ADVANTAGES OF 100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP IN THE UAE

Freedom in Decision Making When foreign investors hold full ownership of their company, they can enjoy the freedom to make decisions that best suit their business interests. They do not need to consider the interests of shareholders (local and foreign) before taking any significant step, eliminating issues associated with cooperation and congruence. This freedom also has a positive impact on the UAE’s economy.

Opportunity to Manage Government Consignments Companies launched in the mainland can handle profitable government projects with 100% foreign ownership. These government consignments have significantly contributed to the economy’s growth, providing firms with more stability and the ability to function to their full potential.

Diversification in Business Mainland enterprises are allowed to manage a wider range of activities. If you want to diversify your offerings on the mainland, all you need to do is re-register your new activity with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and trade freely. This availability of 100% ownership for foreign investors in the UAE encourages investors to explore Dubai’s local marketplace and diversify their venture’s model accordingly.

Saves Time and Money The UAE government now enables numerous enterprises to carry out their business activities without any local sponsorship. With less formality and paperwork, you can start operations as soon as your company is registered. The 100% foreign ownership amendment allows a business to save sizable money that might originally have been spent on other formalities, enabling them to use this money and time for other productive business purposes.

BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI FOR EUROPEAN ENTREPRENEURS

European entrepreneurs find Dubai a perfect place to start their businesses, and the choice is highly dependent on state of the art technology and the facilities available in Dubai for startups and established businesses. Most European entrepreneurs are not aware of the systems and processes that need to be followed. The aid of good business setup consultants like Kiltons is the best way to learn, understand, and also ensure impressive growth in your business.

Here we are trying to educate ourselves on the different steps and aspects that European entrepreneurs need to follow in order to set up their businesses in the growing business hub in the world.

Let us first look into the different benefits that European companies or entrepreneurs can avail themselves of by setting up or launching their international business in Dubai.

  • Economy is growing

The UAE as a whole has been striving to be a one stop business destination on the map of emerging global economies. And Dubai is one of the major cities that has gained visibility among the world’s population. The conduct of Expo 2020 in itself showcases how the land is calling out to businesses far and wide around the globe to start their businesses in Dubai. As the Dubai market is growing exponentially, European entrepreneurs can find exclusive freezones that can help them network vividly and explore finding customers that can engage with their business. 

  • Strategic location

A business can be guided to success only if the relevant factors that support it are aligned for growth, and one such factor is the location of the business. Dubai is in itself in a position where it has a central location to three different continents. And hence it is ideal for businesses invested in international exports and imports, logistics, tourism, etc. Dubai has a 400-mile-long shoreline. Thus giving access to transit options by sea and additionally connecting with other Emirates and Middle Eastern countries as well. 

 

  • Business friendly tax structures

Dubai and the UAE as a whole are known for their tax policies and regulations. Many European entrepreneurs choose Dubai as their headquarters because of the flexibility of the rules and regulations and the feasible tax structure. Countries like the UK, the US, and other European countries have higher tax rates when compared to the UAE. The corporate tax in the UAE is coming up to 9%, which is a very low percentage when compared to other countries. Tax exemptions are much more effective in free zones, so if tax structures are your concern, the Dubai Freezones are the best choice. 

  • High standard of living

Dubai is one of the most developed and safest countries on the globe in terms of crimes and such. For a business to thrive, it needs to be built in an environment that is legally supportive and secure. The average number of crimes that happen around the world is 6 to 8 per day. In Dubai, crimes are non-existent and average just 0.5 to 1 per 100,000 people. The political stability and standard of living that Dubai offers to its residents is commendable and stands out from the other parts of the world. 

  • Chance for a residency permit

Dubai is trying to embrace international diversity, making it the ideal place for European entrepreneurs who want to do business with different people. When you get the visa for starting the entrepreneurial journey for European entrepreneurs and their families, as well as the employees that come to work for them, the visa will also help the entrepreneurs get a place to stay. The long-term residency permit is offered by the UAE government and is popularly known as the “Golden Permit.”The golden visas allow long-term residence visas that give residents the opportunity to stay in the UAE without the need for sponsorship. The visa is provided for 5-10 years.

  • World Class Healthcare

Dubai is known for the esteemed care that it gives to its inhabitants in terms of healthcare. There are 40 hospitals in Dubai that have world class technology. These hospitals are in both the public and private sectors. Employers also need to provide healthcare facilities for their employees, which is a mandatory rule. Expats and citizens alike can maintain a healthy lifestyle by visiting parks, beaches, gyms, and other fitness centers. The popular sports that are played in Dubai include polo, tennis, camel riding, tennis, and cricket. 

