Establishing a company in a Dubai free zone: What are the necessary steps?
Dubai is a magnet for investors from around the world and offers numerous facilities, including the availability of free zones in Dubai, which require several steps. In the following lines, we will review the steps for establishing a company in Dubai.
Steps to Establish a Company in a Dubai Free Zone
There are eight steps to establishing a company in Dubai, which we will review in detail below:
Type of License and Business Activity
There are several types of licenses for free zones, and the type of license is determined based on the nature of the company’s activity. For example, commercial activity requires a commercial summary, services and consulting require a service license, and industry and production require an industrial license.
The Right Free Zone
Dubai has several free zones, each with its own set of permitted activities. Visas and office types also vary from one free zone to another. Therefore, you must determine the right free zone for your business, based on your activity.
Company Structure
- The company structure can be one of the following:
- A new company with shareholders.
- A subsidiary with shareholders.
- A joint venture company.
- A branch of a local or foreign company.
Trade Name and Documents
The Departments of Economic Development require specific controls for the name. It must not violate public taste and must be consistent with the nature of the business.
Obtaining Initial Approval
The initial approval includes the company name, business activity, and proposed company structure.
Legal Documents
Interview with a free zone representative to verify the passport of the ultimate beneficiary or shareholder, then sign documents such as the board of directors’ resolution and others.
Business Location
The company’s business location must be established, whether through purchase or lease, and must be physically located in a free zone appropriate to the nature of the business.
Obtaining Licenses
After completing all the previous steps, the investor can receive the license and attach the necessary documents and papers. They can also complete the economic development steps to pay the license fees and then register as a member with the UAE Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone, please contact us. Our experts will provide you with all the necessary information. We have experts to complete all the procedures, documents, and paperwork required to establish a company in the Dubai Free Zone.
