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Opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners

How to Start a Company in Dubai 2022

٢٠ فبراير Opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners

Opening a commercial registration in Dubai for foreigners represents a unique opportunity to expand into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Dubai is a global business hub, combining advanced infrastructure, a flexible regulatory environment, and an open economic system, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking to enter the Middle East market. Dubai is one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centers, thanks to its strategic location linking East and West, enabling businesses to access diverse regional and international markets.

Dubai opens its doors to foreigners by offering a comprehensive and streamlined commercial registration system that allows them to successfully establish and register their companies. Opening a commercial registration in Dubai for foreigners requires specific steps, starting with choosing the type of company and determining the business activity, obtaining the necessary licenses, submitting the required documents, and registering the company with the relevant authorities. Dubai offers multiple options, including free zones and other economic zones, providing flexibility in choosing the most appropriate option based on business requirements and budget.

Furthermore, Dubai provides a supportive environment for investors by offering various benefits, including tax exemptions, easy repatriation of profits, and facilitating visa and residency permits. All these factors make Dubai an ideal environment for foreigners seeking to achieve their business goals and expand their operations in a competitive global market. Opening a commercial registration in Dubai for foreigners is not just a legal step; it is a gateway to a world of economic opportunity and success.

Opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners
Opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners

Requirements for Opening a Commercial Register in Dubai for Foreigners

The requirements for opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners vary depending on the type of company and the chosen business activity. However, here is a general list of the basic requirements that are usually required:

UAE National Partner: This is a prerequisite in many cases. The company must have a UAE national partner who owns at least 51% of the company’s capital.
Choosing the Company Type: You must determine the appropriate company type for your business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, or other.
Choosing the Company Name: You must choose a unique name for the company and ensure it complies with local laws.
Capital: The required capital for incorporation must be determined and deposited into a designated bank account.
Signing Contracts: The necessary contracts must be prepared, signed, and submitted to the relevant government agencies.
Business License: A business license must be obtained from the local authorities.
Site Permit: Some activities may require a permit specific to the location where the company will operate.
Legal Arrangements: You must comply with all local laws and regulations related to opening and operating companies.

Fees for Opening a Commercial Register for Foreigners in Dubai

When opening a commercial register in Dubai for foreigners, you must incur a set of fees associated with the process. These fees include several basic components:

Registration Fees: These include the cost of registering the company and submitting applications for the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. These fees are part of the initial registration process.
Business License Fees: These are paid to obtain the commercial license that authorizes you to practice business. Fees vary depending on the type of activity and the legal structure of the company.
Visa Fees: These include fees related to issuing residence and work visas for you and your company’s employees. These fees are related to obtaining the necessary work permits and visas for employees.
Office Rental Fees: These include the cost of renting the office or commercial space you require. In Dubai, a company is required to have a physical office, and the cost varies depending on the location and size of the office.
Legal Services Fees: You may need to hire legal consultants or lawyers to draft contracts and provide legal advice. These fees are added as part of the costs associated with establishing a company.
Notarization and Documentation Fees: These include fees related to notarizing and submitting official documents to government agencies, such as articles of association and personal documents.
Bank Account Opening Fees: These are the costs of opening a business bank account for a company in Dubai. This process is part of ensuring the company’s financial management.

Documents Required to Open a Commercial Register in Dubai

Opening a commercial register in Dubai requires submitting a set of basic documents to ensure the company’s legal and smooth registration. These documents may vary slightly depending on the type of business and company entity, but generally include the following:

Company Registration Application Form: Complete the company registration application form available from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant authority.

Passport Copy: Passports of all parties involved, including owners, investors, and managers.
Residence Visa Copy: Residence visas for owners, investors, and managers, if they are residents of Dubai.
No Objection Certificate: From the sponsor (if one of the owners or managers is sponsored by another person) or from the entity where the owners work, confirming there is no objection to opening the company.
Company Articles of Association: The articles of association or partnership agreement, notarized and signed by the relevant parties, and must be certified by a notary public if necessary.
Lease Contract: A notarized lease contract for the premises where the company will operate, which must be signed and certified by the relevant authorities.
Business Activity Report: A detailed description of the business activity and the services or products the company will offer.
Financial Statements: Financial statements, if applicable, may be required if the company is already located in another country.
Personal Photographs: Personal photographs of the owners and managers, often passport-sized.
Permission from Local Authorities: If the company is engaged in activities requiring special permits (such as industrial, health, or environmental activities), the necessary permits must be submitted from the relevant authorities.
Emirates ID Copy: The ID card of the owners and managers if they are residents of the UAE.
Required Forms: Additional forms may be required by the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authorities.

Regulations Foreign Companies Must Comply With in Dubai

In Dubai, there are several regulations and laws that foreign companies must comply with to conduct business legally and successfully. Here are some important regulations that foreign companies in Dubai must comply with:

Companies Law: Regulates the establishment and management of companies and commercial partnerships in Dubai. This law specifies the procedures for registering companies and the rights and responsibilities of shareholders.
Labor Law: Regulates the working relationship between employers and employees. It defines the rights and responsibilities of workers and the conditions for employing foreigners.
Taxes and Customs: These regulations relate to value-added tax (VAT), corporate taxes, customs, and import and export duties.
Intellectual Property Rights: These regulations protect intellectual property rights such as trademarks and copyrights, regulating their use and protection.
Environmental Regulations: These regulations regulate business activities that impact the environment and establish procedures for compliance with environmental protection standards.
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations: These regulations stipulate the need to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees and outline the requirements for achieving this goal.
Advertising Regulations: Regulates advertising and marketing processes for companies and sets out the rules and restrictions related to advertising.

At the end of this article, we find that opening a commercial registration in Dubai for foreigners is a crucial step towards building a successful business in the thriving emirate of Dubai. With the guidance of local authorities and supportive measures, this becomes possible for foreign investors seeking to exploit the vast economic opportunities in this global business hub.

When foreign individuals decide to open a commercial registration in Dubai, they find themselves supported by a sophisticated infrastructure, flexible laws that encourage investment, and a dynamic business environment that enhances their chances of success.

In short, opening a commercial registration in Dubai for foreigners is a great opportunity for ambitious foreigners looking to build a successful brand and contribute to the thriving economy of this ancient emirate.

Top Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Commercial Registration in Dubai for Foreigners

Can foreigners fully own a commercial registration in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can fully own a commercial registration in Dubai’s free zones. Outside of free zones, it typically requires a local partner who owns 51% of the company’s shares.

How long does it take to open a commercial registration in Dubai?
The process of opening a commercial register can take from several days to several weeks, depending on the speed of submitting the documents and completing the procedures.

Can foreigners open a company in Dubai without having to live there?
Yes, foreigners can open a company in Dubai without having to live there. You can complete most procedures remotely, but in some cases, you may need to visit Dubai to complete specific steps.

What are the steps to open a commercial register in Dubai?
The basic steps include choosing the company type, submitting an application for preliminary approval, registering the company, submitting the required documents to obtain a trade license, and opening a bank account.

Can a commercial register be transferred from a free zone to Dubai?
A commercial register cannot be transferred directly from a free zone to Dubai. You must open a new commercial register in Dubai if you wish to change the company’s location.