 

  • 100% repatriation profits

The business can take 100% repatriation of the profits that they have earned from their business. The UAE also has zero restrictions on foreign exchange. The UAE dirham and the US dollar are known to be two of the most stabilized currencies in the world. 

  • Excellent infrastructure and transportation

Dubai is one of the Middle Eastern countries that has a very effective public transport system. Dubai is also reaching the pedestal of being home to the busiest airport in the world for cargo and passengers. Also, the real estate sector in Dubai is very strong, which makes it easier to set up business in Dubai. The biggest airport is Dubai, and the biggest seaport is the Jebel Ali freezone. Transportation of goods and services is easily possible if you set up your business in Dubai in multiple ways, like air, land, and sea. 

  • Corporations with global stand

Dubai is becoming the fastest-growing business hub in the global economy. It is also becoming the solid ground of international education and is home to management schools like Hult Business School, American University, Rochester University, the London School of Economics, etc. 

  • No need to have local sponsorship

Previously, the freezone had a no-sponsorship rule and 100% ownership. The mainland companies were required to have a sponsor who owned 51% of the shares, implying that the majority of the shares are owned by UAE residents. 

With the recent advancements in rules and regulations, mainland businesses in Dubai can now operate without the need for sponsorship. 

The procedure to start the business is similar to starting every other business in Dubai. The applicant needs to choose the business activity, the structure of the business, trade name, and location of the business, submit the licence application and visa application and create a bank account.

Start a software company in Dubai

Dubai is currently positioning itself as the preferred destination for international digital investment and global tech talent. The Emirates aims to attract software development professionals globally by offering 100,000 Golden Visas to exceptional computer programming talent, presenting a favorable environment for starting a software company in Dubai.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, stated the UAE’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the digital economy. The country has experienced rapid growth in this sector, which has outpaced global GDP growth over the past two decades. The UAE is actively involving relevant stakeholders in building a roadmap to stimulate digital industries and promote innovation and business friendliness.

The Evolution of Software as a Service (SaaS) has significantly impacted the IT industry, experiencing substantial growth in recent years, partly accelerated by the pandemic. The cost-effectiveness and time-saving advantages of cloud-based services have positioned SaaS as a valuable replacement for traditional in-house IT services.

Starting a software company in Dubai is facilitated by the UAE’s status as the most competitive country in the Arab world, as per the 2022 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The government has streamlined the process for entrepreneurs to establish companies in Dubai.

To initiate a software company in Dubai, entrepreneurs can follow these steps:

  1. Choosing the Jurisdiction: Dubai and the UAE offer business setup options in the mainland and various industry-specific free zones. Depending on the nature of the business and software activities, entrepreneurs can select an appropriate location, such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Knowledge Park, or Dubai Media City.

  2. Trade Name Registration: Entrepreneurs need to register a legal trade name for the software company, adhering to rules set by the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.

  3. Legal Type of the Company: The type of license depends on the business activities. The Department of Economic Development administers the software company license in Dubai, allowing for 100% business ownership and sole proprietorship.

  4. Visa Application: Business owners require an investor visa for residency in Dubai. Professional services can assist in handling the visa application process, including dealing with government agencies and ensuring all documentation is in order.

To obtain a software business license in Dubai, entrepreneurs should follow these steps:

  1. Select the company trade name.

  2. Submit documents for proof of identity and residence for all shareholders/owners.

  3. Submit documents for company incorporation.

  4. Finalize the location for the office.

  5. The Dubai Department of Economic Development will issue the software business license.

  6. Collect the license within 2-3 working days.

  7. Open a corporate bank account in the UAE.

The cost of starting a software company in Dubai varies based on factors such as location, legal structure, and the number of shareholders. The initial cost can start from around AED 12,900*, with potential increases based on additional factors like workforce size and premises requirements, reaching up to AED 50,000.

Employment Visa vs Residence Visa

Employment Visa

An employment visa in the uae is a legal document that permits an individual to work for a specific company. Here are the critical aspects of an employment visa: 

  • Sponsorship: An employment visa is sponsored by the employer, meaning the company you work for is responsible for obtaining and managing your visa. 

  • Validity: Employment visas in the UAE are typically issued for a specific job and are valid for a limited period, often tied to the duration of the employment contract.

  • Renewal: Employment visas can be renewed if you remain employed by the sponsoring company and meet the renewal requirements. 

