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ToggleWhat are the papers required to establish a company in Dubai?
Because establishing a company in Dubai requires the preparation of a set of papers and documents that ensure the process runs legally and smoothly. The required documents vary depending on the type of company and the area in which it will be established, whether it is inside or outside the free zones. However, there are a set of basic papers that all investors must prepare, such as a valid passport for all partners, articles of association, as well as business plans and due diligence files. We will review the rest of the details about what papers are required to establish a company in Dubai.

Etqan Company Services in Preparing Company Establishment Papers in Dubai
Etqan Company is one of the leading companies in the field of preparing the necessary papers for establishing companies in Dubai, providing a comprehensive range of services that facilitate investors and businessmen to start their businesses efficiently and effectively. Etqan is distinguished by a team of experienced professionals who understand all legal and procedural requirements, ensuring that documents are prepared accurately and quickly. The company’s services also include assistance in preparing the required papers such as passports, articles of association, business plan, and providing support in reserving trade names. Etqan also helps clients choose the appropriate business activities according to their desires and market needs, which contributes to the success of new projects.
In addition, Etqan provides specialized legal consultations to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations, which relieves investors from the burden of legal complications. The company also helps in obtaining the necessary licenses from government agencies, making the establishment process smoother. In short, Atqan is an ideal partner for investors seeking to establish their companies in Dubai, providing them with full support from the beginning of the project until obtaining the license, which contributes to achieving their commercial goals in an ideal business environment.
What are the papers required to establish a company in Dubai?
Establishing a company in Dubai requires submitting a set of basic papers and documents. The following is a list of the papers generally required:
Passport: The passport must be valid for all partners and investors.
Personal photo: A number of personal photos of the partners.
No-objection letter: If one of the partners is an employee in a government agency.
Memorandum of Association: Prepared and documented by an accredited lawyer.
Business plan: Clarifies the details of the business activity and the company’s objectives.
Trade name certificate: Obtained after choosing a distinctive name for the company and submitting it to the competent authorities.
Lease contract: Proves the location of the company (if its location is outside the free zone).
Official power of attorney: If there is a legal agent representing the company.
Additional documents: Additional documents may be required depending on the type of activity or nature of the company.
It is preferable to seek the help of a consulting company such as “Atqan” to help you prepare the required papers and facilitate the establishment process.
How to set up a company in Dubai
Setting up a company in Dubai requires following specific steps to ensure the process is smooth. Here are the main steps to set up a company in Dubai:
Determine the type of company: Determine the type of company you want to set up, whether it is a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of a foreign company, or a free zone company.
Choose a trade name: Choose a distinctive name for your company. Make sure it is in line with local laws, and reserve the name through the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.
Prepare a business plan: Prepare a business plan that includes details of the business activity, target market, marketing strategy, and budget.
Submit the required papers: Gather the necessary documents, such as passports, personal photos, articles of association, and business plan.
Obtain the necessary licenses: Apply for a trade license from the Department of Economic Development or the competent authority depending on the type of activity.
Open a bank account: Open a commercial bank account in the name of the company after obtaining the license.
Rent an office or workspace: Rent an office or workspace within or outside the free zones depending on the type of company.
Register the company: After completing all the previous steps, register the company and obtain the commercial register.
Securing other licenses and permits: You may need additional licenses or permits depending on your business activity.
Register with the Federal Tax Authority: If your activity requires it, register with the Federal Tax Authority to obtain a tax number.
Employment: If you plan to hire employees, make sure to follow the legal procedures for hiring them.
It is preferable to use a company like “Atqan” to help with each of these steps, which makes the process easier for you and ensures compliance with legal standards.
Requirements for establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with a number of legal and administrative requirements, which may vary depending on the type of company and its activity. Here are some basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai:
Ownership: A limited liability company (LLC) requires you to have a local partner who owns 51% of the company’s shares. A company in a free zone where foreign investors can own 100% of the company’s shares.
Required documents: Documents such as passports and personal photos of the partners, the articles of association, and the business plan must be submitted.
Trade name: The trade name must be distinctive and unused, and must be consistent with the nature of the business activity.
