Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners, opening a company in Dubai for foreigners is a distinct investment option for many entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world who are seeking to enter a strong and developed market. Dubai is considered one of the most attractive destinations for investment due to its strategic location on the global map, its advanced business environment, and the diversity of opportunities available in various sectors.
Establishing a company in Dubai provides foreigners with many advantages that are not available in other markets, such as full foreign ownership in some areas, tax exemptions, and the availability of high-quality infrastructure that supports commercial and economic growth. With the great facilities provided by the Dubai government, establishing a company in the emirate has become easier than ever, helping foreign investors make quick decisions and build successful companies in a stable business environment.
Dubai relies on a group of free zones that give foreign investors the opportunity to establish their companies with full legal sovereignty and without the need for a local partner. Through these areas, investors obtain a set of tax and administrative incentives that make establishing a company in Dubai very attractive. In addition, foreign investors can benefit from business-friendly laws that contribute to providing a flexible and safe business environment. By cooperating with Itqan, foreign investors can obtain specialized advice and legal and administrative support to establish their companies legally and smoothly in Dubai. Itqan provides professional solutions that ensure the acceleration of the company formation process while providing accurate advice on available business activities and required documents.
Best places to establish a company in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most attractive business destinations in the world thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure that provides an ideal environment for economic growth. With the increasing global interest in investing in Dubai, many investors are wondering about the best places to establish their companies in this leading city. Free zones and onshore areas in Dubai are distinguished options that provide many advantages such as tax facilities, easy business licenses, and full company ownership for foreign investors in some areas. By studying the available options, investors can choose the most suitable one based on the type of business activity they want to practice. Below we review some of the best places to establish a company in Dubai.
One of the best places to set up a company in Dubai is Dubai South, which offers an integrated business environment with special advantages in the trade and logistics sector. This free zone offers many incentives such as tax exemptions and full company ownership for foreign investors.
Dubai International City is also a good option for international businesses that want to benefit from Dubai’s central location. Jebel Ali Free Zone also offers great facilities in the field of trade and industry with many opportunities for global companies.
In addition to these areas, areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Knowledge Park provide an ideal environment for businesses in the fields of technology, education and innovation, with integrated advantages in terms of modern infrastructure and tax exemptions.
Procedures required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important step towards entering the global business market and benefiting from the great opportunities offered by the city. Investors in Dubai enjoy flexible facilities and procedures that contribute to the speed and efficiency of the company establishment process, whether in the free zones or the mainland. However, it is necessary to follow a set of legal and administrative procedures to ensure that the company is established in accordance with local laws. Below are the basic points that must be followed to establish a company in Dubai.
Determine the type of business activity: The first step is to determine the type of business activity you wish to conduct, whether commercial, industrial, or professional, as this affects the type of license required.
Choose a company name: A trade name must be chosen that complies with the laws and regulations in Dubai. The name must not be similar to the names of other companies, and any phrases that may be prohibited must be avoided.
Choose the type of licenses: Choose the appropriate license based on the business activity, such as a commercial, professional, or industrial license. Foreign investors can obtain the appropriate license from the free zones or the mainland.
Determine the location: Choose the appropriate location for business activities in Dubai. If a free zone is chosen, it will be easier to obtain commercial licenses and full ownership for the foreign investor.
Prepare the required documents: The required documents usually include a valid passport, personal photos, proof of address, and a copy of the lease contract.
Open a bank account for the company: Most companies require opening a commercial bank account in a local bank to be able to conduct official financial transactions.
Submit applications for a license: After completing all the previous procedures, an application for a commercial license must be submitted to the relevant authorities such as the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zones Administration.
Registration with government bodies: After obtaining the license, the company must be registered with the relevant government bodies such as the Tax and Customs Authority in order for the company to be able to conduct its business legally.
Obtaining visas: Owners and employees can obtain work visas based on the size of the company and the types of business activities.
By following these steps, investors can establish their companies in Dubai efficiently and successfully, benefiting from the advanced economic environment and diverse opportunities that the city offers.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires the preparation of a set of necessary documents that ensure the procedures are conducted correctly and quickly. The required documents vary depending on the type of company and the field in which it will operate, whether it is a company in a free zone or on the mainland. It is important for the investor to be aware of these documents to ensure that the establishment process is accelerated and that all legal requirements are complied with. Here are some of the basic documents that you need to establish a company in Dubai.