  • Responsibilities: As a visa holder, you must work for the sponsoring employer and adhere to UAE labour laws and regulations. 

Residence Visa

On the other hand, a residence visa allows an individual to reside in the UAE long-term, independent of employment. Here’s what you need to know about residence visas:

  • Sponsorship: Residence visas can be sponsored by a UAE resident, such as a family member or friend. It can also be obtained through property ownership, retirement, or investment in the country.

  • Validity: Residence visas are generally issued for longer durations, such as two or more years, and can be renewed if the sponsor and the visa holder meet the renewal criteria.

  • Privileges: Holders of residence visas enjoy various privileges, including the ability to open bank accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and enrol in educational institutions.

  • No Employment Restriction: Unlike employment visas, residence visas do not tie you to a specific job or employer. You can work for any employer or engage in business activities. 

Application Process

The application processes for employment and residence visas involve several steps, including medical examinations, security checks, and paperwork verification. It’s essential to work closely with your employer or sponsor and adhere to the guidelines provided by the UAE immigration authorities to ensure a smooth application process.

Certainly, here are the rewritten points to highlight the distinctions between a work visa and a UAE residence permit:

1. Work Visa in UAE:

  • Enables an individual to work for a specific company in the UAE. 

  • Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

  • Sponsored by the employer, allowing the employee to engage in work-related activities. 

  • Provides a grace period of one month in case of termination or cancellation, during which the individual can explore other employment opportunities. 

 2. UAE Residence Permit:

  • Permits a foreign citizen to reside in the UAE. 

  • Issued by the General Directorate of Residency Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

  • Not tied to a specific job or employer, offering more flexibility in terms of employment. 

  • Can be obtained through various sponsorship options, such as family, property ownership, or retirement. 

3. Authority Issuing Visas:

  • Work visas are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), focusing on employment-related permissions.

  • Residence permits, on the other hand, are issued by the General Directorate of Residency Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), emphasizing the right to reside in the UAE. 

4. Grace Period and Transition:

  • Employer-sponsored work visas provide a grace period of one month, allowing individuals to explore alternative employment or residence options after visa cancellation or termination. 

  • In the event of work visa cancellation, individuals can transition to a resident visa within the one-month grace period, enabling them to stay in the UAE under different sponsorship categories. 

5. Flexibility and Purpose:

  • Work visas are specific to the job and employer, restricting the holder to employment-related activities.

  • Residence permits offer greater freedom, enabling individuals to live in the UAE for various purposes, such as education, retirement, or property ownership, without being job dependent.  

Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals seeking employment or residency in the UAE, as it allows them to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and circumstances.

Difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE

Certainly, here is a simplified table outlining the key differences between different types of employment visa and residence visa in UAE:

 

Visa Type 

Sponsorship 

Validity 

Renewal 

Work Restrictions 

Other Privileges 

Employment Visa 

Sponsored by Employer 

Typically tied to job duration 

Renewable with employment 

Tied to specific job and employer 

Limited to employment-related activities 

Investor Visa 

Sponsored by Investor/Company 

2 years, renewable 

Renewable with continued investment 

Can work for the investing company 

Business ownership and investment opportunities 

Family Sponsorship Visa 

Sponsored by a UAE Resident 

Usually 2 years, renewable 

Renewable with valid sponsorship 

Not tied to specific employment 

Access to healthcare, education, and other public services 

Property Owner Visa 

Sponsored by Property Owner 

2-5 years, renewable 

Renewable upon property ownership 

Can work for any employer 

Property ownership and real estate investment opportunities 

 

Understanding the distinctions between employment visas and residense visa in uae is crucial for individuals planning to live and work there. While employment visas are job-specific and tied to a particular employer, residence visas offer more flexibility, allowing individuals to live in the UAE for an extended period, engage in various activities, and enjoy the country’s diverse opportunities. 

Visa Requirements

Do I need a visa to travel to the UAE?

People from different nationalities must satisfy different criteria to get a valid visa to enter United Arab Emirates (UAE). Read on to know about getting a UAE visa while travelling to any of the Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah).

Visa requirement for US citizens

American citizens who have regular passports do not need to have a visa to visit the UAE. However, please make sure you fulfil following criteria’s:

  1. Original passport signed by the bearer, should not expire within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE.

  2. Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s).

The visas are available upon arrival at the UAE airports and the American citizens can stay for 1 month in the UAE. However, if you are going to stay longer, you have to contact the immigration officer at the airport or the local immigration office in the UAE and apply for the same.

