In today’s business world, Dubai is one of the most prominent global centers for investment and company establishment, providing advanced infrastructure and laws that encourage business and innovation. Establishing a company in Dubai is a fruitful strategic move for investors looking for sustainable growth opportunities in a dynamic market that combines modernity and tradition. Whether you intend to establish a new company or move your headquarters to this vibrant city, Dubai offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits to investors. From simple legislative procedures to cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative technology, Dubai can be the perfect place to start your entrepreneurial journey or expand your business. Our upcoming articles will explore more details about how to set up a company in Dubai, the steps needed to register, and the competitive benefits of setting up a company there.

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ToggleEstablishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai can be a fruitful experience with the help of Itqan, which provides comprehensive services to investors seeking to establish and develop their businesses in this dynamic market. Itqan services include business management facilities, including providing legal advice and assistance in preparing the necessary legal documents, such as incorporation contracts and partnership agreements, in addition to assistance in determining the appropriate economic activity and obtaining the necessary licenses. Itqan also provides specialized services in registering and obtaining commercial licenses, which makes it easier for investors to integrate into the Dubai market with ease and smoothness.
Thanks to its extensive experience in the local market and its commitment to the highest quality standards, Itqan ensures that the company establishment process in Dubai is smooth and efficient. Itqan also provides integrated services that include guidance on strategic investments and local opportunities, enabling investors to make informed decisions to successfully achieve their business goals in the Emirate of Dubai, which is considered one of the most attractive cities for business and investments in the region.
How to establish a company in Dubai
First, you must choose the legal form of the company, as the common forms are the sole establishment or the limited liability company. You must also choose the form that suits the nature of the company’s activity and the desired goals. Here are the rest of the basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai :
- Determine the business activity: Choose the company’s main activity from the list of permitted activities in Dubai. And ensure that the activity complies with applicable laws and regulations.
- Choice of location and region: The company can be established in free zones in Dubai such as Jebel Ali or Dubai Multi Commodities. It is also possible to establish in the Dubai Special Economic Zone (DAFZA). The location is also chosen according to the company’s activity and the advantages offered by the chosen area.
- Obtaining a commercial license: Apply for a commercial license from the competent authority in the selected region. License requirements also vary according to the type of activity and region.
- Fulfilling legal requirements: Submit all required documents such as copies of passports and personal photos. With the appointment of a local Emirati director in the case of a one-person company.
- Providing the required capital: The minimum capital varies according to the type of activity and the chosen region.
- Completing establishment procedures: Completing all procedures and obtaining the commercial register and necessary licenses.
For assistance in establishing a company in Dubai, you can contact specialized legal consulting companies.
Types of companies in Dubai
There are several types of companies available in Dubai that investors can choose according to their needs and business goals. Here is a table showing the main types of companies in Dubai:
Type of Company | a description | features |
---|---|---|
Sole proprietorship | A company managed by one person, who is solely responsible for the company and bears full responsibility. | – Ease of establishment and management.<br>- Low costs.<br>- Speed of decision-making.<br>- Confidentiality in operations and profits. |
Shareholding company | A company consisting of shareholders who share capital and profits and bear liability in proportion to their share in the company. | – Providing financing from several sources.<br>- Distribution of risks among shareholders.<br>- Possibility of attracting large investments.<br>- Ability to expand and grow further. |
Private joint stock company | A company consisting of not less than 3 and not more than 50 shareholders, and the minimum capital of the company is limited. | – Better organizing relationships between shareholders.<br>- The possibility of preserving the company’s privacy.<br>- The possibility of benefiting from government facilities for small and medium-sized companies. |
Public joint stock company | A company that brings together general shareholders from the public to contribute capital, and lists its shares on the financial market, if any. | – The ability to attract large investments.<br>- Increase transparency and confidence among the public.<br>- The possibility of faster growth and expansion.<br>- The possibility of trading stocks in financial markets. |
Company | A branch of a parent company established outside Dubai, which operates in accordance with the activities of the parent company and enjoys a degree of independence in local operations. | – Benefiting from the reputation, technologies and resources of the parent company.<br>- Saving costs and administrative procedures.<br>- Expanding into new markets without the need for expensive infrastructure.<br>- Tax and legal privileges for subsidiary companies. |
These types offer various options for investors who want to establish companies in Dubai, allowing them to choose the structure that best suits their business needs and goals.
Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with some basic conditions and procedures. Here are some key terms:
- Choosing the economic activity: The company activity that you will practice must be determined, and it must be compatible with local permits and regulations.
- Partners and Shareholders: The incorporation can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or joint stock company. In the case of joint-stock companies, the shareholders and their respective shares in the capital must be identified.
- Trade name: A trade name must be chosen for the company that complies with local laws and is registered in accordance with approved procedures.
- Contracts and legal documents: The necessary articles of incorporation and legal documents must be prepared, such as the company’s articles of association and partnership agreement, if there are any.
- Official headquarters: An official headquarters for the company must be specified in the Emirate of Dubai, and this headquarters can be in a free zone or another approved area.
- Business Licenses: You must obtain the necessary licenses to conduct business activity in Dubai, such as building permits or professional services licenses as needed.
- Registration and license: After meeting all conditions, the registration application is submitted to the relevant authorities in Dubai and the final commercial license is obtained.
These conditions represent basic steps that must be followed to establish a company in Dubai, and local corporate experts and legal advisors such as Itqan can help you coordinate and comply with these procedures effectively.
How to obtain a trade license to establish companies in Dubai
To obtain a business license to establish a company in Dubai, investors usually follow several basic steps. Here’s an overview of how:
- Choosing the type of company: You must first determine the type of company you wish to establish, whether it is an individual company, a joint-stock company, or a personal company.
- Determine the economic activity: The main activity of the company must be chosen, which must be compatible with the licenses available in Dubai.
- Choosing a company name: A trade name for the company must be chosen that complies with local laws and is registered with the competent authorities.
- Preparing legal documents: The necessary legal documents must be prepared and submitted, such as the company’s articles of association, articles of incorporation, and any partnership agreements.
- Determine the official headquarters: An official headquarters for the company must be determined in Dubai, and this headquarters can be within a free zone or in the appropriate legal area.
- Submitting the application: After meeting the previous conditions, you must submit an application to obtain a commercial license with the relevant government agencies in Dubai, such as the Department of Economic Development.
- Approval and obtaining the license: After reviewing the application and ensuring that it meets the conditions, the final commercial license is granted to establish the company.
- Completing additional procedures: The process may require obtaining additional licenses such as a building license or professional services licenses depending on the nature of the economic activity.
- These are general steps and their details can vary slightly depending on the type of company and the region in which it is incorporated in Dubai. If you need additional support or advice, it is preferable to contact legal advisors or consulting companies working in the field of establishing companies in the emirate.

Advantages of establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai provides many features and benefits that make it a preferred destination for international and local investors alike. Among these features:
- Strategic location: Dubai is a strategic gathering point for businesses in the Middle East, facilitating access to diverse markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai is characterized by an advanced infrastructure that includes international airports, advanced sea ports, and transportation and communications systems that support businesses with high efficiency.
- Favorable legal environment: Dubai is characterized by a favorable legal environment for business, as it provides advanced legislation and an effective judicial system to protect the rights of investors.
- High standards of living: Dubai offers high standards of living and diverse entertainment and shopping facilities, making it an attractive place to live and work.
- Government facilitations: The Dubai government provides great facilities to companies, such as tax exemptions in free zones, and facilitations in practical laws and licenses.
- Dynamic labor market: The labor market in Dubai has a high dynamism and diversity in the workforce, which makes it easier for companies to recruit international and local talent.
- Multiple investment opportunities: The Dubai market provides various investment opportunities in various sectors such as real estate, tourism, retail, technology, and financial services.
- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Dubai is a culturally and linguistically diverse environment, making it an ideal place for global companies seeking to operate in a multicultural environment.
To sum up, establishing a company in Dubai gives investors a unique opportunity to benefit from numerous strategic and competitive advantages in a diverse and thriving global market.
At the conclusion of this article, it is clear that establishing a company in Dubai can be an important strategic step for investors wishing to grow and prosper in a dynamic and thriving market. In cooperation with Itqan Company, all legal and administrative procedures related to establishing the company are facilitated, including providing legal advice and assistance in determining the appropriate economic activity and obtaining the necessary licenses. Thanks to their experience and deep knowledge of the local market, Itqan Company ensures that the process of establishing a company in Dubai is smooth and integrated, which helps investors move confidently towards achieving their commercial and investment goals in this global city.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
What types of companies can I establish in Dubai?
You can establish a sole proprietorship, joint stock company, private joint stock company, public joint stock company, and a subsidiary of a parent company.
What are the expected costs of establishing a company in Dubai?
Costs vary depending on the type of company, geographic location, and services required, and include registration fees, costs of legal and consulting services, and rental and staff costs if necessary.
Do I need a local partner to set up a company in Dubai?
In some cases, such as establishing a public joint stock company, a local partner may be required, but foreigners can establish other companies without the need for a local partner in specific free zones and special zones.
What are the tax benefits of establishing a company in Dubai?
Companies in free zones in Dubai enjoy tax exemptions on profits, but tax benefits can vary depending on the type of activity and geographical location of the company.