Register a Company in Dubai – 7 Things You Need To Know

Dubai is a well-known start-up haven. A lot of up-and-coming entrepreneurs take their chance in starting their trade in the emirate due to the advantages provided by the government including streamlined business registration, tax-free privileges, strategic location, availability of manpower and resources, and state-of-the-art infrastructures.
And Dubai’s consumer profile is diverse as people from around the globe and all walks of life flock and reside to the emirate either to experience the culture or reside and retire permanently. This may mean that you can capture a diverse audience for your new business
According to Khaleej Times, Dubai business owners can expect growth and expansion to the Dubai economy this 2022 with a forecasted 4.5% growth in major industries including real estate, food and beverages, manufacturing, Information and Technology, and more.
Not only Dubai, but UAE will have an upward trajectory in terms of economy, with the whole country gearing up to a 5% to 6% economic growth this year, as forecasted by the Economic Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri in an interview with Reuters.
Despite the crippling effects of the pandemic on the global economy, many business experts believe that Dubai will have a promising year in terms of financial growth. This forecast provides aspiring business owners the opportunity to take their chance in the booming state of the emirate’s business environment.
Being your own boss in Dubai starts with getting your business registered. Although the emirate provides aspiring entrepreneurs leniency in terms of forming a company, you need to at least meet the minimum requirements set by the governing agencies before you can operate in the a Dubai free zone.

If you are thinking of setting up business in Dubai this year, here are the steps that you need to undertake and some things that you need to understand as you go along with your business registration in Dubai.

Before you go through the technical process of registering your business in Dubai, it is best if you draft a business plan that includes the following details: the nature of your business, your business objectives and vision breakdown of your services or products, financial or investment sources, etc.
This is just the initial plan. You may need to revise this as you go along the process of business registration and polish this step-by-step. Some business jurisdictions require such document so they can learn more about your business. You can also use it as a guide. If you have never drafted a business plan before, it would be best to seek the help of experts in company formation in Dubai.

There are more than 30 free zones in Dubai that aspiring business owners can choose from. But this step should not be taken lightly. Choosing the best location for your trade can be a big advantage for your business. One, you need to consider what free zone in Dubai caters to the nature of your business. For example, medical professionals would like set up their practice in Dubai Healthcare City, a well-known free zone for medical advancement and clinical services. IT-related businesses are likely to set up in Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, known hubs for tech-related trades and innovation.

You also need to understand that each free zone has specific requirements for business owners who are registering their trade. Although there are general requirements accepted in all free zones, you need to know if you have to apply for certain additional permits or specific documents depending on your choice of business activity and free zone.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is there are different business structures that are accepted in Dubai free zones. Consider this as the more technical side of business registration in Dubai. There are at least 7 company structures accepted in UAE and these include:
  • Individual Establishment
  • Civil Company
  • General Partnership
  • Simple Limited Partnership
  • Private Joint Stock Company
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnership Limited with Shares (PLS)
Each legal structure requires certain conditions in terms of capital investment, incorporation procedures, number of shareholders, stakeholders, and the nature of your business. It would be best to consult with business consultant companies in UAE so you will be able to make a sound decision on what legal structure to apply for your business.
A brand name is essential for business. This name will represent your business to the clients and stakeholders. It should hold weight in the business scene. Hence, you need to be thorough on choosing a business name for your trade. The first order of business when you are choosing a company name is to do a Dubai company name check. If you are using generic terms for your business, there is a high chance that the name is already taken by other entrepreneurs. Marketing-wise, it is best to use a unique brand name that would help your business stand out.

You might also want to consider the nature of your business when you create a business name. Serious tones more likely associate with businesses like banks, medical practices, and corporate services. But with businesses like crafting, food and beverages, etc., you can be a bit playful.

Another technical part of the process that you need to go through is applying for a trade license in UAE. A trade license is an essential document for any UAE company as it states the specific activities a business can carry out and do. This is issued by the Department of Economic Development.
There are four types of trade licenses in Dubai that you can apply depending on the nature of your business, namely:
  • Professional license
  • Commercial license
  • Industrial license
  • General Trade license

Professional license includes more specific services that your business would like to offer like medical, clinical, marketing services, etc. A commercial license, on the other hand, is applied by business owners who delve into trading like commercial stores, retail, etc. An industrial license is given to businesses who are involved in running industrial and manufacturing operations. Lastly, a general trade license is specialized for import and export services.

As mentioned, your trade license depends on the nature of your business. And each type of license might require a different set of requirements that you need to fulfill, so the help of an expert in company formation in Dubai is a must.

If you are planning to have a physical store, you need to find a specific location that would present your business well to your target audience. The good news is, Dubai free zones are strategic for business, so it would be a big advantage for your trade. But you need to consider the rent, the layout, and whether it is close to suppliers that can help your business.

