Company Formation in Dubai for Foreigners, Establishing a company in Dubai is an excellent opportunity for foreign investors seeking to benefit from the emirate’s thriving and business-friendly economic environment. As a leading international business hub, Dubai offers advanced facilities and infrastructure to attract capital and projects from around the world. Foreigners looking to establish their companies in Dubai find many advantages, including tax exemptions, easy access to regional and international markets, and a variety of legal options available for company formation. By working with specialized companies such as Itqan, foreign investors can understand the complex procedures and legal requirements necessary to establish their company smoothly and securely.
The basic steps to open a company in Dubai for foreigners include obtaining the required commercial licenses and choosing the appropriate type of company, whether in the free zones or in the local market. Itqan Company provides full support in these different stages, starting from choosing the optimal type of company based on the investor’s activity, all the way to preparing the required documents and communicating with the relevant government agencies. In addition, the company provides legal advice and assistance in choosing the appropriate location to establish the company, whether inside Dubai or in one of the free zones that allow foreigners to fully own their companies.
Itqan understands the importance of providing innovative and integrated solutions that facilitate the process of establishing foreign companies in Dubai. With its deep experience in the local market and its understanding of the applicable laws and regulations, it works to provide specialized services that guarantee foreign investors a smooth and hassle-free establishment experience. Whether you are looking to start a small project or establish a multinational company, Itqan stands by you to achieve your investment goals in Dubai.

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ToggleTypes of companies that foreigners can establish in Dubai
Dubai is a preferred destination for foreign investors looking to establish their companies and benefit from the diverse and thriving economic environment. With its legal and administrative facilities and advanced infrastructure, Dubai allows foreigners to establish different types of companies that suit their commercial and investment needs. Options vary based on the type of activity, the nature of the business, and the investor’s desire for full ownership or partnership with Emirati citizens. Dubai offers great flexibility when it comes to establishing companies, whether in free zones or in the local market. By using specialized companies such as “Itqan”, foreign investors can get the necessary advice on the type of company that is most suitable for them and the procedures required to establish it. Types of companies that foreigners can establish in Dubai:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is the most popular option for business formation in Dubai. Foreigners can own up to 49% of this company, while 51% is allocated to a local partner. This type of company is preferred for local businesses targeting the domestic market in the UAE.
- Free Zone Company: Dubai’s free zones allow foreigners to establish companies with 100% ownership. This option is suitable for investors who want to operate their business within the free zone or export outside the UAE. These companies come with many benefits such as tax exemptions and administrative facilities.
- Offshore Company: Setting up an offshore company in Dubai offers many advantages such as privacy and confidentiality in conducting business. These companies usually do not conduct business within the UAE, but are used to manage international assets, register real estate or other assets, and manage international contracts.
- Branch of a foreign company: Foreign companies can open a branch in Dubai to carry out the same activities as the parent company. This type of company does not require a local partner, allowing foreigners to have complete control over the branch.
- Sole Proprietorship: Foreigners can establish a sole proprietorship in Dubai, but only if the business activity is limited to certain permitted activities. A foreign investor can fully own the business in the free zones.
Dubai offers multiple options to meet the needs of foreigners wishing to establish their companies, as its flexible legal environment helps facilitate the process and provides highly competitive advantages.
Basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step that opens wide doors to benefit from investment opportunities in one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Dubai is not just a global business hub, but it also offers a flexible economic environment that encourages investment and supports entrepreneurs in various sectors. For foreigners, establishing a company in Dubai requires following a set of legal and administrative procedures, which may differ depending on the type of company and its business activity. By cooperating with specialized companies such as “Itqan”, these procedures can be simplified and the process of establishing a company can be made easier and faster. The basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners:
- Choosing a trade name: The foreign investor must choose a trade name for the company, which must be compatible with local regulations. The name must reflect the type of business activity and must not include any offensive words or prohibited names. Approval must be obtained from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to use the name.
