What are the costs of establishing a company in the UAE? Opening a company in the UAE is a strategic step for any investor seeking success in a thriving and stable economic environment. The UAE is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, combining political and economic stability, advanced infrastructure, and a legal framework that supports business. The UAE’s strategic location linking the East and the West makes it an attractive point for global companies looking to expand into Asian, African, and European markets. Establishing a company in the UAE offers many competitive advantages, including tax exemptions and full foreign ownership in many free zones. These factors combined make the UAE a preferred destination for investors from all over the world.
Moreover, the UAE government provides significant support to investors by offering legal and procedural facilities that contribute to facilitating the process of establishing companies. Thanks to the supportive investment environment and available facilities, investors can establish their companies quickly and efficiently, while benefiting from a wide network of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that contribute to facilitating trade and investment exchange. By cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan, investors can obtain comprehensive consultations and services that help them in every step of establishing a company, starting from choosing the appropriate type of company, through registration and licensing procedures, and providing continuous support to ensure the company’s success in the UAE market. Establishing a company in the UAE represents a unique opportunity to benefit from a stimulating and supportive business environment, paving the way for growth and success in one of the most important economic markets in the world.

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ToggleTypes of companies that can be established in the UAE
The UAE is one of the world’s leading destinations for business formation, thanks to its unique investment environment and advanced infrastructure. Whether you are an individual investor or run a large international company, the UAE offers you a wide range of options to establish your company to suit your needs and business goals. The types of companies that can be established in the UAE vary based on the business activity and the location you choose, whether it is on the mainland or in free zones. Each of these types of companies comes with a set of laws and regulations that aim to facilitate the establishment process and ensure continued success. Therefore, it is important to understand the types of companies available before making a final decision, to ensure that you choose the most appropriate structure that provides you with the legal and administrative flexibility to achieve your business ambitions. Types of companies that can be established in the UAE:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): A limited liability company is one of the most common types of companies in the UAE. It can be established on the mainland with one or more shareholders, and offers limited protection to shareholders as their liability is limited to the value of their capital shares.
- Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC): This type of company is suitable for large businesses that want to go public. A PJSC requires a large number of shareholders and is subject to strict regulatory requirements.
- Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC): Similar to a public joint stock company, but differs in that it does not offer its shares for public subscription and is limited to a smaller number of shareholders.
- Sole Proprietorship: A company owned by one individual, who is solely responsible for managing the company and bearing all financial and legal responsibilities.
- Branch of a foreign company: Foreign companies are allowed to establish branches in the UAE to conduct the same business activity they conduct in their home country.
- Civil companies: This type of company is intended for liberal professions such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, and is owned by a group of individuals who practice the same profession.
- Companies in Free Zones: Companies established in free zones benefit from multiple advantages such as full foreign ownership and tax exemptions. These companies include different types such as limited liability companies, subsidiaries, and representative offices.
Choosing the right type of company depends largely on your business goals, the size of your investments, and the nature of the business you wish to engage in. By taking advantage of the advice and services of specialized companies such as Itqan, you can get accurate and appropriate guidance in choosing the type of company that best meets your needs.

Basic requirements for establishing a company in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive destinations for investors and businessmen around the world, as it provides a vibrant and encouraging investment environment that enables companies to grow and flourish. Establishing a company in the Emirates opens the door to many opportunities for expansion in local, regional and international markets, thanks to the strategic location of the Emirates, in addition to government facilities that make establishing companies a flexible and fast process. However, to achieve success in this field, it is necessary to understand the basic requirements that the state sets for establishing companies, as compliance with these requirements is an essential step to ensure that the process runs smoothly. These requirements are not just legal procedures, but rather the foundation for the company’s structure and its future success. Basic requirements for establishing a company in the Emirates :
- Choosing a trade name: Choosing a trade name is the first step towards establishing a company. The name must be compatible with local regulations and not similar to any other trade name registered in the UAE. The name must also reflect the type of business activity and not include any words that are not acceptable according to local laws.
