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Establishing companies in Dubai

Dubai Free Zones

٢٠ مارس Establishing companies in Dubai

Establishing companies in Dubai, Dubai is one of the most prominent global destinations for business and investment, combining diverse economic opportunities and advanced infrastructure that make it an important commercial center in the Middle East and the world. Dubai is witnessing a significant increase in the number of startups and foreign investors heading to it due to its stimulating business environment, flexible laws, and investment-friendly policies. Establishing a company in Dubai is an ideal option for investors seeking to expand their business in an advanced economic environment that stimulates innovation and growth. Dubai offers many options for investors wishing to establish their businesses, including free zones, main areas, and joint projects with government agencies.

Establishing companies in Dubai This diversity allows investors to choose the best opportunities that suit the type of their work and requirements. By cooperating with Itqan Company, investors can receive comprehensive support throughout the stages of establishing a company, starting from choosing the best type of license to implementing the necessary legal procedures. With its extensive experience in providing consulting and business services, Itqan provides investors with comprehensive knowledge of Dubai’s labor laws and the administrative procedures required for the incorporation process, helping to speed up the process and avoid legal or regulatory challenges. Therefore, if you are considering establishing your company in Dubai, working with Itqan can be the first step towards success in the city’s dynamic business environment.

Establishing companies in Dubai
Establishing companies in Dubai

Available licenses for establishing a company in Dubai

Dubai’s commercial licenses are one of the most prominent business destinations in the Middle East, providing an ideal environment for both local and international investors. The city has an advanced infrastructure and business-friendly policies, making it an attractive hub for projects and companies from all over the world. When establishing a company in Dubai, investors must determine the type of license that is appropriate for their business activity. Dubai offers a range of licenses that allow investors to choose the most appropriate for the types of businesses they wish to establish, whether commercial, industrial, or service. The types of licenses vary based on location and activity, allowing for a wide variety of options available.

Types of licenses available to establish a company in Dubai:

Commercial licenses: Companies engaged in commercial activities are granted a commercial license. These activities include the sale of goods, general trade, distribution, and export. Commercial companies can choose from different types of activities such as the sale of electronic devices, food, or household appliances.

Professional licenses: Companies that provide professional services, such as legal, accounting, or design consulting services, are granted a professional license. These companies usually do not require a large investment in equipment or infrastructure, but they do need qualified employees.

Industrial licenses: This type of license is granted to companies that engage in production or manufacturing activities, such as food factories, the construction industry, or the clothing industry. An industrial license requires verification of the existence of an industrial facility and the submission of documents related to manufacturing and production.
Tourism Licenses: Companies that provide tourism services such as hotels, travel agencies, or tourist transport companies are granted tourism licenses. These activities are regulated according to high standards to maintain the quality of the services provided.

Free Licenses: In free zones, investors can obtain special licenses that allow them to practice commercial activities within those zones, with tax and administrative benefits such as exemption from taxes and customs duties, and enabling foreigners to own companies 100%.

Dual Licenses: This type of license is granted to companies that wish to operate within Dubai and in a free zone at the same time. Dual licensing allows companies to expand their business scope by taking advantage of the benefits offered by free zones.

Dubai provides flexible and diverse options for investors through these licenses, helping them establish companies according to their specific needs and the activity they wish to engage in.

Establishing companies in Dubai
Establishing companies in Dubai

Legal Requirements for Establishing a Company in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most prominent business destinations in the world, with a flexible and attractive business environment for investors from all over the world. In light of the rapid economic growth and the facilities provided by the Dubai government, establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic step for business owners and investors wishing to expand within the Gulf and Middle Eastern markets. However, the process of establishing companies in Dubai requires compliance with some legal requirements and official procedures that ensure the success and continuity of companies. These requirements vary according to the type of company and location (whether in the free zone or in main Dubai), but there are a set of basic requirements that every investor must adhere to.

