Company Setup in Dubai

Setting up a company in Dubai can be a great way to tap into the vibrant business environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dubai is a top destination for entrepreneurs looking to start a business due to its strong economy, strategic location, and favorable business environment. Some specific benefits of setting up a company in Dubai include:

Consider setting up a company in Dubai to take advantage of these benefits and many more.

There are several steps involved in the process, and it’s important to be well-informed and prepared before embarking on this venture.

1. Choose the right business structure

There are several business structures to choose from in Dubai, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The main options are:

• Sole proprietorship – This is a simple business structure that is suitable for small businesses with a single owner. The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business.
• Partnership – A partnership is a business formed by two or more individuals who share the profits and losses of the business. There are two types of partnerships in Dubai namely general partnerships, in which all partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the business, and limited partnerships, in which one or more partners have limited liability.
• Limited liability company (LLC) – An LLC is a business structure that combines elements of both partnerships and corporations. The owners, or shareholders, have limited liability for the debts and obligations of the business, but they also have the ability to participate in the management of the company.
• Free zone company – A free zone company is a business that is registered in one of Dubai’s designated free trade zones. Free zones offer a range of incentives, such as tax exemptions and relaxed labor laws, which can make them attractive for certain types of businesses.

2. Select a trade name

Your trade name is the name by which your business will be known. It’s important to choose a unique trade name that is not already in use by another business, and to ensure that it complies with the regulations of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). Some things to keep in mind when selecting a trade name include:

• Avoid using offensive or inappropriate language
• Avoid using names that are already in use by other businesses
• Avoid using names that are similar to those of well-known brands or trademarks
• Consider whether the name is easy to pronounce and remember

Once you’ve selected a trade name, you’ll need to register it with the DED. This can usually be done online through the DED’s e-services portal.

3. Obtain approvals and licenses

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain various approvals and licenses from the DED and other government agencies. This can include a commercial license, an industrial license, and/or a professional license. The requirements will vary depending on the type of business you are setting up.

Some general things to keep in mind when obtaining approvals and licenses include:

• Make sure you understand the requirements for your specific type of business
• Be prepared to provide various documents, such as proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and financial statements
• Be prepared to pay the relevant fees
• Allow sufficient time for the approval and licensing process, as it can take several weeks to complete

4. Rent a physical office

It is generally required that you have a physical office in Dubai in order to set up a company. This can be a standalone office or a shared office space. You’ll need to find a suitable location and negotiate a lease agreement with the landlord.

5. Register your company

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll need to register your company with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). This will involve submitting various documents, including a copy of your trade license, a copy of your lease agreement, and a copy of your passport and Emirates ID. You’ll also need to choose a local sponsor, who is typically a local individual or company that acts as a guarantor for your business.

6. Obtain visas and work permits

If you plan to work in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a work permit and a residence visa. You’ll need to apply for these through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You may also need to sponsor visas for any employees you plan to hire.

The cost of setting up a company in Dubai will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of business you are setting up, the business structure you choose, and the location of your office. Some other factors that can affect the cost include the number of visas and work permits you need to obtain, the cost of rent for your office, and any fees associated with obtaining approvals and licenses.

It’s difficult to provide a precise estimate of the cost of setting up a company in Dubai without more information about your specific circumstances. However, you can expect the process to involve various fees and expenses, including:

Trade name registration fees

You’ll need to pay a fee to register your trade name with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).The fee to register a trade name with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) is typically around AED 1,000 (approximately USD 272).

Approval and licensing fees

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain various approvals and licenses from the DED and other government agencies. These fees will vary depending on the type of business you are setting up.For example, the fee for a commercial license for a general trading company is typically around AED 15,000 (approximately USD 4,080).

Rent

You’ll need to find a suitable location and negotiate a lease agreement with the landlord. The cost of rent will depend on the location and size of your office.For example, rent for a small office in a prime location in Dubai might be around AED 50,000 (approximately USD 13,600) per year.

Visa and work permit fees

If you plan to work in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a work permit and a residence visa. You may also need to sponsor visas for any employees you plan to hire. The fees for these documents will vary depending on the type of visa and the number of people you are sponsoring.The fee for a one-year residence visa for a single person is typically around AED 3,000 (approximately USD 816).

Legal and professional fees

You may need to pay legal and professional fees for services such as drafting contracts, preparing documents, and providing advice on business matters.You might pay around AED 5,000 (approximately USD 1,360) for legal advice on business matters, or AED 10,000 (approximately USD 2,720) for assistance with drafting contracts and preparing documents.

B2B Document Clearing have professional company setup consultants.We can provide valuable expertise, time-saving services, and efficiency to the process of setting up a company in Dubai. Here are some specific reasons why you might consider working with us :

Working with us can be a valuable investment that helps you save time, avoid delays, and set up your company efficiently. Consider hiring a company formation consultant to take advantage of these benefits and many more.