Starting a business in the UAE is easier with A&A Associate LLC

• Business Setup in a Free Zone
• A&A Associate Free Zone Offers
• Business Setup in Mainland
• A&A Associate Mainland Offers
• FAQs

Have you ever sat at your identikit desk, doing a mindless job, counting down the hours until Thursday? Do you think longingly about being your own boss, about really contributing to the economy? It might be time to think about setting up a business in the UAE! Starting a new company can be a daunting task though, especially in a country where the rules, regulations and requirements largely differ from those in your home country. 

So for all the aspiring expat entrepreneurs thinking of how to start a business in the UAE, here is all the information you need.

BUSINESS SETUP IN UAE

To set up a business in Dubai or any of the other emirates in the UAE, you need to first determine whether you want to start your business in mainland or a free zone. 

THE UAE MAINLAND

The UAE mainland is the total geographical area, where business entities are permitted to operate freely by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate. The mainland area acts as the epicentre for most local and international business operations in the UAE. 

The main advantages for mainland company formation (also known as onshore company formation) include:

• No minimum capital requirement for company formation
• Quick and simple registration process
• Flexibility to set up offices and do business anywhere in the UAE and abroad
• Ability to take up work from both private and public sectors
• No cap on the number of visas issued (subject to office size)
• Ability to repatriate capital and profits up to 100%
• Exemption from corporate and income tax
• No annual audits required
• Flexibility to expand their businesses into different industries

WHAT IS A FREE ZONE?

Free zones are independent jurisdictions with their own rules and regulations governed by the free zone authority they operate under. Free zone authorities issue trade licences for all business set ups under their jurisdiction. The UAE free zones offer foreign investors 100% ownership of their business and tax concessions.

In contrast to the mainland, free zone companies in the UAE can locate offices only in their designated free zone and operate only within the industry the zone specialises in the private sector. 

Some of the free zones are issuing a commercial permit at an additional cost which allows the luxury of carrying out the licensed activities in the mainland without the requirement of having a mainland license.

Once you’ve decided on what type of business you want to set up in Dubai, the next step is to get the paperwork in order.  

SET UP BUSINESS IN A FREE ZONE

Setting up a business in a free zone in Dubai or other emirates is relatively easy. Free zone authorities require minimum paperwork and the turnaround time is often quite quick. Here are the key steps you need to consider when setting up a business in a free zone:

• Determine the type of legal entity
• Choose a trade name.
• Apply for a business licence
• Choose an office space
• Get pre-approvals, register your business and get your licence

DETERMINE THE TYPE OF LEGAL ENTITY

The very first step in setting up your business in a UAE free zone is to determine the type of legal entity you want your start-up to be. In a free zone, you can set up one of the two types of companies:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) or Free Zone Company (FZ Co.)
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) 

The main difference between the two is in the number of shareholders and whether the shareholder is an actual person or a legal entity. 

All free zones might not register both types of companies. You need to check with individual free zone authorities about the type of company they can register. 

Does all this seem too technical to handle? Reach out to the experts!

A&A ASSOCIATE FREE ZONE OFFERS

A&A Associate offers a bunch of business setup packages in the UAE at discounted rates to help you set up your company in the UAE. While they take care of the legalities and requirements, you can focus on building your business strategies and operations. 

When you opt for any of the below mentioned licences:

• Your physical presence is not required
• The licence is issued in 3 to 5 working days
• A&A Associate takes care of the formalities on your behalf

BUSINESS SET UP PACKAGES IN SRTIP –    E-COMMERCE PACKAGE – AED 5,500

Package includes:

E-Commerce license for 1 year issued by Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park FreeZone (SRTIP) with Free Dubai P.O. Box

• 5 Services Activities or 5 Commercial Trading Activities
• Zero visa allocation
• Lease agreement
• Free bank account assistance

GENERAL TRADING PACKAGE – AED 8,500

Package includes:

General Trading license for 1 year issued by Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park FreeZone (SRTIP) with Free Dubai P.O. Box

• E-Commerce activity can be added without additional cost
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Lease agreement
• Free bank account assistance

Business License with Residence Visa PACKAGE – AED 15,920

The cost of this package is inclusive of shared desk, visa allocation, e-channel fee, 3 years Residence Visa fee and immigration card

Package includes:

• License for 1 year issued by SRTIP Freezone
• Can have any 5 Commercial Trading or 5 Services activities.
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free co-working 3 hours monthly
• Free 2-hours meeting room monthly
• Free bank account assistance

BUSINESS SET UP PACKAGES IN IFZA FREE ZONE (DUBAI)

For options on how to start a Trading business in a Dubai free zone, you can look at IFZA. The authority offers transparent procedures and affordable fees for investors interested in Dubai free zone company formation. 

DUBAI TRADING LICENCE – AED 11,900

Package includes:

• Dubai trading license for 1 year issued by Dubai Silicon Oasis – IFZA
• Can have any 3  Commercial Trading or 3 Services activities.
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free Dubai address
• Lease agreement
• Free bank account assistance

BUSINESS SET UP PACKAGES IN SPC FREE ZONE 

The Sharjah Publishing City(SPC) free zone is located only 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and 7 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. SPC has various facilities such as coworking, commercial, office, retail, storage and warehouse spaces for you to operate your business from. 

SPC authority issues business licenses for e-commerce companies with the share desk office for free.

FREE ZONE E-COMMERCE LICENCE WITH OFFICE – AED 5,750

• E-Commerce license for 1 year issued by SPC Freezone.
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free co-working space
• Lease agreement
• Free bank account assistance

GENERAL TRADING LICENCE BY SPC – AED 9,000

SPC free zone offers a 20 visa quota with a general trading license and a dedicated office space. 

• Business license for 1 year issued by SPC Freezone.
• Can have any 3 activities.
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free co-working space
• Free bank account assistance

SHAMS

FREE ZONE E-COMMERCE LICENCE WITH OFFICE – AED 5,750

• E-Commerce license for 1 year issued by SHAMS Freezone
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free bank account assistance

GENERAL TRADING LICENCE BY SHAMS – AED 9,200

• Business license for 1 year issued by SHAMS Freezone
• Can have any 3 activities.
• Free Dubai P.O. Box
• Zero visa allocation
• Free bank account assistance

SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN UAE MAINLAND

Mainland Company Formation in UAE is an attractive prospect for many entrepreneurs. It gives investors the option to conduct business anywhere in the UAE, have an unlimited number of visas available to them and a greater choice of commercial activities to license.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SET UP A MAINLAND BUSINESS IN DUBAI?

Both locals and foreign nationals can set up a business in mainland Dubai. 

Previously, foreign nationals could only consider a new business setup in Dubai if they have a UAE national acting as an agent/partner depending on the activities. As a partner, the UAE national would own a 51% share in the business or be a local service agent (LSA), with the foreign national having 100% of the business and paying the LSA an annual fee.

However, with the latest changes to the business ownership laws in the UAE, foreign investors are now allowed 100% ownership of their business as long as they fulfil the stipulations attached to the formation of onshore companies. 

A&A ASSOCIATE MAINLAND OFFERS

You can get the following licences for onshore business activities using the A&A Associate discount packages. 

PROFESSIONAL LICENCE – AED 10,850

Inclusions:

• Trade License – Project Management or Commercial Brokerage License
• Provision for 2 visa quota

Deliverables:

• Trade name
• Initial approval
• Payment voucher covered up to AED 4,000
• Local service agent
• PRO charges

PROFESSIONAL LICENCE WITH EJARI – AED 17,850

Inclusions:

• Trade License
• Provision for 3 visa quota

Deliverables:

• Trade name
• Initial approval.
• Payment voucher covered up to AED 6,000
• Local service agent
• PRO charges
• Ejari

COMMERCIAL/TRADING LICENCE – 15,850

Inclusions:

• Trade License

Deliverables:

• Trade name
• Initial approval
• Payment voucher covered up to AED 11,500
• PRO charges

COMMERCIAL/TRADING LICENCE WITH EJARI – 23,350

Inclusions:

• Trade License

Deliverables:

• Trade name
• Initial approval
• Payment voucher covered up to AED 11,500
• PRO charges
• Ejari

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE ON A&A ASSOCIATE LLC SERVICES?

