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Establishing a Company in Dubai – Procedures and General Tips

Establishing a Company in Dubai – Procedures and General Tips

١٧ مارس Establishing a Company in Dubai – Procedures and General Tips

Establishing a company in Dubai – Procedures and general tips, Dubai is one of the most prominent global cities that encourage investment and establishing companies, as it offers a thriving economic environment and attractive incentives for investors from all over the world. Opening a company in Dubai is a strategic step to benefit from the distinguished geographical location that connects the markets of Asia, Europe and Africa, making it a vital center for international trade. With an advanced infrastructure and supportive government policies, Dubai provides diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and enter new markets.

To achieve this success, working with a specialized company like Itqan is an important step in establishing your company in Dubai. Itqan offers comprehensive expertise in the field of company formation, starting from choosing the appropriate legal structure for your company to completing all necessary legal and administrative procedures. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the UAE market and local regulations, Itqan helps investors overcome the challenges they may face in the establishment process, whether they want to establish a company in the free zones or outside them. The company also provides support in various areas such as obtaining licenses, preparing the required documents, and dealing with complex government procedures.

Collaborating with Itqan Company is not limited to establishing a company, but extends to providing legal and financial consultations that contribute to enhancing the long-term success of your project. This comprehensive support ensures that you focus on growing your business without having to worry about organizational and administrative details. Establishing a company in Dubai in cooperation with Itqan opens up broad horizons for you to achieve success and innovation in one of the most competitive and prosperous cities in the world.

Establishing a Company in Dubai – Procedures and General Tips
Establishing a Company in Dubai – Procedures and General Tips

Basic steps to establish a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is an important step for any investor seeking to enter the UAE market and benefit from the thriving economic environment that Dubai offers. Thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and continuous government support for commercial projects, Dubai has become a leading destination for establishing new companies. By establishing a company in Dubai, investors can access huge investment opportunities locally and internationally, and expand their business in a competitive environment that provides many incentives and benefits. However, establishing a company in Dubai requires following certain steps and procedures to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations. Below are the basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai :

  • Determine the business activity: The first step is to determine the type of business activity the company will be conducting. Dubai offers a wide range of business activities including general trade, industry, services, and specialized activities. The type of activity must comply with local regulations and sometimes requires approvals from relevant regulatory bodies.
  • Choosing the legal structure of the company: After determining the activity, the appropriate legal structure for the company must be chosen. There are several structures that can be chosen such as a limited liability company (LLC), a free zone company, or a branch of a foreign company. The structure depends on the type of activity and the level of control that investors wish to retain.
  • Choosing a trade name: The company must choose a trade name that reflects its business activity and complies with the rules and guidelines set by the Department of Economic Development. The name must be unique and not used by other companies in Dubai.
  • Applying for licenses: After determining the trade name and activity, you must apply for the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities. Licenses vary according to the type of business activity and location (whether inside or outside the free zones). Licenses include commercial, industrial or professional licenses depending on the type of activity.
  • Preparing legal documents: All legal documents required to establish the company are prepared, such as the articles of association and bylaws. These documents may include agreements between partners or contracts related to share ownership.
  • Obtaining final approvals and licenses: After submitting all documents, approvals from the relevant government authorities are awaited. It can take some time to obtain final approvals, especially if the business requires additional reviews.
  • Registering the company in the commercial register: After obtaining the approvals, the company must be registered in the Dubai commercial register, which gives the company the legal personality to operate within the country. This step includes paying the required government fees.
  • Opening a corporate bank account: Once the company is registered, investors can open a corporate bank account in one of the recognized banks in Dubai. This account will help in handling the financial transactions of the company such as capital and day-to-day transactions.
  • Renting an office or workspace: The law in Dubai requires every company to have a physical business address. The company must rent an office or workspace that is appropriate for its business activity. Free zones can provide ready-to-use office spaces.
  • Obtaining Residence Visas: After establishing the company, investors and their employees can apply for residence visas in Dubai. This makes it easier for companies to hire staff and operate effectively within the emirate.

Following these steps carefully ensures that investors can establish their company in Dubai easily and smoothly, in full compliance with local laws and regulations.

