Tips on Starting a Business in the UAE

Understand the updated legal laws and Government rules. Seek professional advice to guide you through the bureaucracy, legalities, and procedures from the team like us. Otherwise, the  process for company formation may get complicated and can take several months to complete Familiarise yourself with the tourist/work visa regulations. There are different types of tourist visas depending on your nationality. To do a job with a company employment visa is required. Employment visa is also your resident visa. Your employer will obtain your visa on your behalf. Investors can get partner/investor visa valid for 3 years. The most important factor when looking to set up a mainland company in the UAE is to ensure that you have reliable, efficient and secure local partners. They need to be the right partner for your company in terms of understanding the requirements and needs from the ‘Partnership’. We would always recommend that your local partner is a company and not an individual Emarati. That means sponsorship will be corporate and secure. Learn about the culture in the UAE and how business is done locally. Undertake extensive research into the business sector you wish to operate within. It always pays to do your market research before setting up. This research should also include what is the best way for your company to incorporate in the UAE. Should it be Free Zone, a Branch office or an onshore company Make sure you get professional advice on what suits your company the best. Too many companies set up only to find they are not able to trade properly with the Trade Licence they have obtained. Be aware of the working hours. Government working hours are from Sunday to Thursday with timings from 7am to 2pm. Private sector working hours are normally 8 hours per day and maximum 48 hours per week. Some companies work on split shift also. Be flexible and patient to grow your business. These are the most valuable attributes you can demonstrate throughout your business and working in the UAE. Choose the right way to set up your company in the UAE. Choosing the right type of entity to set up in the UAE is the most important decision your company will make. Mistakes can be expensive to rectify. You need to ensure you have the right activities for what your company wants to achieve. Should it be a free zone entity or an onshore entity? If it is a free zone which free zone best suits your companies needs? If it is onshore should you open as a Branch Office, a Representative Office, a Professional Licence or as a Limited Liability Company. Please be aware you can still be 100% foreign owned with an onshore entity. Make sure you are advised well on your options so that you are able to make an informed decision.