Steps to establishing a company in Dubai ? Dubai is one of the world’s leading investment destinations, providing an ideal environment for establishing companies thanks to its advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and the facilities the government provides to investors. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a global company seeking expansion, establishing a company in Dubai allows you to benefit from tax exemptions, easy access to international markets, and a variety of investment opportunities. By using specialized business establishment companies, such as Atqan, legal and administrative procedures can be expedited, making it easier to start your project with confidence and smoothness.

Steps for establishing companies in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai requires following a series of legal and administrative steps to ensure compliance with local laws and obtain the appropriate licenses. Here are the basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai:

1. Determine the type of business activity: You must choose the appropriate business activity for your company, whether commercial, industrial, or service, as this affects the type of license required.
2. Choosing the legal structure of the company: The company can be established as a limited liability company.
3. (LLC), a sole proprietorship, a branch of a foreign company, or a company in one of the free zones, depending on the business needs.
4. Determine and reserve a company name: Choose a trade name that complies with applicable Dubai laws, ensure it is not duplicated, and then register it with the relevant authorities.
5. Obtaining initial approvals: Submitting an application for initial approval to the relevant authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development.
6. (DED) or the selected free zone authority.
7. Preparing the Articles of Association and Service Agent Agreement (if required): For some types of companies, the Articles of Association must be notarized, and in the case of foreign companies, a local service agent may need to be appointed.
8. Choosing a business location and documenting the lease contract: Rent an office or headquarters for the company according to the requirements, and document the lease contract with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
9. Obtaining additional approvals: Some business activities require additional approvals from government agencies such as Dubai Municipality, the Health Authority, or other regulatory bodies.
10. Paying fees and obtaining a commercial license: After completing all procedures, the required fees must be paid to obtain a commercial license from the relevant authority.
11. Register with the Chamber of Commerce and open a tax file: Register the company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and open a tax file with the Federal Tax Authority if the activity requires it.
12. Opening a bank account and starting business operations: After obtaining a license, you can open a business bank account and begin legally conducting business.

These steps can be expedited and full compliance ensured by hiring company formation experts like Atqan, who provide the support you need to set up your company in Dubai with ease and smoothness.

Guidelines for establishing companies in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai requires careful planning and an understanding of the legal procedures to ensure the project’s success. Here are some important guidelines to help you establish your company efficiently:

• Specify the type of business activity precisely, as this affects the type of license required and the regulatory authorities whose approval you need.
• Choose between establishing your company on the mainland or in one of the free zones, each offering different benefits such as full foreign ownership in the free zones, or the ability to trade freely within the local market in the mainland.
• Conduct a comprehensive study of your target market and understand the needs of your customers and competitors to ensure the success of your project in Dubai.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulatory procedures to avoid any legal issues that may hinder your business in the future.
• The trade name must be unique, comply with local laws, and not conflict with registered trademarks.
• This includes the articles of incorporation, service agent agreement (if required), and documentation of the lease for the company’s headquarters.
• After fulfilling all requirements, apply for a trade license from the relevant authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development or the selected free zone authority.
• Prepare a clear budget that includes start-up and operating costs, and choose a suitable bank to open a business account that suits your company’s needs.
• Check if your business requires VAT registration or any other tax obligations.
• To ensure smooth procedures and avoid errors, you can benefit from the services of specialized companies like Atqan, which provides support and legal advice for establishing companies in Dubai with ease.
• By following these guidelines, you can establish your company in Dubai in an organized manner that ensures a successful and sustainable start in the UAE business market.

The importance of establishing companies in Dubai

Dubai is one of the best global destinations for business establishment, thanks to its thriving economic environment and advanced infrastructure. The emirate’s strategic location connects global markets, making it a major hub for trade and investment. Dubai also offers numerous incentives for investors, such as tax exemptions, freedom to own companies in free zones, and ease of obtaining commercial licenses.

In addition, Dubai has a diversified economy that supports various sectors, including trade, tourism, real estate, and technology. The government also provides a flexible regulatory environment that encourages entrepreneurship and ensures investor protection. By utilizing specialized companies like Atqan, entrepreneurs can facilitate company formation and compliance with local laws quickly and efficiently, helping them focus on developing their businesses and achieving success in Dubai’s dynamic market.

