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How to Make it Easier to Start a Business in Dubai:Top 3 Expert Tips

Dubai is a highly developed, ultra-modern city in the United Arab Emirates that connects east and west. It is considered one of the best environments to start and run a business .

Contents1. Do your homework.2. Define your business.Commercial LicenseCommercial Jurisdiction3. Get in touch with experts for the installation procedure. Make it easy for you

Its economy has grown a lot, going from being dependent on oil (which now represents only a measly 1% of its GDP) to hosting thousands of businesses every year.

Over time, Dubai has quickly become a prime choice for the headquarters of many companies that it could very well be the start-up capital of the world . Case in point:the city issued more than 15,000 new business licenses in the first quarter of 2021 – 19% more than in 2020.

Yet, if you want to succeed in the city, you will need more than just a Dubai Brand Identity to keep your business rolling.

Starting a business can be a complex affair, but with sufficient and correct knowledge and the help of professionals, things could be easier. That said, here are the top three expert tips you need to know when setting up a business in Dubai :

1. Do your homework.

Every business needs thorough preparation to operate, and starting a business is no exception.

There are mountains of information for you to dig through and digest. But where to start?

Experts recommend having a good look at the stats first to find out what works, what doesn't and what adjustments you need to make for your business to thrive. This information may also be collected through market research and analysis .

On top of that, you also need to understand what exactly you're getting into before diving headfirst into the adventure. Check out some of the essential characteristics of Dubai's market and business scene to make a good decision.

  • Dubai offers tax incentives and implements a simplified tax structure with minimum taxes to help business owners grow their business in the city.
  • Dubai has a solid legal structure which works well for local and foreign entrepreneurs.
  • The government of Dubai supports businesses thanks to their strong policies that create a safer business environment.
  • Expats can now acquire full ownership of their Company . Recent amendments to UAE law have given foreign investors the ability to own 100% of almost any type of company they set up in the country, even under a mainland company setup. li>
  • Free zones offer many other advantages , including plenty of networking opportunities, flexible office options, sufficient infrastructure, and a streamlined immigration process.

2. Define your business.

Starting a business comes with several challenges , which can be overcome with the right amount of preparation knowledge and effort. One of them is define your business .

Determining the type of business you plan to start isn't just about choosing an industry, mind you. You also need to select a license type and jurisdiction for your business registration that will suit the nature of your business.

Commercial License

The first thing you need to get when starting a business in Dubai, besides your passport and personal documents, is a business license . The process involves obtaining local government approvals through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) .

You will also need to complete a set of requirements, which includes:

  • Complete application forms.
  • Provide proof of identity and qualifications if required.
  • Criminal background checks in progress.

Note that you will need to submit other company formation documents from other UAE agencies applicable to the specific line of business you will be in.

Trade licenses are industry specific and will be based on the corporate structure and the commercial activities you intend to perform.

Business licenses in Dubai mainly come in four types:

  • Commercial License – for general trade companies.
  • Professional License – for service-centric businesses.
  • Industrial License – for companies engaged in the manufacture of goods.
  • Tourist License – for companies in the travel and tour sector.

Note that licensing suitability differs for each company. You will need to consider factors when making the decision.

Commercial jurisdiction

You must also select a commercial jurisdiction where your business will be located . For this question, you will need to consider a number of important things, such as:

  • Strategic location
  • Cost of living
  • Target market

One thing you need to know about the UAE is that each jurisdiction has its own unique set of benefits as well as governing rules and restrictions . You should review them before finalizing the decision.

Below are the three main jurisdictions you will need to choose from:

  • Mainland Company Setup: In this jurisdiction, the company can conduct business activities with local and international markets. In addition to the main tax benefits in the UAE, it allows your company to access double taxation agreements with any country you choose to do business with. Recent amendments to UAE law also allow foreign owners to own 100%, provided the company does not fall within the exceptions.
  • Free Zone Company Setup: A company set up in a free zone can conduct business activities in the country, and foreign investors can also hold full ownership of the company. Free zones also offer multiple tax advantages, including exceptions to corporate and income tax, VAT, customs duties and full capital repayment.
  • Offshore Company Setup: Like free zone companies, the offshore company setup is 100% owned. However, he cannot trade or engage in the local market. Nevertheless, this enterprise setup has several advantages, including privacy, security, and minimal maintenance cost, which extends to your

3. Get in touch with experts for the installation procedure.

Setting up a business is not as easy as it looks, although the UAE government has made sure that business owners have the least difficulty setting up their business in Dubai.

Yet, there are still several challenges with the business formation procedure that some entrepreneurs end up spending too much time, effort and money on the business. Lacking experience in the task, they end up struggling with administrative matters and be distracted from what they originally came to do:start the business .

Fortunately, many start-up agencies can help make things easier. You can avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes by enlisting the help of those more familiar with the processes and the scene .

Some companies also offer a few other services that go beyond starting a business, such as:

  • Visa services
  • Labour Services
  • Attestation Services
  • VAT services
  • Legal advice
  • Audit and certification
  • Taxation
  • Risk Consulting
  • Merger and acquisition assistance
  • Business liquidation

Make it easy

Businesses in Dubai come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common:they were built from the ground up and established according to the laws of the land. You can do the same and even make the road easier by following the best advice the experts have to offer.