Registered Office: You must have a registered office address or business space, whether inside or outside a free zone.
Licenses and Procedures: You must obtain the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
Business Plan: Prepare a detailed business plan that includes the company’s objectives and market strategies.
Tax Compliance: If your company requires registration with the Federal Tax Authority, you must comply with local tax laws.
Employment: If you intend to employ employees, you must follow the legal procedures for hiring them, including obtaining work permits.
Compliance with Local Laws: You must comply with local laws and regulations related to the specific business activity.
It is advisable to work with consultants such as “Atqan” to ensure that all legal conditions and requirements are properly met.

Advantages of establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai comes with a set of advantages that make it an ideal destination for investors and businessmen. Here are some of these advantages:
Full ownership: Foreign investors can obtain 100% ownership of their companies in the free zones, providing complete freedom to manage the business.
Tax exemptions: Dubai offers an encouraging tax environment, as there are no corporate taxes in many free zones, in addition to no personal income tax.
Ease of establishment procedures: The procedures for establishing companies in Dubai are simple and quick, as the procedures can be completed in a short time.
Advanced infrastructure: Dubai has a modern infrastructure that includes transportation, communications, and commercial facilities, which makes it easy for companies to carry out their activities efficiently.
Strategic location: Dubai is located in a distinguished geographical location, as it is considered a link between the East and the West, which facilitates access to global markets.
Diversified economy: Dubai has a diversified economy, which provides opportunities in various sectors, such as tourism, trade, technology, and financial services.
Ease of access to financing: Dubai offers multiple financing options, including local and international banks, as well as financial institutions that provide business support services.
Safe business environment: Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world, providing a favorable environment for business and investment.
Government support for investors: The government offers many programs and initiatives to support entrepreneurs and investors, making it easier for them to start and grow their businesses.
Expansion opportunities: Dubai offers great opportunities for expansion and growth, helping companies reach new markets and increase their customer base.
These features are encouraging factors for many investors and businessmen to establish their companies in Dubai, which contributes to the development of the economic and investment environment in the city.
The specific period for establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires following specific steps, and the period for establishing a company usually varies depending on the type of business activity, the required licenses, and the location (inside or outside the free zone). In general, the process of establishing a company in Dubai can take from two days to several weeks.
In the event of establishing a company in a free zone, the procedures can be completed faster, as these areas enjoy flexible and fast procedures. After submitting the necessary documents, such as passports, articles of association, and business plan, the commercial license can be obtained within 3 to 5 working days. It is recommended that the investor be ready with all the required papers, which helps speed up the process.
However, if the company is established outside the free zones in Dubai, the period may take from two weeks to a month, due to the need for additional procedures such as obtaining approvals from various government agencies, in addition to signing office lease contracts.
To achieve the best results and shorten the establishment period, it is preferable to seek the help of a specialized consulting company, such as “Itqan”, which can provide the necessary support and guidance, which contributes to speeding up the process of establishing the company and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. This allows investors to focus on developing their business in a suitable and successful environment.
At the end of our article on the papers required to establish a company in Dubai, we can emphasize the importance of good preparation and preparing the necessary documents to ensure that the establishment process runs smoothly and effectively. Dubai is an ideal destination for investors and businessmen thanks to its dynamic economic environment and the facilities provided. Therefore, it is essential that all documents are organized and complete, as they contribute to accelerating the procedures for obtaining a commercial license. In addition, it is advisable to cooperate with specialized consulting companies, such as “Atqan”, which provide the necessary support and help in understanding the legal and procedural requirements. By following the correct steps and submitting the required documents, investors can achieve their business goals in an environment full of opportunities. We hope that the information provided has been useful to you and will contribute to the success of your efforts to establish your company in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai?
The establishment process may take from 3 to 5 days in free zones, while it can take from two weeks to a month outside free zones depending on the type of activity and the required procedures.
Can foreigners own 100% of the company in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of their companies in the free zones. However, in the case of limited liability companies (LLCs), they need a local partner who owns 51%.
Is there corporate tax in Dubai?
Dubai offers a favorable tax environment, with no corporate tax in many free zones, as well as no personal income tax.