benefit from a wide range of advantages including tax exemptions, freedom of remittances, and 100% company ownership in free zones. Dubai is witnessing continuous growth in various commercial, industrial, and service sectors, making it an ideal environment for investment and expansion. With the support of specialized companies such as Itqan, the process of opening a company in Dubai becomes smoother and more efficient.
Itqan Company provides comprehensive and integrated services to facilitate the establishment of companies, starting from providing legal and administrative consultations, to preparing the required documents and submitting the necessary applications. With its extensive experience in the UAE market, Itqan Company helps investors clearly understand the legal and procedural requirements and guides them through all stages of establishment. This cooperation ensures that all conditions and regulations are met, making it easier for investors to start their businesses quickly and efficiently.
Establishing a company in Dubai with Etqan is not limited to providing support in the incorporation stages only, but also includes helping companies expand and grow by providing customized consultations and successful strategies. Through this partnership, investors can focus on developing their business and achieving their commercial goals, while Etqan facilitates all the necessary procedures. Dubai offers unlimited opportunities for growth and innovation, and with the support of Etqan, establishing a company in this leading city becomes a unique and opportunity-filled experience.

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ToggleBasic steps to establish a company in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most attractive business destinations in the world, thanks to its dynamic investment environment and advanced infrastructure. The city offers a range of business opportunities across various sectors, making it an ideal place to set up new businesses. With government policies that encourage investment, tax exemptions, and the presence of free zones, both foreign and local investors can successfully implement their projects effectively. To ensure the success of the incorporation process and avoid potential challenges, it is essential to follow specific steps carefully. Here are the basic steps to follow to establish a company in Dubai :
- Determine the type of business activity: The first step in the incorporation process is to determine the type of business activity the company intends to undertake. Dubai offers a wide range of business activities including trade, manufacturing, services, and technology. Determining the activity accurately helps in choosing the appropriate license and avoiding any legal problems in the future.
- Choosing the type of company: Investors should choose the type of company that best suits their goals, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, a public or private joint stock company, or a holding company. Each of these types of companies has different legal and administrative requirements.
- Choosing a location and registering a trade name: Investors must choose a suitable location for the company’s headquarters, either in mainland Dubai or in one of the free zones. After that, the company’s trade name must be registered and ensured that it is available and not in use by other companies.
- Preparing the required documents: A set of basic documents must be prepared and submitted, such as the founders’ passports, educational or experience certificates, business plan, and articles of association. These documents are necessary to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses.
- Registration and obtaining a trade license: After submitting the required documents, the company is registered with the relevant authorities such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the relevant free zone authority. After fulfilling all the conditions and paying the required fees, the trade license is issued.
- Renting Office or Facilities: It is essential to secure an office or commercial space in Dubai, whether it is in a free zone or on the mainland. Dubai offers a variety of office options to suit the needs of different businesses.
- Opening a corporate bank account: Opening a corporate bank account is an essential part of the incorporation process. This requires submitting the required legal and financial documents to the bank.
- Obtaining the necessary visas: After establishing the company, the founders and employees must obtain work residence visas. Dubai provides visas for investors, managers and employees based on the type of activity and size of the company.
By following these basic steps, investors can successfully establish their companies in Dubai, allowing them to benefit from the distinctive business environment that the city offers.

Types of companies that can be established in Dubai
Dubai, with its strategic location and dynamic investment environment, is a preferred destination for investors and businessmen from all over the world. The city offers a wide range of opportunities to establish companies in various sectors, enhancing its ability to attract foreign and local investments. In order to meet diverse needs and provide flexibility in conducting business activities, Dubai offers several types of companies that can be established, each of which suits the type of business activity and the requirements of investors. Here are the main types of companies that can be established in Dubai :
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is one of the most common types of company in Dubai, especially for companies wishing to operate on the mainland. This company allows foreign investors to own only up to 49% of the company, while a local partner must own 51%. This type of company provides protection for personal assets and allows for both local and international business activities.
- Public Joint Stock Company: Also known as a public company, this is a company that can issue its shares for public subscription. It can have an unlimited number of shareholders, and the specified capital for incorporation must exceed certain requirements. Public joint stock companies are a suitable option for large companies that want to raise capital by offering shares in the market.
