Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for many entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter a vibrant and potential market. However, this process requires a set of necessary papers and documents to ensure compliance with local laws and facilitate procedures. This article covers the details related to the papers required to establish a company in Dubai , including licenses, permits, and personal documents, helping investors clearly understand the necessary requirements and helping them expedite the establishment process.

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ToggleWhat are the papers required to establish a company in Dubai?
To establish a company in Dubai , a set of necessary papers and documents must be submitted. These papers include:
- Company Registration Application: An official form that includes details about the company and the type of activity.
- Copy of Passport: A copy of the passport of the owner or partners must be provided.
- No Objection Certificate: If one of the partners is a resident of the UAE, a No Objection Certificate may be required from the sponsor.
- Articles of Association: A document that details the partnership or ownership, and must be notarized.
- Trade Name Approval: A trade name for the company must be chosen and approved by local departments.
- Business plan: A description of the company’s activity, objectives and services provided.
- Site drawing: A document showing the location of the company, if an office or headquarters is needed.
- Activity Permit: Some activities may require additional permits from the relevant authorities.
- Proof of residence: This could be an electricity bill or a rental agreement.
- Insurance: Health or commercial insurance may be required, depending on the type of activity.
- Requirements vary depending on the type of company and whether it is a free or non-free zone, so it is advisable to contact a local advisory body or legal services office for further guidance.
How to set up a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires following certain steps to ensure compliance with local laws and smooth completion of the procedures. Here are the main steps to establish a company in Dubai:
- Determine the type of company: Decide what type of company you want to form, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a subsidiary, or a sole proprietorship.
- Choosing a trade name: Choose a trade name that matches the company’s activity and obtain approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Preparing the required documents: Collecting the necessary documents such as passport, articles of association, and no-objection certificate if required.
- Preparing the Articles of Association: Prepare the Articles of Association with the partners (if there are partners) and notarize it with a notary public.
- Determine the location of the company : Get an office or commercial headquarters that suits the type of activity.
- Registration and Licensing: Submit your application to the Department of Economic Development for a business license. You may also need additional licenses depending on the activity.
- Open a bank account: Open a company bank account to manage finances.
- Tax Registration: Register the company with the Federal Tax Authority if the activity requires it.
- Employment Insurance: If you plan to hire employees, make sure to get health insurance for them.
- Obtaining the establishment card: After completing all procedures, obtain the establishment card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Receive Final Licenses: Receive the final licenses and documents that allow you to start operating.
The process can be a bit complicated, so it is best to use a local consulting firm like Atqan to help you through all the steps and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
Cost Factors of Company Formation in Dubai
The cost of setting up a company in Dubai is affected by several factors, making it variable based on the type of business, company structure, and location. Here are some of the main factors that affect the cost of setting up a company in Dubai:
- Company Type: Incorporation costs vary depending on the type of company (LLC, sole proprietorship, branch of a foreign company, etc.).
- Company Location: Rental costs in free zones are different from onshore areas, as free zones offer advantages such as full ownership.
- Registration and Licensing Fees: Includes Department of Economic Development fees, registration fees, and other government fees related to obtaining licenses.
- Legal documents: Costs of preparing legal documents such as articles of association, and notarization costs.
- Consulting Services: If consulting companies or service offices are used to facilitate the establishment process, these costs must be calculated.
- Insurance: Labor insurance, in addition to commercial insurance, can have a significant impact on the cost.
- Office Space: Costs of renting or purchasing office space, including utilities such as electricity and internet.
- Labor: The costs of employing employees, including salaries and insurance.
- Taxes: Although there is no corporate income tax in Dubai, there may be other charges such as Value Added Tax (VAT).
- Operating costs: These include daily expenses such as utilities, office supplies, and administrative expenses.
The costs of setting up a company in Dubai generally range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams, depending on these factors. It is always advisable to conduct a feasibility study and a comprehensive cost estimate before starting the incorporation process.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
Establishing a company in Dubai can take varying amounts of time depending on several factors, but in general, the approximate duration can be summarized as follows:
- Initial steps (1-3 days): Choosing a trade name and getting approval. Preparing legal documents such as articles of incorporation.
- Company Registration and Licensing (1-2 weeks): Submit the application to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant authority in the free zone. It may take 5-10 days to review applications and issue licenses.
- Opening a bank account (1-3 days): After obtaining the license, a bank account can be opened, which can take some time depending on the bank.
- Additional Procedures (1-2 Weeks) : If additional permits or visas are required for employees, this can add additional time.
Generally, the total time to set up a company in Dubai can range from 2 to 6 weeks. However, if you work with a consulting firm like Atqan, you can speed up the process and ensure compliance with all requirements, which can reduce the time taken.
Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires compliance with some legal terms and requirements. Here are the basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai:
- Select the type of company: Determine the type of company to be established (limited liability company, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, branch of a foreign company, etc.).
- Trade Name: Choose a trade name that complies with local laws, and do not use prohibited names.
- Legal Documents: Submit documents such as passport of the owners, articles of association, and no objection certificate if one of the partners is a resident of the UAE.
- Define the activity: Determine the business activity you wish to engage in, and ensure that it complies with local laws.
- Providing a place of business: You must have a physical office or business location, and provide documents proving ownership or lease of the place.
- Financial requirements: Some activities may require a specific capital deposit in the bank, depending on the type of company.
- Compliance with Local Laws: Comply with all local laws and regulations, including tax and labor requirements.
- Required Licenses: Obtain all necessary licenses from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the competent authority in the free zone.
- Health Insurance: If you plan to hire employees, they must be provided with health insurance according to local laws.
- Approval from the competent authorities: Some activities may require obtaining approval from certain authorities (such as the Ministry of Health, the Culture Authority, etc.).
- Submit a business plan: In some cases, you may need to submit a clear business plan on how the company will operate.
Requirements vary depending on the type of company, activity, and location (free zone or non-free zone), so it is advisable to contact a consulting firm such as Atqan to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.
Itqan Company Services in Establishing Companies in Dubai
Itqan Company provides a comprehensive range of services for establishing companies in Dubai , making it easy for investors and entrepreneurs to start their projects easily and effectively. Here are the most prominent services it provides:
- Legal Consultations: Providing specialized legal advice on company formation requirements and compliance with local laws.
- Document preparation: Assisting clients in preparing and documenting all documents necessary for company establishment, including articles of association and registration applications.
- Company Registration: Dealing with government agencies to register the company and obtaining the necessary licenses from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant authority in the free zones.
- Choosing a Trade Name: Advising on choosing and obtaining approval for a suitable trade name.
- Office provision: Providing office rental services, including virtual offices and fully equipped offices.
- Obtaining licenses and permits: Assistance in obtaining all licenses necessary to operate the business, including professional and commercial licenses.
- Opening Bank Accounts: Providing support in opening business bank accounts with local banks.
- Employment Services: Assisting clients in hiring workers, providing health insurance and legal requirements for employees.
- Immigration and Visa Procedures: Providing support in obtaining work and residence visas for employees and investors.
- Post-incorporation support: Providing ongoing support services after the company is established, such as accounting management and tax compliance.
By using Etqan’s services, clients can expedite the process of establishing their companies and ensure compliance with all legal requirements, contributing to the success of their business in Dubai.
In conclusion of our article on establishing a company in Dubai , it is clear that this process requires good planning and compliance with legal requirements. Dubai, with its strategic location and dynamic economic environment, offers tremendous opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Understanding the basic steps, from choosing the type of company to obtaining the necessary licenses, is crucial to achieving success. Hiring a consulting firm like Itqan is a smart move to facilitate the procedures and ensure compliance with all legal requirements, allowing investors to focus on developing their business. Whether you are looking to establish a small business or a larger project, Dubai provides you with an ideal platform for growth and prosperity. Therefore, starting your business journey in Dubai can be the beginning of a promising and bright future.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The process of setting up a company in Dubai usually takes from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of company and the procedures required.
Can foreign investors fully own companies in Dubai?
Yes, in free zones, foreign investors can own 100% of the company without the need for a local partner.
Are there corporate taxes in Dubai?
There is no corporate income tax in Dubai, but there may be other charges such as Value Added Tax (VAT).
What are the steps required to obtain a commercial license?
The steps include choosing a trade name, submitting the required documents, paying fees, and obtaining government approval.