Ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners 2025 is an important strategic step for many investors looking for a global business environment that supports growth and innovation. Dubai, as one of the most attractive cities for foreign investment, offers a wide range of options that allow foreign investors to establish their companies flexibly and efficiently. The ways to establish companies in Dubai vary between establishing a company in the free zones, or establishing a company on the mainland, each with its own advantages and procedures. Free zones offer foreigners benefits such as full company ownership, tax exemptions, and ease of transferring profits abroad, while establishing a company on the mainland allows broader access to the local market. Dubai continues to update its laws and procedures to enhance the attractiveness of its investment environment, making 2025 an ideal opportunity for foreigners wishing to enter the UAE market through commercial establishment.
Itqan is one of the leading companies in providing specialized support and services in the field of company formation, providing customized solutions that help investors choose the best way to establish their companies based on their needs and business goals. Whether the goal is to establish a commercial, industrial, or service company, Itqan helps investors in all steps of the process from starting with the right choice of economic activity, to preparing documents and obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. Itqan also works to guide foreigners through the legal and financial procedures, making the establishment process less complicated and more transparent.
In short, Dubai offers a flexible and open business environment for foreign investors looking to establish their companies in 2025, where they can benefit from advanced infrastructure and investment-friendly policies. With the specialized support of Itqan, investors can ensure a smooth and fast incorporation process, allowing them to focus on developing their businesses and achieving success in one of the largest commercial centers in the world.

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Starting a company in Dubai is an important step towards business success and prosperity in one of the most developed and fast-growing cities in the world. Dubai offers an ideal business environment, attracting investors from all over the world with its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and convenient legal and economic systems. Foreigners looking to establish their companies in Dubai have a variety of options that suit their business needs and investment aspirations. Whether the company is aimed at the local or international market, Dubai offers flexible options that allow them to confidently move towards achieving their goals.
There are several options available to foreigners to set up their companies in Dubai, which vary depending on the business requirements, legal structure, and benefits offered. These options include setting up a company in the free zones, which offer many incentives such as full foreign ownership and tax exemptions, in addition to the possibility of setting up a company in the Dubai mainland, which allows access to the local market and direct dealings with customers and companies within the Emirates. Dubai also offers options to set up virtual or e-companies, which provide greater flexibility in managing businesses from anywhere in the world.
Itqan provides comprehensive support in this area, facilitating foreigners to choose the right type of company and providing legal and administrative advice. With its expertise in this sector, Itqan helps expedite the incorporation procedures and ensure compliance with all legal and administrative requirements, making the process of establishing a company in Dubai a smooth and successful experience. Options available for establishing a company for foreigners in Dubai:
- Setting up a company in a free zone: Free zones in Dubai offer several benefits to foreigners such as full company ownership, tax exemptions on income and profits, and facilities to repatriate profits and capital abroad. Free zones are an ideal choice for companies targeting international markets or wanting to enjoy tax benefits.
- Establishing a company in the mainland: Establishing a company in the mainland allows direct access to the local UAE market, where foreigners can own up to 100% of companies in certain business activities according to recent legislation. Establishing a company in the mainland requires obtaining a trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
- Establishing a Virtual Company: With the trend towards digital businesses, Dubai offers options for establishing virtual or online companies through free zones specializing in technology and digital businesses such as Dubai Internet City or Dubai E-Commerce Center.
- Establishing a foreign subsidiary: Foreigners can also establish branches of their companies based in other countries in Dubai, which is an option that suits global companies that want to expand into the UAE and international market.

Basic steps to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a pivotal step towards achieving success in one of the world’s leading business hubs. Dubai is characterized by providing an economic environment that encourages investment and provides foreign companies with various facilities that enable them to enter the market with ease and flexibility. Dubai is considered a global center for trade and investment, as it has an advanced infrastructure, government policies that encourage business, in addition to a strategic location that makes it a gateway to global markets. Establishing a company in Dubai allows foreigners to benefit from many advantages such as tax exemptions in free zones, freedom to trade profits, and a business environment characterized by transparency and stability.
