Guide to Company Formation in Dubai: Required Documents and Setup Process

Basic Models for Establishing a Company in Dubai

Those who want to establish a company in Dubai must first choose a type of company that suits their operational model. This choice directly impacts both the structure to be established and the need for documents and licenses.

Mainland Company

• Offers the right to trade throughout Dubai.

• Provides an advantage of participating in government tenders and access to the local market.

• Tax advantages are more flexible.

• Generally requires a physical office.

Free Zone Company

• Grants 100% foreign ownership rights.

• Exempt from obligations such as corporate tax and personal income tax (in some areas).

• Operates through areas specialized in specific sectors.

• Allows for faster and lower-cost setup.

Offshore Company

• Works with clients outside the UAE, cannot operate in the local market.

• Does not provide an investor identity or residency permit.

• Preferred in areas such as asset management, licensing, and IP management.

Required Document List

While some additional documents may be required depending on the type of company and sector, generally the following documents are requested for each application:

• Passport Copy: Valid passports of all partners and managers.

• Biometric Photo: Passport photo with a white background, 3x4 cm in size.

• Residency Certificate or Proof of Address: Electricity, water bill, or bank statement.

• Parents' Names: Required for legal applications in the UAE.

• Company Name Suggestions: At least 3 alternatives.

• Business Description: A clear definition of what the business will do.

• Business Plan (In some areas): A detailed business plan may be required based on the sector and volume.

• Authority Document (If Any): If transactions will be conducted through another person with a power of attorney.

In free zone or offshore applications, documents can generally be uploaded digitally. In mainland structures, some documents may need to be original or notarized.

Company Establishment Process: Step by Step

The process of setting up a company in Dubai generally consists of the following stages:

1. Preliminary Meeting and Goal Setting

In the first meeting with the consulting firm (such as "ORTAC"):

• The target country and sector are determined.

• The appropriate company model is chosen.

• The necessary documents are listed.

2. Company Name Approval

• At least three alternatives are presented.

• Approval is obtained from the free zone or DED (Mainland) system.

3. Preparation of Documents

• All documents are collected completely.

• If there are any missing or erroneous documents, they are corrected by the consultants.

4. License Application and Preliminary Approval

• A license application appropriate to the field of activity is made.

• Initial approval is obtained from the free zone authority or DED.

5. Company Formation and Official Registration

• Applications are evaluated and the company is officially registered.

• The trade license and company documents are delivered.

6. Residency Permit and Emirates ID Process

• An investor visa application is made for the company founder and, if any, for the partners.

• Health tests, biometric procedures, and Emirates ID applications are completed.

7. Opening a Bank Account

• A commercial bank account is opened after the company is established.

• Required documents: Trade license, passport, Emirates ID, company contract, etc.

What to Watch Out for in Documents

Dubai authorities are meticulous about document organization. Therefore:

• Passports must be valid for more than 6 months.

• Documents must be scanned in color and be legible.

• There should be no discrepancies in information (name consistency, address accuracy, etc.)

• Some documents must be notarized or translated into English.

Consulting firms check the documents from start to finish to ensure that the process is carried out correctly and to prevent time loss.

Fast and Secure Setup Process with ORTAC

For entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company in Dubai, ORTAC provides one-on-one support from both Turkey and the Dubai office. From company formation to visa processing, from opening a bank account to the accounting system, every step is carried out transparently and systematically with Turkish support.

When you establish a company with ORTAC:

• Documents are prepared and presented without any omissions.

• All applications are made in your name.

• Strategic consulting is provided in choosing the free zone.

• A roadmap is drawn for fast setup, residency, and banking transactions.

• At the end of the process, you are provided with both digital and physical copies of all documents.

👉 To start your company establishment process, click here