Establishing a company in Dubai – Procedures and Conditions, Opening a company in Dubai represents a golden opportunity for investors and businessmen from all over the world, as the city offers a distinguished business environment that allows them to achieve their business goals and grow in a dynamic and evolving market. Dubai, with its strategic location as a gateway between the East and the West, offers a wide range of business opportunities thanks to its modern infrastructure, encouraging economic policies, and attractive investment environment. However, starting a business in Dubai requires a thorough knowledge of the procedures and conditions necessary to ensure that the company is established correctly and effectively. The process usually begins with determining the type of business activity that the investor wants to practice, as the choice of activity greatly affects the type of license that will be obtained.
After determining the activity, the next step is to choose the appropriate legal structure for the company, such as limited liability companies or sole proprietorships. This choice depends on the number of partners and the type of business activity. The next step is to choose a trade name that complies with local laws and reflects the nature of the business, then complete the procedures to obtain initial approvals from the competent authorities. It is also essential to secure a physical location for the company, such as renting an office that complies with legal requirements, and preparing all necessary legal documents such as the articles of association and agreements between partners.
Itqan plays a vital role in facilitating this process by providing comprehensive legal and administrative consultations, ensuring that investors complete all procedures efficiently and effortlessly. With its extensive experience in this field, Itqan helps investors overcome the challenges they may face, making the process of establishing a company in Dubai smoother and more successful.

جدول المحتوى
ToggleLegal requirements for establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with a set of legal requirements that aim to ensure compliance with local laws and enhance the business environment. Dubai, being a global economic hub, provides a comprehensive regulatory framework that helps investors start their businesses smoothly. Legal requirements vary depending on the type of business activity and the legal structure of the company, but there are a set of basic steps and procedures that must be followed to ensure that all conditions are met. By understanding these requirements, investors can successfully establish their companies and enjoy the benefits of the UAE market. Legal Requirements for Establishing a Company in Dubai
- Determine the type of business activity: Before starting the incorporation process, you must determine the type of business activity that the company intends to practice. This determination affects the type of license that the company will need, whether it is a commercial, industrial, professional, or tourism license.
- Choosing the legal structure of the company: Local laws require choosing the appropriate legal structure for the company. Options include limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, and joint stock companies. The legal structure should be consistent with the nature of the business and the number of partners.
- Reserve Trade Name: A trade name must be chosen that complies with local laws and reflects the nature of the business. The trade name is reserved and registered with the Department of Economic Development or the competent authority in the free zone, and must comply with the specified rules and conditions.
- Obtaining initial approvals: The process requires submitting an application to obtain initial approval from the relevant authorities. This approval is an essential step before completing the rest of the procedures and is done based on the type of activity and legal structure.
- Renting an office or premises for the company: All companies in Dubai are required to have a physical address, which requires renting an office or premises that meets the requirements of the business activities. The lease contract must be registered with the relevant government authorities.
- Preparing legal documents: This step includes preparing the articles of association, agreements between partners, and any other legal documents required by local laws. These documents must be notarized with the relevant legal authorities.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses: After completing the legal documents, you must apply for the appropriate business license. This requires fulfilling all legal requirements and submitting the required documents.
- Opening a corporate bank account: Companies are required to open a corporate bank account to manage financial transactions. This account is essential to facilitate day-to-day financial operations.
- Registration with government bodies: Companies need to register with the Department of Economic Development and other relevant bodies such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Registration with tax authorities may also be required depending on the type of activity.
In short, adhering to these legal requirements is a vital step in the process of establishing a company in Dubai , and contributes to facilitating procedures and ensuring compliance with local laws, which contributes to the success and sustainability of businesses in the UAE market.

Types of licenses available to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires obtaining the appropriate license that matches the type of business activity the company intends to undertake. Dubai, thanks to its strategic location as a commercial gateway between the East and the West, offers a variety of licenses that allow investors to start their businesses in a legal manner and in compliance with local regulations. Licenses provide a legal framework that regulates business activities and helps facilitate business operations within a specific regulatory framework. In this introduction, we will discuss the types of licenses available for establishing a company in Dubai, which meet the needs of companies from various sectors. Types of Licenses Available for Establishing a Company in Dubai
- Commercial License: A commercial license is granted to companies that carry out commercial activities related to buying, selling and general trade. This type of license is suitable for companies that work in wholesale and retail trade, import and export, and distribution of goods and services. A commercial license provides the legal basis for practicing commercial activities within the local and international market.
- Industrial License: An industrial license is granted to companies that engage in manufacturing or production activities. These activities include the manufacture and production of goods, the assembly of products, and manufacturing in various forms. Obtaining an industrial license requires verification of compliance with environmental standards and safety requirements, in addition to obtaining approvals from the competent authorities regarding the location of the factory or industrial facility.
- Professional License: A professional license is given to individuals or companies that provide services that rely on professional skills and expertise. These services include management consulting, accounting, law, education, medicine, and engineering. A professional license is necessary for any activity that relies on providing advisory or specialized services that require specific skills and expertise.
- Tourism License: A tourism license is intended for businesses operating in the tourism sector, such as travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality services. This type of license requires compliance with local hospitality and tourism standards, and is essential for activities that aim to attract and provide services to visitors and tourists.
- Agricultural License: An agricultural license is granted to companies operating in the agricultural sector, including farming, livestock, and fish farming. This type of license requires verification of compliance with sustainable environmental practices and requirements for the health safety of agricultural and animal products.
- Free License: The free license is granted to companies operating in Dubai’s free zones, and allows the company to be fully owned by foreigners without the need for a local partner. The free license covers a wide range of commercial, industrial and service activities, and provides additional benefits such as tax exemption and ease of incorporation procedures.
Choosing the right license depends on the nature of the business activity and the company’s specific business requirements. By identifying the right type of license, investors can start their business in Dubai legally and efficiently, and take advantage of the many opportunities the city offers.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
At the end of the process of establishing a company in Dubai , it becomes clear that adhering to the legal procedures and conditions is vital to ensure the success and continuity of the project. Dubai offers a unique and investor-friendly business environment thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for businesses from various sectors. However, establishing a company in this city requires a deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory procedures that include identifying the business activity, choosing the appropriate legal structure, and obtaining the necessary licenses. These steps are essential to ensure compliance with local laws and enjoy the distinct market advantages that Dubai offers.
Itqan Company contributes significantly to facilitating the establishment process, as it provides comprehensive and dedicated support that helps investors deal with all procedures smoothly. By providing comprehensive legal and administrative consultations, and assisting them in choosing the optimal legal structure, reserving trade names, and submitting licenses, Itqan contributes to accelerating procedures and reducing the burden on investors. This support allows investors to focus on developing their business strategies and achieving their goals without worrying about legal and administrative details.
Partnering with Itqan provides investors with a significant advantage in terms of benefiting from its extensive experience and deep knowledge of the local market, which enhances the chances of success and sustainability in a competitive business environment. In short, establishing a company in Dubai with the right support from Itqan represents a strategic step towards achieving success and growth in one of the most dynamic and advanced markets in the world.
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 identifying the business activity, choosing the appropriate legal structure, selecting a trade name, obtaining initial approvals, renting an office or headquarters for the company, preparing legal documents, obtaining the necessary licenses, and opening a bank account.
What types of licenses are available to establish a company in Dubai?
There are different types of licenses available in Dubai, including commercial license for commercial activities, industrial license for manufacturing activities, professional license for services based on professional skills, and tourism license for tourism-related activities.
Can foreigners establish companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can establish companies in Dubai, especially in the free zones that allow full ownership of the company. In the interior areas, investors need a local partner or sponsor to own 51% of the shares.
What are the advantages of free zones in Dubai?
Dubai’s free zones offer many advantages such as full foreign ownership, income tax exemptions, freedom to transfer profits abroad, in addition to facilitating establishment and employment procedures.