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Requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates

Learn about the requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates through this article, because in light of the continuous economic growth and encouraging investment environment, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive destinations for those wishing to establish companies in the world. The UAE provides advanced infrastructure, modern investment regulations, and easy establishment procedures, making it an ideal home for businesses of all types and scales. In this article, we will take an overview of the basic requirements for establishing a company in the UAE , including the different types of companies and the steps needed to establish them, as well as the benefits you can achieve as a company operating in this dynamic market.

Requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates
Requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates

Requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates

To establish a company in the UAE, the procedures require many steps and requirements that must be followed precisely. First, investors must choose the appropriate type of company for their business activity, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a joint stock company, or a limited liability company, and determine the economic region in which they intend to invest. Then, they must select a unique name for the company and register it with the competent authorities, with the necessity of submitting valid personal documents for all shareholders and managers. After that, investors must secure a company registration office, obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from local and federal authorities, and pay the required financial fees. Implementing these steps correctly in accordance with UAE laws and regulations ensures a successful and legal start of any business in the UAE.

Procedures for establishing a company in Dubai

The procedures for establishing a company in Dubai are not as difficult as some imagine, but they require an expert with the papers, documents, and places of registration. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to establish your company, we facilitate your procedures in Dubai. Do not hesitate to contact our experts. Here are the steps for the procedures for establishing a company in Dubai:

  1. Choosing the type of company: You can choose the type of your company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, a one-person company, or a joint-stock company.
  2. Choosing a business activity: You must determine the company activity you wish to practice, and it must be compatible with government licenses and local laws.
  3. Choosing a company name and registering: You must choose a unique and non-duplicate name for your company and register it with the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.
  4. Secure office space: You must have a valid office address to register the company, whether it is in an executive office or in a business center.
  5. Submitting the required documents: Required documents include the founders’ passport or ID card, their photographs, a business plan, and a properly completed company registration form.
  6. Obtaining the necessary licenses: You may need additional licenses depending on your company’s activity, such as professional, industrial, or commercial licenses.
  7. Payment of fees and dues: Establishing a company requires paying registration fees and other required government fees.
  8. Securing Capital: You may be required to secure the required capital depending on the type of company you wish to establish.
  9. Signing agreements and contracts: Once all conditions and requirements are met, the founders must sign the necessary agreements and submit them to the local authorities to complete the final procedures for establishing the company.

These steps constitute a general approach to establishing a company in Dubai, and some procedures may differ depending on the type of company and the activity you wish to practice.

Types of companies in the Emirates

Below is a table showing the main types of companies in the UAE, with a brief explanation of each type:

Company typeDescription
Sole proprietorshipA company managed by one person, who is solely responsible for the debts and obligations of the company.
Limited liability companyA company consisting of partners with a specified capital, in which they are not liable for debts beyond their capital contributions.
One person companyA type of limited liability company, where one person owns all the rights and liabilities of the company.
Joint stock companyA company consisting of partners (shareholders) who participate in the company’s capital and enjoy certain rights according to their shareholdings.
Private joint stock companyA joint stock company whose responsibility is limited to the partners who pledge to contribute to the capital.
Limited liability companyA company consisting of partners (shareholders) whose liability is limited only to the extent of their contributions to the capital.

These types cover the various needs and circumstances of investors who plan to establish their businesses in the Emirates, and each type requires special procedures and specific licenses according to local and federal laws.

Advantages of establishing a company in the Emirates

Establishing a company in the UAE offers a number of advantages that make it an ideal destination for business. Here are some of these features:

  1. Strategic location and advanced infrastructure: The UAE is located in a strategic location linking East and West, facilitating access to global markets. The UAE also has a modern and advanced infrastructure, which facilitates transportation, communications and logistics operations.
  2. Encouraging investment environment: The UAE is characterized by open and encouraging investment policies, which facilitate the process of establishing and operating companies. It also provides governmental and legal facilities and services that facilitate business management.
  3. No taxes on personal and corporate income: In most emirates, there are no taxes on personal or corporate income, except for some specific sectors such as oil and gas.
  4. Easy access to financing: The UAE includes a wide range of financial institutions that provide various financing services to support new and expanding companies.
  5. Diversity of economic sectors: Companies can be established in various economic sectors such as technology, industry, financial services, tourism, and others, which provides various opportunities for growth and expansion.
  6. No restrictions on ownership: Some free zones in the UAE allow full ownership by foreigners, which attracts international investors to invest in the local market.
  7. Political and security stability: The UAE has a stable political and security environment, which creates a safe and conducive environment for business.

