How to establish a company in Dubai? Establishing a company in Dubai represents an important strategic step for international and local investors alike, given the thriving economic environment and available legislative flexibility. Establishing a successful company in Dubai requires following a series of specific steps that include careful planning and adherence to local regulations. We’ll take a look at the basic steps you need to follow to establish your company in this thriving international financial center. In a few years, Dubai has become a destination for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, and has become an incubator for establishing companies in Dubai , through constructive strategies and out-of-the-box ideas. In the following lines, we will learn how to establish a company in Dubai.

How to establish a company in Dubai in 7 steps
The answer to the question of how to establish a company in Dubai includes the following steps:
- Determining the nature of the company’s activity: Determining the nature of the company’s activity contributes to facilitating procedures, and the nature of the company’s activity is classified into: commercial, industrial, or professional.
- Determining the legal form: The legal form of the company is determined based on the nationality of the owners.
- Trade name: The company’s trade name is a necessary and important step, as it is what distinguishes one commercial license from another. It is also linked to the company’s activity, and it must meet several conditions, such as: not containing extraneous words and expressing the company’s activity.
- Obtaining initial approval: Obtaining initial approval from the competent authorities.
- Choosing a workplace: The company must have a physical headquarters in the Emirates and meet the necessary conditions and licenses.
- Approval of relevant authorities: Some commercial projects require additional approvals from other competent authorities such as the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Civil Defense, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Civil Defense.
- Obtaining a license to practice the profession: One of the steps to answer the question of how to establish a company in Dubai is to obtain a license to practice the profession, as investors need a license to practice the profession, and the period required to obtain the license is not long.
However, it varies according to the nature of the activity to be practiced in addition to the legal form of the company. Some commercial activities require approval from more than one government agency in order to establish a company in Dubai.
Types of companies in Dubai
Here is a table showing the basic types of companies in Dubai and the advantages of each:
Type of Company | a description | features |
---|---|---|
Sole proprietorship | Owned by one person who bears personal responsibility for debts and losses. | – Easy to manage and operate.<br>- Start-up capital can be low.<br>- Fast registration and low costs. |
Limited Liability Company (LLC) | It consists of partners who share profits and losses, and limits the partners’ liability to a certain extent. | – Protecting the personal assets of partners.<br>- Providing flexibility in organizing the company and distributing profits.<br>- Providing financial independence from other partners. |
Joint Stock Company (PJSC) | They are considered public companies that can be listed on a stock exchange and the liability of the partners is determined by the shares they own. | – The ability to attract large investments.<br>- The possibility of trading via the stock exchange.<br>- Providing transparency and access to information for investors. |
Subsidiary | It is part of a parent company and operates independently, and has the same legal advantages as a local company. | – Benefiting from the reputation and resources of the parent company.<br>- The ability to grow activities in a new market.<br>- Protecting the personal assets of shareholders and directors. |
Company in a free zone | It has financial and tax laws independent of national laws, and offers many advantages to international companies. | – Exemption from customs duties and local taxes.<br>- Freedom to use foreign currency and cash transfers.<br>- Access to an international market through government agreements. |
This table generally presents the types of companies that can be established in Dubai, along with some key features of each type. The exact details and requirements vary based on the type of company, government legislation, and local laws, so it is essential to consult Itqan before setting up any type of company in Dubai.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
The registration application form contains company information such as company name, type of activity, headquarter address, and shareholders. To establish a company in Dubai, the required papers usually include the following:
- Copy of passport: for shareholders, directors and any other person associated with the company.
- Business Plan: A breakdown of the proposed business activities and future financial plans of the company.
- Partner Agreement (if applicable): If there are partners, a partner agreement defining rights and obligations must be documented.
- Confirmation certificate of head office address: This can be an installment invoice or a lease contract.
- Bank certificate: to prove the company’s ability to make the financial investment required for establishment.
- Permit from relevant government authorities: The establishment of some types of companies (such as limited liability companies) may require special permission from local authorities.
- Founders’ Signatures: Founders must sign all documents necessary for registration.
The exact requirements vary slightly depending on the type of company and the area in which the company is located within Dubai, so it is beneficial to consult a specialist itqan company for accurate and up-to-date guidance.
The importance of establishing a company in Dubai
A global financial and commercial center, as Dubai is one of the most important financial and commercial centers in the world, providing broad opportunities for international trade and investment. Establishing a company in Dubai carries many benefits and importance, including:
- Favorable legal and regulatory environment: Dubai has an advanced legal and regulatory structure that supports and protects the rights of investors and companies, which increases confidence and stability in the business environment.
- Access to regional and global markets: Thanks to its strategic location, companies established in Dubai can easily access the Middle East and North Africa markets, in addition to global markets.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai is characterized by an advanced infrastructure, which includes transportation, communications and financial services, which greatly supports business activities and economic growth.
- Incentives and rewards: There are a number of financial and tax incentives and rewards provided by the Dubai government to local and international companies, which helps promote investments and economic growth.
- Diversity of economic activities: Companies in Dubai can benefit from the great diversity of economic activities available, providing broad opportunities for innovation and growth.
In short, establishing a company in Dubai represents an important strategic step for investors looking for a dynamic and favorable business environment that provides them with great opportunities for success and global expansion.
Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai
In order to establish a company in Dubai, the conditions vary depending on the type of company and the region in which the company will be established. Here are some general conditions that may be required:
- Legal type of company: The appropriate company type, such as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company or joint stock company, must be determined according to the planned business activities.
- Local partner: In some cases, some types of companies (such as limited liability companies) may require a local partner to have a certain percentage of the company.
- Nominal Capital: The required nominal capital must be determined and evidence of the company’s ability to pay it must be provided.
- Licenses and Permits: The necessary licenses and permits must be obtained from the local authorities, according to the company’s chosen activity.
- Headquarters: A valid and documented headquarter address for the company in Dubai must be provided.
- Legal and Administrative Documents: Necessary legal documents must be submitted, such as registration application form, copies of passports, and founders’ certificates.
- Tax declarations: Some companies may require registration with local tax authorities.
- Compliance with local laws: The company must comply with all relevant local laws and legislation, such as labor, tax and trade laws. To ensure full and proper compliance, investors should consult Itqan, a specialist legal and corporate advisory firm in Dubai.

Looking for help on how to set up a company in Dubai?
If you are looking for help on how to set up a company in Dubai, our team of experts is ready to provide all the necessary support. We pay great attention to the comfort of our customers and always strive to help them achieve their business goals. Through our extensive experience, we help our customers save time and effort and avoid wasting money, as we ensure that all necessary steps and procedures are completed smoothly and efficiently. We will complete all the processes for obtaining the required business licenses, so that you can start your business as quickly as possible in Dubai’s dynamic and thriving business environment. Itqan Company provides a range of specialized services in the field of company establishment and legal consultations in Dubai. Among the services provided by Itqan Company:
- Establishing companies: assistance in choosing the appropriate type of company and providing support in all the necessary steps for registration and obtaining the necessary licenses.
- Legal advice: Providing customized legal advice to companies, including local legislation, intellectual property rights, and employment and investment contracts.
- Legal file management: Providing legal file management services, including license updates and necessary legal amendments.
- Commercial Licenses: Assistance in obtaining the necessary commercial licenses from local and international authorities.
- Logistical assistance: Providing logistical and administrative support to new companies, including contract management and financial transactions.
In short, Itqan Company provides integrated services to help establish companies in Dubai, making it easier for investors and new companies to settle and grow in the UAE market.
Establishing a company in Dubai can be a crucial step towards success in a market characterized by dynamism and vast economic opportunities. With the help of Itqan Company, this process becomes smoother and more effective. Itqan provides exceptional experience in establishing companies and legal consultations, ensuring investors and new companies fully comply with legislation and obtain the necessary licenses as quickly as possible.
Thanks to the strategic guidance and comprehensive support of Itqan, new companies can benefit from Dubai’s distinguished business environment and access wide-ranging regional and global markets. Itqan’s experience in providing customized and integrated solutions makes it an ideal partner for success and sustainable growth in the Middle East market.
Frequently asked questions about establishing companies and investing in Dubai
What are the main investment opportunities in Dubai?
Key opportunities include investment in real estate, tourism and hospitality, technology and innovation, logistics and transportation, and international trade thanks to Dubai’s strategic location.
What types of companies can I establish in Dubai?
You can establish several types of companies in Dubai such as sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), public joint stock company (PJSC), companies in free zones, in addition to subsidiaries and affiliates.
What are the basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai?
Basic requirements include choosing the legal type of company, providing the required nominal capital, submitting the necessary documents such as passports and founders’ certificates, and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.
What are the differences between companies in free zones and companies outside the free zones in Dubai?
Companies in free zones enjoy benefits such as 100% foreign investment, exemption from customs duties, and tax exemption for a specified period, while companies outside free zones are subject to national laws and taxes.