Business Relocation to UAE

Open your business in the heart of the Arab Emirates, where golden deserts meet azure skies. Here, in an oasis of innovation and wealth, every entrepreneur will find the keys to a world of opportunity.

Entrepreneurial boom in the UAE: reasons and advantages of starting a business

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world due to its favorable tax policy and friendly business environment. There is no personal income tax, corporate tax can be reduced to zero, and VAT is only 5%, with some goods and services exempt from this tax. Such conditions create an attractive business environment, making the UAE a preferred location for entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additional benefits include a stable banking system, with many banks ranked in the top 100 of the world's best banks, and a large number of free economic zones with customized business conditions.
Free Economic Zones (FEZs) in the UAE are specially designated areas with a special legal status. These zones are created to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment. FEZs offer a number of advantages for businesses, including the possibility of 100% foreign ownership of a company, exemption from corporate and income taxes, simplified registration and license procedures, and the possibility of repatriation of capital and profits.

Thinking of doing business in UAE? Get your visa quickly and easily.

Apply online

Features of Economic Zones (EEZs) in the UAE:

Specialization by industry (e.g., technology, media, health care)

Modern infrastructure and office space

Simplified customs procedures

Access to skilled labor

Strategic location for international trade

The UAE also has a unique geographical location, making it a key global market with a developed transportation network and efficient logistics chains. This ensures high accessibility and efficiency in international transportation.

Opening a business in the UAE can be a favorable decision for entrepreneurs looking for a loyal tax system, good investment conditions and developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, some disadvantages related to climate, culture and legislation should be taken into account.

If you have any questions or need assistance in starting a business in the UAE, our team is ready to provide the necessary support and advice to successfully launch your business in the United Arab Emirates.

Starting a business in the UAE: process, opportunities and investments

Starting a business in the UAE offers unique opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. A favorable tax regime, strategic location and developed infrastructure make this country an attractive place to do business. However, in order to take advantage of all the benefits, it is important to carefully plan the process of opening a company, take into account all costs and comply with all legal requirements. With the right approach and professional support, starting a business in the UAE can be a successful start to your entrepreneurial journey in this dynamic region. The process of starting a business in the UAE requires careful planning and understanding of local laws and procedures.

Let's look at the main stages of company registration and the costs involved.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

Selecting the type of company and area of operation:

the first step in starting a business is to choose the type of company: a freezone, mainland or offshore entity. This choice determines the next steps and requirements, including the need to obtain a license, rent an office and engage a local partner or sponsor.

The UAE offers more than 38 free zones, many of which specialize in specific industries. Freezones offer significant benefits such as full foreign ownership, tax incentives for up to 50 years and flexible office location terms.

Choosing a company name:

The name of the company must comply with strict UAE regulations. It must not contain profanity, contradict local traditions and morals, or refer to religious and political organizations.

Pre-approval and enrollment:

Foreign nationals need to obtain pre-approval to do business in the UAE. This can be done online, in person or through a law firm. The required documents include a copy of passport, valid visa or residence permit, articles of association and feasibility study.

After preliminary approval has been obtained, the company should be registered with the appropriate authority, depending on the type of business. This may be the Free Economic Zone Authority, the Emirate's Economic Development Department or the FEZ registration agent for offshore companies.

Obtaining a license:

in order to conduct business in the UAE, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate license. The type of license depends on the planned activities of the company. The license is usually issued for one year and requires annual renewal.

Office Rentals:

A physical address is a prerequisite for most types of companies in the UAE. The office requirements depend on the type of company and its zone of incorporation. Mainland companies must rent a real office, while companies in freezones can use virtual offices or workspaces.

Opening a bank account:

The final stage is the opening of a corporate bank account. This process can take from 1 to 3 months depending on the type of company and the bank's requirements. Local companies usually go through this process faster than offshore or freezone companies.

Cost of starting a business: the cost of starting a business in the UAE can range from €3,700 to €24,700 depending on the type of company, the license chosen and the area of incorporation. The main cost items include:

License fee: €3,200 - €12,300 per year
Office rent: €1,500 - €6,200 per year
Opening a bank account: €860 - €2,960

Please note that these amounts are approximate and may vary depending on current exchange rates and specific circumstances.

Additional costs may include visa fees, trade name registration, legal fees and other administrative costs.

For a company with a trade license, the total costs may be around €23,000, including the license itself, resident visa, trade name registration and legal fees.

Counseling and Assistance:

Our experts will provide you with detailed information on the process of company registration in the UAE, including all legal aspects and requirements. We will help you to understand the intricacies of local legislation, choose the best organizational and legal form and zone for your business. Our experts will undertake the preparation of all necessary documents for the registration of your company, which will significantly accelerate and simplify the process.

