Setup Your Business in the UAE/Dubai

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Without VISA - AED 7,499

You get only licence with the 0 Visa Package

With VISA - AED 14,999

Comes with one Life time visa-free (1 shareholder and either General Trading or E-Commerce activity)

Company Registration in Dubai: An Overview

Dubai is a popular destination for business setup due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and competitive tax rates. The key steps involved in setting up a business in Dubai include choosing the right business structure, registering your business name, obtaining a business license, getting a visa for yourself and your employees, renting or leasing an office space, setting up your accounting and bookkeeping system, and marketing your business. The cost of setting up a business in Dubai can vary depending on the business structure, the type of license you need, and the location of your office.

Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai or UAE

  • Strategic location: Dubai is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal location for businesses that want to reach a global market.
  • Business-friendly environment: Dubai has a business-friendly environment with low taxes, simple regulations, and a highly skilled workforce.
  • Competitive tax rates: Dubai has some of the most competitive tax rates in the world. There is no corporate tax, personal income tax, or capital gains tax.
  • World-class infrastructure: Dubai has world-class infrastructure, including a modern airport, seaport, and road network.

  • Vibrant economy:
    Dubai has a vibrant economy that is growing at a rapid pace. This provides opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed.
  • Easy visa process: The UAE has a relatively easy visa process for foreign investors. This makes it easy to bring in the talent you need to grow your business.
  • Free zones: Dubai has a number of free zones that offer special benefits to businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
  • Highly skilled workforce: Dubai has a highly skilled workforce, with a large number of English speakers. This makes it easy to find the talent you need to grow your business.
  • Promotion of entrepreneurship: The UAE government actively promotes entrepreneurship. This includes providing financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.

Detailed Procedure for Business Setup in Dubai

1. Choose the right business structure. There are three main types of business structures in Dubai: mainland companies, free zone companies, and offshore companies. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your business.
Mainland companies are subject to UAE corporate tax and other regulations. However, they have the right to trade freely in the UAE and can own property in the mainland.
Free zone companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. However, they can only trade within the free zone and cannot own property in the mainland.
Offshore companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. They can trade freely anywhere in the world.

2.  Obtain a business license. The type of business license you need will depend on your business activity.
3.   Get a visa for yourself and your employees. If you are a foreign investor, you will need to obtain a visa to live and work  in Dubai. Your employees will also need visas.
4.   Rent or lease an office space. You will need to rent or lease an office space for your business.
7.   Set up your accounting and bookkeeping system. You will need to set up an accounting and bookkeeping system to  track your finances.
8.    Market your business. Once your business is up and running, you will need to market your business to attract                  customers.

Type of Business Setup in Dubai

There are three main types of business setups in Dubai: mainland companies, free zone companies, and offshore companies.

  • Mainland companies are subject to UAE corporate tax and other regulations. However, they have the right to trade freely in the UAE and can own property in the mainland. Mainland companies are the most common type of business setup in Dubai.
  • Free zone companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. However, they can only trade within the free zone and cannot own property in the mainland. Free zone companies are a good option for businesses that want to avoid paying taxes or that want to operate in a specific industry that is regulated in the mainland.
  • Offshore companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. They can trade freely anywhere in the world. Offshore companies are a good option for businesses that want to operate in a tax-free environment or that want to protect their assets from creditors.

Difference between Mainland, Freezone and Offshore Company in Dubai

FeatureMainland CompaniesFree Zone CompaniesOffshore Companies
TaxSubject to UAE corporate taxNot subject to UAE corporate taxNot subject to UAE corporate tax
Property ownershipCan own property in the mainlandCannot own property in the mainlandCannot own property in the UAE
TradingCan trade freely in the UAECan only trade within the free zoneCan trade freely anywhere in the world
RegulationSubject to UAE business laws and regulationsSubject to free zone regulationsNot subject to UAE business laws and regulations

Types of Licenses Issued in the UAE

  • Trade License – Issued to companies engaged in trading activities
  • Industrial Licenses – Issued to the companies engaged in manufacturing
  • Professional Licenses – Issued to the companies working as service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen.

Documents Required for Starting a Business in Dubai

You will have to provide the following documents for completing registration for setting up a company in Dubai.

  • Shareholders information
  • Passport and Visa of the shareholders
  • Application form
  • PDF of business plan
  • Board resolution documents
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Identity proof of the shareholders

Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration In Dubai

The eligibility criteria for business setup in Dubai or UAE vary depending on the type of business and the free zone or mainland where you want to register your business. However, some of the general eligibility criteria include:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old to register a business in the UAE.
  • Nationality: There are no restrictions on nationality for setting up a business in the UAE. However, some free zones may have specific requirements for foreign investors.
  • Criminal record: You must not have any criminal convictions in the UAE or any other country.
  • Funding: You must have the necessary funding to set up and operate your business.
  • Business plan: You must have a business plan that outlines your business goals and strategies.
  • Resident visa: If you are not a UAE national, you will need a resident visa to live and work in the UAE.

FAQ's on Setup Your Business in the UAE/Dubai

Yes, and many foreigners do, set up shop in Dubai. Over 80% of the residents are foreigners, and many of them own their own enterprises. Dubai aggressively welcomes foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Each state has a different turnaround time for the formation of a company in Dubai. It might take a few business days to a few months, and occasionally even longer. BUt through AccountWaale we can get it done in just 7 to 10 days.

It is a low cost business set up in Dubai. Each free zone has a separate minimum share capital requirement that can range anywhere between AED 1,000 and AED 1,000,000 depending on the business activity and permissions. The usual share capital minimum for Dubai free zones is AED 50,000.

Businesses with a lot of potential include those in the e-commerce, beauty and fitness, employment, online trading, and cleaning services sectors.

The cost of starting a business in Dubai can vary significantly depending on the type of business, its location (mainland or free zone), and the specific requirements. Generally, the cost may include license fees, registration fees, office space rent, visa fees, and other associated expenses. It's advisable to consult with the Dubai Department of Economic Development or a business setup consultant for precise cost estimates.
To obtain an investor visa in Dubai, you typically need to follow these steps:Choose your business structure (LLC or Free Zone Company). Meet the minimum investment requirements. Register your business with the relevant authorities. Open a corporate bank account and deposit the required capital. Apply for an investor visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Undergo the necessary medical tests and security checks. Once approved, you will receive your investor visa, which allows you to live and work in Dubai.

Starting a business in a Dubai free zone involves the following steps:Choose a suitable free zone based on your business activity.

Select a company name and get it approved by the free zone authority.

Submit your business plan and necessary documents to the free zone authority.

Pay the registration and licensing fees.

Obtain the necessary permits and approvals for your business activity.

Lease office space or a warehouse within the free zone.

Apply for an employee or investor visa if required.

Once all requirements are met, you can start operating your business within the free zone.

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