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An investor interested in investing the money can start applying online in just 15 minutes to start their own business in the UAE mainland. Obtaining procedures and approvals from the Finance Department and other government agencies is usually required to start a business. This page tells about such steps and the investor’s journey to start a business in the UAE mainland.
The UAE government has introduced a service called Bashr for foreign investors who want to invest money to start any business. Bashr is an integrated e-service that enables investors to set up their businesses in the UAE through the integrated online platform system in just 15 minutes. This platform is affiliated with federal and local government agencies that provide commercial licensing services. Read more about Bashr.
The Abu Dhabi Business Center offers instant licensing services for investors to start their business online and obtain a commercial license without the need to visit a service center. Apply for an Instant License in Abu Dhabi.
The Dubai Virtual Commercial City Program (VCC) was launched in partnership with the Dubai Economy and the Dubai government agencies. To enable entrepreneurs and freelancers around the world, to start a virtual company in the UAE, even if the person who wants to invest money does not live in the UAE can possible through the Dubai Virtual Commercial City Program or VCC. Read on to learn more about the Dubai Virtual Commercial City Program (VCC)
Whether your intention is commercial, industrial or professional, the criteria for choosing the legal form and type of license is business activity. There are six types of licenses depending on its nature. They are industry, commerce, professional, tourism, agriculture and employment respectively.
The Legal form is mainly depends on the business needs, not only that, but the legal form is also a measure of identifying applicable laws and regulations. An investor in the UAE can choose one of these Legal forms.
Note: The legal form of the business must match the business activity.
To learn more about the requirements of each business activity and legal form, check the following pages
The legal form of the business must be consistent with the business activity you intend to start. You can learn more about the requirements of each legal form and business activity by checking the following pages.
A brand name is important; it distinguishes one business from another. This reflects the nature and form of any business. An investor can apply for a brand name in two ways; it can be applied through the Finance department of each emirate through its website or mobile application.
To own a trade name you must do the following
Follow the acronym (legal form of the company) indicating the type of structure according to the nature of the business. (LLC, EST, PJSC, PrJSC etc)
Initial approval means that the UAE government has agreed to set up a business in the country. It also allows the investor (male/female) to move forward with the next steps in setting up a business. However, this is not a process that empowers you to do or practice business
Foreign investors must obtain the approval of the Directorate General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs before obtaining preliminary approval.
The investor who is investing the money must have obtained additional approval from government agencies for certain activities before applying for preliminary approval related to that particular business (whatever the business). All the activities involved including legal matters, security matters, financial securities and goods.
Only if there is a physical address, all businesses in the UAE can operate. The business premises and surroundings must be complying with the requirements defined by the relevant Emirate Economic Development Department and the land planning rules of the local municipalities.
Some emirates require attestation of contacts, therefore the office and warehouse least must be paid. It must have registered the contract with Ejari in Dubai.
Additional permissions (not always) from government agencies that regulate certain business activities are, in some cases required. The following are examples of such activities, all arranged by the ministry.
The Ministry of Home affairs approves public transportation activities related to driving schools, fire extinguishers, alarms, security systems, used car dealers, used auto parts and car rental.
After completing the above steps, any investor can collect the business license from the Economic Department’s Service Centers or through their websites.
All legal forms must have the documents required to obtain a license.
All legal forms can be licensed only if you have the following documents