How to open a company in Dubai, establishing a company in Dubai is one of the strategic steps that many investors and entrepreneurs around the world are looking forward to, as Dubai is an advanced economic center characterized by an attractive investment environment, legal flexibility, and world-class infrastructure, which contributes to creating wide opportunities for growth and commercial expansion. Establishing a company in Dubai allows businessmen to benefit from its strategic location between the East and the West, where regional and global markets can be easily accessed. In addition, the Dubai government provides flexible and supportive legislation for businesses and works to overcome obstacles and provide facilities for investors, which enhances the attractiveness of the emirate as a leading destination in the investment and business sector.
To successfully open a company in Dubai, investors need to follow clear and sequential procedures that include obtaining the necessary licenses, determining the type of company and commercial field, and choosing the ideal location, whether in free zones that allow full ownership for foreigners or in areas affiliated with the general Dubai economy, which sometimes require the presence of a local partner for some activities. Establishing a company also requires adherence to registration procedures and submission of the necessary official documents to ensure compliance with local legislation, while adhering to international standards that make Dubai a globally competitive environment.
Here comes the role of specialized companies such as Itqan, which provides extensive experience in the field of establishing companies and providing investment consulting, as it helps investors understand licensing requirements, choose the appropriate type of company, and guides them through all the necessary legal steps effectively and quickly, saving them time and effort and ensuring the smooth and successful establishment of the company. Thanks to its comprehensive services, Itqan contributes to facilitating the process of establishing companies in Dubai and achieving investors’ goals of entering the UAE market.
Types of licenses available to open a company in Dubai
Dubai is considered one of the most important investment destinations in the world, as it provides a flexible and advanced environment that contributes to attracting companies and investors from various sectors. The opportunities available for establishing companies in Dubai vary according to investment needs and goals, which requires choosing the appropriate type of license for the planned business activity. Commercial licenses in Dubai are an essential step for any company wishing to start its commercial operations legally and officially, as the government aims to provide specialized classifications of licenses to meet the requirements of various economic and professional activities. Each type of license has specific criteria and requirements that allow investors to benefit from the available privileges and incentives allocated according to the type of activity and geographical location, whether in free zones or within the Emirate of Dubai.
Here are the types of licenses available to open a company in Dubai and the most prominent features of each:
Commercial License: This license is granted to companies that deal in general commercial activities, such as import, export and distribution. It is the most suitable option for commercial companies that wish to operate in local and international markets, and is considered one of the most common licenses in Dubai.
Professional License: The professional license targets individuals and companies specialized in providing professional services such as consulting, marketing services, and technical services. This license allows its owners to practice service activities and is fully owned by the foreign investor, with the option of appointing a local partner as an agent for services.
Industrial License: It is granted to companies operating in the field of manufacturing and industrial production. This license requires the availability of production facilities, and includes several conditions, such as obtaining environmental approvals from the competent authorities. It is the ideal option for companies planning to establish factories or production units in Dubai.
Free Trade License: A free trade license is granted to companies based in free zones, allowing foreign investors to fully own the company with various tax and customs exemptions. This license is suitable for companies targeting international trade and wanting full ownership of the company in a flexible investment environment.
Tourism License: Companies wishing to provide tourism services, such as organizing tours and managing hotels, require a tourism license. This license provides the opportunity to operate within Dubai’s thriving tourism sector.
Agricultural License: This license is intended for activities related to agriculture, livestock and fishing, and requires obtaining approvals from environmental authorities.
By choosing the right license for the activity, investors in Dubai can make the most of the available facilities and expand into Dubai’s vibrant market.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic step for investors seeking to enjoy a developed economic environment and endless business opportunities. In order for the investor to be able to start his business with ease and convenience, he must adhere to the legal procedures that include submitting specific documents that allow obtaining the necessary licenses and registering the company in accordance with the applicable regulations. The documents required to establish a company in Dubai vary depending on the type of business activity and location (whether in the free zone or in Dubai itself), but there are basic documents that must be present in all cases to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
In this context, here are the most important documents required to establish a company in Dubai:
Partners’ passports: Copies of passports are provided for all founding partners in the company, so that the passports must be valid. This document is essential to verify the identity of the founders.
Personal photos: Recent personal photos of partners and board members must be provided in some cases, which may be required for official papers or work licenses.
Proof of address: Partners must provide proof of address in their home countries or in the UAE, such as a recent electricity or water bill or a certificate from a recognized government authority.
Company Articles of Association: This is one of the most important documents, as it contains details about the company’s structure, activities, and objectives. The company’s Articles of Association must be registered with the relevant authorities in Dubai.
Lease contract for the company’s headquarters: An official lease contract must be submitted proving that the company has rented a premises to conduct its business in Dubai. This document is required to obtain a license.
Special approvals (if applicable): Some business activities require additional approvals from government authorities such as health, legal, or financial activities. These approvals must be submitted upon application.
Company business plan: Some free zones or government entities require a detailed business plan explaining the company’s objectives, activities, and future growth strategy.
