Foreign citizens can open various types of companies in Dubai, provided they respect the provisions of the Company Law, which was recently amended. If you are interested in opening a company in Dubai in 2026 and need support, you can rely on our lawyers.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of local companies |
– limited liability company (private and public), – free zone company, – sole trader, etc. |
|
Legal forms available for foreign companies |
– subsidiary, – branch, – representative office |
|
Minimum number of shareholders |
At least one shareholder is required for the private company, and a minimum of 3 is necessary for a public one. |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 |
| Resident director required (YES/NO) |
Yes, no matter the business form |
| Local legal address required (YES/NO) |
Yes, any local company must have a registered address in Dubai or the free zone it is established in. |
| Minimum share capital |
There are no more minimum share capital requirements for limited liability companies in Dubai. |
| Local bank account required (YES/NO) |
Yes, it is necessary to open a bank account in Dubai for any type of enterprise. |
| Business registration steps |
– documents creation, – documents filing with the Trade Register, – tax and VAT registration |
| Registration documents |
– application form, – Articles of Association, – shareholders and directors details, – proof of local address, – bank account opening certificate |
| Visit required for incorporation (YES/NO) |
A visit may be required to complete various formalities, such as the opening of the bank account. |
| Taxes to pay |
– income tax, – value added tax |
| Corporate tax rate |
9% on profits of more than AED 375,000 starting with June 2023 |
| Advantages of opening a company in Dubai |
– quick registration procedure, – low taxes, – competitive business and labor market |
| Business registration support (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our lawyers in Dubai for assistance in opening a company. |
Table of Contents
What are the main types of companies I can choose from in Dubai?
You can choose between:
- the onshore private limited liability company;
- the free zone company;
- the offshore company.
What are the steps to open a company in Dubai?
The steps to launch a business in Dubai are the following:
- identifying the activity to undertake;
- selecting the legal form of the company based on the respective activity;
- draft the company registration paperwork;
- obtaining the company name approval and an initial acceptance from the Trade Register;
- finding a suitable place for the company’s activities;
- setting up a company bank account;
- registering the company with the Companies Register;
- obtaining the necessary operating license;
- register for taxation and obtain a VAT number.
What are the documents required to open a Dubai business?
The list of documents you need to have when filing for company registration in Dubai contains:
- the trading name reservation form;
- a passport copy with a minimum validity of 6 months, if you are a foreign shareholder;
- recent passport-sized pictures;
- the application form, which is a standard document issued by the Trade Register;
- the Memorandum and Articles of Association in case of corporate entities (private and public limited liability companies);
- proof of having a local address in Dubai (a lease agreement, a rental contract, etc.);
- a bank certificate indicating the opening of the bank account.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to open a company? And if I do, is it necessary to obtain a visa?
You are not required to travel to Dubai, as the procedure can also be completed remotely with the help of our lawyers. However, if you do decide to travel to the UAE, you can apply for an e-visa, as this option is valid for people from most countries.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
What is the minimum capital to open a company in Dubai?
There is no minimum share capital to set up an onshore company in Dubai. With respect to free zone companies, there are authorities that impose a minimum amount, so you should check the requirements before starting the registration procedure.
What are the available licenses for a company in Dubai?
These are:
- the occupational license;
- the commercial license;
- the industrial license;
- the professional business permit;
- the agricultural permit;
- the tourism license.
Is it necessary for a Dubai company to have a resident director?
No, it is not. However, appointing one, even through a nominee service, can ease the interaction with the local authorities.
Can a Dubai company be fully owned by a foreign shareholder?
Yes, as the legislation has been modified recently, and there are numerous sectors where full foreign ownership is available, including if you decide on an onshore company.
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Dubai in 2026?
The procedure can take about a week for both onshore and free zone companies. This timeline is available for the actual incorporation, which means you should ad some extra days for the preparation of the documents.
What are some of the costs I should know about when starting a business in Dubai?
You should consider:
- the translation and notarization costs of foreign-issued documents, which depend on the service provider you choose;
- the trading name reservation, which ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,000;
- the initial approval fee, which ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000;
- the licensing fees, which depend on the type of license required.
IMPORTANT! These costs do not include our consultation or representation services, and for a personalized offer, we kindly invite you to send us an email.
If you want to open a company in Dubai and need assistance, please contact us.