Opening a company in Dubai for foreigners is an important step towards benefiting from one of the most attractive investment environments in the world. With its strategic location linking East and West, and its continuous development as a global business gateway, Dubai offers foreign investors unprecedented opportunities. Thanks to government facilities and business-friendly policies, Dubai offers a comprehensive infrastructure, including dedicated free zones, tax exemptions, and flexibility in foreign ownership of companies, making it an ideal destination for establishing companies. With continuous improvements in regulations and laws, foreigners can easily establish their companies, and enjoy access to local and international markets at the same time.
Itqan Company contributes greatly to facilitating the process of establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners, as it provides comprehensive consultations on all the required steps and legal and financial procedures necessary to establish a successful company. By providing comprehensive support that includes preparing documents, obtaining the necessary licenses, and providing advice on choosing the right location for your business, Itqan helps foreign companies achieve their business goals smoothly and in a short time.
In addition to the free zones that allow 100% foreign ownership of companies, Dubai also allows for the establishment of companies on the mainland, giving companies direct access to the local market. The business activities that can be practiced in Dubai are diverse, from industrial and commercial activities to service and digital activities, giving foreign investors the freedom to choose the right sector for their business. Setting up a company in Dubai is not only an opportunity for business expansion, but also a gateway to access new markets and great growth potential. So, if you are a foreign investor looking for an opportunity to establish a company in Dubai, Itqan will be a reliable partner to achieve this goal with professionalism and flexibility.

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ToggleTypes of companies foreigners can open in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is an important step towards exploiting the investment opportunities available in one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Dubai provides an ideal business environment thanks to its advanced infrastructure and legal system that facilitates foreigners’ entry into the business market. Establishing a company for foreigners is available and encouraged by the government, whether the investor is seeking to open a small or large company. With the available facilities such as free zones that grant 100% foreign ownership, as well as encouraging tax policies, Dubai is an attractive option for investors from all over the world. Foreigners in Dubai have several options when it comes to establishing a company, and each type of company has specific advantages that serve specific purposes based on the type and nature of the business activity. The main types of companies that foreigners can open in Dubai are:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the mainland: The LLC is the most common type of company in Dubai, where foreigners are allowed to own up to 100% of certain activities. These companies require a local partner as a service agent only, without the need for a shareholder partner, according to recent amendments to the laws.
- Free Zone Company: Free zones in Dubai allow foreigners to own a company outright without the need for a local partner. There are several free zones in Dubai such as Dubai South, Jebel Ali, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, and each free zone targets specific business sectors and offers special tax benefits and facilities.
- Offshore: Offshore companies are often used for purposes such as international asset management or business outside the UAE. These companies allow foreigners to operate internationally through Dubai, but they cannot do business within the UAE itself.
Each of these types of companies offers different opportunities for foreigners in Dubai based on their needs and business objectives. Investors must determine the appropriate type based on the size of the business and the benefits they want to benefit from.
Documents required to open a company in Dubai
Opening a company in Dubai is a strategic step for investors looking to benefit from the diverse economic opportunities and advanced infrastructure. Dubai is characterized by a competitive business environment and legal systems that facilitate the establishment of companies, making it a preferred destination for foreign investors. Whether you intend to establish a company in the free zones or on the mainland, the initial steps to establish a company require the preparation of a set of official documents that are a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary approvals and starting to practice business legally. Document requirements vary depending on the type of company and the location you wish to establish, whether inside or outside the free zones. However, in general, there is a set of basic documents that must be submitted to the relevant government agencies. Documents required to open a company in Dubai :
- Copy of Passport: All partners and shareholders of the company need to submit a copy of their valid passports. This is an essential document required for all types of companies whether in the free zones or on the mainland.
- No Objection Letter (NOC): If a partner or director is employed by another entity in the UAE, he or she may need a No Objection Letter from their current employer to allow them to establish a new company.
- Company Business Plan: Some free zones require the submission of a detailed business plan that outlines the company’s future activity and objectives, especially if the company operates in a specific sector that requires precise regulatory standards.
- Copy of Lease or Office Ownership Contract: Mainland and free zone companies are required to provide a lease contract for the business premises or company office. Sometimes, free zones provide shared office space that can be used to meet this requirement.
- Registration and Licensing Forms: A set of official registration and licensing forms must be completed, and they vary depending on the type of business and where the company is established.
- Certificate of No Bankruptcy or Criminal Convictions: In some cases, partners may be required to provide a certificate proving that they have no criminal cases or previous bankruptcy.
After preparing and processing these documents, they are submitted to the competent authority concerned with registering companies in Dubai, such as the Department of Economic Development or the authority responsible for the free zone you have chosen.

Our company’s role in opening a company in Dubai
In conclusion, opening a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step towards achieving growth and prosperity in a sophisticated global business environment. Dubai offers a unique environment that combines economic progress and political stability, making it an ideal destination for foreign investors looking to expand their businesses or start new projects. With flexible government policies, advanced infrastructure, and continuous support for the business sector, foreign companies can benefit from endless opportunities in various sectors, whether industrial, commercial, or service.
Cooperating with Itqan in the process of opening a company in Dubai is a smart move to ensure that all procedures are completed easily and without complications. Itqan provides integrated services that include providing legal advice, preparing documents, and obtaining the necessary licenses, allowing investors to focus on developing their business without worrying about procedural details. With its long experience in this field, Itqan is a reliable partner for foreign investors seeking to establish successful and sustainable companies in Dubai.
Along with administrative and legal support, Itqan provides ongoing guidance to help foreign companies make the most of the opportunities available in Dubai, whether it is choosing the right location, or identifying the most profitable business activities. With customized solutions that meet the needs of each investor, Itqan ensures that the company formation experience in Dubai is smooth and successful.
In short, opening a company in Dubai in partnership with Itqan is the ideal choice for foreign investors seeking to achieve their business goals in a favorable and advanced economic environment. Partnering with Itqan not only ensures the ease of the process, but also helps in building a strong foundation for business growth and future expansion in Dubai and other global markets.
Frequently asked questions about opening a company in Dubai
What types of companies can foreigners open in Dubai?
Foreigners can open companies in free zones, limited liability companies (LLCs) on the mainland, or offshore companies. Each has different legal conditions and requirements.
Does a foreigner need a local partner to establish a company in Dubai?
Foreigners do not need a local partner in the free zones, as they can own the company 100%. In the mainland, companies can be opened with full foreign ownership depending on the type of license.
What documents are required to open a company in Dubai?
Required documents include a copy of the passport, personal photos, a business plan, and details of partners (if any), in addition to documents related to the trade license and activity.
How long does it take to open a company in Dubai?
The process of opening a company in Dubai usually takes from two weeks to a month, depending on the type of activity and the procedures related to obtaining licenses and approvals.
Can a foreigner open a company in all economic sectors in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open companies in many sectors such as trade, services, real estate, technology, and industry, depending on the type of license granted to them.
What are the tax benefits of opening a company in Dubai for foreigners?
Dubai offers attractive tax benefits such as personal income tax exemption, tax exemption in free zones, and no corporate tax in some cases.
What are the steps to establish companies?
1- First step: Security approval 2- Second step: Establishing the company includes issuing all legal papers: – Commercial register – Articles of association – Establishment card – Certificate of establishment – Registration of the company in the Identity and Foreigners Department 3- Third step: Issuing an investor residency
What is the minimum capital required to establish a company?
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How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
Only 21 days
Does company formation require personal presence?
No, all procedures can be completed electronically.