Yes, you can use the promo code: A&ABAYUT to get special discounts on all the service packages mentioned above. 

WHAT ARE THE PROMINENT FREE ZONES IN THE UAE?

Every emirate in the UAE has free zones that allow for easier business set ups and convenient operations. The most prominent free zones in the UAE include DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS, SPC, SRTIP, DSO, DAFZA, and JAFZA etc.

There are several free zones in Abu Dhabi as well. Masdar City and Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) being the most popular ones. 

Are there any taxes applicable on the income and dividends of free zone companies?

The federal government does not levy any taxes on the wealth and income of companies registered in free zones. This means, free zone companies in the UAE do not have to pay any:

• Income tax
• Corporate tax
• Withholding taxes on outbound remittances

Can I have multiple business activities under one license?

Yes, free zones in Dubai and other emirates allow you different trade activities under the same licence. The number of activities allowed might differ from one free zone to another. Here’s a list of free zone areas in Dubai.

What is the time duration of the UAE visa process?

Based on the approval of the immigration authorities in the UAE, the visa process can take up to two weeks to complete.

Is It possible to open a bank account under my free zone license? 

Yes it is. Subject to bank approvals you can have a bank account based on your free zone licence.

Is there a need to rent office space for setting up a free zone company?

Yes, having an office space is one of the requirements of business setup in UAE free zones. These areas offer a bunch of office space options, including the affordable smart-desk, flexi-desk and co-working spaces.  

What are the documents required to get a Partner Visa?

The required documents for a Partner Visa can be divided into three separate segments.

DOCUMENTS FOR THE VISA

• Entry permit
• Copy of valid Passport
• Photograph(s) for visa application
• Copy of trade license
• Copy of Memorandum of Association
• Partnership Contract for professional license
• Partners List to denote LLC
• Local Service Agent Contract
• Copy of Immigration Card

DOCUMENTS FOR PARTNER VISA MEDICAL PROCEDURE

• Typed application
• Photograph(s)
• Passport copy
• Visa Copy

DOCUMENTS FOR PARTNER VISA STAMPING

• Visa stamping application
• Photograph for application
• Emirates ID form
• Original medical certificate
• Original Visa
• Original passport
• Medical insurance card copy
• LLC Agreement
• Immigration establishment card
• List of partners

Do I have to pay tax if I am on Investor Visa?

No, Investor/Partner Visa holders do not have to pay income or corporate taxes in the UAE.

Can foreign investors obtain a trade licence without a local UAE partner? 

YES, foreign investors can get 100% ownership of their companies set up in Dubai Mainland. 

Can my free zone company trade inside and outside UAE?

Depending on the rules and regulations of the free zone you operate in, your company can trade both locally and internationally.

How long does it take to setup a Free Zone Company?

The minimum processing time for setting up a company in UAE free zone is 3 to 6 weeks. The process may take longer depending on approvals and attestations.

Is it necessary to be a UAE Resident to own a Free Zone Company?

No, to own and operate a free zone company you do not have to be a resident of the UAE.

Do I get to choose the name for my UAE Free Zone Company?

Yes, you are free to choose whatever name you want for your business. However, the name will be registered once you get the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.

IS THERE A CAP ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES I CAN HIRE FOR MY FREE ZONE COMPANY?

The number of employees you can recruit depends on the number of visas allocated to you and the office space you rent. If you require additional visas, there are additional fees applicable.

That’s all we have for you now. Setting up your business in the UAE is easier when you have experts like A&A Associate to rely on. Make sure you use the promo code to avail an additional discount on their available service packages!