Open an organization in Dubai. Dubai is considered one of the most prominent global destinations for business and investment, as it provides a thriving economic environment and an attractive investment climate. The emirate is distinguished by its advanced infrastructure and government facilities to support entrepreneurs, in addition to its strategic location that links global markets. If you are thinking about opening a business in Dubai, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the steps and procedures needed to achieve this.
Opening an enterprise in Dubai is not just an opportunity to make a profit, but rather an investment in a bright future in a city that offers all the support and benefits to investors. From choosing the appropriate type of business activity to determining the trade name and obtaining initial approvals, in this article you will find all the information you need to start your investment journey with confidence and success. In addition, we will review registration and licensing procedures, financial and legal requirements to ensure full compliance with local laws.
Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an international investor, establishing an enterprise in Dubai , Dubai offers you an ideal environment to achieve your ambitions. By following the instructions and steps described in this article, you can establish a successful enterprise that contributes to strengthening the local economy and opens the doors to global opportunities.

Opening an establishment in Dubai
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ToggleInitial steps for opening a foundation
When making the decision to establish a company in Dubai , there are a set of initial steps that must be followed to ensure a successful establishment that is compatible with local laws. These steps include choosing the type of business, determining the trade name, and obtaining initial approvals.
Choose the type of business activity
The first step to take is to determine the type of business activity the organization wants to engage in. Dubai has a wide range of business activities to choose from, such as trade, services, industries, and others. A list of permitted business activities can be obtained from the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED). Accurately determining the type of business activity facilitates the process of obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals.
Determine the trade name
After choosing the type of business, the next step is to determine the business name of the organization. The trade name must be unique and not used by any other organization in Dubai. It must also be compatible with local laws and regulations, so that it does not contain inappropriate language or violate customs and traditions. The trade name can be reserved through the Department of Economic Development website or by visiting one of its offices.
Obtaining initial approvals
Before commencing registration and licensing procedures, initial approvals must be obtained from the competent authorities. These approvals are an essential step in ensuring that the required business activity complies with local laws and regulations. Some business activities require additional approvals from other regulatory bodies, such as the Ministry of Health in the case of medical activities or the Roads and Transport Authority in the case of transportation-related activities. Securing these approvals early contributes to facilitating the registration and licensing process later.
These initial steps are the cornerstone of opening a successful business in Dubai, and it is important to do them carefully to avoid any delays or legal issues in the future.
Registration and licensing procedures
After completing the initial steps, determining the type of business activity and trade name, and obtaining initial approvals, now comes the turn of registration and licensing procedures, which are considered one of the most important stages of establishing a company in Dubai . These procedures include several critical steps that must be followed carefully to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Submit the necessary documents
The first step in the registration and licensing procedures is to submit the required documents. These documents vary based on the type of business and legal entity of the organization, but generally include the following:
- A copy of the passport of the establishment owner and partners (if any).
- A copy of the visa and residence permit of the organization owner and partners.
- A copy of the initial approvals obtained from the competent authorities.
- Company registration application form, which includes detailed information about the business activity, legal entity and address.
- Lease contract or title deed for the commercial site.
Obtain a commercial license
After submitting the necessary documents, the owner of the establishment must obtain a commercial license, which is the official document that authorizes the establishment to conduct its commercial activity in Dubai. This step includes:
- Submit the application to the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED).
- Pay the prescribed fees to obtain a commercial license.
- Waiting for final approval from the Department of Economic Development, which usually takes a few days to two weeks.
It should be noted that there are several types of commercial licenses in Dubai, such as commercial, industrial and professional licenses, and the owner of the institution must choose the appropriate type according to his business activity.
Registration procedures in government departments
After obtaining a business license in Dubai , the establishment owner must complete some additional procedures in government departments to ensure full compliance with local laws. These procedures include:
- Register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to obtain a work permit and register employees.
- Registration with the Health Insurance Authority to ensure the provision of health insurance to employees.
- Register with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to obtain the Emirates ID card.
- Open a commercial bank account in one of the approved banks in Dubai.
Completing these procedures ensures that the establishment complies with all legal and administrative requirements necessary to conduct commercial activity in Dubai, and allows the owner of the establishment to begin operating it in a legal and orderly manner.

Financial and legal requirements
Financial and legal requirements
When setting out to open a business in Dubai, it is essential to understand the financial and legal requirements that must be met to ensure full compliance with local laws and avoid any obstacles that may hinder the workflow. These requirements include the following points:
Required capital
Required capital requirements vary based on the type of business and the type of business license you are seeking. In some cases, you may be required to deposit a certain capital into a local bank account, while for SMEs there can be lower capital requirements. It is important to check these requirements with the Dubai Department of Economic Development to ensure that all necessary conditions are met.
Taxes and Fees
The Dubai government imposes a range of taxes and fees that organizations must pay. These fees include registration fees, licensing fees, annual renewal fees, as well as customs and tax fees associated with the type of business activity. You should be aware of all these fees and taxes and allocate enough budget to cover them to ensure the business runs without financial problems.
Comply with local laws
Running an establishment in Dubai requires compliance with a variety of local laws and regulations aimed at regulating businesses and protecting the rights of consumers and workers. These laws include labor laws, data protection laws, environmental laws, as well as health and safety regulations. It is advisable to seek the help of a legal advisor specialized in business laws in Dubai to ensure full compliance and avoid any legal violations that may lead to the imposition of fines or penalties.
By meeting these financial and legal requirements, you can establish your organization in Dubai with confidence and ensure continued business success and prosperity in the local market.
Our company’s role in opening an institution in Dubai
Opening an organization in Dubai is an important strategic step for anyone seeking to enter the business market in one of the most dynamic and developed cities in the world. This process requires careful planning and extensive detail to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations. From choosing the type of business activity and determining the trade name, to obtaining initial approvals and registration and licensing procedures, the entrepreneur goes through multiple stages, each of which requires special attention.
Through good financial preparation, understanding the required taxes and fees, and adhering to local laws, investors can achieve great success in a favorable business environment like Dubai. The government support system and advanced infrastructure make Dubai an ideal place for business growth and prosperity.
In conclusion, it can be said that opening an institution in Dubai is not just an administrative procedure, but rather the beginning of a journey full of opportunities and challenges. With good planning and careful implementation, any entrepreneur can achieve his dreams and expand his horizons in this global city.
Frequently asked questions about opening a corporation in Dubai
What are the costs associated with opening a business in Dubai?
Costs vary based on the type of activity and size of the organization. Costs include registration fees, licensing fees, approvals and permit fees, as well as lease costs.
Can foreigners open an establishment in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open an establishment in Dubai, whether in the mainland or free zone areas. Some activities may require a local partner if the organization is on the mainland.
What business activities are available to open an establishment in Dubai?
A wide range of business activities are available including trade, services, industry, and consulting. A list of permitted activities can be obtained from the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED).
Do I need to have a local partner to open an establishment in Dubai?
In mainland areas, some activities may require a 51% local partner. In free zones, foreigners can own the entire enterprise 100%.
How long does it take to open a business in Dubai?
Opening a corporation in Dubai can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of activity and procedures required.
Is it possible to open an online organization in Dubai?
Yes, an organization can be opened online through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website or through mobile applications designated for this purpose.