Licensing and leasing an office in the UAE

UAE Free Economic Zones

Registration and licensing of companies in the UAE: key aspects

The process of starting a business in the UAE requires careful analysis of many factors, including choosing the best jurisdiction, determining the type of activity and preparing the necessary documents. Local legislation has its own specifics, which are important to take into account when planning to register or relocate a business.

Types of licenses and specifics of obtaining them

In the UAE there are six main types of licenses for different types of activities. A business license is issued by the Department of Economic Development or the administration of a free economic zone (FEZ). Foreign entrepreneurs can obtain an unlimited number of licenses for different types of activities.

Visa regime and employment

Visa requirements in the UAE provide for obtaining an entry visa or resident visa (analogous to a residence permit) for various periods of time. Free crossing of the UAE border is available only to citizens of the Gulf countries.

Tax system and economic stability

The UAE is characterized by a simplified taxation system for individuals and legal entities. A company registration number is required to obtain a resident visa and open a bank account. The UAE labor legislation establishes norms of working hours.

Dreaming of doing business in UAE? Get your visa quickly and easily!

Apply online

The advantages of doing business in the UAE:

Obtaining a UAE resident visa

Tax advantages (no property tax, personal income tax, capital gains tax)

Possibility of full ownership of the company

Lack of currency control

Stable economic situation

Auditing and filing financial statements is not always mandatory

Legal regulation of digital assets

The complexities of doing business in the UAE:

Cost of business relocation

Difficulties in opening a bank account

Necessity to obtain a license

The need to rent a real office

Starting a business can take a long time

Need to engage an agent to trade goods in the UAE for freezone companies

Comprehensive services for starting a business in the UAE

We offer a full range of services to successfully launch your business in the United Arab Emirates:

Company registration in any UAE free economic zone

Formalization of all necessary documentation

Assistance in opening bank accounts

Comprehensive legal support

Assistance in leasing office space

Our benefits:

Ready-made templates and forms for registration in any UAE BMS

Extensive experience of interaction with representatives of all free zones at the state level

Personal accompaniment of documents to state authorities to control the speed of the process and the integrity of the originals

Pre-approval of all activities with you and BMS to prevent future bans

Preparatory work for obtaining complex licenses and additional permits

Familiarity with the specifics of doing business in the UAE, including cultural aspects and tax reporting

We provide opportunities:

Company registration with simultaneous opening of a bank account
Opening personal and corporate bank accounts
Residence visas for business owners, employees and their family members
Organizing the acceptance of payments from all over the world
Obtaining UAE tax residency status

Our approach: We understand that every business is unique, so we offer individual consultations to find the best solution for your situation. Our goal is to provide you with a comfortable start and successful business development in the UAE.

Frequently asked questions about registering a business in the UAE

How long does it take to open a company in the UAE?

The timeframe varies from 3-5 days to a month, depending on the type of company and the chosen free economic zone (FEZ). For example, in IFZA the process usually takes 3-5 days.

Do I need to be present in person to register?

No, physical presence is not required. We can help you register your company remotely.

What documents are required to start a company?

The list of documents depends on the form of the company and the requirements of a particular FEZ. The main document is a scan copy of the founder's passport. A business plan, financial statements, founding documents and photographs may be required.

What is the difference between freezone and mainland?

Freezone - these are special economic zones with simplified registration and special conditions for doing business. Mainland - the main territory of the country, where companies are registered under the general rules of the UAE.

Is reporting required from companies in a LEZ?

Reporting requirements depend on the specific BMS and Emirate. In some cases, the appointment of an auditor may be required.

How long is a resident visa issued for?

The validity of the visa can be from 1 year to 10 years, depending on the BMS. The visa can be extended when the license is renewed.

How much does it cost to start a company?

The cost depends on many factors, including the chosen FEZ, authorized capital, types of activities, etc. For example, in DMCC the prices start from approximately FROM 10 000 EUR.

Can I open a bank account remotely?

Generally, opening a corporate account requires a personal appearance, but some banks offer remote account opening for certain types of companies.

What taxes do companies pay in the UAE?

In most FEZs, companies are exempt from corporate income tax. However, as of 2023, a federal corporate tax of 9% has been introduced for companies with annual revenues above approximately 93,750 EUR.

Are there restrictions on foreign ownership of a company?

Most of the FEZs allow 100% foreign ownership. The UAE mainland also allows 100% foreign ownership for many activities from 2021.

What are the benefits of UAE tax resident status?

UAE tax resident status allows you to take advantage of double tax treaties and may also make it easier to open bank accounts in other countries.

Is it possible to work with clients outside the LEZ?

Companies in a LEZ are generally restricted from operating in the UAE domestic market, but are free to do business with foreign customers. A local agent or additional license may be required to operate in the local market.