Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic move for investors looking to enter the thriving UAE market and take advantage of the great opportunities the emirate offers. As a global economic hub, Dubai offers an ideal business environment for foreigners thanks to its flexible laws, business setup facilities, and advanced infrastructure. With the increasing trend towards diversifying the economy and attracting foreign investment, Dubai has introduced a range of options that facilitate the establishment of companies for foreigners, whether individuals or multinational companies.

In 2022, the process of opening a company in Dubai has become smoother and more flexible than ever before, with bureaucratic procedures reduced and requirements simplified. Foreigners can establish their companies either in free zones, which allow them 100% ownership, or in commercial areas within Dubai (mainland), which offer greater opportunities for local and international business expansion. Each option has its own advantages that suit the needs and aspirations of different investors.

Itqan is a trusted partner in the journey of establishing companies for foreigners in Dubai, providing comprehensive services that include legal and administrative consultations, assistance in choosing the appropriate type of license, as well as dealing with government procedures efficiently and quickly. Thanks to Itqan’s extensive experience in this field, investors can overcome potential obstacles and ensure that their companies are established quickly and efficiently.

Whether you are looking to start a small business or expand your business internationally, Dubai offers the perfect platform to achieve your goals. With the support of Itqan, this journey can be made easier and more successful, allowing investors to focus on growing their businesses and taking advantage of the great economic opportunities the emirate offers.

Basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners

Setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners is an attractive option for international investors looking to benefit from the emirate’s dynamic and diverse economy. With its flexible economic policies and advanced infrastructure, Dubai continues to attract individuals and companies from around the world to establish their businesses and take advantage of the business opportunities available. Setting up a company in Dubai provides foreigners with the ability to benefit from the favorable regulatory environment and economic stability that make the emirate a major business hub in the region. With updated laws and streamlined procedures, setting up a company for foreigners in Dubai in 2022 has become easier than ever before. Basic requirements for setting up a company in Dubai for foreigners:

• Choosing the type of business activity: The first step to establishing a company in Dubai is to determine the type of business activity you wish to engage in. Dubai offers many diverse options that include commercial, industrial, and service activities, and the activity must be carefully defined to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Choosing the right location: Foreign investors must choose whether they want to establish their company in the free zone or on the mainland. The free zone allows 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions, while companies in the mainland allow direct exposure to the local market.
• Choosing a company name: A trade name must be chosen that complies with Dubai laws. The name must be unique and not conflict with any other registered trademarks. Some activities may require the use of certain words or the exclusion of other words as per regulations.
• Submitting basic documents: The basic documents that must be submitted include a copy of your passport, a personal photo, and the company formation application form. In some cases, authorities may require you to submit a business plan or details about partners and investors.
• Obtaining the necessary approvals: After submitting the application and documents, approvals must be obtained from the relevant authorities. These approvals depend on the type of business activity and the chosen location.
• Issuance of a commercial license: After obtaining the necessary approvals and paying the fees, the commercial license is issued. This license allows you to start practicing the commercial activity legally.
• Opening a bank account: After issuing the trade license, investors need to open a business bank account in one of the approved banks in the UAE. A bank account is necessary to manage daily financial operations.

By meeting these basic requirements, foreigners can set up their companies in Dubai and start taking advantage of the thriving business environment the emirate offers.

Options for foreigners to set up a company in Dubai

Dubai is one of the world’s leading investment destinations, providing an advanced and flexible business environment for foreign investors. With the emirate’s many economic opportunities and innovations, Dubai has become a prime destination for investors looking to establish their companies and expand into regional and global markets. Foreigners looking to enter the Dubai market can benefit from a variety of options to establish their companies, as the emirate offers different models that suit different business needs and strategies. Below we review the options available to foreigners to establish a company in Dubai . Options available to foreigners to establish a company in Dubai :

• Setting up a company in a free zone: Dubai’s free zones offer an ideal option for foreigners seeking full ownership of their businesses. These zones offer benefits such as tax exemptions, customs facilities, and simplified registration procedures. Investors can choose the right free zone based on the type of business activity, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis or Dubai Media City.
• Mainland Company Incorporation: Mainland company incorporation allows foreigners to do business in the local market as well as international markets. While this option requires a 51% local partner in some activities, new changes allow full foreign ownership of some businesses. Mainland companies have the flexibility to deal with local clients and expand into the market.
• Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC): LLCs are the most common form of business in the mainland, requiring a local partner to own 51% of the shares, while the remaining shares are owned by a foreign investor. This type of company can deal with the local market and can take advantage of business opportunities within and outside Dubai.
• Establishing a sole proprietorship or representative office: Foreigners can also establish sole proprietorships or representative offices to expand their business in Dubai. These options provide investors with the ability to manage their business and engage with the local market without the need to establish a full-fledged company.
• Online Company Formation (Virtual Company Services): Some freezones offer virtual company formation services, where investors can create and manage their companies online. This option allows investors to establish their businesses quickly and at a low cost while maintaining a legal presence in Dubai.

Each of these options offers certain advantages and is suitable for different types of businesses. By understanding the options available, foreign investors can make the most appropriate decision that meets their needs and achieves their business goals in Dubai.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai

In conclusion, when discussing the ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners in 2022, it can be said that Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s leading investment destinations thanks to the competitive advantages it offers, including advanced infrastructure, flexible economic policies, and wide investment opportunities. The process of establishing companies in Dubai, whether in free zones or the mainland, has become easier and more organized thanks to the continuous updates in regulations and procedures aimed at attracting more foreign investors. With the multiple options available to foreigners to establish their companies, investors can choose the method that suits their needs and investment aspirations

Dubai’s free zones are an ideal choice for investors seeking full ownership of their companies and benefiting from tax exemptions and customs facilities. For those looking to expand directly into the local market and take advantage of the business opportunities available in Dubai, setting up a company on the mainland offers them the flexibility and ability to deal with the local and international market. Regardless of the option chosen, Dubai provides a supportive business environment that allows foreigners to effectively achieve their business goals.

Itqan plays a pivotal role in facilitating the process of establishing companies for foreigners in Dubai, by providing comprehensive support at all stages of establishment. Whether an investor needs legal advice or guidance on the best options available to establish his company, Itqan ensures that the necessary expertise is provided to avoid obstacles and facilitate the process as quickly as possible. With a professional team and in-depth knowledge of local legislation, Itqan allows investors to focus on developing their business and achieving success in Dubai.

With the guidance and support provided by Itqan, foreign investors can establish their companies in Dubai with flexibility and ease, allowing them to make the most of the great investment opportunities that the emirate offers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai