The Links Group: Your Best Solution For UAE Company Formation

www.linksgroup.com COPYRIGHT 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
What You Need To Know About Business Set Up In Dubai 3 Company Formation Qatar Specialists Discuss Its Ins And Outs 5 Overseas Company Formation UAE Ranks Among The Choice Countries 7 Prime Time For A Business Set Up Dubai Welcomes Foreign Investors 9 Identifying The Steps Involved In Business Set Up In Abu Dhabi 11
2

What You Need To Know About Business Set Up In Dubai

When setting up a business, an investor should know the pertinent requirements to avoid confusion and to ensure that business operations are seamless more so if you are establishing a presence in a foreign country where laws and regulations may differ from one's home country. Dubai's local government has installed measures to establish a climate that is favourable to business activities. Business set up in Dubai can be a hassle-free endeavour if one knows the necessary requirements, laws and regulations. As a general rule, foreign investors must partner with a UAE national who must hold 51% ownership of the company. However, there are specific exceptions including full foreign ownership of companies established in free zones, full ownership of professional or artisan companies and full foreign ownership for companies registering their business as a branch or representative office. The Commercial Companies Law has identified seven types of categories of business organisations that a business may adapt, namely: general partnership, partnership-en-commendam, joint venture, public shareholding, private shareholding, limited liability and share partnership. As per the stipulation of the law, only UAE nationals are allowed to form a general partnership company while the local

government does not encourage businesses to form partnership-encommendam and share partnership companies. Among these types of business organisations, the limited liability company has been favoured heavily by foreign investors in recent years. As per current regulations, a limited liability company may be formed by individuals between two to 50. Each person's liability is determined by the number of their shares in the business's capital. Setting up a company in a free zone has also appealed to many foreign investors because of the numerous benefits they give to a business. This includes full foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits as well as exemption from import duties. Additionally, the recruitment processes in these free zones are streamlined, ensuring that businesses have a steady supply of skilled workers. Every business is unique. While setting up a business in a free zone or establishing a limited liability company may seem appealing at first, it is best to know the best direction to pursue as well as the other options available to you. One of the best ways to do such is to avail of a consulting service, particularly those who have several years of experience in the Middle East in a wide range of sectors. By taking into account your specific circumstances and needs, they can help tailor a solution that will enable your venture to grow and profit in Dubai. Visiting www.linksgroup.com will help you gather more information on business setup Dubai.

Company Formation: Qatar Specialists Discuss Its Ins And Outs

Qatar is fast rising as one of the most investor-friendly countries in the Middle East. Albeit its immense wealth, it remained somewhat obscure to the Western world in the past decades, but that has clearly changed of late. Globalisation endeavours are infusing fresh energy into its cities and the country is quickly becoming a choice location for business ventures. Qatars low population also contributes to the eager welcome foreign investors get from the locals. With the business and the expats these companies bring with them, the country is better able to access various products and services. In fact, things are getting even more exciting now that Qatar is gearing up to host the World Cup in 2022. Investors are definitely enthusiastic about the advantages Qatars growing economy can provide for their interests. This is certainly evident in the increase in applications for company formation. Qatar can consider this a sign that is set to experience an even bigger economic boom. As wealthy as the country already is, its financial potential is far from being fully explored. When it comes to the process of company formation, Qatar has but a few options for foreign investors, but this just makes it simpler to accomplish. Having too many choices means that you have more to consider and weigh; your deliberations will take longer. In any case, the investment opportunities are plentiful, and thats what matters more.

Also something to take note of is the governments offer of incentives to foreign investors, some of which are tax breaks and exemptions in customs duty. And something that would definitely speak to them is the fact that profits, proceeds from sales, and capital on liquidation can be repatriated. Naturally, there are plenty of requirements for foreign entities to meet if they intend to operate a business legally abroad. If they want hasslefree company formation, Qatar has specialists that help foreign business owners not only take care of various legal requirements, but also get them acquainted with various local practices in business and other general customs for smoother assimilation. From getting a valid license to registering with the Chamber of Commerce to opening a Qatar bank account, these experts take care of all the details for their clients. The business scene in Qatar is going to see more action as foreign investors continue to troop in to be a part of the countrys booming economy. Those determined to achieve business success in this emerging Middle Eastern gem should make sure to do everything right from the get-go. Hiring the right people to help them is certainly one of the important first steps to take. Click here for more information on company formation Qatar.

Overseas Company Formation: UAE Ranks Among The Choice Countries

Dubai has been in the globalisation limelight for a long time. It did suffer a short-lived setback a few years ago, but it has since recovered and is now continuing in its path to legendary economic success, blazing new trails as it breaks records in what people can achieve for a city. Not far behind and perhaps even set to gain ground on its glitzy neighbour is the countrys capital, Abu Dhabi. It had been a more subtle contributor to the countrys economic achievements, but is now ready to make itself as much of a household name as Dubai is. In any case, foreign entities can expect the entire United Arab Emirates to be a welcoming and advantageous venue for their business investments. Home to the largest trading port that connects the worlds different primary economic regions, the UAE is understandably among the top countries considered by Western companies when it comes to establishing offshore ventures. With its offer of attractive investment incentives such as a tax-free status and a hundred percent return method upon business extermination, the country continues to be a financial hub both regionally and globally. Whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any of the other emirates, the country offers several methods of company formation. UAE Free Zones and their growing number are a great attraction to foreign investors, for instance. For a business setup option, they make it possible for foreigners to legally
7

