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Everything You Need to Know to Establish a Company in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for business owners and entrepreneurs. The city offers a strategic location, a favorable business environment, and a wide range of incentives to those looking to start a business. If you are considering establishing a company in Dubai, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Types of companies
The first step in establishing a company in Dubai is to determine the type of company that you want to set up. There are three main types of companies in Dubai:

Free Zone Company: A company that is located in a free zone and is 100% owned by foreigners.
Mainland Company: A company that is registered with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and can conduct business in Dubai and throughout the UAE.
Offshore Company: A company that is registered in a jurisdiction outside of the UAE and is not allowed to conduct business in the UAE, but can own property in Dubai إقامة مستثمر في دبي.
Legal structures
Once you have decided on the type of company you want to set up, the next step is to determine the legal structure of your company. The legal structures available in Dubai are:

Sole Proprietorship: A company that is owned by one person.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): A company that is owned by two or more shareholders, with limited liability for each shareholder.
Partnership: A company that is owned by two or more partners, with unlimited liability for each partner.
Branch Office: A company that is a branch of a foreign company.
Choose a company name
The next step in establishing a company in Dubai is to choose a name for your company. The name must be unique and not already in use by another company. You can check the availability of a company name on the DED website.

Obtain a trade license
To legally operate a business in Dubai, you must obtain a trade license from the DED. The type of trade license you need will depend on the nature of your business. There are three types of trade licenses:

Commercial license: For companies engaged in commercial activities such as trading, import/export, and general trading.
Industrial license: For companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities.
Professional license: For companies engaged in professional services such as consulting, legal services, and accounting.
Rent an office space
To obtain a trade license in Dubai, you must have a physical office space. You can either rent or buy an office space. If you choose to rent an office space, it must be located in an area that is zoned for commercial activities.

Register your company with the DED
Once you have completed the above steps, you can register your company with the DED. You will need to submit the following documents:

Application form
Passport copies of the shareholders
Copy of the trade name reservation certificate
Copy of the tenancy agreement
Copy of the initial approval from the relevant authorities (if required)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Power of Attorney (if required)
Visa and immigration procedures
To legally reside and work in Dubai, you will need a residence visa and a work permit. To obtain these, you must apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You will need to submit the following documents:

Application form
Passport copy
Passport-size photographs
Medical fitness certificate
Proof of health insurance
Emirates ID card application form
Conclusion

Establishing a company in Dubai can be a challenging process, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. Dubai offers a favorable business environment, a strategic location, and a range of incentives to businesses, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. By following these steps, you can establish your company in Dubai and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.