Arabic
Do you want to apply for a business license in the United Arab Emirates? You may acquire one for as little as Dh1,000.
Yes, that’s correct, the UAE’s free zones have implemented some of the most aggressive pricing plans to attract a new wave of enterprises to set up business or operate in the country. The message from the country’s numerous free zone authorities is obvious – “All startups are welcome”.
According to the CEO of a Dubai-based firm, the new packages “target a new generation of businesses.” “By lowering the entry barrier as far as possible, the authorities are aiming at two new types of business owners.
“First, those based outside the country who want to sell a product or service in this market, such as online sales, technology solutions, or even gaming services. These businesses need a license to operate and will not have much use for a visa, at least initially.
“Second, someone who is employed here and wants to use their off-duty hours to give freelance services. They, too, benefit immediately from having a low-cost business license.”.
Multiple Activities with a Single License
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi proclaimed its intentions loud and clear on Monday, offering three business licensing packages, the least expensive of which is set at Dh1,000.
Package A allows a registered business owner to combine two operations under one license and spend only Dh1,000 to get started. However, this does not include a visa.
The other two packages are priced at Dh7,000 and Dh12,000, respectively, and the licenses allow for four and five activities. These do include visa requirements. “Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive global hub that promotes economic diversification, empowers global talent, and supports the emirate’s sustainable development is further reinforced with the recent government notice to ease the business environment,” said Abdulla Balalaa, Executive Director, Masdar City.
Balalaa’s emphasis on ‘global talent’ is being echoed loudly in all other UAE jurisdictions that cater to businesses.
“COVID-19 has changed the style in which businesses operate,” said Robin Philip, Director for Assurance and Business Advisory, A&A Associates. “As a result, we have seen a huge spike in ecommerce licenses – more than 50 per cent of the licenses we are applying for right now are for ecommerce establishments.”
“The Government has made it more flexible for people wanting to start their business in UAE – and much easier for new entrants. For instance, they do not need a commercial office or physical address to get a license – they can operate a business in Dubai/UAE for one full year without it. They need to produce an ‘Ejari’ certificate only at the time of license renewal one year later.” (Ejari is the rental contract that is registered with the Dubai Land Department.)
Parker Russell UAE Business set-up in the UAE
Parker Russell UAE will help you to set up Free Zone and Offshore Companies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah. We help to obtain trade license and registration with relevant free zones in the UAE. We also provide wide range of advisory and consultancy services in relation to Free Zones in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
Learn more about Parker Russell UAE business set-up services in the free zone.