What are the ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners in 2025? Establishing a company in Dubai is an attractive option for foreigners seeking investment opportunities in the Middle East. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and supportive government policies, foreign investors can easily start their projects. In 2025, Dubai offers a variety of ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners , whether through free zones that provide full foreign ownership or through local partnerships that grant investors multiple benefits. Options also include establishing limited liability companies, opening branches of international companies, and taking advantage of investment programs offered by the government. These steps facilitate foreigners’ entry into the UAE market and achieving sustainable success in a global investment environment.

Ways to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners 2025

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners in 2025 requires following a set of steps and options provided by the emirate to support foreign investment. Here are the most prominent ways for foreigners to establish companies:

1. Establishing a company in a free zone: Dubai offers more than 30 free zones, such as Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Media City, where foreigners are allowed 100% ownership. Benefits include tax exemptions on profits and personal income, and the freedom to repatriate capital and profits.
2. Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC): This type of company allows foreigners to own up to 100% of the company in certain economic sectors, subject to compliance with local laws. A local partner is usually required in sectors that do not allow full foreign ownership.
3. Opening a branch of a foreign company: Foreign companies can open a branch in Dubai without the need for a local partner. The branch has the advantage of conducting the same activities as the parent company.
4. Business Partnerships: Foreigners can partner with Emirati citizens to establish joint ventures. These partnerships may allow them access to local sectors closed to full foreign ownership.
5. Obtaining a Professional License: Some activities, such as consulting or professional services, allow foreigners full ownership after obtaining a professional license and do not require a local partner. Each method has its advantages and challenges, and Dubai offers a flexible and supportive investment environment that meets the needs of diverse investors.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires submitting a set of official documents and procedures. The required documents vary depending on the type of company and its business activities, whether it is located in a free zone or within other economic zones. The following are the basic documents required:

1. Passport copy: A copy of the passport of each of the founding partners and directors.
2. Personal Photo: Recent passport-sized photographs of all partners or managers.
3. Copy of residence visa or entry stamp: If partners or managers reside in the UAE, a copy of their residence visa or entry stamp is required.
4. Business Plan (sometimes): In some free zones or private activities, a business plan may be required that outlines the company’s objectives and the nature of the activities it will undertake.
5. Government approval: Some business activities require prior approval from specific government agencies, such as healthcare or educational activities.
6. Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: The company’s articles of association and memorandum of association must be prepared, specifying the names of partners and ownership percentages, in addition to details of the capital.
7. Registered Address: A physical address for the company in Dubai must be provided, whether it is a physical office or an address in a free zone.
8. Additional Licenses: For private activities such as real estate or finance, these activities may require additional licenses or approvals.
9. No Objection Certificate (NOC): If a partner or director is currently employed by another company within the UAE, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be required from their current employer.

After submitting these documents and obtaining the necessary approvals, the registration procedures are completed and the commercial license is obtained to commence commercial activity.

Conditions for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires fulfilling a set of requirements that vary depending on the type of company and the region in which it will be located. Here are the basic requirements for establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners in 2025:

1. Determine the type of business activity: The type of business activity the company will conduct must be determined, whether commercial, industrial, or service-oriented, as the type of commercial license required depends on this activity.
2. Choosing a legal entity: You must choose the legal form of the company, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of a foreign company, or a company in a free zone, as each type differs in terms of conditions and ownership.
3. Initial approval: After selecting the activity and legal form, initial approval must be obtained from the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the selected free zone authority.
4. Foreign Ownership: In free zones, 100% foreign ownership is permitted. Outside free zones, foreigners can own up to 100% of certain economic sectors, according to recent amendments to the Commercial Companies Law.
5. Articles of Association: The articles of association must be prepared and signed by the partners, specifying the ownership and capital ratios, and the contract must be notarized by the relevant authorities.
6. Registered Office: A physical address and registered office for the company in Dubai must be provided, whether within the city of Dubai or in one of the free zones.
7. Capital: There is no minimum capital requirement in most companies, except in some special activities that may require a specific capital.
8. Special Licenses: Certain activities, such as healthcare, education, and the financial sector, require additional approvals and licenses from the relevant authorities in Dubai.
9. Obtaining a commercial license: After completing all the required documents and requirements, the application for a commercial license is submitted to the relevant authority, such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority.

By meeting these requirements, foreigners can easily establish companies in Dubai and benefit from its thriving and supportive economic environment.

How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

Establishing a company in Dubai is a relatively quick process compared to many other destinations. The duration depends on several factors, including the type of company, the business activity, and the location (inside or outside the free zones). Typically, the incorporation process in a free zone can take from 3 to 10 business days. This is because free zones offer streamlined and quick procedures, including company registration, issuance of a trade license, and preparation of the necessary paperwork. For establishing a limited liability company (LLC) or other companies outside of the free zones, the process can take between one and three weeks. This is because the procedures require additional approvals from various government agencies, such as the Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality, in addition to preparing and notarizing the articles of association.

Other factors that may affect the duration include preparing the required documents, such as business plans and official certifications, especially if additional approvals are required for specific business activities, such as healthcare or education. Dubai generally facilitates incorporation, with most applications submitted online and government services provided quickly and efficiently. However, it is advisable to prepare all required documents in advance and work with specialized advisors to ensure the process is as expedient as possible and achieve success in the shortest possible time.

Do foreigners have the right to full ownership in establishing a company in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners in Dubai are entitled to fully own a company, according to amendments to the UAE’s investment laws, making Dubai an attractive destination for international investors. Prior to these amendments, foreigners were required to partner with an Emirati citizen who owned 51% of the company in certain economic sectors. However, recent laws have opened the door to 100% foreign ownership in many business activities.

In Dubai’s free zones, such as Jebel Ali and Dubai Media City, foreign investors have enjoyed full company ownership for years, along with benefits such as tax exemptions and the freedom to repatriate profits. With the new amendments, this opportunity has been expanded to include companies established outside the free zones in specific sectors, such as general trade, manufacturing, and consulting services.

This change enhances the ability of foreigners to operate their companies independently without the need for a local partner, further enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness as a global investment hub. However, some strategic activities may require a partnership with an Emirati citizen or additional approvals from relevant government agencies. These flexible laws reflect Dubai’s commitment to facilitating business and attracting foreign investment, making it one of the world’s top business destinations.

In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step toward taking advantage of the emirate’s thriving economic environment and investment advantages. Thanks to legal amendments allowing full foreign ownership in many sectors, along with the extensive facilities provided by free zones, Dubai has become a global hub for business and investment. Its advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and flexible regulatory framework all contribute to a smooth and profitable company formation process. For investors seeking success in Middle Eastern markets, Dubai offers an ideal environment for growth and expansion.

Frequently asked questions about how to establish a company in Dubai for foreigners