The steps to register a company in Dubai must be followed to ensure that you enjoy all the privileges and facilities provided to companies in this leading business emirate. First, the investor must choose the appropriate type of company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited company, or other. Then he must determine the main economic activity that the company will undertake. Next, you need to choose a unique name, check its availability and ensure that it complies with local regulations. This is followed by submitting the required documents to the Dubai Business Regulatory Authority (DED), such as the social contract and passport photos. After receiving the necessary approvals, the investor must apply for a business license and initiate the process of registering the company in the commercial registry. The investor must comply with all tax regulations and laws for business in Dubai. These steps allow the company to start its activity legally and effectively in this vital economic destination.

Procedures related to registering an international company in Dubai
Establishing an international company in Dubai involves specific procedures and must follow the procedures specified by the relevant bodies in Dubai. Here’s an overview of the basic procedures:
- Choosing a free zone or commercial zone: You can choose to establish your company in the Emirate of Dubai in a free zone such as Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Marina, or another free zone. In addition, you can establish an international company in any business district in Dubai.
- Select Company Type: Available options may vary based on the region you choose. These companies can be such as sole proprietorship, limited liability company, public company, etc.
- Choosing a company name: You must choose a suitable name for your company and verify its availability and that it does not match the previously registered company names.
- Submitting the required documents: The required documents may vary based on the type of company and region. These documents usually include the founders’ passports, personal documents, articles of incorporation, and business plan.
- Payment of fees and costs: You must pay the fees required to register the company, obtain licenses, and other services.
- Completing legal procedures: You must adhere to all legal procedures and regulations in force in the Emirate of Dubai.
- Compliance with taxes and fees: You must comply with local taxes and fees that apply to your company’s activity.
- Obtaining licenses and permits: After successful registration, you can begin obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to start your business.
- Opening a bank account: You may need to open a local bank account in Dubai to manage your company’s finances.
It is important to work with local company incorporation consultants or specialist lawyers to obtain precise guidance on the procedures and requirements for setting up your international company in Dubai. Remember that laws and regulations may change over time, so you should always check the latest information from reliable sources.
Read also: Opening a commercial register in the Emirates
Initial steps in registering a company in Dubai
Registering a company in Dubai requires following specific legal and administrative procedures. Investors must conduct a careful feasibility study of their business idea, choose the appropriate company type and define the proposed business activity. After that, all required documents must be submitted and the necessary fees must be paid to the relevant government agencies. The application is then submitted and the company’s official registration process is carried out. Through this process, investors can easily start implementing their business projects in Dubai, opening the door for them to thrive in the dynamic and evolving business environment in the UAE. The initial steps in registering a company in Dubai include the following:
- Market study and planning: Conduct a market study to determine the feasibility of the business idea and determine the appropriate type of company and type of business activity.
- Choosing a name and determining the activity: Choose an appropriate name for the company and make sure that it is not similar to any pre-existing company, and determine the type of business activity that the company intends to engage in.
- Determine the legal formation: Decide on the type of legal formation of the company, such as sole proprietorship or limited liability company.
- Determine partners and shareholders: Determine who will be a partner in the company and their shareholding percentage, if the company is a joint-stock company.
- Location selection: Choose a suitable location for the company headquarters in Dubai.
- Preparing the required documents: Prepare all documents required to register the company, such as articles of incorporation, licenses, and application forms.
- Submit application and registration: Submit the required documents and applications to the competent government authorities and officially register the company.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses: Make sure to obtain all the necessary licenses to practice commercial activity legally.
By following these initial steps, you can begin the company formation process in Dubai and move towards achieving your business goals. Remember, consulting legal and accounting professionals before embarking on this process can be helpful to guide you through the procedures and ensure your compliance with local laws and regulations.
Documents required to register a company in Dubai
To register a company in Dubai, you must submit a set of necessary papers and documents. Here is a list of the most important documents required:
- Registration application form: includes company information such as name, business activity, and type of legal formation.
- Articles of Association Form: Specifies the company structure and responsibilities of partners or shareholders.
- Copy of passport or ID card: for all partners or shareholders and key managers.
- Good Standing Certificate: If one of the partners or directors represents a company or other entity.
- Letters of Authority (Power of Attorney): In the event that there are agents representing the company in legal proceedings.
- Letters of recommendation: to shareholders or partners if the company is a limited liability company.
- Tenancy Contract: To confirm the address of the company’s headquarters in Dubai.
- Accounting report: shows the capital invested in the company.
- Statements of responsibility: for directors, shareholders and partners.
- Commercial activity permit: from the local authorities in Dubai.
- Clearance Certificate: from the relevant government authorities if one of the partners is currently working in another country.
- Personal photos: of partners and key managers.
You must ensure that all documents are completed and documented correctly in accordance with the requirements of the relevant government agencies in Dubai. There are specific company registration laws and regulations that vary depending on the type of company and business activity. Therefore, it is important to review the current requirements and ensure compliance with them before starting the registration process.
Related topics: Dubai trade license renewal
Costs of registering a company in Dubai
- Find out the cost of a business license, or what is known as a commercial license, in the Dubai Free Zone.
- Practicing a commercial license in Dubai is one of the most important documents that an investor needs and obtaining it in the easiest ways possible.
- Find out the cost of the company’s location where the investor wants to do his work and determine whether he wants the cost of purchasing a new office or annual rent.
- Determine the costs of furnishings and decorations for the office and the company in general.
- Determine the cost of visas and papers required for work permits for all employees sponsored by the company.
- The investor must open an account in the bank in the name of the company and deposit the minimum capital required according to the type of business activity of the company.
- The costs of establishing a company vary according to its legal form in terms of an increase or decrease in costs. For example, industrial companies cost more than professional and industrial companies.
Registering a company in the Emirates
Types of companies available for registration in Dubai
There are several types of companies that can be registered in Dubai, including:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is the most common type in Dubai. It consists of partners who have limited liability for the debts and financial obligations of the company.
- Public Company: It consists of partners who bear unlimited liability for the debts and financial obligations of the company. This type of company requires approval from the competent authorities and specific conditions.
- Joint stock company: It consists of a number of shareholders who own shares in the company and participate in its profits and losses at a specified percentage. They can be public (listed on a stock exchange) or private (not listed on a stock exchange).
- Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is considered a sole proprietorship or a company that is individually owned and has no partners. The owner is one who bears full responsibility for the debts and financial obligations of the company.
- Branch of a foreign company: A foreign company can register a branch in Dubai to conduct its commercial activities in the region. The branch is considered part of the parent company and is subject to the local legal and regulatory system.
There are other types of companies and business structures available in Dubai, and the requirements and procedures for registering each type differ. It is best to consult with a professional legal advisor or accountant to determine the appropriate type of company and ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations.
Topics that may interest you: Establishing a company in Dubai South
Advantages of registering a company in Dubai
- 100% foreign ownership.
- There is no sponsor or local service agent.
- 100% return of capital and profits.
- Total exemption from corporate tax, as well as from income tax.
- Also, no duties must be paid on imports or re-exports.
- There will be no restrictions on the use of the currency.
- Open a bank account.
- Full right to request residence visas in the United Arab Emirates.
- Allowing the ownership of shares in other companies in the UAE and around the world.
We at our company seek to help you start your business in the free zones, by making the steps for establishing your company easy and simple, and without administrative expenses.
Register a company in Dubai
Itqan Company services for registering a company in Dubai
Itqan Company offers a comprehensive range of services for registering a company in Dubai, helping its clients to facilitate the incorporation process and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Here are some of the services provided by Itqan Company for Company Registration in Dubai:
- Incorporation Consulting: The company provides specialized consultations to help understand the procedures and requirements necessary to establish companies in Dubai, including choosing the appropriate company type and complying with legal regulations.
- Arranging documents and procedures: The team of experts at Itqan Company arranges and prepares all legal documents and administrative requirements necessary for registering companies in Dubai.
- Providing legal support: The company provides comprehensive legal support to clients, including reviewing contracts and agreements and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
- Company registration and obtaining licenses: Itqan Company officially registers companies with the competent government authorities in Dubai and obtains the necessary licenses quickly and efficiently.
- Post-registration follow-up services: The company provides post-registration follow-up services to help clients manage the business effectively and ensure the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges that come with company registration.
By providing these integrated services, Itqan Company seeks to provide comprehensive incorporation solutions that meet the needs of its clients and ensure the success of company registration processes in Dubai.
Most important frequently asked questions:-
What are the basic steps to register a company in Dubai?
You must first choose the appropriate type of company and determine the economic activity. . Then, submit the required documents to the General Authority for Business Regulation in Dubai
What types of companies can be registered in Dubai?
Limited companies, sole proprietorships, joint stock companies, companies in free zones, and others can be registered
Is there a minimum capital required to register a company in Dubai?
It depends on the type of company, as there may be categories without a minimum and others you specify
How can I check the availability of a company name?
You can check the availability of the company name through the website of the General Authority for Business Regulation in Dubai
What are the steps after submitting documents for registration?
After submitting the documents, they will be reviewed and a business license issued, and then the company can be registered in the commercial registry
Can foreigners register a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can register a company in Dubai under local laws.
Is it possible to change the company’s activity after registration?
Yes, the company’s activity can be changed after registration, but this requires legal procedures
What are the benefits that come with registering a company in Dubai?
Benefits include access to the local and global market, advanced infrastructure, and ease of renovation and modernization