How to open a company in Dubai, Dubai is one of the most prominent global business destinations that attracts investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world thanks to its advanced economic environment and modern infrastructure. If you are thinking of opening a company in Dubai, the process requires following specific steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and laws. The method of opening a company in Dubai includes several stages that begin with determining the type of business activity and the legal form of the company, and end with obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. In this context, Itqan Company offers its extensive experience to help you facilitate this process and ensure that all steps are implemented correctly.
The first step in opening a company in Dubai is to determine the type of company and its activity. The company can be a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or even a sole proprietorship, and the choice depends on the size and type of activity. After determining the type of company, comes the stage of choosing the appropriate location, as the company can be registered in the free zones or commercial areas within the city. Each area requires a different type of licenses and documents.
Next comes the stage of preparing the necessary documents such as passports, articles of association, and office lease. It is also necessary to submit a clear business plan that details the business activity and growth strategy. After preparing all the documents, the application for the commercial license is submitted to the competent authorities.
Itqan plays an important role in facilitating this process by providing comprehensive consultations and assisting you in preparing documents, submitting applications, and following up on procedures with government agencies. Thanks to its experience and in-depth knowledge of regulations and laws, Itqan ensures that opening your company in Dubai is smooth and efficient, enabling you to focus on developing your business and taking advantage of the great opportunities that Dubai offers as a leading investment destination.

How to open a company in Dubai
The first step to opening a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is a vital step towards success in a thriving business environment that attracts investors from all over the world. With its advanced infrastructure, sophisticated legal system, and integrated economic environment, Dubai offers great opportunities for individuals and companies looking to invest their money and expand their businesses. The process of opening a company in Dubai requires careful planning and following specific steps to ensure compliance with local laws and achieve success in the market.
The first step to opening a company in Dubai:
- The first step to opening a company in Dubai is to determine the type of business activity and the legal form of the company. This choice is the basis on which all subsequent steps in the establishment process are built. You should start by determining the type of activity you wish to practice, whether commercial, industrial, or service. This determination contributes to choosing the appropriate license, whether it is a commercial, industrial, or service license, which is mandatory for any type of company.
- After determining the activity, the legal form of the company must be chosen. In Dubai, a company can be established as a limited liability company, a joint stock company, a sole proprietorship, or even a free zone company. Each legal form has different requirements and procedures, so it is important to understand the differences between these forms to choose the one that best suits your needs.
- The step also includes determining the appropriate location for the company, whether it is in the Dubai mainland or in one of the free zones. Each location has its own advantages and restrictions, and the choice of location may affect licensing and tax requirements.
- At this stage, it is also useful to consult experts and consultants specialized in establishing companies in Dubai, such as Itqan Company, to ensure making the right decisions and facilitating the registration and licensing process.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires careful preparation and a set of essential documents to ensure the process is completed smoothly and efficiently. As a global business hub, Dubai sets clear and specific standards for the documents required to establish a company, reflecting its commitment to providing an organized and professional work environment. It is important to have all the required documents ready when starting the incorporation process to avoid any delays or complications. The documents required depend on the type of business activity and the legal form of the company, but there are a set of basic documents that apply to most cases. Here are the main points you need to consider:
- Company Registration Application: The official registration form that includes details about the type of company and the proposed business activity.
- Copy of Passport: A colour copy of the passport of the owners and main investors of the company, which must be valid.
- Personal photos: Recent photos of the founders or legal representatives of the company.
- Lease Contract: The lease contract for the work site to be used, which must be certified by the competent authorities.
- No Objection Certificate: A certificate from the sponsor or the relevant authority, especially if the founder is already residing in Dubai.
- Bank Certificate: A certificate from a local bank confirming the opening of a bank account in the name of the company and the details of the capital deposit.
- Commercial License: A license from the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority depending on the type of activity, which determines the scope of the company’s work.
- Articles of Association: The articles of incorporation or bylaws of a company, which outline the ownership structure, management, and business objectives.
- Approval from relevant authorities: Some activities may require additional approvals from relevant regulatory authorities.
Submitting these documents in full and correctly contributes to accelerating the company registration process and enhances the chances of successfully establishing it according to the legal and procedural standards in Dubai.
Our company’s role in opening a company in Dubai
At the end of the process of opening a company in Dubai , it becomes clear that successfully establishing a business in this dynamic city requires a thorough knowledge of the steps and procedures required. Collaborating with Itqan is a key factor in facilitating this complex path, as the company provides you with comprehensive support and specialized expertise necessary to achieve your business goals efficiently. With Itqan’s support, you can ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, which contributes to accelerating the establishment process and reducing potential risks.
Itqan Company provides comprehensive services starting from providing legal and financial consultations, through helping you prepare and compile basic documents, and following up on requests with government agencies. This comprehensive support can have a significant impact on the speed and efficiency of the company opening process, as the Itqan team manages all the details to ensure that you obtain the necessary licenses and approvals without any hassle.
Once your new business is up and running, Itqan continues to support you by providing advice on how to run your business effectively and comply with local legislation. With its expertise in the UAE market, Itqan acts as a link between you and government entities, saving you time and effort and helping you focus on developing your business and seizing opportunities in Dubai.
Overall, working with Itqan ensures a smooth and successful experience in opening your company in Dubai . Thanks to its commitment to providing integrated and professional services, you can be confident that every step of the establishment process is carried out accurately and efficiently. This, in turn, allows you to devote yourself to managing and developing your business, benefiting from all the possibilities that Dubai offers as a leading investment destination.
Frequently asked questions about opening a company in Dubai
What is the first step to open a company in Dubai?
The first step is to decide what type of company you want to establish and what its business activity will be. Based on this, you must choose the appropriate legal form of the company, such as a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or a sole proprietorship. Next, you will need to choose the location of the company either in a free zone or on the Dubai mainland.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
The basic documents required include passports of shareholders and directors, residence visas, company articles of association, and office lease agreement. Documents may vary depending on the type of business and location, so it is best to consult a specialized company such as Itqan for an accurate list.
Do I need a trade license to open a company in Dubai?
Yes, opening a company in Dubai requires obtaining a commercial license from the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority, depending on the type of activity and the location you choose.
How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai?
The cost of starting a company in Dubai varies depending on the type of company, activity, and location. Basic costs include registration and licensing fees, rental costs, and legal and consulting services. An accurate estimate of costs can be obtained by consulting a specialized company.
Can a company be established in Dubai from outside the country?
Yes, foreigners can establish companies in Dubai from outside the country, but they must appoint a local agent or use the services of a specialized company such as Itqan to ensure compliance with local laws.