Types of companies that can be established in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most prominent global destinations for establishing companies, as it provides an integrated investment environment that combines advanced infrastructure and flexible legislation that encourages the establishment of companies of all sizes and activities. Dubai is characterized by the diversity of options available to entrepreneurs and investors, whether they want to establish a small company or manage a large project. The emirate also offers many incentives and benefits to attract local and foreign investments, which contributes to strengthening the economy and making Dubai a global economic and commercial center. Below is a presentation of the types of companies that can be established in Dubai:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most popular option for company formation in Dubai is the limited liability company. This type of company requires a local partner or company to own 51% of the shares, while foreigners can own 49%. This type of company is ideal for companies looking to operate within the local market.
  • Professional Company: A professional company allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish companies that focus on providing professional services, such as engineering, legal or medical consulting. In this type of company, foreigners can own 100% of the company without the need for a local partner, but a local service agent must be appointed.
  • Free Zone Company: Companies registered in Dubai’s free zones enjoy 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local partner. Free zones provide a flexible business environment with tax and customs exemptions. This type of company is an ideal choice for companies targeting international trade and foreign investment.
  • Branch of a foreign company: Foreign companies can open branches in Dubai and operate under the same trade name as the parent company. This type of company does not require a local partner, but the branch must be committed to the same business activities as the parent company.
  • Offshore Company: Setting up an offshore company in Dubai allows companies to operate internationally without the need for a physical presence in the UAE. Offshore companies benefit from legal and tax advantages that make them a suitable option for international business and real estate investments.
  • Holding Company: This type of company is established for the purpose of controlling the shares or assets of other companies. Holding companies are mainly used to organize and manage subsidiaries or invest in various projects. They can be established in or outside the free zones.
  • Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a business owned by only one person who is legally responsible for all financial obligations and risks associated with the business. This type of business is flexible and easy to manage, but has limited growth and expansion.

Dubai offers a wide range of company types that can be established to meet the needs of different entrepreneurs and investors. Depending on the type of business activity and the size of the company, the appropriate structure can be chosen that achieves the desired goals and provides the best conditions for operating in a thriving business environment.

Our company's role in establishing a company in Dubai
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai

In conclusion, when discussing setting up a company in Dubai in cooperation with Itqan, it becomes clear that this cooperation represents a crucial step to ensure the success of any business project in one of the fastest growing and innovative cities in the world. Dubai offers multiple investment opportunities and a range of economic incentives that attract investors from all over the world, making it the ideal destination for establishing companies and expanding businesses. However, setting up a company in Dubai requires a deep understanding of local legislation and legal procedures, and this is where Itqan comes in as an expert in this field.

Itqan helps investors overcome the administrative and bureaucratic complexities that they may face during the establishment process. Whether it is choosing the most appropriate type of company, obtaining licenses, or providing legal and financial advice, Itqan provides comprehensive support that helps facilitate this process significantly. With its extensive experience in the local market, Itqan offers innovative solutions that meet the needs of investors, and helps them avoid any potential obstacles that may hinder their commercial journey.

Establishing a company in Dubai is not just a step towards entering a global market, but rather a long-term investment in a developed and thriving business environment. By partnering with Itqan, investors can be assured that the company formation process is carried out with the utmost efficiency and professionalism, giving them the confidence to start their business in a strong and sustainable manner. Ultimately, choosing Dubai as a location to establish a company in partnership with Itqan represents a strategic decision that provides many opportunities and potentials for growth and expansion in an open global market, which contributes to achieving a distinctive and sustainable investment success.

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 for the company, then choosing the company structure (such as a limited liability company or a company in a free zone). After that, the trade name is reserved and an application for obtaining the necessary licenses is submitted from the competent authorities. After approval, the legal documents are prepared and a bank account is opened for the company.

What types of companies can be established in Dubai?

There are several types of companies that can be established in Dubai, including a limited liability company (LLC), a professional company, a branch of a foreign company, a holding company, and free zone companies.

What are the advantages of Dubai free zones for company formation?

Free zones offer benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, income and corporate tax exemptions, customs duty exemption, and easy repatriation of profits and capital.

Can foreigners establish a company in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can establish companies in Dubai, either in the free zones where full foreign ownership is allowed, or in other areas with some conditions regarding local partners.

What are the basic costs of setting up a company in Dubai?

Basic costs include business licensing fees, trade name reservation fees, legal contract preparation fees, and office or commercial space rental costs. Costs vary based on the type of business and location.

What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?

Required documents include passport and copy of visa (if available), lease agreement, and legal documents related to company formation such as articles of association and title deed.

Does setting up a company in Dubai require a local partner?

In some types of companies, such as limited liability companies, a local partner is required to own 51% of the shares. However, in free zones, foreigners can own 100% of the shares without the need for a local partner.

How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

The duration of the incorporation process varies depending on the type of company and the procedures required, but it may take from a few days to several weeks.