- Private Joint Stock Company: Similar to a public joint stock company but limited to a limited number of shareholders and cannot offer shares to the public. These companies are a good option for companies that want to maintain limited ownership without opening their doors to the public.
- Sole Proprietorship: Establishing a sole proprietorship is the ideal option for individuals who want to run their own business without a partner. In this model, the individual is the sole owner and is responsible for all the obligations of the company. This type of company is characterized by simplicity and flexibility in management.
- Holding Company: A holding company is created to own shares in other companies, allowing control over a group of companies under one umbrella. These companies can be useful for strategic investment, asset management, and organizing diverse economic activities.
- Free Zone Company: Dubai’s free zones offer flexible options for setting up businesses that benefit from tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership. Free zone companies can be limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, or joint ventures, but they come with special benefits such as advanced logistics facilities and infrastructure.
- Free Zone LLC: Free Zone LLCs feature full foreign ownership and are primarily used for international business activities. Free zones provide an ideal environment for companies focused on trade and export.
- Commercial/Industrial Company: These companies focus on commercial or industrial activities and can be located in the mainland or in free zones. Commercial activities include wholesale and retail, while industrial activities include manufacturing and production.
Each of these types of companies offers certain advantages based on business objectives and market requirements. Understanding these types helps investors choose the most suitable model to set up their business in Dubai and achieve the desired success.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
At the conclusion of the Dubai company formation process in collaboration with Itqan, it is clear that this partnership offers exceptional value to investors looking to benefit from the dynamic business environment that the city offers. With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and encouraging economic policies, Dubai offers great opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the specialized support of Itqan, investors are able to overcome bureaucratic and procedural challenges, allowing them to focus their efforts on developing their business strategies and achieving their goals.
Itqan provides comprehensive services including legal consultations, document preparation, licensing, and guidance throughout all stages of incorporation. This integrated support ensures that the incorporation process is smooth and efficient, reducing challenges and saving time and effort for investors. Itqan’s extensive experience in the UAE market enables it to provide professional advice based on a deep understanding of legal and administrative requirements, enhancing the chances of success of new businesses in Dubai.
With Etqan as a partner, investors can benefit from a range of customized solutions that suit their unique needs, allowing them to navigate seamlessly through the competitive business environment. With this collaboration, setting up a company in Dubai becomes a rewarding experience that contributes to achieving commercial success and sustainable growth. Dubai, with the support of Etqan, is transforming into an ideal starting point for any ambitious project looking to capitalize on the city’s vast potential and achieve remarkable successes on a regional and international level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
The basic steps to set up a company in Dubai include choosing the type of business activity, determining the type of company, choosing the location of the office or facilities, registering the trade name, submitting the required documents, obtaining the trade license from the Department of Economic Development or the competent authority in the free zone, and paying the required fees.
What types of companies can be established in Dubai?
Several types of companies can be established in Dubai such as limited liability companies (LLC), sole proprietorships, public and private joint stock companies, and holding companies. Companies can also be established in free zones which provide different models depending on the activity.
Can foreign investors establish companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can establish companies in Dubai. In free zones, they can have 100% ownership of the company, while in the mainland, a local partner with a share in the company may be required.
What are the advantages of free zones in Dubai?
Dubai’s free zones offer benefits such as tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, easy repatriation of profits and capital, and flexible incorporation procedures. In addition, the free zones offer advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics services.
What are the fees involved in setting up a company in Dubai?
The fees associated with setting up a company in Dubai include registration fees, trade license fees, office or warehouse rental fees, and any additional fees depending on the type of business and type of company. Fees can vary based on the size of the company and the type of business.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
It usually takes two to four weeks to set up a company in Dubai, depending on the speed of submitting the documents and completing the necessary procedures. In some cases, the process may take longer if additional approvals are required.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
Required documents include passports of the founders, certificates of education or professional experience, a business plan, articles of association, and proof of office address. Some activities may require additional documents depending on the type of activity and the requirements of the responsible authority.