Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis is one of the most important investments sought by Saudis, due to Dubai’s attractive investment factors and free zones, which provide a fertile environment for investors. The UAE provides all the facilities for Saudis who wish to establish a company in Dubai. In the following lines, we will discuss Dubai as one of the most prominent commercial and investment destinations in the world, providing an ideal environment for establishing companies and developing businesses. For Saudis, establishing a company in Dubai represents a unique opportunity to benefit from diverse markets and government facilities. Dubai offers many advantages, such as advanced infrastructure, investment-friendly legislation, and a strategic location that facilitates access to global markets. In this article, we will review the steps and requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis , in addition to the benefits that can be achieved through this step.

How to establish a company in Dubai for Saudis

Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis requires following a set of basic steps, in addition to observing certain legal requirements. Here are the main steps:

1. Determine the type of company: The company can be a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of an existing company, a professional corporation, or even a sole proprietorship. The appropriate legal structure must be determined based on the nature of the business.
2. Choosing a business activity: You must choose the business activity you wish to operate, as this activity must be registered in the license. Ensure it complies with local laws.
3. Find a location: Choose a suitable location for your office or company headquarters. This could be in a free zone or within Dubai.
4. Preparing the necessary documents: Prepare the required documents, such as the passports of the shareholders and directors, a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Economy (if required), and the articles of association and memorandum of association.
5. Submitting a License Application: After preparing your documents, submit a business license application to the Dubai Department of Economic Development. You may also need additional approvals depending on the type of activity.
6. Opening a bank account: After obtaining the license, you must open a bank account in the company’s name. You may need to deposit a certain minimum amount, depending on the type of company.
7. Company Registration: Register the company with the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Economy.
8. Obtaining the necessary visas: After completing the registration procedures, you can apply for work visas for your employees and shareholders.
9. Complete legal procedures: Ensure that all other legal requirements, such as insurance and special licenses, are met depending on your activity.

Advantages of establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis

Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis comes with many advantages that make it an attractive business destination. Here are some of these advantages:

1. Dubai offers a sophisticated and supportive business environment, facilitating business establishment and growth. The government encourages innovation and provides support to investors.
2. Dubai boasts quick and easy company registration procedures, reducing the time and effort required to establish a company.
3. Dubai is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating access to global markets and enhancing trade opportunities.
4. Dubai does not impose corporate taxes, except for certain activities such as oil and banking, making it an attractive investment destination.
5. Dubai offers a variety of options in terms of corporate structures, including limited liability companies, branches, and sole proprietorships, allowing Saudis to choose the model that best suits them.
6. Dubai offers strong intellectual property protection, which encourages companies to innovate and develop.
7. Dubai offers easy work visas for company employees, helping attract talent.
8. Dubai has a modern infrastructure including transportation, communications, and transportation, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently.
9. Dubai encourages innovation through numerous initiatives and support for startups, providing opportunities for expansion and growth.
10. Dubai boasts a wide diversity of markets and sectors, offering opportunities to work in a variety of fields, from tourism and trade to technology and financial services.
11. Establishing a company in Dubai offers Saudis significant opportunities for growth and prosperity in an advanced and flexible business environment, making it an ideal choice for many entrepreneurs.

Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis

Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis requires meeting a set of legal conditions and requirements. Here are the main requirements:

1. Determine the type of company: You must determine the type of company you wish to establish, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of an existing company, or a sole proprietorship. Requirements vary depending on the type of company.
2. Choosing a business activity: You must choose a specific business activity that complies with local laws, as each activity requires a specific license.
3. Appointing a local agent (in some cases): For some types of businesses, you may need to appoint a local agent who owns a stake in the company. However, for Saudis, limited liability companies in free zones can be established without a local agent.
4. Company location: You must have a legal address for your company’s headquarters, whether it is in a free zone or outside it.
5. Applying for a License: You must apply for a business license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development. This involves completing the required forms and paying the fees.
6. Opening a bank account: Opening a bank account in the company’s name may require submitting additional documents, including a business license and articles of association.
7. Obtaining work visas: After registering your company, you can apply for work visas for your employees and shareholders.
8. Meet other legal requirements: Ensure you meet all other legal requirements, such as insurance and special business licenses.
9. Tax Registration: You may need to register for VAT (if your company’s revenue exceeds a certain threshold) and ensure compliance with tax laws.
   By meeting these requirements, Saudis can successfully establish their companies in Dubai and benefit from the many advantages this global city offers.