- Determine the business activity: One of the basic steps is to determine the type of business activity that the company will be conducting. Dubai offers a wide range of business activities to choose from, and the investor must define his activity precisely because some activities may require additional licenses.
- Choosing the type of company: There are several options available for establishing companies in Dubai such as limited liability companies (LLC), companies in free zones, and offshore companies. Choosing the type of company depends on the nature of the business activity and the size of the investments.
- Preparing the Articles of Association and Legal Agreements: Establishing a company in Dubai requires preparing the Articles of Association and legal agreements related to the partnership and management of the company. It is preferable to seek the help of a lawyer or a specialized company such as “Itqan” to ensure that these documents are in compliance with local laws.
- Determine the place of business: Every company in Dubai needs a legal address, whether it is an office, warehouse or co-working space. The location must be compatible with the business activity and must be approved by the relevant authorities.
- Obtaining licenses: Depending on the type of business activity, the necessary licenses must be obtained to operate the company. These licenses may include economic licenses from the Department of Economic Development or special licenses for activities that require additional approvals from government agencies.
- Opening a bank account for the company: After registering the company, the investor must open a bank account for the company in one of the approved banks in Dubai. This account is necessary to manage financial transactions and financing.
- Obtaining a residence visa: A foreign investor and his family members can obtain residence visas in Dubai based on his ownership of the company. This requires applying for an investment visa or an investor residence visa.
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires following precise steps and adhering to legal and administrative requirements, but with the presence of specialized companies such as “Itqan”, the matter becomes easier, as they provide the necessary support at every stage of establishment.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step that brings many benefits on both the professional and investment levels. Dubai offers a sophisticated and encouraging business environment, combining advanced infrastructure, attractive economic policies, and tax exemptions that make it a prime destination for foreign investors. By cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan, the process of establishing a company in Dubai becomes smoother and more efficient, saving the investor time and effort in dealing with legal procedures and bureaucratic requirements that may be somewhat complicated.
Itqan ensures that foreign investors have a hassle-free journey by providing specialized consultations at every stage of company establishment, starting from choosing the appropriate legal structure for the company, through obtaining commercial licenses, and finally determining the ideal location for the company’s activity, whether in free zones or within the local market. With its extensive experience in the UAE market and in-depth understanding of applicable laws and regulations, Itqan ensures that the workflow is smooth, giving foreign investors the ability to focus on developing their businesses without worrying about procedural details.
In addition, Itqan plays a key role in providing innovative and flexible solutions that help foreigners overcome the challenges they may face at the start of their projects. Whether the goal is to establish a small project or a multinational company, Itqan facilitates procedures and speeds up operations, making it the ideal partner for every foreign investor looking for success in Dubai. Through this partnership, foreigners can benefit from the great economic opportunities in Dubai and achieve sustainable growth for their businesses, which enhances their position in the global and regional market.
In short, establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners in cooperation with Itqan Company opens the door to many investment opportunities and achieves maximum benefit from the promising UAE market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What types of companies can foreigners establish in Dubai?
Foreigners can establish several types of companies in Dubai, including limited liability companies (LLCs), free zone companies that allow 100% foreign ownership, and offshore companies. The appropriate type depends on the company’s activity and target location.
Can foreigners fully own a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of the company if it is established in a free zone or as an offshore entity. In the local market, a local partner may be required depending on the type of company and business activity.
What are the basic requirements for setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners?
The basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai include: choosing a trade name, determining the business activity, obtaining initial approvals from the relevant authorities, preparing the articles of association, and renting an office or workspace.
How long does it take to set up a company?
The duration depends on the type of company and the procedures required, but it usually ranges from two weeks to a month. Free zone companies may be quicker to process.
Do foreigners need a local partner to set up a company in Dubai?
If the company is established outside the free zones, foreigners may be required to have a local partner who owns 51% of the company. However, in free zones and offshore companies, foreigners can own the company completely.
Are there any tax exemptions for foreigners in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai enjoys attractive tax exemptions, as there are no personal income taxes or corporate profit taxes in most sectors, except for some economic activities such as banking and oil.