In short, establishing a company in the UAE provides investors with great opportunities for success in an advanced and stable business environment, with tangible financial and legal benefits that support growth and expansion.

Types

Types of companies in the Emirates

Cost factors for establishing a company in the UAE

The costs of establishing a company in the UAE consist of several main factors, including:

  1. Registration and license fees: These fees include the costs of registering the company and obtaining the necessary licenses from local and federal authorities.
  2. Required capital: Some types of companies may require specific capital to establish and register, and this varies according to the type of company and the region in which you intend to invest.
  3. Real estate costs: Securing an office or work space may be necessary, and rental costs vary depending on location and size.
  4. Legal and advisory services: You may need the services of a lawyer or consultant to provide legal advice and facilitate the company establishment process.
  5. Administrative and office services: Costs for administrative services such as paper and document management, communications, and postal services may also be added.
  6. Additional costs: such as social insurance, recruitment if necessary, and other expenses that may arise during the process of establishing the company.

These factors reflect the general costs that you may face when establishing a company in the Emirates, and vary according to the type of company and the region in which it is established, in addition to the additional services that you may need to run the business efficiently.

Establishing a company in the Emirates through Internet services 

The federal government provides the “Basher” service for business establishment, which is an integrated electronic service that allows investors to establish companies in the Emirates electronically through an integrated electronic platform integrated with the local and federal government departments and agencies concerned with licensing economic activities in the country, within just minutes using a quick, easy and secure procedure, and without the need for investors. To visit any government agency. In Dubai, Dubai Economy, in partnership with other local government agencies in the emirate, launched the Dubai Virtual Commercial District (VCC) program, which will enable commercial entrepreneurs and self-employed people in most parts of the world to start a virtual commercial company in Dubai and obtain a virtual commercial license, without… Requirement to reside or work in the UAE.

At the conclusion of this article, it becomes clear that establishing companies in the UAE requires adherence to a set of legal and administrative procedures and requirements. These processes include choosing the appropriate type of company, defining business activities, registering the company, and obtaining the necessary licenses. In addition, the establishment process requires dealing with government agencies and legal consultants, and allocating financial resources to cover the costs of establishment and initial operation.

The UAE is characterized by an advanced investment environment, provides advanced infrastructure, and facilitates access to regional and international markets. Flexible government policies and the absence of income taxes in most sectors also provide excellent opportunities for investors to achieve success and sustainability in their businesses.

In short, establishing companies in the UAE can be considered an important strategic step towards building a successful and sustainable business in a supportive and stimulating business environment.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the UAE

What are the main benefits of establishing a company in a free zone in the UAE?

Freedom zones provide full ownership for foreigners, no income taxes, simplified registration procedures, customs exemptions, and easy access to advanced infrastructure.

Can foreigners obtain a work permit after establishing their company in the Emirates?

Yes, foreign investors and managers can obtain a residence visa to work in the Emirates, depending on the conditions and requirements of each emirate.

What are the approximate costs of establishing a company in the UAE?

Costs vary depending on the type of company and where it is established. Costs include registration and licensing fees, required capital, rental costs, and legal and consulting expenses.

Should there be an Emirati partner in every company founded by foreigners?

No, foreigners can establish a company in free or private zones without the need for an Emirati partner. However, some types of companies may require an Emirati partner.

What are the basic steps to establish a company in the UAE?

The basic steps include choosing the company type, defining the business activity, choosing and registering the company name, selecting the office, submitting the required documents, obtaining the necessary licenses, and paying the required fees.