Dubai is considered one of the most prominent global destinations for establishing business companies in Dubai , as it has unique advantages that make it the focus of attention of investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Dubai is located in a strategic location linking the Asian, European and African markets, which facilitates access to a wide customer base and contributes to rapid and efficient business expansion. In addition, Dubai is characterized by an advanced infrastructure that includes world-class logistical facilities, advanced means of transportation, and a modern communications system, which provides an ideal environment for business growth and development.
The Dubai government provides many facilities to attract investments, including incentive tax policies, easy regulatory procedures, and ongoing government support for new projects. This is in addition to the availability of multiple free zones that offer additional benefits such as full ownership of companies and long-term tax exemptions, which enhances Dubai’s attractiveness as an international business center.
Establishing business companies in Dubai requires a precise understanding of the local market and regulatory regulations, and here comes the importance of cooperation with specialized consulting companies such as Itqan Company. Itqan provides comprehensive support to investors by providing specialized consultations and integrated services that include feasibility studies, strategic planning, registration procedures, and obtaining the necessary licenses. The company also contributes to facilitating administrative and legal processes, allowing investors to focus on growing their business and achieving the desired success.
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ToggleEstablishing business companies in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires specific procedures that Gulf investors must familiarize themselves with before starting the process. There are several procedures that Gulf investors must know before starting to establish a company in Dubai:
- Choosing the type of company: Gulf investors must choose the type of company they want to establish in Dubai. There are two main types of companies in Dubai: limited companies and joint stock companies.
- Choosing a company name: Gulf investors must choose a name for the new company. The name must be distinctive and not include any terms protected by law.
- Determining the capital: Gulf investors must determine the capital of the new company. The capital must be proportionate to the type of company and the business it will undertake.
- Determine the location: Gulf investors must determine a location for the new company. The site must be commensurate with the type of company and business that it will undertake.
- Identifying shareholders: Gulf investors must identify the shareholders of the new company. Shareholders must agree to participate in the company and provide the necessary financing to achieve success.
- Determine the executive structure: Gulf investors must determine the executive structure of the new company. The executive structure must be proportionate to the type of company and the work it will undertake.
Types of companies available in Dubai
Here is a table showing the types of companies in Dubai that you can establish by contacting Itqan Company, which helps you in many procedures and obtaining the necessary licenses:
Type of Company | the description | Foreign ownership | Basic requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Limited Liability Company (LLC) | A popular type of company characterized by flexibility of operation and limited ownership of liability | Up to 100% is permitted in some activities and sectors | At least one partner, specific capital |
Free zone company | A company operating within a free zone enjoys tax and regulatory advantages | 100% allowed | To register in the relevant free zone, capital requirements vary |
Branch of a foreign company | A branch of an existing foreign company that can engage in the same business activity | 100% allowed | Approval of the Ministry of Economy, appointment of a local service agent |
Representative office | An office that represents the parent company and does not engage in commercial activity, but rather carries out marketing and promotion | 100% allowed | Approval of the Ministry of Economy, appointment of a local service agent |
Joint company | A partnership between two or more people who share profits and losses | Full foreign ownership is not permitted | At least two partners, no minimum capital |
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) | A company whose shares are traded on the stock exchange and can be subscribed to by the public | Up to 49% allowed | A capital of not less than 30 million dirhams, at least 10 shareholders |
Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC) | A closed company whose shares are traded privately among shareholders | Up to 49% allowed | A capital of not less than 5 million dirhams, at least 2 shareholders |
Steps to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires following systematic steps to ensure compliance with local laws and achieve success. It starts with choosing the right business activity that will guide the type of business license required. You can follow the following basic steps:
- Choosing a business: Select the business you would like to engage in, as this will determine the type of business license you need.
- Choosing a legal structure: Choose the type of company that best suits your needs (limited liability company, free zone company, branch of a foreign company, etc.).
- Determine a business name: Choose an appropriate business name that complies with local regulations and avoid banned names.
- Submitting a trade name application: Submit a request to reserve a trade name with the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.
- Preparing legal documents: Collect and submit the required documents, which include passports, personal photos of the founders, a signature form, articles of association (AOA), and articles of association (MOA).
- Choosing a business location: Rent a commercial office and obtain a lease contract certified by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
- Obtaining initial approvals: You may need approvals from the relevant government agencies based on the type of business activity (such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, etc.).
- Submitting a license application: Submit a commercial license application to the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or the relevant free zone authority, along with paying the required fees.
- Obtaining final approvals: After reviewing applications and documents, obtain final approvals from the relevant government agencies.
- Pay the license fee: Pay the license fee and obtain the commercial license.
Company registration in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Register your company in the Dubai Chamber to obtain Chamber of Commerce membership. - Opening a bank account: Opening a business bank account for the company in a local bank.
- Obtaining work visas: Apply for work visas for founders and employees.
Conditions for establishing business companies in Dubai
Establishing business companies in Dubai requires compliance with specific conditions and standards that ensure success and compliance with local laws. These conditions include the following:
Choose a business activity
When considering establishing a company in Dubai, choosing a business activity is the first and crucial step in the establishment process. You must carefully determine the type of business activity you want to practice, as each type of activity requires its own commercial license, issued by the competent authorities. Choosing the right business greatly impacts all aspects of the business, including the necessary licenses, legal procedures, associated fees, and even the most suitable geographic location. In addition, some commercial activities may require special approvals from certain government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health or the Roads and Transport Authority, which requires a careful understanding of the requirements of the business you wish to operate. In this way, the founders ensure a healthy and smooth start for their companies in the vibrant and growing business environment of Dubai.
Determine the company name
Determining the company name is an important step in the process of establishing the company, as a name must be chosen that reflects the brand’s identity and is easy to remember and pronounce. The name must be in line with local regulations, and you must avoid using names that are prohibited or violate the trademark rights of other companies. The name must be unique and not used by another company in the same sector, and it is preferable that it contain a distinctive element that distinguishes it from other similar companies. The availability of the name can be verified and reserved with the relevant government authorities before submitting the official application to establish the company.
Rent a commercial site
When setting up a company in Dubai, renting a business location is one of the essential steps that must be taken. A location must be chosen that is compatible with the company\’s activity and compatible with its budget, and it must also comply with local laws and regulations. New companies can rent offices in commercial buildings, commercial complexes, or even in free zones, based on their needs and requirements.
Once the location is selected, the company must obtain a lease contract certified by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), which is the body responsible for regulating the real estate market in the Emirate of Dubai. The contract usually includes details of the rental property, lease term, monthly or annual rent, and additional terms such as additional costs and eviction terms.
By renting a suitable commercial location, the company ensures that it has a headquarters that is compatible with business requirements, which facilitates its operations and contributes to its success.
capital
Capital is the amount that is provided to start business operations and run the company. The capital required must be determined based on the type of company and the legal structure chosen. For example, in the case of a limited liability company (LLC), a certain capital must be determined in accordance with the requirements of local law. Capital is used to finance a company\’s day-to-day operations, such as purchasing equipment, paying salaries, and covering marketing costs. Determining the appropriate capital contributes to the company\’s financial stability and helps it successfully achieve its goals.
Submit a license application
When you set up a company in Dubai , it usually requires applying for a business license. This application must be submitted to the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) if you plan to establish the company outside a free zone, or to the relevant free zone authority if you intend to establish the company in a free zone. The application must contain all required information, such as company details, structure, proposed activities, shareholders, and locations of offices or shops. You must also pay the fees required to process the application, and these fees can vary depending on the type and size of the company. After submitting the application and paying the fees, the concerned authority will review the application and conduct the necessary checks before issuing the final license.
Obtaining final approvals
After submitting the license application and completing all necessary procedures, the application and submitted documents are reviewed by the relevant government agencies. This procedure requires verification that all legal and regulatory conditions and requirements are met. After the final review and confirmation that all conditions are met, final approvals are issued by the relevant government agencies. These final approvals are a crucial step that precedes the issuance of the final license to commence the company’s commercial operations in Dubai.
Registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
After obtaining the final licenses and approvals, the next step in the process of establishing a company in Dubai is registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This requires submitting a registration application and all necessary documents to the Dubai Chamber to obtain Chamber of Commerce membership. Chamber membership gives a company the opportunity to benefit from a variety of business services and privileges, including government support, economic knowledge and business opportunities. Company registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an essential step for new companies that wish to establish an existing business in Dubai.
Open a bank account
After completing all the necessary procedures to establish a company in Dubai , it is time to open a business bank account for the company. You can open an account in a local bank that matches your company\’s needs and offers the appropriate services. Required documents, such as a copy of the business license, lease contract and ID card, must be submitted to legal officials to complete the account opening process. A bank account is essential for managing a company\’s day-to-day financial transactions, including receiving deposits, paying bills, and carrying out other business transactions.
Legal documents for establishing a company in Dubai
When submitting legal documents to establish your company in Dubai, you must carefully collect and submit the required documents to ensure the integrity of the process and its compliance with local laws. Basic documents you may typically need include:
- Passports and personal photos of the founders: Verifying the identity of the founders requires submitting copies of passports and personal photos.
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: The Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association determine the company’s structure, the details of the distribution of shares, and the methods of its management and operation.
- Other incorporation contracts: You may need other contracts related to the partnership, clients, or business-specific terms.
- Attestation documents: You may need to have the documents attested by approved government agencies.
- Proof of Address Documents: Documents proving the address of the company\’s main headquarters must be submitted.
- Authorization documents: If someone represents you in the company establishment procedures, you may need documents proving their authorization.
Ensuring all necessary documents are submitted correctly, your company can be successfully registered in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of Dubai.
Itqan for establishing companies in Dubai
In conclusion, Dubai is considered one of the ideal destinations for establishing business companies in Dubai thanks to its distinguished and supportive investment environment. The emirate provides a wide range of opportunities and benefits for startups and investors from all over the world. The experience of establishing a company in Dubai is not just an economic step, but rather a stepping stone to a world of limitless possibilities, where business owners can benefit from advanced infrastructure, effective government services, and continuous support from the competent authorities. Dubai not only provides the appropriate environment for growth and prosperity, but also always seeks to develop a framework that meets the needs of companies and is in line with global developments. By cooperating with Itqan Company, investors and entrepreneurs can obtain the necessary advice and support to ensure that their companies are established successfully and in a manner consistent with local standards and requirements. Making the decision to establish a company in Dubai means entering a market full of opportunities and advantages, enhancing the possibility of achieving success and sustainable growth in a world-class business environment.
Frequently asked questions about establishing business companies in Dubai
What types of companies can be established in Dubai?
Limited Liability Companies (LLC), public or private joint stock companies, free zone companies, branches of foreign companies, and personal companies can be established.
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
Determine the type of company, choose the trade name, determine the legal structure, submit the required documents, obtain the necessary licenses, sign partnership contracts if necessary, and register the company with the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority.
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai?
Incorporating a company can take approximately two weeks to two months, depending on the type of company and the consistency of the documents.
Can foreigners establish companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can establish companies in Dubai with the possibility of having an ownership stake of up to 100% in some activities.
What licenses are required to establish a company in Dubai?
The required licenses depend on the type of company and the activity it undertakes, and may include a general commercial license, a professional license, an industrial license, or a services license.
What taxes apply to companies in Dubai?
There are no corporate taxes in Dubai for companies residing in free zones, while companies residing outside free zones are subject to a 10% corporate tax.