How To Setup a New Business in Dubai
Dubai can be a great place for starting a business abroad. It’s a leading trading hub that offers a range of benefits and opportunities for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. A new business setup in Dubai doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can involve some decision-making and documentation that can make the process daunting. This guide should help you set up your new business confidently.
Things to know
Before you proceed, you’ll
need to know and understand a few things about setting up a business in Dubai.
For instance, you’ll have to decide between operating Offshore, over the
Mainland or in a Free Zone. All options come with their own specifications and
benefits, but your choice will ultimately depend on your requirements.
About the Mainland Option
The Mainland Option is a great license if
you seek a 100% Ownership License with the ability of conducting Business Over
the Mainland. Currently you will be able to find lots of Business Activities
that can be registered with 100% foreign ownership.
The Department of Economic
Development (DED) issues the licenses for new businesses in Dubai. The options
include the following:
· Commercial license – This is for businesses that involve the buying and selling of
goods or trading activities. It can cover businesses related to sales, import
and export, general stores, travel and tourism, real estate, and logistics.
· Industrial license – This is issued to manufacturing businesses that transform
natural resources and materials into final products.
· Professional license – This is issued to service providers, craftsmen, and artisans.
About the free zone companies
If you want complete
ownership of your new
business setup in Dubai, consider applying for a license in one
of the free zones. The concept of free zones was introduced by the government
to encourage foreign investors to start businesses in the city. They are
special economic areas where business owners can enjoy zero taxation and other
ownership benefits. However, you’re not allowed to trade directly with the
local market in the UAE.
Currently, you’ll find more
than 30 free zones in Dubai and each is generally focused on specific
industries and provides licenses to businesses that belong to those industries.
Some of them are DMMC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), DIC (Dubai Internet
City), and DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center).
Offshore companies
An offshore company may
register in a free zone and get the same benefits and it’s allowed to conduct
business activities outside the UAE, not inside. There are no requirements for
the minimum capital deposited before incorporation. However, you’ll need a
sponsor if you decide on this new
business setup in Dubai and your ownership of the company
will be limited to 49 percent.
Decisions to consider
Certain decisions are
involved in your new
business setup in Dubai. For instance, you’ll have to decide on
your business activity or the nature of your business before you can qualify
for a license. You also have to decide on a free zone, which will depend on
your business activity. Of course, you will have to pick a company name that
must conform to the strict naming conventions of the UAE before you apply for
initial approval with the DED. You’ll also need to open a corporate bank
account and find an appropriate office location before applying for final
approval.
You can always get help
There are business setup consultants who can back you up and help you navigate the process of a new business setup in Dubai. They can give advice on free zones, assist in company registration and LLC formation, conduct business analysis and development, and do research on your behalf. They can also assist with contract preparation, creating holding companies and trusts, and finding potential business partners.
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