Company Registration in Dubai from Syria

Thinking of expanding your business from Syria to Dubai? It’s a smart move many Syrian entrepreneurs are making. Dubai offers the stability, global access, and reliable banking that are crucial for trading, IT services, e-commerce, and exports.

At Setup Dubai Business, we specialize in helping Syrian founders and companies make this transition smoothly and remotely. We understand the specific challenges and opportunities you face. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance, full Arabic support, and meticulously manage all compliance details for you.

Why Syrian Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai

• A Familiar Business Environment: The shared Arabic language and cultural understanding make it far easier to build trust, negotiate contracts, and manage suppliers.
• A Gateway to the World: Dubai is a world-class hub connecting you to the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and Asia—perfect for international trade or a regional headquarters.
• 100% Ownership and Simplicity: Free zones are a popular choice, allowing full foreign ownership and simple administration, which is ideal for export or online businesses.
• World-Class Infrastructure: You gain access to robust banking, legal, and shipping systems that support international trade and digital services.

Practical Advice for Syrian Applicants

We have successfully guided many Syrian clients through this process. Based on our experience, here are a few key points to be aware of:

• Document Attestation: Any official documents from Syria (like company papers or personal certificates) will need to be notarized and go through several legal attestation steps for use in the UAE. This process can be complex, so we manage it end-to-end for you.
• Enhanced Bank Diligence: Banks in the UAE apply enhanced due diligence for all international clients. You should expect detailed KYC (Know Your Customer) questions, requests for clear source-of-funds documentation, and potentially longer review times. We prepare a comprehensive banking file for you and introduce you to the right banks.
• Potential Need for Travel: While we can complete most of the company setup remotely, many banks require the business owner to be physically present to finalize the account opening. We’ll advise you on exactly when and if this travel is necessary to minimize your trips.
• Tax and “Substance”: It’s important to understand the tax implications. If you continue to manage your new Dubai company from Syria, you may still have tax obligations there. We can help you understand “economic substance” rules and connect you with tax advisors to ensure you’re fully compliant.

Which Company Structure is Right for You?

The best structure depends entirely on your business. Do you want to trade inside the UAE, export, or just hold assets? We’ll help you decide.

• Free Zone Company: The most popular choice for exporters, digital services, IT freelancers, and e-commerce. It offers 100% ownership, fast setup, and flexible “flexi-desk” or virtual office options.
• Mainland (Onshore) Company: This is required if you plan to sell products or services directly to the UAE domestic market. It typically requires a physical office lease and a Local Service Agent.
• Offshore Company: A useful tool for holding international assets or contracts, but it does not permit you to trade within the UAE.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Free Consultation (in Arabic or English)

We start with a conversation to understand your business model, your clients, and your goals. We’ll map out the costs and a realistic timeline, so you can move forward with confidence.

2. Name and Activity Selection

We help you choose a compliant trade name and select the right business activities, matching you with the best free zone or mainland authority for your needs.

3. Document Preparation & Legalization

We create a precise checklist of required documents. We then guide you through the entire legalization process—from notarization in Syria to embassy attestation and required translations.

4. Company Incorporation

We handle the full application, secure all necessary approvals, and get your official trade license. We also manage the office setup, from virtual offices in free zones to finding a physical space for mainland companies.

5. Corporate Bank Account Opening

This is a critical step. We prepare your complete KYC file, introduce you to banks experienced with international clients, and guide you on providing clear proof of your business activity and source of funds.

6. Visas and Residency (Optional)

Once your company is live, our PRO team can manage the entire residency visa process for you, your employees, and your family, including medical tests and Emirates ID registration.

Documents Usually Required

We will provide a custom checklist for your specific case, but here are the most commonly requested documents:

• Passport copies for all shareholders and directors (valid for at least six months)
• Proof of residential address (e.g., a recent utility bill)
• Corporate documents (if a company is a shareholder), fully attested
• Police Clearance / Good Conduct Certificate (if requested by the authority)
• Power of Attorney (if you appoint us to handle the process remotely)

Note: All documents must undergo the required notarisation, embassy attestation, and legal translation, a process we will manage for you.

Timelines and Costs

While every case is unique, here are some general timelines:

• Free Zone Company: Typically 3–10 business days once all attested documents are ready.
• Mainland Company: Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on approvals and office setup.
• Corporate Bank Account: Commonly 2–8 weeks. This can take longer as banks conduct detailed due diligence.

Costs vary based on the jurisdiction, license type, and visa needs. We always provide a detailed, itemized quote with no surprises before we begin.

Common Questions from Our Syrian Clients

Will I need to travel to Dubai?

For the company registration, usually not. We can handle it remotely with a power of attorney. However, for the bank account, most banks do require the signatory to visit in person at least once. We’ll coordinate this to make it as efficient as possible.

Can I repatriate profits back to Syria?

The UAE has no restrictions on repatriating profits. However, the practicality of moving funds depends on your bank’s policies and the specific international banking regulations in place. We can discuss the most effective strategies for this.

Is it hard for Syrian nationals to get a bank account?

It requires more diligence, but it is absolutely possible. Banks have different risk policies. Our job is to prepare a complete, professional application and introduce you to the right banking partners who understand international clients. While no one can guarantee a bank’s final decision, we have a strong track record and always have backup options.

Will my UAE company be taxed in Syria?

This depends on where your company is “effectively managed and controlled.” If you are running the entire operation from Syria, your local tax authorities might consider it a tax-resident company. It’s crucial to get professional tax advice for your specific situation. We can connect you with qualified tax advisors.

Your Partner for a Smooth Transition

• We Speak Your Language: Our Arabic-fluent consultants understand your specific questions and cultural context.
• Complete End-to-End Service: We manage everything—from document legalization in Syria to company formation, bank introductions, and visa support in Dubai.
• Focus on Compliance: We build your company structure correctly from day one, ensuring it meets all bank KYC and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements for a stable, long-term setup.
• Practical, Honest Guidance: We give you the truth about travel, document timelines, and potential delays, so you can plan effectively.