Copy of passport: All shareholders and directors must submit a copy of a valid passport. If the company is owned by several people, the passports of all founders must be submitted.
Recent personal photos: Most authorities require passport-sized personal photos of shareholders and directors.
Proof of address: Proof of address in the UAE such as a recent electricity or water bill or a lease agreement must be submitted, especially if the company’s headquarters is located in Dubai.
Company formation application form: A company formation application form is filled out, which includes details of the business activity, trade name, and capital to be invested.
Business Plan: Although this document may not be mandatory in some cases, submitting a detailed business plan increases the chances of acceptance of the incorporation application and explains how the company will be managed and its future direction.
Power of Attorney or Power of Attorney: If the company is being established by another person on behalf of the owners or managers, a power of attorney must be submitted authorizing them to carry out all necessary legal procedures.
Copy of the Lease Agreement: If the company will be based in a specific location, a copy of the lease agreement or the office space agreement that has been secured must be submitted.
No Objection Certificate: Some companies may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the relevant government authorities or from other parties involved, such as partners.
Business Licenses: Depending on the type of activity, there may be special licenses required, such as industrial, commercial or professional licenses. Documents confirming the ability to practice this activity in Dubai must be submitted.
Submitting these documents accurately and on time ensures that the incorporation process is facilitated and improves your chances of starting your business in Dubai smoothly.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic and important step towards achieving success in the global business market, as Dubai provides an advanced business environment and ease of company establishment procedures, making it an ideal investment destination for foreigners. Through the free zones and facilities provided by the government, foreign investors can enjoy full ownership of their companies without the need for a local partner. This flexible and stimulating environment contributes to attracting many global companies and individuals wishing to benefit from the advantages offered by Dubai, such as tax exemptions and licensing facilities.
Cooperating with Itqan Company is an important step for investors who wish to establish their company legally and smoothly, as Itqan provides integrated solutions and accurate consulting services that ensure compliance with all necessary legal procedures and requirements. Through the extensive experience of the Itqan team in this field, investors can identify the best business options available to them and choose the business activities most suitable for their economic goals. Itqan also provides full support in submitting the required documents and completing the registration and licensing process quickly and efficiently.
Ultimately, establishing a company in Dubai is a golden opportunity for foreign investors to achieve growth and expansion in a thriving Gulf and global market. By cooperating with Itqan, it becomes possible to achieve business goals efficiently and professionally, which contributes to the success of businesses and achieve sustainable returns.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
Can foreigners establish a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can establish a company in Dubai, whether in free zones or through companies operating in Dubai as a major business area. Foreigners can also obtain full ownership of companies in some free zones without the need for a local partner.
What are the best places to establish a company in Dubai?
There are several options for establishing companies in Dubai, such as free zones and land areas. Free zones such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jebel Ali Free Zone offer many advantages such as tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and legal facilities.
What are the procedures required to establish a company in Dubai?
Establishing a company in Dubai requires determining the business activity, choosing a trade name, submitting the required legal documents, determining the organizational structure of the company, obtaining a commercial license, opening a bank account for the company, and completing procedures with the relevant government agencies.
Can a foreign investor work in Dubai without the need for a local partner?
Yes, a foreign investor can own 100% of the company in some free zones, as there is no requirement for a local partner. In the mainland areas, the law requires a local partner to own 51% of the company for certain business activities.
What types of licenses are available in Dubai?
Dubai offers different types of business licenses such as commercial license, industrial license, and professional license. The most appropriate type depends on the type of business activity you plan to do.
Are there tax exemptions when setting up a company in Dubai?
Yes, many free zones in Dubai offer tax exemptions on profits for long periods of up to 50 years in some cases, in addition to exemptions from VAT on exported goods and services.
What documents are required to set up a company in Dubai?
The required documents usually include a valid passport for investors, a recent passport photo, a business plan, proof of residential address, and a copy of the lease or office agreement.
What is the capital required to establish a company in Dubai?
The capital required varies depending on the type of activity and the company being established. In some free zones, the minimum capital may be very low, while in some other business activities, it may require a larger capital.
