Moving from UK to Dubai: Business Setup Guide and Costs

Dubai is quickly turning out to be among the finest destinations for expats from all over the world, including the UK—because of its booming economy, luxurious lifestyle, and strategic location, which make it very conducive to setting up a business. The following is a guide to Move from the UK to Dubai, focusing on setting up a business regarding cost and the different kinds of businesses one can establish.

Setting Up a Business in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai offers several advantages, including tax benefits and a location that serves well for international trade, coupled with first-class infrastructure. The process is pretty straightforward but does require careful planning and an understanding of the local regulations.

Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai can be rather expensive. It differs a lot based on the kind of business and the location, among many other factors. Here are key costs to consider:

● License Fees:

These will depend on the kind of business, and license fees might go as low as AED 10,000 or as high as AED 50,000 per year.

● Office Space:

The cost of renting office space is very subjective. This will range from AED 100 to AED 250 per square foot per year in the prime areas of Dubai.

● Visa Fees:

AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 for the visas of each employee, including the owner.

● Other Expenses:

These are in terms of registration fees, fees for service agents, and other sundry administrative costs.

Setting Up a Business in Dubai Free zone:

One of the most popular options for expats is setting up a business in a Dubai freezone ; offering many advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simple procedures for import and export. Here’s how you can set up a business in a Dubai freezone:

● Choose the Freezone:

Dubai has over 30 different free zones. All these free zones are designed for various industries. Choose the one most suitable for your business.

● Choose the Right Business Activity:

Determine what kind of business you are going to practice, since various activities may involve different sorts of licenses.

● Register Your Company:

Fill out the application and attach all supporting documents, including a copy of your passport, business plan, and proof of residence.

● Rent Office Space:

This depends on the free zone. Some require physical office space, while others offer flexi-desk arrangements.

● Obtain Licenses and Visas:

After registration, get the business licenses and visas required for you and your employees.

Setting Up a Business in Dubai from UK

In case you are setting up a business in Dubai from UK, though the process is almost the same it requires a few more steps:

● Research and Plan:

Extensive research has to be done regarding the market of Dubai and the business environment. Model your plan of business and strategy.

● Consider Business Consultancy Services:

You can employ a business consultant or a legal advisor who has adequate knowledge about the UAE regulations to help in the set-up process.

● Visit Dubai:

This is recommended to finalize your business location, see some potential partners, and complete other paperwork.

● Registration and getting visas:

The same procedures as described for a Free zone or Mainland setup apply when setting up a consultancy business in Dubai.

Setting up consultancy visas in Dubai:

Setting up a consultancy business in Dubai is quite easy; it is only a matter of high demand for professional services. Follow these steps:

● Define Your Services:

Clearly specify what consultancy services you will offer, for example, business consulting, IT consulting, or financial advising.

● Choose the Right License:

Apply for a professional services license with the relevant authority, either in a freezone or on the mainland.

Office space:

Rent appropriate office space, depending on license requirements.

Register your business:

Get the company’s registration done with all necessary approvals.

Market your services:

Design a marketing plan to get customers and create your consultancy firm’s presence in the market.

Why Set Up Your Business in Dubai?

Dubai offers a lot of benefits to business owners. These include:

● Tax Benefits:

Personal and corporate income tax is nil.

● Strategic Location:

Easy access to the Middle East, African, and Asian markets.

● World-class infrastructure:

Logistics, transport, and communication infrastructure is state of the art.

● Business-Friendly Environment:

Streamlined business regulation and processes.

● Quality of Life:

High standard of living and safety, multicultural environment.

Steps for Setting Up a Restaurant Business in Dubai

The food and beverage industry is one of the best fields to set up a restaurant business in Dubai. Steps for the same are as follows:

● Market Research:

Market research regarding consumer preference and competition.

● Business plan:

A complete business plan that includes menu, pricing, marketing strategy.

● Location:

Choose a location that ensures maximum footfall.

● Licenses:

Obtain the necessary food and trade licenses.

● Design and Fit-Out:

Design the interior and kitchen of the restaurant based on the Dubai Municipality Guidelines.

● Manpower:

Recruitment of skilled manpower to provide the best service.

● Promotion and Launch:

Hold a big opening and develop marketing strategies to bring in clientele.

Formation of Small Business in Dubai:

For small businesses to be set up in Dubai, the process is streamlined in many free zones that are exclusively for SMEs. The steps involved are:

● Select Business Activity:

Determine the kind of small business you want to establish.

● Choose the Freezone:

Select a freezone that provides the most appropriate incentives for your kind of business.

● Register Your Business:

● Licenses:

Get appropriate licenses to operate your business.

● Rent Office Space:

Depending on your business, you may have to rent an office or retail space.

● Launch and Grow:

Concentrate on marketing and growing your small business in Dubai market.

Setting Up a New Business in Dubai:

Setting up a new business in Dubai, such as a tech startup or even a retail store, or any other type of enterprise, offers a very conducive environment. The key steps may be summarized as follows:

● Idea and planning:

Work out your business idea and formulate a detailed business plan.

● Legal Structure:

Decide on the legal structure of your business—the LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.

● Licensing and registration:

Get the necessary licenses and register with the appropriate authorities.

● Infrastructure:

The business structure including the office, technology, and staffing is planned.

● Market Entry:

A market entry strategy is designed and operations begin.

● Employment Dubai Visa:

The most crucial aspects of relocation to Dubai include getting an employment Dubai visa.

Employment Dubai Visa:

The common steps are:

● Job Offer:

The candidate gets a job offer from an employer based in Dubai.

● Labor Approval:

The employer takes labor approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

● Entry Permit:

An entry permit is issued after the approval that allows you to enter Dubai.

● Medical Tests:

You will have to undertake medical tests as is the requirement under UAE law.

Conclusion:

Move from the Uk to Dubai and setting up a business is a good decision. Be it opening a consultancy, restaurant, or any other small business, Dubai becomes very enterprising and responsive. If one knows the related costs, procedures, and benefits, one can easily get through the process and exploit the opportunities that exist in Dubai. For More Info Visit Pro Services In Dubai