Steps and conditions for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners, opening a company in Dubai for foreigners represents a promising investment opportunity thanks to the dynamic and thriving business environment provided by the city. Dubai, as a global center for trade and investment, offers a variety of opportunities for foreigners wishing to enter the local market or expand their business activities. With advanced infrastructure, business-friendly laws, and attractive investment incentives, Dubai is an ideal destination for establishing companies. However, the process of establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires adherence to a number of steps and legal conditions that ensure the success of the process and its compliance with local laws.
One of the most important steps to follow is to determine the type of business activity you intend to engage in and choose the appropriate legal structure for the company. Dubai offers multiple options such as limited liability companies, freehold companies, and foreign branches, each of which has specific requirements and procedures. After determining the activity and structure, you must obtain the appropriate license from the competent authorities in Dubai, which requires submitting a set of documents and approval procedures.
The requirements for establishing a company in Dubai also include compliance with foreign ownership laws, as Dubai allows foreigners to fully own companies in free zones, while a local partner may be required in non-free zones. In addition, investors must meet other requirements such as renting an office, registering the company, and obtaining the necessary visas.
With its extensive experience in this field, Itqan provides comprehensive support to foreigners wishing to establish their companies in Dubai. By providing specialized advice and assistance in navigating the complex legal procedures, Itqan helps ensure that investment objectives are achieved and facilitates the incorporation process in line with local laws.

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ToggleBasic steps to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners
Setting up a company in Dubai is an excellent opportunity for foreigners looking to take advantage of the city’s dynamic and thriving business environment. With its strategic location as a global trade gateway and advanced infrastructure, Dubai is an attractive destination for investors from all over the world. However, in order to successfully set up a company in Dubai, there are several essential steps that must be followed to ensure compliance with local laws and effectively achieve business objectives. These steps include identifying the right business activity, choosing the right legal structure, obtaining the required licenses, and meeting other requirements that ensure the business is started legally and in an orderly manner. The basic steps for setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners include:
- Determine the business activity: The first step in the incorporation process is to determine the type of business activity you wish to engage in. Dubai offers a wide range of permitted business activities, both in free and non-free zones. Determining the activity accurately helps in choosing the appropriate type of license and avoiding legal problems in the future.
- Choosing a Legal Structure: After determining the business activity, you must choose the appropriate legal structure for the company. Options include limited liability companies (LLCs), free zone companies, and foreign branches. Each legal structure has different requirements and procedures, and the choice depends on the nature of your business and the size of your company.
- Reserve a trade name: The next step is to reserve a trade name for the company. The name must be unique and not used by another company, and must comply with local regulations set by the relevant authorities in Dubai. The process of reserving a name involves submitting a formal application to the local authorities.
- Obtaining initial approvals: After reserving the trade name, initial approvals must be obtained from the relevant authorities. These approvals confirm that the business activity is in line with local laws and that there are no objections to the establishment of the company.
- Preparing legal documents: The incorporation process requires the preparation of a set of legal documents such as the articles of association and the company’s bylaws. These documents must be in compliance with local laws and submitted to the relevant authorities to obtain a commercial license.
- Submitting a license application: After preparing the required documents and obtaining the initial approvals, an application is submitted for a commercial license. This license is what allows you to legally practice commercial activity in Dubai.
- Renting an office or business space: You must have a physical business location to register a company. You can rent an office or business space in Dubai depending on the type and size of your business. Recording the official office address in the legal documents is an essential part of the incorporation process.
- Commercial Registration: The final step is to register the company in the Dubai Commercial Register. After obtaining the license and completing all legal procedures, the company is officially registered, allowing you to start your business.
By following these basic steps and working with a consulting firm like Itqan, you can ensure that your company formation in Dubai is smooth and compliant with local laws, helping you achieve your business goals and boost your success in the market.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners offers tremendous investment opportunities thanks to the excellent business environment and advanced infrastructure that the city provides. The incorporation process, although it may seem complicated at first, is characterized by a number of steps and conditions that aim to ensure success and full compliance with local laws. From determining the type of business activity and the appropriate legal structure, to obtaining a license and ensuring that all legal requirements are met, each step is essential to ensure that the business is started legally and efficiently.
Partnering with Itqan in this context adds great value, as the company contributes its extensive experience in facilitating all aspects of the establishment process. By providing specialized advice, assisting investors in preparing the required documents, and providing support in negotiating with government agencies, Itqan ensures that the establishment process is smooth and fast. Itqan also provides accurate information on foreign ownership requirements, helping foreigners better understand their options in both free and non-free zones.
With the support of Itqan, foreign investors can focus on developing their businesses and achieving their business goals in Dubai, knowing that they have a reliable partner to help them overcome any obstacles they may face. Ultimately, setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners is not just an investment in a business, but a strategic step towards expanding into a vibrant and growing market, giving you the opportunity to benefit from the many economic advantages that Dubai has to offer.
Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step towards entering one of the most dynamic and growing markets in the world. Dubai offers a sophisticated business environment and a range of investment opportunities that attract investors from all over the world. However, establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with a number of legal and procedural requirements to ensure that the business is started properly and in compliance with local laws. These requirements vary depending on the type of business activity and location within Dubai, whether in free zones or non-free zones. The requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners include the following:
- Determine the business activity and legal structure: The type of business activity you wish to engage in must be carefully determined, as this will affect the type of license required and the legal structure of the company. In Dubai, foreigners can choose from different types of companies such as limited liability companies (LLCs), free zone companies or foreign branches.
- Choosing a location: The location of the company in Dubai affects the type of conditions and procedures that must be followed. In free zones, foreigners can own 100% of the company, while in non-free zones, a local partner may be required to own 51% of the shares.
- Obtaining a local partner (if required): In case of establishing a company in non-free zones, a local partner is required to own 51% of the shares. The local partner must be a person or legal entity registered in Dubai, and must be legally agreed upon to ensure the rights of all parties.
- Submitting the required documents: The incorporation process requires submitting a set of legal documents such as the partners’ passports, personal photos, the articles of association, the company’s articles of association, and proof of address. All documents must be correct and translated if necessary.
- Obtaining initial approvals: Before starting the official registration process, initial approvals must be obtained from the relevant government authorities in Dubai. These approvals confirm that the business activity is in line with local laws and that there are no objections to the establishment of the company.
- Meeting office or workspace requirements: You must have a physical place of business to register your company. This requires renting an office or workspace that meets the requirements of the competent authorities. Confirming the existence of a physical place of business is a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial license.
- Registration in the Commercial Register: After fulfilling all the requirements and documents, the company must be registered in the Commercial Register in Dubai. This registration allows the company to operate legally and grants it the commercial license that qualifies it to start practicing the activity.
- Obtaining Visas: The necessary visas are issued to investors and employees after the company incorporation and registration process is completed. Work and residence visas are an essential part of the company incorporation process and allow you and other members of the company to live and work in Dubai.
In collaboration with a consulting firm such as Itqan, these procedures can be facilitated and all legal and procedural requirements can be ensured, helping to achieve a successful and smooth company establishment in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners?
To establish a company in Dubai for foreigners, there are several main steps that must be followed. First, determine the type of business activity you wish to practice. Second, choose the appropriate legal structure for the company such as a limited liability company or a freelance company. Third, reserve a trade name and ensure its availability. Fourth, obtain initial approvals from the relevant authorities. Fifth, prepare and submit the legal documents to obtain a commercial license. Sixth, rent an office or workspace. Finally, register the company in the commercial register and issue the necessary visas.
What are the conditions for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners?
The requirements for establishing a company in Dubai include choosing the appropriate type of business activity, determining the legal structure of the company, and meeting the ownership requirements. In free zones, foreigners can own 100% of the company, while in non-free zones, a local partner may be required with 51% of the shares. You must also obtain the appropriate license, rent an office, and submit the necessary legal documents.
What are the documents required to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners?
Required documents include passports of all partners, personal photos, articles of association, memorandum of association, proof of address, and details of the business activity. There may be additional documents depending on the type of activity and the legal structure of the company.
Can foreigners fully own companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can fully own companies in Dubai’s free zones, where they are allowed full ownership without the need for a local partner. In non-free zones, a local partner with 51% of the shares may be required.
What are the benefits that Dubai offers to foreigners to establish companies?
Dubai offers a range of benefits to foreigners, including corporate and individual tax exemptions, ease of incorporation, advanced infrastructure, and a strategic location that connects to global markets. Free zones also provide a flexible business environment with additional incentives such as corporate tax exemptions and import and export facilities.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The process of setting up a company in Dubai can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the procedures and the type of business activity. This includes the time required to obtain licenses, prepare documents, and complete registration procedures.
Do foreigners need a local partner to set up a company in Dubai?
In free zones, foreigners do not need a local partner and can own the company entirely. In non-free zones, a local partner with 51% of the shares may be required.
What are the fees and costs associated with setting up a company in Dubai?
Fees and costs include licensing fees, office rental costs, registration fees, and any legal or consulting costs that may be required. These costs can vary depending on the type of activity and the size of the company.