Visa Policy

Nationals of member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council have freedom of movement in the UAE. All UAE visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months. GCC nationals need to show their government-issued ID card.

Visa on Arrival

For GCC nationals:
The citizens of GCC countries, i.e. the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, do not require a visa to visit the UAE. The GCC residents who are not citizens but working as high-level officials such as doctors, managers, engineers or public sector employees and their families can have a 30-day non-renewable visa at all the airports in the UAE upon arrival.

Stay up to 180 days:
Nationals of Mexico are eligible to obtain a free UAE visa on arrival and can stay up to 180 days.

Stay up to 90 days:
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to obtain a free UAE visa on arrival and can stay up to 90 days: European Union countries (except Ireland), Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Montenegro, Nauru, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, South Korea, Serbia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Uruguay.

Stay up to 30 days:
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to obtain a free UAE visa on arrival and can stay up to 30 days: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macao, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.

Other Visas

Substitute visas:
Nationals of India who have a valid visa or residents of the United States or are residents of the European Union can obtain a free 14-day visa on arrival.

Golden visa:
The Golden visa is issued for investors, entrepreneurs and professional talent.

Transit visa:
Passengers on all international airlines may enter the UAE for up to 96 hours after obtaining a transit visa at the airport. Passengers also must have a hotel booking. This does not apply to Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen nationals. Travellers in transit are exempt from entry fees for the first 48 hours; this can be extended for up to 96 hours for an additional fee of 50 AED.

Tourist visa:
The Tourist visa is a special category under the Visit visa and entitles the holder to a 30-day stay.

Multiple-entry visa:
Multiple-entry visas are issued to cruise ship passengers since their schedule entitles them to enter the country more than once in a single trip. Such visas are also issued to business visitors who are frequent visitors to the UAE due to their ties with a multinational company or a reputable local company. Multiple-entry Visas are valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The visa is non-renewable. The individual must enter the UAE on a Visit Visa and then obtain a Multiple-entry Visa.

Airline visa:
Visitors usually require a sponsor, but visas can be arranged online through an airline if they travel by Air Arabia, Air Astana, Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Turkish Airlines and a few more.

Document required:

  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor

  • Clear passport copy of the sponsored person

  • A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached

  • Proof of family relationship (kinship)

  • Travel Insurance

  • Copy of confirmed flight booking

  • Bank approval letter

  • Passport-sized colour photographs

  • Visa fee

  • Visa application form, duly filled

Rules and conditions:

  • Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.

  • The ticket is non-refundable if the visa has been issued and utilised.

  • Visa processing time is approximately three to four working days.

  • Visa fees, once paid are non-refundable.

A Guide for Relocating to Dubai and Starting a Business

Research and Planning

Before taking the leap, conduct thorough research on Dubai’s business environment. Understand the local market, your competition and the legal requirements for starting and operating a business in the UAE. Create a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, target market, financial projections and marketing strategies.

Legal Structure and Business Setup

Dubai offers various legal structures for businesses such as Free Zones, Mainland and Offshore companies. Each has its own set of regulations and benefits. Choose the structure that best suits your business needs and objectives. Consult with a local business advisor or setup consultant for guidance. 

Acquiring the right business license is essential. The type of license you need depends on your business activities and location. Free Zones offer specialized licenses for specific industries while mainland businesses require approvals from the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Local Partner

In some cases you may require a local sponsor or partner, especially when setting up a mainland business. Ensure you have a clear and legally sound sponsorship agreement to protect your interests.

Office Space

Decide on your business’s physical location. Dubai offers a wide range of office spaces, from traditional offices to co-working spaces within Free Zones. Make sure your chosen location aligns with your business goals and budget.

Visa and Immigration

Depending on your business structure you may be eligible for a residency visa. Ensure that you meet the visa requirements and go through the application process, which typically involves a medical checkup and biometric data submission.

Taxation and Financial Planning

Dubai offers a favourable tax environment with no personal income tax and minimal corporate tax in some cases. However, it’s crucial to understand the tax regulations and seek advice from financial experts to optimize your tax strategy.

Branding and Marketing

Standing out among numerous businesses is essential and that’s where branding plays a crucial role. It’s all about giving your business a unique identity. 

Conclusion

Relocating to Dubai and starting a business can be a rewarding experience if approached with careful planning and execution. Dubai’s business-friendly environment, strategic location and economic stability offer ample opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, it’s essential to make the right decisions.