How to establish a company in the UAE for foreigners? The United Arab Emirates is one of the most prominent investment destinations in the world, providing an ideal environment for establishing companies for foreigners. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure and flexible economic legislation, the UAE has become a regional hub for international business and trade. The country provides wide opportunities for foreign investors to benefit from local and global markets, supported by competitive tax benefits and smooth procedures for establishing companies. Whether investing in free zones or in local markets, foreign investors find a supportive environment for growth and expansion. Cooperating with specialized consulting companies such as “Atqan” contributes to simplifying the process of establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners, making it easier for foreign investors to enter the UAE market and benefit from available opportunities with ease.

Establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners

Establishing a company in Dubai in the UAE for foreigners requires following specific steps to ensure compliance with local laws. Here are the basic steps:

Determine the type of company: You must decide what type of company you want to establish (a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or a branch of a foreign company).
Choose the location: You can choose to establish the company in one of the free zones or in the local market. Free zones offer benefits such as full foreign ownership and no corporate taxes.

Choosing a company name: You should choose a name that reflects the company’s activity. The name should comply with local laws and not be similar to the names of other registered companies.

Obtaining the necessary licenses: You need to obtain a commercial license from the Department of Economic Development or the responsible authority in the free zone. The types of licenses vary depending on the company’s activity.

Preparing legal documents: The required documents include: A copy of the passport for investors. Partnership agreement (if there are partnerships). Power of attorney (if you are authorizing someone else to handle the procedures).

Submitting the application: All required documents must be submitted to the relevant authorities and the prescribed fees must be paid.

Opening a bank account: After obtaining the license, you need to open a bank account for the company.

Registering the company: After fulfilling all the requirements, the company is registered in the commercial register.

Obtaining visas: You can apply for work visas for investors and employees.

Tax compliance: Make sure you understand and comply with local tax laws, even if taxes are low in some areas.
Working with consulting firms such as Atqan can make this process easier for you, as they can assist you with the legal procedures and provide the necessary advice.

Do foreigners have full ownership in establishing a company in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners have the right to have full ownership in establishing a company in Dubai, especially if the company is established in one of the free zones. In free zones, foreign investors can own 100% of the company’s shares without the need for a local partner.

However, if the investor wants to establish a company in the local market (within Dubai) and not in a free zone, the previous laws required a local partner to own 51% of the company’s shares. However, there are recent changes in the laws, where some commercial activities can grant foreigners full ownership, so it is important to check the type of business activity and its details. In general, Dubai is an ideal destination for foreigners wishing to invest and establish companies, as it offers a favorable legal and commercial environment.

Documents required to establish a company in the UAE for foreigners

To establish a company in the UAE for foreigners, you need to prepare a set of basic documents. Here is a simplified list of the required documents:

Passport copy: The passport must be valid for all partners or investors.
Personal photo: A recent personal photo for each investor.
No-objection letter: If there is a local employee or partner, you may need a No-objection letter (NOC) from the current sponsor.
Partnership agreement: If there is a partnership, a partnership agreement must be prepared specifying the details of the partners and the percentage of ownership.
Company name: Suggest three names for the company, as the names must be in accordance with local laws.
Business activity details: Specify the business activity that the company will be engaged in.
License application: The application for a commercial license must be completed.
Power of attorney: If you are authorizing someone else to handle the procedures, a power of attorney must be prepared.
Business plan: Sometimes, a business plan may be required to explain how the company will be run.
Proof of office address: Evidence of the existence of a company headquarters must be provided, whether it is a rented office or registered in a free zone.
Requirements may vary depending on the type of company and business activity, so it is best to check with local authorities or consult a consulting firm such as “Atqan” to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

Conditions for establishing a company in the Emirates for foreigners

Establishing a company in Dubai for foreigners requires adherence to a number of conditions and requirements. Here are the most important conditions:

Determining the type of company: The type of company to be established must be determined, whether it is a limited liability company, a joint-stock company, a branch of a foreign company, or any other type.
Choosing the location: The company can be established in free zones where foreigners can obtain 100% ownership, or in the local market which may require a local partner.
Determining the business activity: The business activity that the company will carry out must be determined, and it must be ensured that it is in compliance with local laws.
Company name: A name must be chosen that complies with applicable regulations, with three name suggestions provided, where it is verified that names are not repeated.
Required documents: Required documents such as passports, personal photos, proof of office address, and other legal documents must be submitted.
Headquarters: The company must have an actual headquarters in the Emirates, whether it is a rented office or an office in a free zone.
Submitting a license application: An application for the appropriate commercial license must be submitted to the competent authority (such as the Department of Economic Development or the responsible authority in the free zone).

