How To Do Business In Dubai As A Foreigner?

• Documents required-  To do business in Dubai/Get a licence for all legal forms
• Types of business license 
• Basic steps to start a business as a foreigner
• Benefits of doing business in Dubai
• Cost of starting a business in Dubai

Let us start with every concern one by one and clear the idea of doing business in Dubai.

• Complete the application form
• NOC required from the local sponsor 
• Need a copy of current trade registration certificate or license 
• Copies of colored passports of the shareholder, manager and director 
• Two years of audited financial reports or certificate of reference from a bank of the company’s shareholder
• Requires a sign of the selected director or manager for the new company
• Present your complete business plan
• Articles of incorporation (only if required)

• Initial approval receipt with all previously submitted documents 
• Attested copy of lease contract duly by the Real Regulatory Agency (RERA)
• Duly attested memorandum of association (all types of companies)
• Get approval from government entities 
• Contract of Duly attested service agent 

PLEASE NOTE: Once you receive the payment voucher, you must pay for your trade license within 30 days and in case you fail to make payment on time, the application will be cancelled immediately. 

1. Free Zone Licence- Novice entrepreneurs opt for free zone licence as it is considered as the cost effective way to set out a business plan in the Emirates as the non resident.

• 0% corporate tax
• 100% customer tax exemption

2. Mainland Licence- It is one of the highly preferred licences so that they can do business anywhere in UAE. And no capital is required for the mainland licence, but as a foreigner you need to team up with the local sponsor to make it functional ASAP. 

• Apply for VISA
• Select the business activity 
• Choose a unique business name
• Find a local sponsor (only for those who opt for mainland licence)
• Approval from the DED
• Draft MoA
• Pay fees (within 30 days)
• Register your business- visit Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Now rent office space

Now let us move to the benefits of doing business in Dubai which make this idea of business 200% lucrative for the majority. 

• Dubai is considered as the top commercial hub in UAE
• No corporate income taxes
• No capital repatriation restrictions 
• Exemption from import duties on goods brought into the zone
• No withholding taxes under current legislation 
• Less paperwork and quick business set up
• Fixed and easy government rules 
• Low crime rate for uninterrupted business  
• Lower set up costs 
• Technology advancement- Dubai to become the world’s digital hub
• Rapid import & export and tourism to boom business 
• Complete ownership of your business in Dubai
• Growing population to consume and grow business

The nature of your business decides the amount of investment required in Dubai, but still for the minimum investment to start it needs AED 11,900 for a free zone company licence, on the other than, to obtain trade licence with office space & visa quota the minimum investment for the company would be AED 17,900.

SUGGESTION: Cost effective options in Dubai- Shared office spaces, Flex-desk and co working spaces are some great options for business starters who might not be able to spend money on office space

So this might have given an appropriate idea on doing business in Dubai and the benefits which are exclusively accessible in Dubai because of its rapid growth. 

And furthermore, for additional support, we will give different types of businesses that are successful in Dubai for the foreigners who are keen to enter into Dubai business. 

• Travel and tourism 
• Real estate agent 
• Health Sector
• Handyman business
• Beauty salon
• Restaurant business
• Cleaning service
• Jewelry making 
• Oil & Gas

Apart from this, Find out the list of most preferred areas for business in Dubai Mainland that will serve an edge and ease of doing business because of its location whose ongoing demand gives limelight and raise potential of your business.

• Dubai Mainland
• Sheik Zayed Road
• Deira
• Business Bay
• Al Quasis
• Bur Dubai
• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Dubai International Financial Centre
• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City

Your meticulous approach and lucrative mind will aid you to lead your dream of doing business in Dubai because the conversion rate is impressive and also the expected population of Dubai 5.8 Million by 2040 will consume all types of businesses.