Atqan Company’s company formation services in Dubai

Atqan offers a comprehensive suite of services to help investors and entrepreneurs establish their companies in Dubai with ease and smoothness. With its extensive experience in the field, Atqan ensures that all legal and administrative procedures are facilitated, helping clients focus on growing their businesses without complications. The company’s services include:

• Legal and Economic Consulting: Itqan provides specialized consultations to assist investors in choosing the appropriate legal structure and determining the most suitable region (mainland or free zones).
• Company registration and commercial licensing: Itqan handles all procedures necessary to obtain a commercial license, whether on the mainland or in one of Dubai’s free zones.
• Preparing legal documents: The company assists in preparing and documenting articles of association, local service agent agreements (if required), and other legal contracts.
• Trade Name Reservation and Trademark Registration: Itqan provides trade name reservation services and ensures their compliance with local laws, in addition to registering trademarks to protect business identity.
• Providing office solutions and office space: The company offers multiple options for virtual or physical offices according to business requirements, with documented lease contracts.
• Opening commercial bank accounts: Itqan helps facilitate the process of opening bank accounts for companies in cooperation with local and international banks.
• Tax and accounting services: The company provides value-added tax registration services.
• (VAT) and financial reporting to ensure compliance with UAE tax laws.
• Obtaining visas and residency permits: Itqan provides visa services for investors and entrepreneurs, in addition to residency procedures for employees and family members.
• Business License Renewal Services: The company assists in renewing business licenses and updating data to ensure business continuity without any legal issues.
• Business Expansion and Investment in Dubai: Itqan provides consulting on investment opportunities in Dubai and helps expand businesses by offering innovative solutions to investors.

With its comprehensive services, Itqan is the ideal partner for anyone looking to establish a company in Dubai quickly and efficiently, while ensuring compliance with all local laws and regulations.

Types of companies in Dubai

Dubai allows investors to establish companies under several legal structures suitable for various commercial and investment activities. The choice of company type depends on the nature of the activity, the investor’s ownership, and market requirements. The following are the most prominent types of companies in Dubai:

1. Mainland Companies: Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). They allow freedom to operate within the UAE and abroad. They can be a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, or a branch of a foreign company.
They sometimes require a local partner or a local service agent, depending on the activity.
2. Free Zone Companies: Allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local partner. They offer benefits such as tax and customs exemptions. There are more than 40 free zones in Dubai, catering to various sectors. They are not permitted to conduct business directly in the local market unless through an agent.
3. Offshore Companies: Registered in Dubai but do not conduct business within the country. They are used for international purposes such as asset management and foreign investments. They offer financial confidentiality and low operating costs.
Example: Companies registered in the Jafza Offshore Zone.
4. Public and Private Joint Stock Companies : Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC): Suitable for large projects and can offer its shares to the public. Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC): Requires a limited number of partners and does not offer its shares to the public.
5. Branches of Foreign and Gulf Companies: Foreign and Gulf companies can open branches in Dubai without the need for a local partner, but with the help of a local service agent. The branch fully represents the parent company and can conduct the same activities.
6. Sole Establishment: Owned by one person, the individual bears full liability for its debts and obligations. Suitable for liberal professions such as consulting and services.
7. Civil Company: For liberal professions (doctors, engineers, accountants). They can be 100% owned by foreigners, with a local service agent if necessary.
8. General Partnerships and Limited Partnerships : General Partnerships: Involve two or more partners who bear full liability.
Limited Partnerships: Involve general partners (responsible for management) and limited partners (non-participating in management).
How can Atqan help you? With its expertise, Atqan provides specialized consultations to help you choose the appropriate company type and complete all legal procedures quickly and efficiently, ensuring you establish your company in Dubai easily and in full compliance with the laws.

Establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic step that opens doors to success for investors and entrepreneurs, thanks to the advanced economic environment and numerous government facilities. Whether you wish to establish a company on the mainland, in a free zone, or even an offshore company, there are numerous options to suit various business activities. With specialized entities like Atqan, investors can save time and effort by completing legal and administrative procedures easily and efficiently. Therefore, choosing Dubai as an investment destination offers promising opportunities for growth and expansion in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Frequently asked questions about company formation in Dubai