Options Other Than Free Zones For Company Formation In Dubai
Dubai is referred to as the
Middle East’s business capital and rightfully so. It was once merely a compact pearl-fishing
community, but today it is one of the world’s most rapidly growing cities, the
credit for which goes to all the topnotch business leaders there.
While still a small city,
Dubai now thinks big. It is one of the seven emirates that make up the
federation known as the UAE. When it comes to company formation in Dubai, the city offers a plethora of options
in various sectors, such as construction, banking and industry services,
leisure, retail, technology, and more.
Much like the rest of the
UAE, Dubai’s free zone system is providing entrepreneurs and small businesses innovative
and straightforward solutions for complicated challenges. If you are a foreign
investor, it is completely understandable (for whatever reason) if you want to
do not wish to do business in one of the free zones.
In that case, you have four
other potential options.
1. An Overseas Setup
If you already have a
foreign company and your business involves trading, you will be able to do so
without having a physical setup in Dubai. Of course, you can fly in and out of
the city as desired.
However, the products or
services you are offering must be specialized in order to be eligible. While
operating overseas, you may also find it challenging to expand your business
since establishing the required business relationships will be more difficult.
Under the UAE’s law, you
will also have to acquire a license from and register your company with the relevant
local authorities. This option may seem convenient, but there can be a lot of
hassle involved in it.
2. A Physical Local Setup
It is relatively more
uncomplicated to establish a physical setup in Dubai and apart from the free zones;
there are two other options available.
·
Onshore (LLC) company: If
you wish to operate your business in Dubai, one of the two options is to
establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). You will have to hire a manager
for the daily management of your company. You will also have to hire a locally
accredited auditor and have a Local / National Service Agent (NSA) for
successful company formation in Dubai.
· International / Offshore
company: Dubai also has a regulatory system for companies that do not conduct
local business dealings and commercial activities. In other words, your company
will only qualify if it will not be engaging in any business within the city
(or even the country).
3. A Joint Venture
This option may prove to be
worthwhile if you wish to further develop your existing operation and expand it
into Dubai’s market. You may look into potential local entities, and ultimately
take up an equity role and stake in managing and operating it.
In other words, you will be
teaming up with a local partner who may contribute in any of several ways. For
instance, the partner may impart their professional expertise and skills, offer
their local connections, and/or provide financial support.
Ultimately though, you may
end up needing to have an LLC company, whether in a free zone or not, in order
to set up a joint venture. Fortunately, you will not have to apply for a
license, nor will you have to publish your agreement for the venture.
4. Acquiring Or Investing
Somewhat of an additional,
bonus option that you may consider is simply acquiring or merging with an
existing company by investing into it. In Dubai, you can both the assets and
shares of existing companies and businesses.
Conclusion
All four of the above
options, even the free zones, have their own distinct pros and cons that you
should consider looking into. Make sure you proceed diligently to avoid legal
problems in the future. Ultimately though, what kind of company you set up and where
you set it up will depend on the kind of business you wish to do or are already
doing and your immediate and long-term goals.
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