Business Choice for Foreigners in UAE

UAE is a perfect destination for foreigners to establish a company. There are multiple choices for investors to settle down in UAE and start a business. This article highlights the benefits for a foreign business owner in choosing UAE to start their business.

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It is the right time to choose UAE to establish a business. There are multiple factors that make UAE the right choice. The business-friendly laws, future growth plans, growing business infrastructure, and improved lifestyle. Also, the low taxation, 100% foreign investment, and many more.

Investors have several options for successfully setting up their company in the UAE. There are two popular business jurisdictions in the UAE. It is the Mainland and Free Zones. They offer various business licenses and attractive business setup packages for investors.

Various options to choose for starting a business in UAE

The investors have various options to choose from for starting a business in the UAE. There are business jurisdictions, numerous company formation packages, visa requirements, etc., to look at before finalizing the company package.

Entrepreneurs can obtain a trading license in UAE and conduct specific business activities. They can also indulge in Import export business in case looking at an international market expansion.

Additionally, entreprenuers can look at starting a company in UAE as a branch or subsidiary. The investors can setup a company in UAE with the assistance of an expert Business Consultant such as AURION.

They will help avoiding any hassles in the incorporation of the company. Also, provide clarity on the business laws and regulations for successful business operations in the UAE.

Let us look at the various options to choose for starting a business in UAE for a foreign investor. The following options will enable the investors to setup a company, work and live in UAE. The entrepreneurs can obtain the company trade license, company documents, and residence visa. They can get the residence visa for themselves and family under the company. Thus, enabling them to stay, live and work in the UAE for a longer period.

1. Get a Trading License in UAE

Getting a Trading License in UAE is the right way for global investors to set up their businesses in UAE.

A trading License enables investors to conduct trade operations in UAE and abroad by setting their base in UAE. The country offers advanced business infrastructure and logistics support for the business owners.

Also, there is a large consumer market for the trading companies to successfully operate and become profitable easily.

2. Start an Import Export Company in UAE

Foreign investors can start an import-export company in UAE . They can easily reach out to the Middle East, Asia, and European market. Establishing a company in UAE is a straightforward process.

Depending on the business activity, a few businesses require additional clearances from the authority. For starting an Import Export Company in UAE, the investor has to apply for customs registration. Then, obtain the import-export code.

There is immense potential in trade and commerce operations in UAE. The Free Trade Zones have customs duty waived. So, for all imports into the Free Zone, the trading company doesn’t have to pay customs duty.  Also, certain Free Zones in the UAE have an in-house Customs Department. It will allow for easy clearing of goods to and from the Free Zone.

To know more read: Import Export License in UAE.

3. Start a Branch or Subsidiary

Foreign investors having a parent company abroad can open a branch or subsidiary in the Free Zones or Mainland of UAE. They can do it with minimal documentation and clearances required.

The foreign business owner must attest the parent company documents from the UAE embassy at their home country. Also, counter-attest the documents in UAE from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy.

The investors can operate the branch company by being in Dubai and hiring employees for work. Get the Tax Residence Certificate from UAE and get the benefit of double taxation avoidance.

To know more read: Branch of a Foreign Company

4. Start a Free Zone Company

Free Zone is the most preferred business jurisdiction in the UAE for establishing a company. There are more than 45 Free Trade Zones in UAE offering various business licenses at cost-effective packages.

Free Zones companies are essentially onshore resident companies. The investors can have physical office spaces and employees under them on company visas. The Free Zones offer a lot of attractive business infrastructure to investors. They have shared offices, executive offices, and warehouse space at a cost-effective rate.

Investors can easily register their company with minimal documentation. There are more than 2000 business activities the free zone is offering to the investors. Based on specific requirements the investor can choose the Free Zones across UAE for starting their business.

5. Get a Mainland Business License

The Mainland of UAE is a perfect choice for entrepreneurs looking at large-scale business requirements. For example, a Large manufacturing unit would require several business resources to operate. There more flexibility in the Mainland for obtaining large warehouse spaces, retail expansion, and local market penetration.

For Commercial trading activity within the mainland, the most popular legal structure is the Limited Liability Company. Here the liability of a shareholder against any claims or damages is limited by the value of shares held in the company.

Registering a Limited Liability Company in the UAE Mainland enables the investors to obtain a trade license in UAE. Also, take office space, and apply for a residence visa. expand their company into a new branch, and more. Professional Civil Work company is the legal structure for professionals to set up their company on the mainland.

In a nutshell, the mainland of the UAE allows investors to easily expand their business. UAE Mainland companies achieve business growth quickly. They offer great flexibility in terms of conducting trade operations and expanding rapidly to new markets.

6. Apply for Long Term Residence Visa

Investors can apply for Golden Visa under various categories depending on their eligibility.

1. 5-Year Long Term Visa [ Currently Unavailable]

Investors can apply for a 5 year long term visa. They must have an investment in a business or startup project with worth more than AED 5 Million. Or have company shares worth AED 5 Million or above.

Similarly, an investor is eligble for the 5 year visa if they purchases property worth AED 5 million or above.

Read more to know about 5 Year Long Term Visa.

2. 10 -Year Golden Visa

Also, specialized talents, innovators, media professionals, creative minds, etc., can apply for the Golden Visa valid for 10 years.

Also, investor with AED 2Million Property Value can apply for a 10-Year Golden Visa. However, there is a set of requirements to be fulfilled by the investor to be eligible for the visa.

UAE is transforming itself into a business-first and family-friendly destination. It is triggering global investors to establish a business in UAE and settle down with the family.

To know more details, read about: Golden Visa in UAE

How Growing Business Infrastructure supports Investors in UAE?

Hence, in a nutshell, UAE is a perfect destination for foreign investors to set up a company. There are multiple options available for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in the country. There is a growing business infrastructure in UAE that supports the investor’s business growth and daily business operations.

A company can be set up in UAE’s Top Free Zones for a cost of AED 11,800 ( zero visa quota). Thus, making UAE a low-cost company formation destination for investors.

The investors can take an office space and take a residence visa under the company. They can upgrade for a fee based on the business requirements.

To know more about ‘How to start a company for foreign investors in the UAE?‘, talk to our expert Business Consultants right away!