Establishing a company in Dubai is considered an important strategic step that opens wide horizons of opportunities and success to investors. Dubai is characterized by a developed investment environment, modern infrastructure, and flexible laws that facilitate the process of establishing a business. To make the most of these opportunities, many investors turn to cooperating with companies specialized in establishing businesses, such as Itqan Company. Itqan Company provides comprehensive and integrated solutions for establishing companies, making it easier for entrepreneurs to achieve their goals quickly and efficiently.
Itqan Company has extensive experience in the field of establishing companies in Dubai , as it provides various services that include legal and financial consultations, licensing procedures, and the provision of offices and commercial spaces, in addition to continuous support to ensure business continuity and success. Thanks to these premium services, investors can focus on developing their business and achieving sustainable growth, while you take care of mastering all the logistical and administrative details.
Itqan is an ideal partner for anyone seeking to establish a company in Dubai, as it provides support and guidance at every step of establishment, making the process smoother and less complicated. Choosing Dubai as a location for your business, in cooperation with Itqan Company, can be the perfect decision to achieve tangible business success in one of the most vibrant and developed cities in the world.

Establishing a company in Dubai
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Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for investors and entrepreneurs thanks to its dynamic economic environment, advanced infrastructure, and advanced legal systems. Establishing a company in Dubai can be an important strategic step for individuals and companies looking for broad growth opportunities in one of the most prominent global markets. But the process may seem complicated to some due to the various procedures and requirements. So, understanding the steps to start a company in Dubai can help simplify the process and ensure the success of the project. Here are the basic steps for setting up a company in Dubai:
- Determine the type of business: Choose the type of business you want to engage in as this will affect the options available to you regarding location and legal type of business.
- Choosing the legal form of the company: Determine the legal form that suits your activity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of a foreign company, a sole proprietorship, or a free enterprise (FZC) in free zones.
- Choosing a company name: Choose a suitable name for the company and ensure that it complies with naming rules in Dubai. An application must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED) to reserve a trade name.
- Determine the location of the company: Determine a suitable location for the company, whether in a free zone or on the mainland of Dubai. If a free zone is selected, an application must be submitted for the selected free zone.
- Submitting applications and documents: Submitting the required applications and documents to the competent authorities, which may include passports, registration forms, lease contracts, and other permits depending on the type of activity.
- Obtaining approvals and licenses: Obtaining the necessary approvals from the competent government agencies, which may include the Department of Economic Development (DED), the General Authority for Free Zones, or the Ministry of Economy.
- Signing and notarizing contracts: Signing the company’s incorporation contracts and notarizing them with a notary. This step may require submitting additional documents and conducting personal interviews.
- Opening a bank account: Opening a bank account for the company in one of the local banks, and submitting the documents required by the bank, such as the articles of incorporation and the commercial license.
- Preparing the lease contract: If the company is located in a commercial area, a lease contract must be prepared and notarized. In free zones, ready-to-use offices can be provided.
- Obtaining the necessary visas: Submit an application to obtain the necessary visas for employees and investors, based on the available licenses.
- Registration in the Chamber of Commerce: Register the company in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to obtain membership and benefit from various commercial services.
- Obtaining the establishment card: After completing all the previous steps, obtain the establishment card from the Naturalization and Residency Department in Dubai.
- Starting business operations: After obtaining all licenses and approvals, business operations can be started legally.
Costs of setting up a company in Dubai
Costs of setting up a company in Dubai vary based on several factors such as the type of company, its location, and the scope of its work. But in general, the main costs you’ll need to consider include:
- Registration fees: Includes the costs of submitting an application to register the company with the competent authority, whether it is in the free zone or in the Economic Department in Dubai. This fee covers administrative and processing procedures.
- Commercial license fees: This is the cost associated with issuing a commercial license that allows the company to practice its activity legally. This license varies based on the type of activity and activities permitted.
- Office or headquarters rental costs: These costs depend on the location and size of the office required. Free zones usually offer office options that include rent and utility services, while in a local area you may need to look for independent business premises.
- Notarization and documents fees: This includes the costs of documenting legal documents such as the articles of incorporation and certificates required by government agencies.
- Visa fees: Includes the costs of issuing work and residence visas for investors and employees. This requires submitting individual applications and paying the fees associated with each visa.
- Costs of legal and accounting consultations: Includes fees for expert consultants who assist in preparing legal documents and providing advice on local regulations and incorporation requirements.
- Bank account opening costs: Opening a business bank account may require additional fees in addition to the minimum balance requirements.
- Establishment and management costs: These include costs associated with daily business management, such as facilities and services costs, salaries, and insurance.
Documents necessary to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires submitting a set of basic documents to complete registration and licensing procedures. Necessary documents may vary slightly based on company type and location, but generally include:
- Passports: Copies of passports of investors, directors, and any other founding individuals. Passports must be valid.
- Personal Photos: Personal photographs of investors and managers, which may be required for visa applications.
- Proof of address: Documents proving the residential address of investors and managers, such as utility bills or a lease agreement.
- Memorandum of Association: A document detailing the company’s establishment, such as the names of the founders, business activity, and capital. It may require authentication from a notary public or official authorities.
- Certificate of incorporation: A copy of the certificate of incorporation that proves the company’s registration with the competent authority.
- Action Plan: A business plan that explains the nature of the company’s activity, its strategies, and its goals. May be required to obtain a business license.
- lease: A lease contract for the office or headquarters in which the company will operate, or a confirmation letter from the free zone if you are leasing an office within the zone.
- Confirm availability of company name: A confirmation document from the responsible party confirming that the proposed company name is available and not already in use.
- Company registration request: The company registration application form, which is obtained from the competent authority (free zone or economic department).
- Signature of investors and directors: signatures on registration documents and licenses, which may be certified according to the requirements of the competent authority.
- Proof of financial deposit: Proof that the required capital has been deposited in the bank account designated for the company, according to licensing requirements.
- Insurance: Proof of the company’s required insurance, such as labor insurance or social insurance.
Licenses required to establish a company in Dubai
When setting up a company in Dubai, you will need to obtain different licenses based on the type of business and location. Basic licenses that may be required include:
- Commercial license: This license is issued by the Dubai Economic Department or the Free Zone Administration, and allows you to practice commercial activity legally. The license includes details of the business activity that the company will undertake.
- Industrial license: If the company operates in the manufacturing or production sector, you will need an industrial license. This license is issued by the Economic Department and covers industrial activities.
- Tourism license: If the company operates in the field of tourism, such as travel agencies or hotels, it needs a tourism license. This license is issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai.
- Health license: Companies operating in the health and medical fields, such as hospitals, clinics, or beauty salons, need a health license. This license is issued by the Dubai Health Authority or the relevant authorities.
- Educational license: If the company works in the field of education, such as schools or training centers, it needs an educational license from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai.
- Services License: For companies that provide various services, such as consulting or IT services, a services license is required. It is issued by the Economic Department or the Free Zone Administration.
- Special business license: For some special business activities that require additional licenses, such as retail or e-commerce, you may need specific licenses depending on the type of activity.
- Environmental license: For some activities that may affect the environment, such as industrial companies or large stores, you need an environmental license. This license is issued by the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority in Dubai.
Why Dubai?
Dubai is characterized by investment attractiveness and a strategic dimension that makes it a favorite destination for investors and businessmen from all over the world. Here are some of the main reasons why Dubai is a great choice:
- Dynamic economic environment: Dubai provides a developed commercial environment that allows business growth thanks to its modern infrastructure and encouraging economic policies. The government invests heavily in technology projects and innovation.
- Commercial Facilities: Dubai offers great facilities to investors, such as easy establishment procedures, fast licensing, and efficient administrative services, which facilitate companies’ entry into the market and management of their operations.
- Full Foreign Ownership: In most free zones, foreigners can own 100% of companies, enhancing full control of the business.
- Tax exemptions: Dubai provides attractive tax exemptions, such as exemption from corporate tax and personal income tax, which reduces operational costs.
- Strategic location: Dubai is located in an ideal geographical location linking East and West, making it a vital connection point for international trade and global markets.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai has a modern infrastructure that includes world-class ports, international airports, and advanced transportation networks, which enhances the ease of movement of goods and people.
- Multiple business areas: Dubai provides a variety of free zones and economic zones that suit various business activities, making it easy to find the ideal environment for a specific activity.
- Diversified economy: Dubai does not depend only on oil, but rather invests in multiple sectors such as tourism, trade, technology, and financial services, which enhances economic stability and sustainable development.
- High standards of security and safety: Dubai offers a safe and stable environment for business thanks to strong security policies and advanced laws.
- Quality of life: Dubai enjoys a high quality of life thanks to its modern entertainment facilities, advanced levels of healthcare, and high level of education.
- Diverse consumer market: The market in Dubai includes a diverse group of consumers, which opens wide opportunities for trade and expansion in local and regional markets.
- Ease of communication: Dubai is an international hub for communication and business, with English widely used as a means of communication in business settings.
- Government support strategies: The UAE government provides incentives and support to investors through initiatives such as the “Emirates Green Development Strategy” and the “National Innovation Plan.”
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai in cooperation with Itqan Company is an ideal choice for investors and entrepreneurs who seek to benefit from the distinguished business environment that Dubai provides. Itqan Company is distinguished by its extensive experience and its specialized team in providing company establishment services, which ensures a smooth and efficient process from choosing the appropriate business activity to obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals.
By cooperating with Itqan, you can save time and effort, as their professional team takes care of all the complex procedures on your behalf, allowing you to focus on developing your business and achieving your business goals. Dubai provides advanced infrastructure and a flexible economic environment that supports business growth, in addition to its strategic location that makes it a global commercial center.
The most frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
How to choose the best free zone to establish a company?
Choosing a free zone depends on the type of business activity, required facilities, and associated costs. Consultants can be consulted to determine the optimal option.
What are the benefits of investing in free zones compared to the mainland?
Investing in free zones provides advantages such as full ownership by foreigners, tax exemptions, and ease of procedures.
What commercial activities are prohibited in Dubai?
Some commercial activities such as manufacturing prohibited substances or providing illegal services are prohibited.
Can a company in Dubai operate in multiple sectors?
Yes, companies can operate in several sectors, but they may need additional licenses according to the type of activity.
How can I benefit from government support programs in Dubai?
You can benefit from support programs by registering in government initiatives and submitting available support requests.