Legal Requirements for Establishing a Company in Dubai:

Choosing the type of company: The investor must choose the appropriate type of company based on the type of business activity, whether it is a limited liability company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, a company in the free zone, or a joint stock company. This decision depends on several factors such as the administrative structure, ownership, and business activity requirements.
Required Licenses: Each company must obtain the appropriate license to practice the business activity. Dubai offers several types of licenses such as commercial, industrial, professional, and tourism licenses, and the procedures vary depending on the type of license and activity.

Preparing a business plan: One of the most important legal requirements is to submit a detailed business plan that explains the type of business activity, objectives, and target audience. This plan helps prove the feasibility of the project to the relevant authorities.

Selecting a location: Whether the company will operate in a free zone or in main Dubai, the location of the company’s headquarters must be determined and all necessary documents related to the location must be submitted, such as the lease contract.

Submitting personal documents: The founders of the company must submit personal documents such as passports, personal photos, residence visas if available, and any other documents required by the local authorities. In some cases, it may be necessary to submit a certificate of good conduct.

Opening a bank account: Investors must open a bank account in the name of the company, which must be in one of the approved banks in Dubai. This account will be used to deposit the required capital for the company (if this is part of the procedures).

Appointing managers/partners: The management structure of the company must be determined, including the appointment of managers and executives. In the case of limited liability companies, there must be a local partner who owns 51% of the company’s shares if the company operates outside the free zones.

Government Approvals: Some business activities may require additional approvals from the relevant government authorities, such as the Ministry of Health, Dubai Municipality, or the General Civil Aviation Authority.

Tax Registration: If the company’s activity is subject to taxes, investors must register the company with the local tax authority or the Value Added Tax (VAT) system.

These legal requirements are an essential part of the company formation process in Dubai. By adhering to them, investors can legally establish their companies in accordance with the applicable regulations, ensuring their continued success in Dubai’s lucrative business market.

Our Company’s Role in Establishing Companies in Dubai

In conclusion, Dubai is an ideal destination for company formation thanks to its advanced economic environment and the facilities it provides to both local and international investors. With investor-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and diverse opportunities across various economic sectors, Dubai offers a business environment that encourages innovation and sustainable growth. Cooperating with Itqan in this process is a strategic step towards establishing a successful company, as the company provides specialized consulting services that contribute to facilitating all legal and administrative procedures related to establishing a business in Dubai. From choosing the most appropriate license to providing support in preparing the necessary documents, to completing transactions with the relevant government agencies, Itqan ensures that its clients receive the best solutions in a timely manner and with the highest quality standards. Thanks to its extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of local laws and available business opportunities, Itqan helps overcome all challenges that investors may face during the stages of establishing a company. Ultimately, establishing a company in Dubai through Itqan is an irreplaceable investment opportunity, as the company provides all the necessary support for the success of the project and achieving business goals in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Company Formation in Dubai

What types of companies can be established in Dubai?
There are several types of companies that can be established in Dubai, such as limited liability companies (LLCs), joint stock companies, sole proprietorships, branches of foreign companies, and companies in free zones.

What are the legal requirements for establishing a company in Dubai?
The process of establishing a company in Dubai requires obtaining the appropriate license for the business activity, determining the legal structure of the company, submitting documents such as passports for the founders, submitting a detailed business plan, and completing all the required legal and tax procedures.

Can foreigners own 100% of companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of companies in many of Dubai’s free zones, while in the main areas (known as the onshore zone), foreign investors need a local partner who owns a 51% stake.

What licenses are available to establish a company in Dubai?
There are several types of licenses available in Dubai such as commercial license (for commercial activities), industrial license (for industrial activities), professional license (for service activities), in addition to special licenses for free zones that allow companies to operate in flexible business environments.

What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
The basic steps include choosing the type of license, determining the company structure, preparing legal documents, registering with the relevant government authorities, obtaining the necessary licenses, and opening a bank account for the company.

Are there any tax benefits for establishing a company in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers many tax benefits such as exemption from income tax for companies and individuals, and there is no value added tax on most activities in many free zones, making it an attractive destination for investment.

Do companies in Dubai need physical offices?
In some free zones, companies can have a virtual office, while in major areas, there must be a physical headquarters for the company. Investors should determine their needs according to the type of license they are obtaining.