Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners, opening a company in Dubai for foreigners represents a strategic and ambitious step towards achieving commercial success in one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Dubai is distinguished by its unique geographical location that connects the East and the West, making it a global business center suitable for various economic activities. The emirate provides a flexible and convenient business environment that attracts investors from all over the world, with a modern infrastructure and diverse economic sectors that meet the needs of small and large companies alike.

Investing in Dubai offers many advantages to foreigners, including laws that encourage investment, full ownership of companies in free zones, and no taxes on personal or corporate income in some cases. The city is also distinguished by the availability of digital government services that facilitate registration and establishment processes, in addition to the ease of obtaining visas and residence permits. These advantages reflect Dubai’s vision to enhance its position as one of the best investment destinations in the world.
Itqan Company provides comprehensive services to support foreigners in establishing their companies in Dubai, as it provides specialized consultations that help choose the appropriate legal structure, required procedures, and the best areas that match the nature of the business activity. In addition, Itqan offers integrated solutions that include obtaining commercial licenses, opening bank accounts, and providing virtual and physical offices.
Establishing a company in Dubai represents a golden opportunity for foreigners to benefit from a dynamic and diverse market, with the ability to expand into regional and global markets. By cooperating with Itqan, new investors can easily overcome challenges and focus on achieving their business goals in an environment full of promising possibilities and opportunities.
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ToggleTypes of companies that foreigners can establish in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s leading investment destinations thanks to its attractive economic environment and continuous support for foreign investors. The emirate offers a variety of options for establishing companies, allowing investors to choose what suits the nature of their business and future goals. Establishing companies in Dubai is characterized by flexibility and the availability of many advantages, such as tax exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and easy access to regional and global markets. With multiple options, foreign investors find an ideal environment to expand their business and achieve success in the Middle East.
Limited Liability Companies (LLC): This is the most common type of company in Dubai. Foreigners can own up to 100% of the company in some activities, while others require a local partner. This type is suitable for companies operating in the mainland and focusing on trade and services.
Free Zones: Free zones in Dubai, such as Jebel Ali and Dubai South, allow companies to be established with full foreign ownership without the need for a local partner. These zones offer benefits such as full tax exemption, easy incorporation procedures, and freedom to repatriate profits.
Offshore Companies: Often used for offshore business activities or asset management, they are very flexible in terms of taxes and laws. This type of company is not authorized to operate within the local market in Dubai.
Foreign Branches: International companies can open branches in Dubai to conduct the same business activity as the parent company, allowing easy access to the local and international market.
Professional Companies: These are intended for individuals who want to provide specialized services, such as engineering, legal, or medical consulting. Foreigners can own the company outright, with the help of a local service agent.
Each of these types of companies offers various advantages that suit the nature of different business activities, making Dubai an ideal choice for every investor looking to launch in a stimulating economic environment.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is a pivotal step to achieving success in one of the most prominent commercial and economic centers in the world. With its advanced infrastructure and flexible investment laws, Dubai provides an ideal environment for investors from all over the world. However, establishing a company requires fulfilling a number of legal requirements and submitting a set of documents to ensure compliance with local regulations. These documents are the essential element for launching your business successfully, and they vary according to the type of company and its business activity.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai:
Passport copy: A clear and recent copy of the passport of the company owner or shareholders, as this document is essential in all types of company registration.
Personal photos: Passport-sized personal photos with a white background that meet the required standards.
Incorporation application form: The incorporation application form must be completed, containing the shareholders’ information and the type of business activity required.
Business plan: Submit a detailed business plan explaining the company’s objectives, type of business activity, and expected operational structure.
Good conduct certificate: Shareholders may be required to provide a certificate proving their clean criminal record, especially in some specific activities.
Lease or Office Contract: Proof of the company’s presence in Dubai by submitting a lease or agreement to use virtual or shared offices.
Approval from the competent authorities: For some activities, approvals from the competent authorities such as health or regulatory authorities may be required.
Previous business license (if applicable): If the company owner has previously engaged in a similar activity, a copy of the previous trade license may be required.
Completing these documents accurately and quickly ensures that your company’s establishment in Dubai is easy and efficient, opening up new horizons for success in a market full of promising opportunities.
The first step to establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic investment step that allows investors to benefit from the dynamic business environment and advanced infrastructure that the emirate offers. Dubai is a global economic hub, combining flexible investment laws and tax benefits that make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs from all over the world. With a variety of options for company formation, from mainland to free zones and offshore companies, each step of the process is an important part of the entrepreneurial journey. However, the right start to this journey depends on taking the first step carefully and thoughtfully.
The first step to establish a company in Dubai:
The first step to establish a company in Dubai begins with determining the business activity that the company will carry out. This decision is the cornerstone for determining many other aspects of the establishment process, such as the type of commercial license required, the most appropriate location for work (mainland or free zones), and the government agencies responsible for the necessary approvals.
