Learn about opening a company in Dubai for foreigners because the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the best places to make foreign investments because most of its residents, in addition to its distinguished location, are foreigners and provides many resources that make it a destination to start commercial activities in and increase that climate, as the climate has a promotion of Business environment resulting from stability in the country’s political atmosphere, the UAE is working to create a rich investment environment at the regional and international levels, according to the World Bank’s activity report. In this report, the UAE leads countries in terms of ease of doing business globally. UAE is at level 11 all over the world, so many foreigners attract UAE and intend to start business activities in UAE. This requires opening a company in Dubai , and our company works to provide many business establishment, training and equipping services so that everyone owns their business with maximum ease and minimum effort.

Opening a company in Dubai for foreigners
Steps to open a company in Dubai for foreigners
There are many steps necessary to open a company in Dubai for foreigners, and the most important of these steps are:
1- Determine the type of investment or project
So, by determining the type of investment and project you want to work with, you can find out what type of license you need, whether it is a professional, commercial or industrial license. These are the things that set out some of the necessary basics, but there are some things to keep in mind when deciding the type of investment, as there are some activities that require additional approval from other government agencies, such as food trading, jewelry trading, some veterinary activities and legal advice. Otherwise, there is a list of 2,100 activities in the Dubai Department of Economic Development that will help you find the activity you want.
2- Ownership
If you are a foreign investor and want to own the company 100%, you must establish your company in one of the free zones, as it is the only one that allows foreigners to own companies completely without the need for a partner or sponsor from the Emirates. There are some specific activities that you can do in the free zone, and there are about 45 free zones in the Emirates, in addition to more zones that will be opened.
If you need to work locally and obtain local licenses, you can obtain a license from the Department of Economic Development
3-Legal structure
It depends on your location and the type of work you do. There are some rules related to the formation of your company. If you want to establish a legal consulting company, you can do so as a subsidiary or as a stand-alone company. A single owner is not allowed to practice this activity.
4-Trade name
It is one of the most important things when working to establish a company. It is an important part of the legal procedures, as the name must indicate the nature of the company’s work, and this is what distinguishes one company from another.
5- Capital share
Sometimes, with some activities, the minimum capital is determined, but in most cases, you do not need this step, and you do not need to pay the minimum capital.
6- Buildings
After all these steps, which are the most important steps, it is necessary to find a suitable place to establish the company, and this place must have water, internet, and means of transportation passing through it, as the geographical location of the places has an important role in influencing the success of the company.
7-The work team
Sometimes, according to some laws of the Ministry of Economic Development, you need to appoint a manager to supervise the work and he will start work as soon as your company is registered, but in some activities you are not allowed to employ anyone, and this is according to the laws of the region in which you work.
Types of companies in Dubai
Here are the types of companies in Dubai that we have listed for you in the following table:
Type of Company | the description | Foreign ownership | Advantages | Basic requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Limited Liability Company (LLC) | A partnership between two or more partners, where liability is limited | up to 100% | Flexibility in management, ability to engage in various business activities | Memorandum of association, local partner or sponsor, depending on the activity |
Individual company | Owned entirely by one individual | 100% | Full control of the company, simple and fast procedures | Provide personal identification, obtain a license |
Companies in free zones | Establishing companies within special economic zones that provide tax and customs incentives | 100% | Tax exemptions, full foreign ownership, banking facilities and profit transfer | Determine the type of activity, renting an office in the free zone |
Offshore company | Establishing a company outside the country to benefit from tax exemptions | 100% | Complete tax exemptions, confidentiality of accounts | Registered office, establishment documents |
Branch of a foreign company | An extension of a foreign company operating in Dubai | 100% | Benefiting from the reputation of the parent company, facilitating entry into the local market | Approval from the parent company, license from the competent authorities |
Limited partnership | A partnership between limited liability partners and fully liable partners | up to 100% | Flexibility in determining the type of partnership and responsibility | Partnership contract, specifying the responsibilities of the partners |
This table shows the different types of companies available in Dubai with some important details for each type.
Economy in Dubai
Dubai was a pioneer in tourism, trade and shopping. There are many reasons for this, including the discovery of oil in Dubai and the fact that it has become one of the most important sources, which has led to it becoming one of the richest countries and attracting many foreigners, as Dubai has an environment that promotes business creation due to the calm political environment. In addition to its geographical location, with some laws that promote startups, Dubai enacts two tax-free laws that encourage many to encourage new jobs in the country.
The best company for establishing companies
There are many companies that work to help investors build their businesses by establishing their own offices and businesses, but our company is the best company to do the job because it wants to help its clients and work for their services. Construction until completion of the incorporation process then seeks to complete all required paperwork and permits from relevant governments. Also try to obtain the business license you need to start your business, help you design your company’s websites, and obtain e-marketing services that increase your sales, all to save time and effort for customers, so if you are one of those who want a new business, do not hesitate to use our company in the free zones in Dubai or free trade zones, because it is the best company to start a business and benefit from its services. Send messages via the website or call the current number.

Types of companies in Dubai
Conditions for opening a company in Dubai for foreigners
Opening a company in Dubai for foreigners requires compliance with certain conditions and procedures. Here are the most important basic conditions:
- You must select the appropriate company type according to your business, such as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, or free zone company.
- You must specify the business activity you wish to practice, and the activity must be compatible with the commercial activities permitted in Dubai.
- A trade name must be chosen for the company that complies with local laws, and this name must be registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- The business must be located and a lease agreement must be submitted for an office or business premises for the company. If the company is established in a free zone, an office must be rented in the free zone.
- Initial approval must be obtained from the competent authorities, which include the Department of Economic Development and other entities related to the commercial activity.
- Required legal documents must be prepared and submitted.
- A commercial license must be obtained from the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority (depending on the type of company and location).
- The minimum capital required to establish the company must be adhered to, which varies according to the type of activity and the type of company.
- If the company is a limited liability company (LLC) and established outside the free zones, there must be a local partner (UAE national) who owns a certain percentage of the company, often 51%.
- You must pay the required fees and register the company with the Federal Tax Authority if it is subject to value-added tax (VAT).
- Opening a commercial bank account for the company in a local bank.
- You must obtain the required employee insurance and work visas if you will be hiring foreign workers.
- Company registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (if required).
These are the basic conditions that foreigners must adhere to when opening a company in Dubai. Requirements can vary based on the type of activity and type of company, so it is always best to consult a specialist or legal services company such as Itqan to ensure full compliance with legal procedures.
Opening a company in Dubai for foreigners represents a golden opportunity to benefit from a dynamic and advanced investment environment. Thanks to advanced infrastructure, tax exemptions, and government facilities, foreign investors can establish their businesses with ease and flexibility. Despite the many conditions and procedures, Dubai provides the necessary support to facilitate this process and ensure the success of new companies. Therefore, choosing Dubai as a location to establish your company is a strategic decision that opens the doors to success and growth in one of the most important business centers in the world.
Frequently asked questions about opening a company in Dubai for foreigners
Can foreigners own 100% of their companies in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of their companies in Dubai free zones and in other types with a local partnership if it is a limited liability company outside the free zones.
What types of companies can foreigners establish in Dubai?
Foreigners can establish companies such as limited liability companies (LLC), sole proprietorships, companies in free zones, offshore companies, and branches of their foreign companies.
What are the tax advantages of establishing a company in Dubai?
Dubai offers a flexible tax environment as there is no personal or corporate income tax for most sectors. There are also tax exemptions and facilities for companies in some free zones.
What are the approximate costs of setting up a company in Dubai?
Costs vary based on the type of company and the free zone chosen. Costs typically include government fees, seed capital, and advisory fees.