Establishing a company in Dubai – Procedures and Conditions, Establishing a company in Dubai is a crucial strategic step for any investor seeking to enter one of the most dynamic and advanced global markets. Dubai is known for providing an ideal investment environment that supports innovation and growth, making it a preferred destination for investors and businessmen from all over the world. With advanced facilities and encouraging business incentives, Dubai offers exceptional opportunities to establish and manage companies efficiently and effectively. However, the process of establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with a number of legal and administrative procedures and conditions to ensure full compliance with local legislation.
To ensure the success of the incorporation process and avoid any potential complications, working with a specialized company such as Itqan is an important step. Itqan has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of company formation in Dubai, making it an ideal partner for investors looking for comprehensive and professional support. Itqan provides comprehensive consultations starting from choosing the appropriate legal structure for the company to completing all the necessary procedures to obtain licenses and work permits. Its services also include guidance on preparing legal documents, opening bank accounts, and securing the appropriate business location.
By partnering with Itqan, investors can benefit from its expertise in understanding market requirements and local regulations, which contributes to accelerating and facilitating the establishment process. This cooperation allows investors to focus on developing their business strategies and growing their business, without having to worry about the complex details of legal and administrative procedures. Establishing a company in Dubai in cooperation with Itqan ensures full support at every step of the establishment process, which contributes to achieving sustainable and distinguished success in a dynamic business environment.

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ToggleBasic steps to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to benefit from the dynamic economic environment provided by the emirate. With its advanced infrastructure and strategic geographical location, Dubai offers many opportunities for businesses of all sizes. However, establishing a company in Dubai requires following a series of basic steps to ensure success and full compliance with legal and commercial requirements. In this context, it is clear that following the correct procedures not only contributes to speeding up the establishment process but also ensures that the company is in compliance with all local laws and regulations. Below are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai :
- Determine the business activity and legal structure: Before starting the company formation, it is necessary to determine the type of business activity the company will be engaged in and choose the appropriate legal structure. Dubai offers multiple options including limited liability companies (LLC), professional companies, companies in free zones, and offshore companies. The choice depends on the nature of the activity and the needs of the business.
- Choosing a trade name: A trade name must be chosen that reflects the company’s activity and complies with local laws. Registering a trade name requires submitting an application to the Department of Economic Development, and the name must be unique and not used by other companies in Dubai.
- Booking an office or workspace: Dubai law requires a company to have a physical business address. Investors can rent an office or workspace that suits the size and activity of the company. They can also choose locations within the free zones that offer ready-made options.
- Preparing legal documents: The basic legal documents include the articles of association, bylaws, and agreements between partners (if there is a partnership). These documents must be prepared in accordance with the legal requirements set by the relevant authorities.
- Submitting license applications: After preparing the documents, applications must be submitted to obtain the necessary commercial licenses from the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority, depending on the type of company and its activity. This includes commercial, industrial, or professional licenses.
- Registration in the Commercial Register: After obtaining the licenses, the company is registered in the Commercial Register in Dubai. This step gives the company legal personality and allows it to practice business officially.
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Opening a business bank account is required to manage the company’s financial transactions. Legal and financial documents required by the chosen bank must be submitted.
- Obtaining Residence Visas: After registering the company and opening a bank account, applications for residence visas can be submitted for investors and employees. This requires submitting the required documents to the Dubai Immigration and Human Resources Department.
By following these basic steps, investors can set up their companies in Dubai efficiently, while ensuring compliance with all legal and administrative requirements.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with a number of legal and administrative requirements to ensure the success of the process and the company’s compliance with local legislation. Dubai, with its distinguished investment environment and advanced infrastructure, is an attractive destination for investors from all over the world. However, it is necessary to submit a set of required documents to ensure that the incorporation process is completed smoothly. The required documents vary slightly depending on the type of company and the chosen legal structure, but there are basic documents that must be prepared to meet the requirements of the competent authorities. Below is a list of the basic documents required to establish a company in Dubai:
- Passport: Color copies of passports of investors and key partners of the company must be provided. Passports must be valid and contain current residence visas (if applicable).
- Personal Photograph: Recent personal photographs are required for investors and key managers. These photographs are used for licensing and visa purposes.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan is required that outlines the nature of the business, objectives, market strategy, and financial projections. The business plan helps provide a clear picture of the project for approval by the relevant authorities.
- Lease Contract: A lease contract for an office or workspace in Dubai must be submitted. The contract must be certified and attested by the relevant authorities.
- Articles of Association and Bylaws: The Articles of Association include the legal documents that define the structure of the company, the rights and obligations of the partners, and the internal operating rules. These documents must be prepared based on the requirements of the regulatory authorities in Dubai.
- Local Agent: If you are establishing an LLC outside of the free zones, you will need to provide a document proving the appointment of a local service agent. The local agent helps in handling legal and administrative matters on behalf of the company.
- Residence Visas: Submitting residence visa application documents for investors and employees. This includes submitting individual applications for each person requiring a visa, along with supporting documents such as passport and personal photos.
- Certificate of Good Conduct: In some cases, a certificate of good conduct may be required for investors and principal managers from the relevant authorities in their home country.
- Certificate of Registration of the Parent Company (if it is a subsidiary): If the company you are establishing is a branch of a foreign company, the certificate of registration of the parent company must be submitted, along with its translation and certification if it is in a language other than English.
Submitting these documents accurately and on time increases the chances of success of the company formation process in Dubai, and ensures compliance with all local laws and regulations. Cooperating with legal advisors or specialized companies can also contribute to facilitating this process and ensuring that all requirements are met.
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 the steps and procedures involved in the process require precision and attention to detail to ensure full compliance with legal and legislative requirements. By following the right steps and understanding the required conditions, investors can achieve their business goals effectively and quickly. Investors’ cooperation with a specialized company such as Itqan is a key factor in facilitating this process. Itqan offers its deep expertise in this field, which helps overcome potential complexities and provide innovative solutions to problems that may arise during the establishment process.
Itqan’s services are not limited to providing legal and administrative consultations only, but also include full support in all aspects of establishing a company, from choosing the most appropriate legal structure to dealing with government agencies and the required licenses. This cooperation ensures that investors are carried out correctly and in accordance with applicable laws, which contributes to avoiding any delays or legal problems that may hinder the course of work.
In addition, Itqan provides valuable guidance and advice that helps investors make the right decisions regarding the location of the company, the type of licenses required, and the accurate preparation of legal documents. This comprehensive support enhances the chances of success of the business project in Dubai, and gives investors the ability to focus on growing their business and achieving their business goals. In partnership with Itqan, investors can benefit from Dubai’s favorable business environment and achieve sustainable success in one of the most attractive markets for investors globally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
The steps begin with determining the type of business activity and the appropriate company structure. After that, the trade name must be reserved and applications for the necessary licenses must be submitted from the government authorities. The legal documents are prepared, then the company is registered in the commercial register and a business bank account is opened. After completing these steps, residence visas can be obtained for employees.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
Essential documents include the investor’s passport, residence visas (if available), lease agreement for the office or commercial space, legal documents such as articles of association, and bylaws. Some businesses may require additional documents depending on the type of activity.
What type of business should I choose to start a company in Dubai?
You can choose the type of business activity based on your areas of interest and the trade you want to engage in. Options include general trade, professional services, industry, or specialized activities. The choice of activity depends on the type of company you want to establish and the market requirements.
Do companies in Dubai need a local partner?
When establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) outside the free zones, the law requires a local partner to own 51% of the shares. However, in the free zones, foreigners can own 100% without the need for a local partner.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The duration of company formation depends on the type of company and the procedures required. In general, the process may take from several days to several weeks, especially if all documents are ready and applications are complete.
What are the costs associated with setting up a company in Dubai?
Costs include licensing fees, trade name reservation costs, preparing legal documents, leasing office or commercial space, and opening a bank account. Costs vary depending on the type of business and location of the company.