Establishment fees: Payment of the prescribed fees for establishing the company, which may vary depending on the type of company and activity.

Obtaining work visas: Applications must be submitted for work visas for investors and employees, according to the permitted number.

Compliance with local laws: All applicable laws and regulations in the UAE must be adhered to, including tax laws and legal procedures.

Cooperating with consulting companies such as “Atqan” can make it easier for you to understand these conditions and better meet the establishment requirements.

Atqan Company’s services for establishing a company in the Emirates for foreigners
Atqan Company is one of the most prominent companies specialized in providing company establishment services for foreigners in the Emirates. “Atqan” has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations, making it the ideal choice for investors wishing to enter the UAE market. The company provides a comprehensive range of services that include legal and commercial consultations, and helps clients choose the most appropriate type of company for them, whether it is a free zone or a local business activity.

Atqan facilitates administrative procedures and licensing, providing support in preparing required documents such as passports, ID copies, business plans, and partnership agreements. In addition, Atqan provides bank account opening services, making it easier for clients to manage their finances after establishing the company.

Moreover, Atqan helps its clients obtain work visas for investors and employees, ensuring a smooth transition to the new work environment. The company also provides consulting in areas such as marketing and expansion, helping new businesses grow and thrive in the competitive market. With its dedication to customer service and attention to detail, Atqan is a trusted partner in the journey of establishing a company in the UAE, contributing to achieving investors’ goals effectively and smoothly.

The importance of establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners

Establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners carries many importance and benefits, making it an attractive option for investors. Here are some key points about the importance of establishing a company in the UAE:

Flexible business environment: The UAE offers a suitable and supportive business environment, with laws and regulations that facilitate establishment procedures and encourage innovation and growth.
Full ownership: It allows foreigners the opportunity to own 100% of their companies in free zones, ensuring they have complete control over their business.
Strategic location: The UAE is located in the heart of the Middle East, facilitating access to vast markets in Asia, Africa and Europe, and enhancing international trade.
Diverse investment opportunities: The UAE provides investment opportunities in various fields, such as real estate, trade, services and tourism, allowing investors to choose the appropriate activity.
Tax advantages: The UAE offers an attractive tax environment, as there are no taxes on companies in many free zones, which contributes to increasing profits.
Advanced infrastructure: The UAE has a modern and advanced infrastructure, including transportation and communications, which facilitates shipping and distribution operations.
Visas and Residency: The UAE government provides facilities for obtaining work and residency visas for investors, which facilitates moving and settling in the country.

Government Support: Companies in the UAE receive support from the government, including incentive initiatives and support programs for new projects.

Therefore, establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners represents a strategic opportunity for growth and prosperity, and enhances the ability of investors to achieve their business goals in a competitive environment.

In conclusion, it can be said that establishing a company in the UAE for foreigners represents an important strategic step towards achieving success and growth in an ideal business environment. The UAE provides an advanced infrastructure, a flexible legal environment, and attractive tax benefits, making it a preferred destination for international investors. By cooperating with specialized companies such as “Atqan”, investors can facilitate the establishment process and overcome legal and administrative challenges. The UAE is an ideal gateway to enter global markets, as it allows investors to benefit from various opportunities in various sectors. The move towards establishing a company in this country is not just a business decision, but rather an investment in the future, opening up new horizons for expansion and growth. Therefore, investors should take advantage of this opportunity to build sustainable businesses that enhance their success in the UAE and international markets.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the UAE

Can foreigners fully own a company in the UAE?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of their companies in the free zones. However, some commercial activities in the local market may require a local partner to own 51% of the shares.

How long does it take to establish a company in the UAE?
The process of establishing a company in the UAE can take from several days to several weeks, depending on the type of company and the complexity of the procedures.

Are there any tax benefits for foreigners?
Yes, the UAE offers many tax benefits, as there are no corporate taxes in most free zones, which helps increase profits.