Foreign companies seeking to invest in Dubai find several options to establish their businesses, whether in free zones that provide full ownership for foreigners, or on the mainland that provides direct access to the local market. With new legislation that facilitates the establishment of companies for foreigners with up to 100% ownership in some commercial activities, Dubai has become a preferred investment destination for entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world. However, before starting the establishment process, there are basic steps that must be followed to ensure that the process runs smoothly and in accordance with local laws. Itqan Company provides integrated services that facilitate foreign investors to establish their companies in Dubai and avoid any legal or administrative complications, while providing specialized consultations at every stage of the establishment. The basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners:
- Choosing the type of business activity: The first step to setting up a company in Dubai is to decide what type of business activity you want to pursue. Dubai offers a wide range of activities for foreign investors to choose from, whether commercial, industrial, or service-related. Determining the activity helps determine the type of business license that should be obtained.
- Locating the company: Foreign investors have two basic options: establishing the company in the free zones or in the mainland. Each option has its own advantages, with free zones offering benefits such as full ownership and tax exemptions, while the mainland allows companies to operate directly in the local market.
- Choosing the legal structure of the company: After choosing the activity and location, the investor must determine the legal structure of the company. Options include a limited liability company (LLC), a subsidiary, or a representative office. The legal structure varies depending on the activity and type of company you wish to establish.
- Obtaining initial approvals: Investors must obtain initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to practice the chosen activity. This step requires submitting a set of documents such as a passport, a personal photo, and in some cases, a business plan.
- Registering a company name: Investors must choose a trade name that complies with Dubai’s trade name laws. The trade name is then registered with the Department of Economic Development.
- Preparing legal documents: Incorporating a company requires preparing a set of legal documents such as the articles of association and the company’s bylaws. These documents include details about the shareholders, capital, and objectives of the company.
- Obtaining a commercial license: After completing all the previous steps, an application is submitted to obtain the appropriate commercial license for the company’s activity. The license can be commercial, industrial, or service, depending on the type of activity chosen.
- Opening a Bank Account: Finally, foreign investors must open a bank account in one of the recognized banks in Dubai to manage the company’s financial transactions.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
Concluding the discussion on ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners in 2025, it is clear that Dubai remains one of the most prominent investment destinations in the world. The city provides an integrated investment environment that allows foreign investors to establish their companies easily and flexibly through a range of available options. Whether you choose to establish a company in the free zones or on the mainland, both options offer a range of advantages that meet the needs of different investors. Free zones offer benefits such as full company ownership and tax exemptions, while incorporation on the mainland provides the opportunity to reach the local market more widely.
By relying on Itqan, foreign investors can get specialized guidance and high expertise in every step of establishing a company. Itqan provides comprehensive support that includes consultations on the best ways to establish a company, assistance in preparing all required documents, and obtaining the necessary licenses from government agencies, ensuring that the process is smooth and free of complications. Itqan also works to provide customized solutions for each investor based on the type of activity they wish to practice, making the process more efficient and accurate.
Investing in Dubai in 2025 represents a golden opportunity for foreigners, thanks to the supportive business environment and encouraging government policies that seek to attract more foreign investments. With the continuous developments in infrastructure and technology, investors can achieve great success by exploiting these opportunities and establishing their companies in a city that is considered an economic gateway linking the East and the West. With the support of Itqan, foreign investors can overcome challenges and make the most of the advantages that Dubai offers, helping them achieve growth and prosperity in a dynamic and diverse market. Establishing a company in Dubai is not only a step towards success, but an investment in a promising and prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the options available for foreigners to set up a company in Dubai?
Foreigners can set up a company either in the free zones or on the Dubai mainland. Free zones offer benefits such as full ownership and tax exemptions, while mainland companies allow direct access to the local market.
Can foreigners fully own a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to own a company wholly in Dubai free zones, while in some commercial and industrial activities in the mainland, foreigners can own 100% of the company under modern laws.
What are the expected costs of establishing a company in Dubai?
Costs vary depending on the type of company and location, but licensing fees, office rent, and consulting costs should be taken into account. Itqan provides detailed information and options to suit different budgets.
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners?
The steps include: choosing the type of economic activity, determining the legal structure of the company, choosing a trade name, submitting the necessary applications to government agencies, and obtaining the appropriate license.
Is it required to have a local sponsor to establish a company in Dubai?
In free zones, there is no requirement for a local sponsor and foreigners can own the company 100%. In the mainland, some business activities may require a local partner, but recent laws have allowed full ownership of some activities.
What are the tax benefits of setting up a company in Dubai?
Companies in the free zones enjoy tax exemptions on income and profits, while on the mainland there is limited tax on some sectors such as oil and banking.