Factors affecting company formation fees in Dubai for Saudis

The fees for establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis vary based on several factors. Here are the most important of these factors:

1. Company Type: The type of company (such as a limited liability company, a branch of a corporation, or a sole proprietorship) greatly affects the fees required. Limited liability companies often have higher fees due to more complex legal requirements.
2. Business Activity: Some businesses require special licenses, resulting in different fees. For example, food or healthcare-related businesses may have higher fees than other businesses.
3. Location: If your company is established in a free zone, there may be different fees compared to incorporating in a non-free zone. Free zones offer additional benefits such as tax exemptions, but there may be special registration fees.
4. Company size: The number of shareholders and employees also affects the cost of incorporation. The more employees, the higher the fees associated with work visas and registration.
5. Office costs: Fees for renting or purchasing an office space vary depending on location and size. You will need to provide a legal address for your company’s headquarters, which may add additional costs.
6. Government fees: Government fees include licensing fees, registration fees, and other government department fees such as Chamber of Commerce fees.
7. Consultants and Attorneys: If you hire consultants or attorneys to assist you with the incorporation process, there will be additional fees for their services.
8. Insurance and other licenses: Some businesses may require additional licenses or insurance, which increases the overall cost of starting a business.
9. Banking Procedures: Opening a company bank account may require associated fees, in addition to the initial minimum amounts that the bank may require.
10. Compliance and Taxes: If your business is subject to taxes, such as VAT, you may incur additional costs for compliance. The total fees for setting up a company in Dubai for Saudis vary greatly depending on these factors. It’s important to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to estimate the total costs based on your specific needs.

The time limit for establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis

Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis can typically take between two weeks and a month, depending on several factors. First, the process begins with determining the type of company and the business activity you wish to pursue, which can take time if you require consulting with specialists or conducting feasibility studies. Next, you must prepare the required documents, such as shareholders’ passports, personal photos, and the company’s articles of association, which can be processed quickly if you have all the necessary documents.

Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application for a commercial license to the Department of Economic Development. This step may take from one to several business days, depending on the type of activity and any additional requirements. If you wish to establish a company in a free zone, the process may be faster, as free zones offer certain facilities that expedite the registration process.

Once licensed, you can open a bank account and complete work visa procedures for employees, which may also take some time. Generally, if all steps are taken efficiently, Saudis can complete company incorporation within two weeks, but it’s always advisable to allow some extra time to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

Etqan’s efforts in establishing companies in Dubai for Saudis

Etqan plays a prominent role in facilitating the process of establishing companies in Dubai for Saudis, offering a comprehensive suite of services that help investors overcome the challenges associated with the incorporation process. Here are Etqan’s most notable efforts in this area:

1. Specialized Consulting: Itqan provides comprehensive consultations on company formation options, including appropriate company types and permitted business activities, helping Saudis make informed decisions.
2. Providing support with legal procedures: Itqan assists its clients in preparing the legal documents necessary for company formation, such as the articles of association and memorandum of association, facilitating the process and reducing errors.
3. Expediting licensing procedures: Itqan collaborates with government agencies to expedite the commercial licensing process, saving customers time and effort.
4. Providing company registration services: Itqan offers company registration services in free zones and non-free zones, allowing clients to choose the option that best suits their business.
5. Opening bank accounts: Itqan helps open bank accounts for new businesses, making it easier for customers to manage their money from the start.
6. Work and Residence Visas : Itqan offers comprehensive services for obtaining work and residence visas, ensuring easy entry for employees into the UAE market.
7. Ongoing Support: Itqan provides ongoing support to clients even after the company is established, including assistance with compliance with legal and tax requirements.
8. Market Analysis: Itqan provides market analysis and studies that help Saudis understand the opportunities and challenges in the UAE market.
9. Thanks to these efforts, Etqan significantly facilitates the process of establishing companies in Dubai, enabling Saudis to achieve their business goals efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis represents an important strategic step toward achieving success in a sophisticated global business environment. Dubai offers numerous advantages, such as ease of incorporation, low taxes, and advanced infrastructure, making it an ideal investment destination. However, understanding the legal requirements and procedures is essential to ensuring the success of this step. Partnering with companies like Itqan to facilitate the incorporation process provides the necessary support for Saudis, helping them overcome potential challenges. By leveraging local expertise and ongoing support, Saudi investors can confidently establish their companies and efficiently achieve their business goals. They can embark on their business visions, knowing that Dubai is not just a city, but a gateway to unlimited opportunities in global markets. Engaging in this field reflects the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that characterizes Saudi entrepreneurs and enhances their chances of future success and prosperity.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis