Steps and procedures for establishing a company in Dubai, Dubai is one of the world’s leading destinations for individuals and companies looking to establish their businesses due to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and diverse economic environment. Establishing a company in Dubai offers many advantages including easy access to regional and global markets, tax exemptions, and advanced legislation that facilitates entry into the UAE market for entrepreneurs and foreign investors. However, opening a company in Dubai requires following specific steps and ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory procedures.

The process of establishing a company begins with choosing the type of business activity that the investor wants to practice, as this choice affects the type of commercial license required and the procedures associated with it. After determining the activity, the legal form of the company is chosen, whether it is a limited liability company, a branch of a foreign company, or a sole proprietorship. This choice depends largely on the needs of the company and the characteristics of the business to be established.

The next step is to choose the company’s trade name and ensure that it complies with the terms and laws imposed by the relevant authorities in Dubai. After that, an application is submitted for initial approvals from the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, which is a necessary step to ensure that the company meets all legal requirements.

After obtaining the approvals, investors must submit official documents including articles of association and partnerships, as well as specifying a location for the company and submitting a lease contract certified by the competent authorities. They must also pay the fees required to obtain the commercial license and complete the rest of the official procedures.

Itqan Company plays an important role in providing integrated consultations and services to facilitate all stages of company establishment and ensure that the process runs smoothly and without complications.

Types of companies that can be established in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for any investor or entrepreneur who wants to take advantage of the promising economic opportunities in one of the fastest growing cities in the world. With its stable economic environment, advanced infrastructure, and regulatory framework that facilitates companies to expand and thrive, Dubai offers a variety of options for businesses of all sizes and activities. But before starting the incorporation steps, it is essential to understand the different types of companies that can be established in Dubai and choose the most appropriate business structure. This choice greatly affects the legal and financial procedures related to establishing a company, in addition to the flexibility of the business activity and future expansion. Types of companies that can be established in Dubai:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is the most popular option for investors looking to set up a business in Dubai. This company can have between 2 and 50 partners, and provides flexibility in determining the percentage of shares between partners. One of the main advantages is that it protects partners from personal liability for the company’s debts.
• Private Joint Stock Company: Private joint stock companies are intended for large businesses that require large capital. The establishment of this type of company requires at least two shareholders and a specified minimum capital. These companies are suitable for large projects that need to raise funds from a limited number of shareholders.
• Branch of a foreign company: This type of company allows foreign companies to establish a branch in Dubai without the need for a local partner. The branch can carry out the same business activity as the parent company outside Dubai, and is allowed to conduct business freely.
• Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a good option for individuals who want to start a small business or work as freelancers. It can be owned by only one person, and the owner is fully responsible for all legal and financial obligations related to the company.
• Free Zone Company: Dubai’s free zones offer many benefits such as tax exemptions and full ownership of the company without the need for a local partner. This type of company is an attractive option for foreign investors who want to set up a company with minimal legal restrictions.
• General Partnership: This type of company can be established between two or more partners, and the partners are required to be jointly liable for legal and financial obligations. This structure is usually used in family businesses or limited business partnerships.

Choosing the right type of company largely depends on the nature of the business, the size of the investment, and future needs. Dubai is an ideal environment for establishing any type of these companies thanks to its flexible and supportive legislation.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is an important step for local and international investors looking to enter one of the most prosperous and diverse markets in the world. Dubai is known for its advanced economic environment, flexible laws, and facilities provided to attract foreign investment, making it a preferred destination for entrepreneurs. However, before proceeding with establishing a company, it is essential to meet all legal requirements and submit the necessary documents to ensure that the process runs smoothly. The required documents vary depending on the type of company and the chosen legal form, but there is a basic set of documents that most investors need to ensure approval to establish their company in Dubai. Documents required to establish a company in Dubai:

• Passport Copy: All shareholders and legal representatives are required to provide copies of their passports. This document is necessary to verify the identity of shareholders and stakeholders in the company.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If a shareholder is already working in Dubai, he may be required to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his current employer, stating that the employer has no objection to him setting up a new company.
• Approved Trade Name: An application must be submitted to register the company’s trade name with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), and the trade name must be unique and not previously used.
• Initial Approval: Obtaining initial approval from the Department of Economic Development is an essential step. This approval confirms that there is no objection to the establishment of the company after reviewing the proposed business activities.
• Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: The company’s articles of association and memorandum of association must be submitted, which specify the company’s details, such as objectives, capital, each partner’s share, and the partners’ roles.
• Notarized Lease Contract: Setting up a company in Dubai requires a physical location. A lease contract attested by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) proving that the company is renting or owning a location must be submitted.
• Proof of capital: Some types of companies may be required to provide proof of paid-up capital, especially in the case of limited liability or private joint-stock companies.
• Submitting applications to the relevant authorities: After collecting all the required documents, applications are submitted to the relevant government authorities such as the Department of Economic Development, the Ministry of Economy, and the Free Zone Regulatory Authority (if the company is in a free zone).

Hiring a specialized company like Itqan can facilitate the process of collecting and submitting these documents, and ensure that all legal and procedural requirements are complied with without delay.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic step that opens the door to many business and economic opportunities in one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Despite the many advantages that Dubai offers to entrepreneurs, the process requires following precise steps and complying with specific legal procedures to ensure that things are done correctly. From identifying the appropriate business activity and determining the legal form of the company, through obtaining government approvals and choosing a trade name, to submitting the necessary documents and paying the required fees, the investor must be prepared to deal with these aspects efficiently and accurately.

Although some procedures can be complicated at times, investors working with specialized companies such as Itqan Company greatly facilitates this process. Itqan Company provides comprehensive services that include providing the necessary consultations and assisting investors in every step of the establishment process. With their in-depth experience and extensive knowledge of local laws and regulatory requirements, Itqan Company can provide the necessary support to avoid any delays or unexpected complications that investors may face during the company establishment process.

The company also provides additional services including assistance in preparing contracts and partnerships, and providing solutions related to legal and financial issues, which helps investors focus on developing their businesses without being preoccupied with bureaucratic aspects. Through this comprehensive support, Eqman ensures that the company formation process runs smoothly and efficiently, enabling entrepreneurs to start their businesses in the shortest possible time and with the least effort.

Ultimately, working with specialized companies like Itqan is a vital step for anyone looking to establish a company in Dubai, as they can benefit from their expertise and speed up the establishment process, which helps in successfully entering the market and achieving their business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai