Cost of company formation in Dubai for Gulf nationals, company formation in Dubai for Gulf nationals is a strategic investment decision that can provide tremendous business opportunities in one of the most dynamic and growing markets in the world. Dubai, thanks to its distinguished geographical location and advanced investment environment, attracts many investors from the Gulf countries looking to expand their businesses or start new projects. However, the cost of company formation in Dubai is an important factor to consider when planning to invest in this emirate. It is essential to understand all the costs associated with this process to ensure an effective and profitable investment.
Itqan, a business consultancy and services company in Dubai, plays a crucial role in providing the necessary support and advice to Gulf investors. The total cost of setting up a company in Dubai includes a range of expenses such as licensing fees, rental costs, and legal document preparation costs. The basic fees include the cost of a commercial or professional license, which varies depending on the type of activity and size of the company. The cost of renting an office or commercial space should also be taken into consideration, as it depends on the location and size of the space.
In addition, there are additional costs that may include company registration fees, bank account opening fees, and residency visa costs for investors and employees. Itqan provides GCC investors with comprehensive support in understanding and planning these costs, which helps facilitate the incorporation process and ensure compliance with local laws. By utilizing Itqan’s services, investors can accurately estimate their costs and make the most of their investments in Dubai.

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ToggleDocuments required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires the preparation of a set of basic documents that ensure compliance with all legal and administrative requirements. Dubai, with its encouraging business environment, sets a set of conditions and documents that must be submitted to ensure that the company obtains the appropriate license and begins its operations legally.
The documents required to set up a company in Dubai include a variety of documents, ranging from the personal documents of the founders to the legal documents related to the type of business activity. Understanding the document requirements accurately can help speed up the incorporation process and ensure that you do not face any delays due to missing or mismatched documents.
Here is a list of the basic documents required to establish a company in Dubai :
- Passports of founders and investors: Copies of valid passports of investors and founders must be submitted as part of the registration process.
- Residence Visas: If the founders or investors are residents of Dubai, copies of current residence visas must be provided.
- Personal Photos: Some entities may require recent personal photos of the founders or legal representatives.
- Articles of Association and Bylaws: It is required to prepare and submit the company’s articles of association, which include details regarding the company’s objectives, management structure, and bylaws.
- Specify the business activity: Documents must be provided that specify the business activity of the company, which explains the type of business it will be conducting.
- Trade Name Registration: An application is required to register the trade name, which must comply with the requirements of the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority.
- Proof of Business Address: Documents must be provided to prove the address of the office or commercial space that will be used as the official address of the company.
- Regulatory Approval: For some activities, it may be necessary to obtain additional approval from the relevant regulatory authorities such as the Health Authority or the Ministry of Environment and Water.
- Copy of Business License: If the founders or investors have other existing companies, it may be necessary to provide a copy of the business license for those companies.
- Work Permit: If there are employees, documents must be submitted to support their work permit applications.
Providing these documents in a complete and accurate manner will help facilitate the company formation process and help avoid potential delays. Working with specialized advisors can help ensure that all required documents are submitted in accordance with local standards.

Licenses required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires obtaining the appropriate licenses that match the type of business activity and company structure. Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for investors thanks to its dynamic economic environment and flexible legislation that supports businesses. To obtain the necessary permits to start a business, investors must apply for the appropriate licenses, which vary based on the type of business activity and location.
The licenses required to establish a company in Dubai include the following types:
- Trade License: This is the most common trade license required for businesses that sell goods or provide services. This license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. Businesses must submit an application that includes details of the business activity, location, and necessary legal documents.
- Industrial License: This license is for companies whose activities include manufacturing and production. If the company is engaged in the manufacture of materials or manufacturing processes, obtaining an industrial license from the Department of Economic Development is necessary. This includes providing information on the type of manufacturing and industrial processes used.
- Professional License: This license is granted to companies that provide professional services such as consulting, accounting, or law. Obtaining a professional license requires providing details about the type of services provided and the certificates or qualifications required for professionals in this field.
- Free Zone License: If you are setting up in one of the free zones in Dubai, you will need to obtain a license specific to that zone. Free zones offer benefits such as full foreign ownership and tax exemptions, but licenses may vary depending on the activity and location.
- Foreign License: If the company is a branch of an international company, a foreign license application is required. These licenses require the submission of documents from the parent company, such as the company’s certificate of registration and articles of incorporation, to document the relationship between the parent company and the branch.
- Special Business License: For some business activities that require special licenses, such as activities related to food or medicine, additional licenses may be required from the relevant regulatory authorities such as the Health Authority or the Ministry of Environment and Water.
Applying for the necessary licenses requires preparing accurate documentation and meeting the legal requirements specific to the type of activity and location. Understanding these licenses is an essential step in the incorporation process to ensure compliance with all local laws and enable the company to start its business successfully.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, the cost of setting up a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals is one of the essential factors that must be carefully considered before embarking on any investment. Dubai, with its encouraging investment environment and multiple business advantages, is an ideal destination for business growth and expansion. However, understanding all the costs associated with the incorporation process can greatly contribute to the success of the business project and ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
Itqan plays a significant role in guiding Gulf investors by providing comprehensive consultations on all aspects of incorporation costs. Through its specialized services, Itqan helps in accurately identifying and planning the costs required to establish a company, starting from licensing fees and rents, all the way to additional costs such as opening bank accounts and residency visa costs. Itqan provides clear and detailed guidance, allowing Gulf investors to accurately forecast costs and avoid any unexpected financial surprises.
With its extensive experience and network in Dubai, Itqan simplifies the incorporation process, allowing investors to focus on developing their business strategies and achieving their goals. Partnering with Itqan enhances investors’ ability to plan financially effectively, and contributes to achieving positive results. By utilizing Itqan’s services, Gulf nationals can establish their companies in Dubai smoothly and successfully, opening up opportunities and growth in one of the world’s most prominent business markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic costs of setting up a company in Dubai?
Basic costs include business or professional license fees, office or commercial space rental costs, company registration fees, and legal document preparation costs. These costs vary depending on the type of business, the size of the company, and its location.
How much does a business license cost in Dubai?
The cost of a business license varies depending on the type of activity and the size of the company. Generally, fees can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams. Licenses in free zones may be less expensive than those issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Are the establishment costs in the free zones different from those in the mainland?
Yes, the costs of setting up in free zones are different than those in the mainland. Free zones often offer benefits such as tax exemptions and lower rental costs, but free zone licenses may be more specific depending on the activity.
What are the rental costs for an office or commercial space in Dubai?
Rental costs vary depending on the location and size of the office. In prime business areas, rents can be significantly higher compared to sub-regions or free zones. Rental costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams per year.
What are the costs of opening a business bank account?
There are typically fees associated with opening a business bank account, which can include registration fees and monthly or annual maintenance fees. These fees vary by bank and account type.
What are the additional costs associated with residence visas?
Additional costs include residence visa fees for investors and employees. Fees depend on the number and type of visas required, as well as health fees and medical fitness tests.
Are there other costs to consider?
Yes, other costs may include legal and accounting consulting, corporate insurance, and marketing costs. These costs can vary depending on the size of the company and the type of services required.
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