On the other hand, there are businesses that can apply using a virtual office. There are free zones in Dubai that allow this setup. But you need to be more aware of the requirements and other conditions stipulated on this kind of company formation.

We stated earlier that Dubai offers a very streamlined process when it comes to business registration. The UAE government places great importance on providing an easy and convenient startup environment for aspiring business owners. However, it is essential that you do your research from the get-go and ensure your business in UAE is set up the right way and your license allows your company to grow the way you wish.

You may choose to register a business yourself, but it is advisable to talk to business setup companies in UAE so you will know for certain the requirements and documents you need to submit in order to avoid any delays or unexpected costs. A company setup specialist will confidently guide you step by step on the intricacies of starting a business in UAE, or more specifically in Dubai.

When looking for a business consultant in Dubai, keep in mind your business formation needs as well as your budget.

Starting a business in Dubai is straightforward compared to other locations around the world, but you need to follow certain procedures and steps so you can fully register your business and start your trade operations as soon as possible. Our company formation experts at ExpressPRO can help you make sense of this process and provide you the necessary information to make a sound decision when you set up your business in UAE.

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Pedro De Matos
Pedro De Matos
23:31 18 Jul 24
I would like to express my thanks and great appreciation to the magnificent team at EXPRESSPRO. We faced many challenges in setting up a freezone entity, but the patiently and diligently overcame... every obstacle and in the end delivered outstanding results. My special thanks to Wasseem, Eli, Girlie and the rest of the great team in getting this across the line. What a fantastic result. I would not hesitate to work with them again. I strongly recommend them.read more
Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
10:22 12 Jul 24
Jean helped us get our trade license sorted out. She is super friendly and professional and makes the process so easy. Everything was completed so fast. Highly recommend!
mohamed ramzy
mohamed ramzy
21:38 11 Jul 24
Express Pro provided outstanding service. Their professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to quality were evident throughout. The team was responsive, delivered on time, and exceeded our... expectations. Highly recommend!---read more
Nikhil Shah
Nikhil Shah
12:34 09 Jul 24
Thank you Irshaad for helping and opening company in soonest possible time 😊
Yousef Batter
Yousef Batter
15:13 08 Jul 24
Highly recommended. Ask for Paul
Maria Gamez
Maria Gamez
08:28 08 Jul 24
Ellie was an amazing support at setting up my business license. She answered all my questions and advised me on what the correct license was based on my needs and ideas. Thank you for all the help.
Saad Aalyani
Saad Aalyani
11:27 05 Jul 24
Excellent Business Registration service. Professional staff who guided me throughout with the procedure. Highly Recomended to everyone who wishes to register a business in the UAE.
SALLY BROON
SALLY BROON
06:32 27 Jun 24
ExpressPRO are very professional and efficient. Especially Sajid who is always available to answer any questions and help in any way. I would highly recommend them.
Matthew Norris
Matthew Norris
04:33 15 Jun 24
Paul and Hassan were excellent in guiding us through the process. I’d recommend these guys to anyone.We had a small issue with the freezone to begin with but once we arrived in Dubai, everything... was taken care of and completed very quickly. Paul and Hassan were always available to answer our questions and willing to help with anything we needed.Thank you both 🙌read more
Emma Ticehurst
Emma Ticehurst
03:12 15 Jun 24
Paul & Hassan did a great job of supporting us through a complex process. It was a relief to know we had them helping us at every step of the way.We did loose some time at the start of the process... as incorrect forms were completed, however this was the only slight bump in the road. Once we arrived in Dubai, the whole process, including our phone number and bank account was finalised within 2.5 weeks. The Express Pro team also sat with us whilst we set up the bank, to ensure the correct forms were submitted.Big thanks to Paul & Hassan, they were readily available at all times and no ask was too much for them. 😊😊read more
Sus Master69
Sus Master69
19:02 11 Jun 24
**Review for Express Pro Company - Trading License Setup**I recently used the services of Express Pro Company to assist me in setting up my trading license, and I couldn't be more satisfied. Hassan... Ali, the dedicated representative assigned to my case, displayed exceptional professionalism and expertise throughout the entire process.From the initial consultation to the final approval, Hassan was proactive in guiding me through every step with clarity and precision. His attention to detail and prompt responses to my inquiries ensured a smooth and efficient experience.Express Pro Company's knowledgeable team, coupled with Hassan's personalized assistance, made the daunting task of obtaining a trading license a seamless and stress-free endeavor. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and efficient support in business setup.Thank you, Hassan Ali, and Express Pro Company, for your outstanding assistance in facilitating my trading license setup.read more
Sarah Morris
Sarah Morris
10:36 10 Jun 24
Fast and helpful service, Paul was very helpful at setting up a company in RAK for me.
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