Business Setup in UAE

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A country once reliant on the export of its abundant oil reserves for running its economy now draws a minority of its GDP from the same. Instead it has started earning from businesses like tourism for its economic progress.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the economy of the UAE is the most diversified. So much so that business setup in UAE is one of the best options among all other countries.

All this is possible due to the market-friendly economic policies of the UAE government over the last 3 decades. These policies are fostering foreign direct investment (FDI), sustainable development, innovation, and research.

Every fact supports your idea of a business setup in UAE.

Why is Business Setup in UAE Beneficial?

UAE is a developed economy that offers the following positives:

UAE Mainland:

  • All these, regardless of their country of origin.
  • Allows you to do business anywhere in the UAE.
  • 100% Ownership (Terms & Conditions apply).
  • 100% repatriation of profit.
  • Avail the benefits of working on government projects.
  • Rent a bigger office space to increase the number of visas.
  • Business setup in the mainland allows you to do company formation anywhere in the UAE with multiple branches.

UAE Freezone:

  • Business setup in UAE freezone allows you to hold 100% ownership of your business.
  • Can do business in that particular freezone where the business is incorporated.
  • The company formation process is easy comparatively.
  • No tariffs on imports and exports.
  • 100% repatriation of profit.

UAE Offshore:

  • Nil or low Corporate tax.
  • Budget-friendly company incorporation.
  • The authorised capital is less comparatively.
  • The company’s structure and registers are highly confidential.
  • No need to be physically present in the location where the company is being incorporated.

Company Formation in UAE

Commitbiz is conversant with the company formation laws and regulations in the UAE and can help you set up your business here, availing the required license. You can choose from a free zone, mainland, or offshore company in UAE.

Business setup in UAE is a futuristic business decision for the following reasons:

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a growing and diversified market with high global demand for imports and exports. This creates opportunities for the suppliers
  • The country bears a strategic geographic location in a resource-rich region
  • The UAE has easy access and global connectivity with over 90 airlines and 170 shipping lines
  • The country levies no tax on personal, capital, or corporate income and allows 100% repatriation of capital and profits
  • The real estate and freight charges are competitive
  • No currency restrictions on the exchange of money
  • The energy supply is abundant and low-priced
  • The populace in the country is educated and skilled, so the place is favourable from the standpoint of hiring a workforce – not that there are any restrictions on hiring foreign nationals
  • The transportation system throughout the UAE is well-developed
  • The infrastructural advancement in the UAE is no secret – it's rewarding real estate, state-of-the-art telecommunication systems, dependable power supply & other utilities. All these are a fertile breeding ground for business entities
  • Top-notch accommodation for residential and office purposes. Plus, cutting-edge venues for exhibitions and conferences
  • The financial and services sector in the UAE is remarkably developed, especially suited to complement the business milieu in the region
  • Above all, business in UAE is based on free trade barriers (no quotas or exchange controls)

And to top it all, it has a cosmopolitan lifestyle with first-rate educational institutions, medical facilities, hotels, and shopping complexes

Different Jurisdictions for Business Setup in UAE

Before starting your business setup in UAE, you need to know about the jurisdictions every emirate consists of.

This table shows the different UAE jurisdictions. Observe and choose the right one for company formation in UAE:

Emirates Jurisdiction
Dubai Mainland Freezone Offshore
Ras Al Khaimah Mainland Freezone Offshore
Ajman Mainland Freezone Offshore
Abu Dhabi Mainland Freezone -
Sharjah Mainland Freezone -
Umm-Al-Quwain Mainland Freezone -
Fujairah Mainland Freezone -

If you want to learn about the differences between Mainland, Freezone, and Offshore companies in UAE, do check out this guide.

Documents Required for Company Formation in UAE

Here’s the list of documents you’ll need for company formation in UAE:

  • Approval documents from the Ministry of Economy and other entities
  • Approval document from the Legal Affairs Department
  • Partnership contract certificate from a public notary
  • Stamped visa from the Immigration Department
  • Photocopies of Technical Evaluation Report
  • Land map or Ownership Certificate
  • Certified copy of tenancy contract
  • No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Trade name certificate
  • Residency certificates
  • Photocopies of visa
  • License Form
  • Family book
  • National ID
  • Passport
     

Steps for Company formation in UAE

1. Hire a Local Sponsor

Find a local sponsor to act as the service agent for your company formation in UAE. Any individual who is an Emirate national can be a local sponsor. That person will hold 51% of the company share.

2. Decide the Business Activity

Decide upon the business activity and based on that, the legal form of your business.

3. Application Submission

Submit an application for company registration to the Department of Economic Development (DED) with a suggested company name.

4. Get your Trade License

Obtain a trade license by submitting the company’s documents to the DED or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

5. Get your MOA

Get the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarised.

6. Register the Trade Name

Decide your trade name which should not be repetitive, avoid using offensive names, avoid using religious names.

7. Pay the Fees

Pay the license fee to get a trade license issued.

And your business license will be ready.

Different Business Setup Services in UAE

Commitbiz, as a business setup counsellor, will assist you with their business setup services in UAE. Those services include:

  • Public Relations Officer (PRO) Services
  • Setting up a branch office in the UAE
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) registration
  • Intellectual property protection
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Company incorporation
  • Company registration
  • Local sponsorship
  • Legal Advisory
  • Tax consulting
  • Auditing
     

Why choose Commitbiz as your Business Setup Consultants in UAE?

Commitbiz, one of the best business setup consultants in UAE. They comprise experts with a great vision of providing business advice for various sectors like:

  • Government
  • Non-government
  • Private and academic sectors

Later the company started providing services from company incorporation, business bank account, structuring, entity management, succession planning, and tax planning.

We have also been the chosen partner in several innovative and path-breaking initiatives undertaken by various businessmen worldwide. We help leaders make distinctive, lasting, and substantial improvements to the performance of their organizations.

Commitbiz business setup consultants in UAE, is the one stop destination for all your requirements. We’ve been assisting foreign expats with company formation in UAE for 15+ years. So far we have served more than 150 nationalities. Contact us for setting up your business in UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it mandatory to have a local office for company formation in UAE?

Yes, a physical office is required for a company to be set up in the UAE.

What is the corporate income tax in the UAE?

The corporate income tax rate in the UAE is 0%. In addition, the Emirates allow full repatriation of capital and profits.

Is appointing a local sponsor mandatory for business setup in UAE?

Talking about business setup in the UAE mainland, a local sponsor (who must be a UAE national) will act as your company agent. In a freezone, however, there’s no such prerequisite.

How much time is required for company formation in UAE?

Company formation in UAE generally takes 4 to 5 working days. But, it’ll depend on several factors and certifications.

What are the types of businesses can I start in UAE?

There are a lot of potential business opportunities in the UAE. Some of them are e-commerce, beauty parlour, fitness centre and cleaning services.