operate a business in the country without having to go into an agreement with a UAE national. Ventures in the free zones can take the shape of a Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore company, a branch office of an existing company, a Free Zone establishment, or a Free Zone company. None of these require UAE national shareholding. If a foreign investor chooses to partner up with a local entity, his or her options include starting a limited liability company and going into a professional partnership. Those with an existing company can also put up a federally registered representative office, a federally registered branch, or a locally registered branch office. Whether partnering with a UAE national/UAE national-owned company or not, foreign investors should be following the local protocols of company formation. UAE specialists can help them in this regard; they offer assistance in securing permits, licenses, and anything else that the government requires for foreigners to operate a business in the country. The general outlook in the UAE is extremely positive. Its wealth in oil affords it economic stability and security, while its welcoming and encouraging position on foreign investments offers a healthy, comfortable, and attractive option for capitalists. Those who want to take advantage of this environment can have a great start by approaching company formation specialists to assist them. Check out this site www.linksgroup.com if you want to learn more about company formation UAE.

Prime Time For A Business Set Up Dubai Welcomes Foreign Investors

Starting a company abroad entails much thought and planning. Somehow, the prospect of failing in another country seems so much more daunting. Right from the start, you need to set things up correctly or youll have to face lots of unpleasantness and serious legal ramifications from both your government and that of the country youve chosen for business. For those who are planning an overseas business set up, Dubai is a clear favourite. The lure of the emirate is such that, in spite of the economic setback it experienced a few years ago, foreign investors kept on streaming in and cultivating their interests there. Fortunately, that financial fiasco is now over and Dubai has emerged from it none the worse for wear. In fact, it has wisely learned its lesson and is now raring to continue to make up for any losses that interruption caused. Touted as the largest port connecting the various regions of the world and known for offering great investment incentives, its a great choice for a business set up. Dubai is more than ready to assume a leading role in global commerce. To properly set up a company in Dubai, you have to find out every little step in the UAEs company formation process and every little detail regarding its requirements for foreigners to operate a business in the country. As expected, you need to have ready all the necessary

documents for getting a business license and registering with all the pertinent agencies. Its also important to note that most of the available ways for foreigners to have a business in Dubai involve them partnering up with a UAE national. Your options include putting up a federally registered branch or representative office, taking up a professional partnership, or the most common starting a limited liability company. If youre not keen on having a partner, you can simply opt to operate within one of the UAEs Free Zones. You can do this by creating a Free Zone entity, which may be a branch office of your company, a Free Zone company, a Free Zone establishment, or a Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore company. To help you go about the intricacies of getting your business set up, Dubai company formation specialists knowledgeable in local laws and customs can take care of all the red tape and other hassles for you. You can focus on the business aspect of your venture, confident in the fact that an efficient professional is working to get you started on the right foot. Check out www.linksgroup.com for more information.

10

Identifying The Steps Involved In Business Set Up In Abu Dhabi

95% of the United Arab Emirates' oil production comes from Abu Dhabi. Worldwide, the emirate boasts of 9% of proven oil reserves. This has enabled Abu Dhabi to successfully diversify into other sectors, with investments in the industrial, tourism, retail and real estate sectors. Aside from being the wealthiest emirate in the country, Abu Dhabi also holds the distinction of owning the world's wealthiest sovereign fund. As such, many investors are enticed by the idea of business set up in Abu Dhabi. For its part, the local government has ensured that the whole process is streamlined and transparent, with the necessary procedures involved in establishing a business presence completed in just a matter of days. But much like setting up a business in any other country, an investor should arm himself with the necessary knowledge about the pertinent laws and regulations as well as the necessary procedures to avoid confusion and other hassles associated with opening a business venture. The government has broken down the whole procedure of setting up a business into six steps. First is determining what type of economic activity the business wishes to engage in. As legal requirements and associated fees vary from one type of business activity to another, it is important to determine this aspect first to ensure that the necessary requirements are prepared. Additionally, some activities have unique

11

requirements like identifying the location of the business as well as the total area to be used as the base of operations. After this, the investor should know which legal form of business to use. Rules and regulations vary from one form to another so determining the advantages and disadvantages of each is of great importance. After hurdling the first two steps, the investor may then proceed to register the trade name of the business venture. This will be followed by the processing for initial approval. The initial approval is a necessary requirement for investors to get the approval of pertinent offices including the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). As the initial approval is being processed, investors may proceed to rent a site for their businesses' operation. It is important to note here that the proposed site is subject to the conditions and specifications imposed by the Commercial Protection Division of the Department of Economic Development (DED). This is to ensure that the location is suitable to the type of activity a business wishes to engage in. Once the initial approval has been obtained, it is time for the investor to get the approval of the offices which have jurisdiction over the type of activity he wishes to engage in as well as submit the necessary legal requirements. In some types of activities, the investor needs to approach only the DED. After fulfilling the legal requirements and paying fees, a business license is then issued. Another important thing investors should note is that membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is mandatory for everyone doing business in the emirate. Click here to learn more about business set up in Abu Dhabi.

12