Costs and Procedures for Establishing a Company in Dubai, Establishing a company in Dubai is a dream for many entrepreneurs and investors, both Gulf and international, due to Dubai’s global position as one of the most prominent commercial and economic destinations. Dubai is characterized by a dynamic and open economic environment, which facilitates the process of establishing companies and provides investors with various opportunities in various sectors. However, establishing a company in Dubai requires a thorough understanding of the costs and procedures involved, to ensure the success of the process smoothly and efficiently. For this reason, working with specialized consulting companies such as Itqan has become an important step that contributes to simplifying the process and ensuring compliance with local laws.
Establishing a company in Dubai requires going through several legal and regulatory steps and procedures, starting from choosing the type of company and determining the appropriate business activity, all the way to obtaining commercial licenses and government approvals. Each of these steps carries with it a set of costs that may vary depending on the type of activity and the area in which the investor wishes to establish his company. Some of the basic costs include company registration fees, the cost of obtaining commercial licenses, in addition to the costs of renting the office or headquarters of the company, as well as fees related to visas and work permits for employees.
Itqan Company provides integrated services that help investors overcome these procedures and costs efficiently, as it provides them with legal and administrative advice, and helps facilitate all steps related to establishing a company. Whether you want to establish your company in a free zone or in the local market, Itqan provides appropriate solutions that are in line with your requirements and budget, making the establishment process easier and less complicated. Knowing the costs and procedures is an important first step towards success, and Itqan Company comes as a reliable partner that ensures that you achieve this goal smoothly and professionally.

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ToggleMain steps to set up a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for many aspiring investors and entrepreneurs, as Dubai is one of the world’s leading economic hubs thanks to its advanced infrastructure and dynamic business environment. However, successfully establishing a company requires a thorough understanding of the required procedures and legal requirements. This process involves a set of essential steps that must be followed to ensure that the company complies with local laws and takes advantage of available business opportunities.
Main steps to establish a company in Dubai :
- Choosing the type of company: First, you must determine the type of company you want to establish. It can be a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or a subsidiary company, depending on the nature of the business and commercial activity. You can also choose between establishing the company in a free zone or in the local market.
- Choosing the business activity: The business activity that the company will carry out must be determined, as this affects the type of license required and the legal conditions associated with it.
- Choosing a company name: The company name must be chosen in accordance with Dubai laws and does not conflict with other registered trade names. This requires obtaining approval from the competent authorities to register the name.
- Preparing the required documents: The required documents usually include the founders’ passports, qualification certificates, a business plan, and an office lease contract. The documents vary depending on the type of company and activity.
- Company Registration: After preparing the documents, the company must be registered with the Department of Economic Development or the appropriate free zone. This involves submitting a company registration application and paying the required fees.
- Obtaining a commercial license: After registering the company, you must obtain a commercial license granted by the competent department or the free zone administration. The types of licenses vary according to the commercial activity.
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Establishing a company requires opening a business bank account to facilitate financial transactions and manage funds.
- Securing the necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the type of activity, the company may need to obtain additional licenses or permits from various regulatory authorities.
By following these steps, investors can effectively set up their companies in Dubai and benefit from the thriving business environment that the city offers.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Setting up a company in Dubai is a vital strategic step that can open doors to business opportunities and economic growth. However, to achieve this goal successfully, it is essential to prepare all the required documents accurately and efficiently. The requirements vary depending on the type of company, the business activity, and the location whether in the local market or in the free zones. Knowing the basic documents required ensures that the process runs smoothly and quickly, and helps avoid any unexpected delays or complications. Below is a list of the basic documents you will need to set up a company in Dubai.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai :
- Passports: Copies of the passports of the founders, directors and principal owners of the company must be provided. The passports must be valid.
- Qualification Certificates: These include academic and professional certificates of the founders and managers. These certificates help prove the competence and competence in managing the company.
- Business Plan: A business plan is a basic document that details the business activity, goals, financial strategies, and market analysis. The business plan provides a clear vision of the project and helps in evaluating it.
- Office Lease Contract: A lease contract for an office or business premises for the company must be submitted. If you are establishing a company in a free zone, you may need to rent an office or business space within the zone itself.
- Residence Visas: Founders and directors must be provided with residence visas that will allow them to live and work in Dubai. You may also need to apply for visas for employees.
- Articles of Association: The articles of association include the legal details of the company such as the type of company, its name, and its business activity. This agreement is prepared in cooperation with a specialized lawyer to ensure that it complies with local laws.
- Regulatory approval: For some business activities, you may require additional approvals from relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Ministry of Health or the Civil Aviation Authority, depending on the nature of the activity.
- Copy of Emirates ID (for citizens and residents): UAE citizens and residents may be required to provide a copy of their Emirates ID.
Preparing and compiling these documents carefully is an essential step in expediting the company formation process and ensuring compliance with all local laws and regulations in Dubai.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, setting up a company in Dubai is a process that requires careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the costs and procedures involved. Dubai, thanks to its position as one of the world’s leading economic hubs, offers ample opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, but the real challenge lies in navigating the legal and administrative system requirements to ensure the success of the process. By understanding the costs associated with setting up a company, including registration fees, obtaining trade licenses, office costs, and work visas, investors can make informed decisions that align with their budget and strategic goals.
Itqan plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, offering its integrated services to help investors overcome obstacles and achieve their business goals efficiently. By providing accurate legal and administrative advice, Itqan assists investors in every step of the establishment process, starting from choosing the type of company and registration, through obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and ending with completing the legal and financial procedures.
Partnering with Itqan allows investors to benefit from its extensive experience in the field, saving time and effort and ensuring full compliance with local requirements. With the support provided by Itqan, it becomes possible to overcome bureaucratic and administrative challenges and achieve success in Dubai’s competitive business environment. Ultimately, investing in Dubai can be a strong strategic step towards expansion and growth, and the success of this step comes from taking advantage of the expertise and sound guidance provided by consulting companies such as Itqan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic costs of setting up a company in Dubai?
Basic costs include company registration fees, obtaining trade licenses, renting an office or headquarters, and work visas for employees. Costs may also include legal and accounting fees, insurance costs, and office fit-out.
What are the main procedures for establishing a company in Dubai?
The basic procedures include choosing the appropriate company type, determining the business activity, preparing the necessary documents, registering the company with the Department of Economic Development or the free zone, obtaining trade licenses, and submitting the necessary visa applications.
Do costs differ between free zones and the local market?
Yes, costs vary between free zones and the local market. Free zones usually offer special facilities such as tax exemptions and lower set-up costs, while costs in the local market may be higher due to different fees and permits.
Can foreign investors establish companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can establish companies in Dubai, either in free zones or through partnership with local citizens in the local market. Free zones provide full ownership to the foreign investor.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
Documents typically required include the owner or shareholders’ passport, residence visas, qualification certificates, a business plan, and an office lease. Requirements may vary depending on the type of company and business activity.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The time it takes to set up a company varies depending on the type of company and the documents submitted. The process can usually be completed within two to four weeks, but the process may be faster or slower depending on the complexity of the case.