To set up a business in Dubai, you need to know some of the features that can be helpful. You can start a business either on the mainland or in a Free Zone. In both of these, you have an opportunity as a foreign investor.

Choose a Business Structure    

We will discuss some of the business structures for starting a Business in Dubai. The first thing is where you want to operate your business: on the Mainland in a   Free Zone or offshore.

There is a complete detail of these three we will discuss;

Free Zone

If you are looking for totally free 100% ownership for your business, then Free Zone is the best option for this, and you can find the location in one of the Dubai Free Zones. It’s the best business option where you can enjoy full ownership. Dubai has more than 30 free zones. Each free zone focuses on a specific industry and issues licenses to companies in that industry.

In the Mainland, when you want to start a business, you are required to have a local sponsor or partner for the holding of at least 51% business ownership. Mainland businesses are subject to UAE regulations and enjoy the benefits of being able to trade within the local market, but they must comply with certain Emiratisation requirements and other regulatory guidelines.

Offshore

Offshore is Ideal for businesses that do not require a physical presence in the UAE. Offshore companies are allowed to have business outside the UAE and not inside Dubai. They also have no requirements for capital deposit to start the business.

Choose your Business Activity

Dubai offers a wide range of business activities, each requiring a specific type of license. You have to choose in which type you fall.

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Professional

Commercial

A Commercial License allows you to set up a business in Dubai that involves trading activities or the buying and selling of goods. This license covers businesses in import & export, sales, logistics, travel & tourism, general stores, and real estate. 

Industrial

The industrial License is issued for the manufacturing that transforms the material into the final products.  You can manufacture the product of your choice, which you can easily manage, such as textile, paper, and metal manufacturing.

Professional

The Professional Licence is specifically issued to businesses that operate as service providers, which may include artisans, craftsmen, and various professional service entities.  Dental offices, Clinics, beauty saloon etc, are the examples.

Choose a Company Name

When choosing a company, you have to follow the Dubai rules. Avoid using the language that refers to political and criminal organization. If you name your business after a person, you must show proof that this person is a partner or owner. You cannot use initials or abbreviations.

It’s a difficult task to choose your company name to start a business in Dubai. Make sure you follow all the rules and regulations. Try to take help from some expert.

Set Your Office Location

There are some criteria for your office location, which we will discuss below;

Mainland: In Mainland, you have a physical office address to start your business

Free Zone: In Free Zone, the offer spaces for the office to start your work

Renting office spaces is very costly in Dubai, but in the Mainland and the Free Zone, there is a flexible system to run offices

Get the Initial Approval

Dubai has an Initial Approval process which makes starting a business an easier task. You may apply for this online, in person, or via a third party (such as a law firm). Depending on the nature of your business, the documents you will provide will differ, but they typically constitute: 

• Form for business registration and licensing 
• Business ID card or passport 
• Residency permit/ visa copy 
• The articles of association of the company 
• Project feasibility study

Open a Bank Account

After approval of all initial, you have to open a bank account. UAE has many banks, both local and international, to choose from. These include but are not limited to: 

• Citibank
• Barclays
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
• Commercial Bank of Dubai

Apply for Final Approval

To get final approval for your business, you need to prepare important documents and information about your location and legal status. Sometimes, you may also need to get approval from other authorities for your license.

Branding and Marketing

After you start running your business, then try to focus on branding and online marketing to attract your customers and give a detailed view of your business through digital marketing.

Conclusion

Setting up a business in Dubai is a great opportunity through which you will earn easily, but firstly, while setting up or starting a business, there should be careful planning and understanding of the regulations. By following all the rules and understanding the discussion step, you will easily regulate your business in Dubai. As an example, Dubai provides many selections where businesses can locate a Free Zone, the Mainland, or Offshore. Selecting the appropriate structure, activity, and jurisdiction coupled with the necessary legal steps enables effective navigation of the entire process. Dubai offers endless success if you follow each step and rule effectively.