- Determine the business activity: Determining the type of business activity that the company will be engaged in is a basic requirement. This type of activity determines the laws and regulations to which the company will be subject. Business activities in the UAE are diverse and include general trade, services, industry, and other specialized activities.
- Obtaining initial approvals: Before starting the company establishment procedures, initial approvals must be obtained from the relevant government authorities. These approvals ensure that the intended business activity is in line with local policies and laws.
- Preparing the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: Preparing the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association is an important legal step that defines the rights and obligations of shareholders, and is registered with the relevant authorities. These documents are considered the legal framework for the company’s operation and define its organizational structure.
- Determining the company’s location: Choosing a suitable location for the company is a basic requirement. The company must have a physical address within the Emirates, where an office or commercial space is rented that suits the type of business activity planned.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses: After completing all the previous steps, you must obtain the necessary licenses to practice the commercial activity. The types of licenses vary according to the type of activity and location, and include a commercial, industrial, or professional license.
- Opening a corporate bank account: After registering the company, a bank account must be opened in the company’s name to manage funds and conduct financial transactions. Companies are required to provide legal documents related to the company to open the account.
- Obtaining work and residence visas: If the company will employ foreign workers, work and residence visas must be obtained for the employees. This process requires submitting applications to the relevant authorities and providing the necessary documents.
- Social Security Registration: Companies must register their employees with the social security system and make the required contributions according to local laws.
Establishing a company in the UAE requires following precise steps and complying with all legal requirements to ensure the success of the process. Cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan Company helps investors overcome potential challenges and establish their companies with ease and convenience.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in the Emirates
In conclusion, establishing a company in the UAE is a crucial step towards achieving success and excellence in a thriving and supportive economic environment. The UAE offers investors a wide range of opportunities and advantages that ensure their success and sustainability in their projects. With its advanced legal environment, world-class infrastructure, and strategic geographical location, new companies can easily grow and expand in local, regional, and international markets. The strong government support and tax exemptions provided by the UAE make establishing a company a profitable and rewarding step in the long run. Moreover, cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan allows investors to benefit from deep expertise and knowledge of the UAE market. Itqan provides integrated services that include legal and commercial consultations, in addition to full support in all stages of establishing a company from planning to implementation. This cooperation contributes to facilitating procedures and reducing obstacles that investors may face, allowing them to focus on developing their businesses and achieving their commercial goals. Establishing a company in the UAE is not just an economic step, but rather an investment in a bright future characterized by stability and sustainable growth. With an encouraging investment environment and advanced facilities, any investor can find in the UAE the ideal place to achieve their vision and ambitions. By partnering with Itqan, this vision can be successfully transformed into reality. With all the advantages and opportunities it offers, the UAE remains one of the best global destinations for establishing companies and achieving business success.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the UAE
What types of companies can be established in the UAE?
Several types of companies can be established in the UAE, including limited liability companies (LLCs), public joint stock companies, private joint stock companies, sole proprietorships, and local or foreign branches of companies.
What are the basic requirements for establishing a company in the UAE?
Requirements include choosing a trade name, determining the type of business activity, preparing required documents such as passports and personal photos, obtaining initial approvals, and renting an office or commercial space.
Can foreigners fully own a company in the UAE?
Yes, foreigners can fully own a company in the free zones, but on the mainland full ownership was limited to certain sectors. However, in recent years, restrictions have been relaxed to allow full ownership in many sectors.
What are free zones and what is the benefit of establishing a company in them?
Free zones are designated areas that allow foreigners to fully own companies and offer benefits such as tax exemption, ease of incorporation procedures, and a flexible regulatory environment.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
The process of establishing a company in the UAE can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of company and the region in which it is being established.
What is the approximate cost of setting up a company in the UAE?
Costs vary depending on the type of company and location (mainland or free zone) and include registration fees, licenses, office rent, and legal costs.