Determining the business activity includes setting a clear vision of what the company will offer in terms of products or services. It must be ensured that the activity to be practiced is in line with the list of permitted activities in Dubai, as the Department of Economy and Tourism in the emirate provides a comprehensive list of all permitted activities.
After determining the activity, the rest of the steps can be started, such as choosing the appropriate legal structure for the company and submitting the necessary license applications. Making the right decision at this stage contributes greatly to facilitating the rest of the stages of establishing the company and ensuring its success in the competitive business environment provided by Dubai.
Tax Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most prominent global destinations for setting up a company thanks to its attractive economic environment and advanced infrastructure that supports business growth. In addition, Dubai offers a unique tax system that makes it a preferred choice for local and international investors. Dubai’s flexible tax policies are not only an attractive factor for investments, but also provide companies with the opportunity to achieve greater profits and sustainable growth without significant financial burdens. With a variety of options between the mainland, free zones and offshore companies, investors benefit from a competitive tax environment that allows them to focus on developing their business and achieving long-term success.
Tax Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Dubai:
Exemption from personal income tax: Dubai does not impose a personal income tax on individuals, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs who want to retain profits without any tax deductions.
Exemption from corporate profits tax: In most free zones, investors enjoy a complete exemption from corporate profits tax for long periods of up to 50 years, which significantly enhances corporate profits.
No tax on dividends: Companies that set up in Dubai are not subject to taxes on dividends distributed to shareholders, allowing profits to be transferred freely and without financial restrictions.
Customs exemption: Companies in free zones are exempt from customs duties on importing raw materials or exporting finished products, reducing operating costs.
Low value-added tax (5%): Although VAT is imposed on some goods and services, its rate is among the lowest in the world, and many sectors enjoy exemptions or reductions.
Double tax avoidance agreements: The UAE has signed agreements with several countries to avoid double taxation, allowing international companies to operate in Dubai without being taxed twice.
Free repatriation of profits and funds: Dubai gives companies the freedom to transfer profits and funds abroad without restrictions, ensuring financial liquidity and full benefit from profits.
With these tax benefits, Dubai is an ideal choice for investors looking for an environment that supports the growth of their businesses and helps them achieve the highest levels of profitability.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners is a strategic step to launch into the business world in one of the most attractive and diverse economic environments in the world. Dubai offers many advantages, including flexible investment laws, advanced infrastructure, and a business environment that supports innovation and expansion. These factors make the emirate an ideal destination for investors seeking success in various sectors.
The process of establishing a company in Dubai may seem complicated at first due to the diversity of legal and economic options, but with the right support, these challenges can be easily overcome. This is where Itqan comes in, providing comprehensive and integrated solutions for foreign investors, starting from choosing the appropriate legal form for the company, through completing government procedures, and ending with providing administrative and logistical services that ensure a smooth launch for the company.
Itqan is not just a service provider, but a strategic partner that is keen to provide specialized consultations that suit the needs of each client individually. With its extensive experience in the UAE market, Itqan ensures that foreign investors have a deep understanding of local laws and regulations, which helps them establish their businesses quickly and efficiently while saving time and effort.
Choosing Dubai as your company’s headquarters means joining a city that is experiencing sustainable economic growth and is a gateway to regional and global markets. With the support of Itqan, foreign investors can focus on achieving their vision and business goals without worrying about administrative and regulatory challenges. Establishing your company in Dubai is not just a step towards success, it is an investment in the future in a business environment that is full of promising opportunities and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Establishing a Company in Dubai
What types of companies can foreigners establish in Dubai?
Foreigners can establish several types of companies in Dubai, including limited liability companies, branches of foreign companies, freehold companies, and offshore companies, each of which offers different advantages based on the nature of the business activity.
Can foreigners own a company entirely in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of the company in free zones and some commercial activities in Dubai, especially after the recent amendments to the foreign direct investment laws.
What are the basic costs of establishing a company in Dubai?
The costs vary based on the type of company, location (free zone or mainland), and type of business activity. Costs include licensing fees, office rentals, company registration fees, and sometimes bank deposits.
What documents are required to set up a company in Dubai?
Documents typically include a passport, passport photos, a business plan, a certificate of good conduct, and an office lease, as well as any additional documents depending on the type of business.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The process can take anywhere from a week to several weeks, depending on the type of company and the completion of all the required procedures and documents.
Does setting up a company in Dubai require a local sponsor?
A local sponsor is not required if the company is in a free zone, while it may be required for some activities on the mainland.
What are the tax benefits of setting up a company in Dubai?
Companies in free zones enjoy full tax exemption on corporate profits and personal income for a period of up to 50 years in some areas.
Can I get a residence visa when setting up a company in Dubai?
Yes, setting up a company in Dubai allows foreigners to apply for residence visas for themselves, their families, and their employees.