How to Set Up a Company in Dubai?

Dubai is like the business center of the middle east. With its liberal economic policies, double tax treaties with most of the countries in the world, modest corporate tax rates, lavish infrastructure, and trade route accessibility, Dubai has become a location of choice for corporates and entrepreneurs and the only question that runs in their mind is how to setup a business in Dubai.

Dubai Business Landscape

The primary industries in Dubai are tourism, real estate, financial services, and aviation. These and many others are fortified by the presence of sector-oriented free zones in the emirate, which provides for zero tax, 100% foreign ownership, and full repatriation of capital & profits, making business setup in Dubai the most sought after.

Given these benefits, business setup in Dubai is veritably a very lucrative proposition. And it’s not that difficult, too – if you have the required documents and approvals, setting up a company in Dubai can be done within a week. However, for a newcomer in Dubai, learning the ropes of business setup can prove to be something. 

How to Set up a Company in Dubai?

Every business needs to follow certain criteria for establishment and today, let's see how to set up a company in Dubai

Choose a Name

Select a trading name for your business and register the trade name with Dubai DED. Simultaneously, choose the activity that you want to proceed with.

Preliminary Approval

Submit the application form and obtain preliminary approval for the company by notarizing the MoA at the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai. Getting this done through a lawyer or business setup consultant is best.

Documentation

Submit all the necessary documents to the DED and the Commercial Registration Department and pay the license fee to get your license. A license can be one of the following types, depending on the kind of business activity your company carries out:

• Industrial license for manufacturing activities
• Professional license for service-based companies like law firms, educational institutes, or artisans
• Commercial license for any kind of trading activity

Office Space

Arrange for an office space for the company – this is a prerequisite to obtaining a license for the business. The office tenancy or ownership contract is proof of a registered office address.

In the case of an offshore company, the address of the registered agent (appointed by the company from the approved list of registered agents in UAE) can be provided as the company's official address.

Your company should be registered in a week if everything is in place.

The steps mentioned above give a general idea of how to set up a company in Dubai. For a new company formation in Dubai, it might be favorable to consult a local business advisor – who can help you with the nuances and nitty-gritty of business incorporation and registration. 

Commitbiz Management Consultants help firms and entrepreneurs establish their business in Dubai through company incorporation, registration, tax advisory, accounting, and bookkeeping services. Our team of business consultants in Dubai is there to help you with your business setup process. Our approach to company formation is centered around your business vision and objectives. Contact us–  for any help or queries. we'll be glad to help you.