Local partner details (if required): If the activity requires a local partner in Dubai (as is the case with some activities outside the free zones), detailed information about the local partner and certificates proving his good conduct must be provided.
Special licenses or certificates (for certain activities): Some activities may require special licenses or professional certificates, such as professional or health activities. These documents must be provided according to the requirements of the activity.
Providing these documents accurately and completely facilitates the process of establishing a company in Dubai and contributes to accelerating the process of obtaining the necessary licenses, ensuring that the business starts as quickly as possible.
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for investors seeking to benefit from the advanced economic environment and the wide commercial opportunities provided by this emirate. With the variety of options available, whether in the free zones or within Dubai itself, the time it takes to establish a company varies based on several factors, such as the type of business activity, the type of license, and the requirements of the location. However, the UAE government seeks to reduce the time required to establish companies by facilitating and simplifying procedures, making it one of the fastest destinations for establishing businesses in the world. Here is an approximate timeframe for setting up a company in Dubai:
Setting up a company in the free zones
If the company is set up in one of the free zones in Dubai, the procedures can be completed relatively quickly. The process usually takes only two to five working days, as the free zones are characterized by administrative facilities and fast procedures that allow investors to obtain licenses quickly. Work visas and other documents can also be obtained easily.
Setting up a company in Dubai outside the free zones
If the investor wants to set up a company within Dubai itself (for example in commercial or industrial areas within the city), the procedures may take between one and two weeks, depending on the type of activity and the legal conditions required. The process may require more time to complete the procedures for partnership with a local party if this is required.
Special approvals and specialized activities
In some cases involving specialized activities (such as healthcare, education or financial services), additional approvals may take more time. These activities may need to be reviewed by special regulatory bodies, which may add an additional day to two weeks to the total duration.
Additional Licenses and Procedures
There may be some additional procedures that may increase the time required, such as completing legal documents or requirements for certain activities. However, the continuous updates and developments in the business environment in Dubai help speed up this process.
In general, it can be said that the duration of the process of establishing a company in Dubai ranges from two days to two weeks, depending on a number of factors and requirements.
Our company’s role in opening a company in Dubai
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai is a promising step for investors looking to enter a dynamic global market and benefit from an economic environment characterized by innovation and stability. Dubai provides an excellent infrastructure, in addition to laws and regulations that support foreign investments and provide investors with various opportunities for expansion and growth. However, the process of establishing a company in Dubai requires accurate knowledge of legal and administrative procedures, which may pose a challenge, especially for investors who do not have previous experience in the UAE market. This is where specialized consulting companies such as “Itqan” come in, which contribute greatly to facilitating and easing this process thanks to their deep experience and comprehensive knowledge of the requirements and procedures for establishing companies in Dubai
“Itqan” provides a range of integrated services that start from providing initial consultations on the type of company suitable for the investor, all the way to completing all necessary legal and administrative procedures, including obtaining the required licenses and officially registering the company. “Itqan”’s specialized team helps follow up on all stages of establishment, ensuring that the new company adheres to all local requirements and standards, in addition to providing the necessary support to overcome any challenges that the investor may face during this journey. With its strong network of relationships and deep knowledge of the Dubai market, “Itqan” provides investors with the opportunity to benefit from the latest investment opportunities in a guaranteed and fast manner.
Cooperating with “Itqan” not only provides a smooth and safe establishment experience, but also allows investors to focus on developing their businesses and achieving their commercial success in Dubai. It provides all the elements that make establishing a company in Dubai an easy and reliable process, and guarantees investors a strong and safe start in one of the most attractive markets in the world. Through its close partnership with “Itqan”, the investor can enter the market with complete confidence, and enjoy all the advantages that Dubai offers as a global business hub.
Frequently Asked Questions about Opening a Company in Dubai
What are the types of licenses available to open a company in Dubai?
There are several types of licenses in Dubai, including a commercial license, a professional license, an industrial license, and a free trade license. The type of license is determined based on the type of business activity that the company intends to carry out.
What are the differences between establishing a company in the free zones and within the city?
Establishing a company in the free zones gives the foreign owner full ownership of the company, with extensive tax exemptions, and no need for a local partner. Establishing a company in Dubai outside the free zones, however, may require a local partner who owns a certain percentage of the company in some activities.
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai?
The duration of establishment depends on the type of company and the procedures required. Generally, it may take from a few days to a few weeks when all the legal documents and procedures are completed.
What are the documents required to establish a company in Dubai?
The required documents include copies of the partners’ passports, personal photos, the company’s articles of association, a certificate of good conduct for some activities, in addition to a lease contract for the company’s headquarters.
What are the approximate costs of establishing a company in Dubai?
Costs vary depending on the type of company and the area in which it is established. Fees may include the cost of licensing, company registration, office rental fees, and other administrative fees.
Can foreigners own a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of the company when established in the free zones, while companies outside the free zones may require a local partner for some activities.
