Startup Your Business in UAE

You might be thinking about starting your business in UAE. This article will provide you with the basic knowledge and the requirement for setting up your business.   

Why should you start up a business?  

There are numerous advantages of setting up a business in UAE some of them are mentioned below:

·         You can do business in any part of UAE.

·         The Unlimited number of visas.

·         You will be eligible for more business license in various sectors.

·         You are exempted from business or personal tax.

Government Entities

First of all, you have to contact the Department of Economic Development of the respective state to obtain the approval in order to register your company name. This can be done by visiting the office or through the E-services option available. Once permission is granted then you can proceed with additional approvals which are different in every case of business types.

You can contact the Department of Economic Development present in the cities mentioned below:

·         Abu Dhabi

·         Dubai

·         Sharjah

·         Ras Al Khaimah

·         Ajman

In Fujairah, the activities are handled by Fujairah Municipal Authority.

In unique cases, for example, setting up a PrJSC (Private Joint Stock Company), approval by the Ministry of Economy is required first.

Where to start?

If you intend to start a new business then you need to follow the below mentioned in order steps;

1.    Cost of setting up a business

Setting up a new business includes raising capital, paying for licenses and work visas. The cost to start up new business depends upon:

·         The nature of license requires for specific business type i.e. industrial, commercial or service provider.

·         The legal structure of the company; either it is a company, an establishment or the part of a company.

2.    Capital required for a Business

The capital required to set up the business varies according to the business legal form for example to start a PJSC, at least 30 million AED is required and the minimum amount to be paid in full is 5 million  AED.

The minimum capital for other types is not specified by the UAE Commercial Companies Law, while the below-mentioned conditions should be fulfilled in any case.

·         Memorandum of Association should state the minimum capital.

·         You should have the minimum capital to achieve the business purpose.

3.    Nationality of Partner

The partner’s nationality is important in order to determine the type of business you can set up in UAE. Only the UAE national can set up the following type of business

·         Joint Liability Company but in case of a foreginer, you must hold the business partnership with the UAE national.   

·         Basic commandite organizations.

·         A sole proprietorship of Industrial or Commercial type.

·         Home base business.

·         SME business in Dubai.

While the foreign nationals except for GCC countries can set up other business types. However, UAE national should be involved in the following conditions

·         UAE National partner having ownership of at least 51% of a business.

·         In case of LSA (Local Service Agent) with investor holding 100% ownership of a business.

4.    Types of Company that require a UAE national

·         Limited Liability Company.

·         PJSC having a minimum of five founders who are UAE Nationals own 30%-70% of the company shareholders.

·         Civil Engineering Company with active operations.

5.     A Company that requires LSA

·         A professional company with a sole establishment.

·         Civil Engineering with no operations.

·         Foreign Company’s Branch

Setting Up Your Business in a Free zone

There are a few contrasts between inland and a free zone. The primary contrast lies in the idea of proprietorship, the contribution of UAE nationals as partners or agents, the nature of trade or economic benefits.

In the event that you don't wish to get yourself involved in a partnership with a UAE national or you don't know any UAE National, you can set up a business in a free zone. In the free zone, you are the 100% shareholder of your business.

The Concept of a Free Zone

According to the Dubai Multi Commodities Center, a free zone is an assigned land territory where no restrictions or taxes are applied to business, trade or employment in contrast to inland business.

In a free zone, the goods can be imported, exported, handled and manufactured without indulging the customs authorities. But once the goods are transported inside the country from the free zone then, in this case, the customs taxes will be applied.

A free zone type includes seaports, national and international airport, border areas etc.

What are the Advantages of setting up a Business in a free zone?

Some of the advantages of setting up a business in the free zone are mentioned below

·         100% tax emption on imports and exports

·         You can easily send and receive capitals and profits with additional benefits

·         0% corporate duty

·         0% income tax

·         0% tax on imports and exports

·         Simple licensing and start-up procedures