Business Setup

From conceptualisation to establishment, we guide you at every step, ensuring your business in the UAE stands on a robust foundation.

Business Strategy Advisory

Begin Your Business Journey With Us

AKW Consultants provides comprehensive Business Setup Solutions for establishing a strong presence in the lucrative UAE market. Specialising in company incorporation and restructuring.

We guide clients through the process of setting up businesses in various Emirates and free zones, offering a range of services under one roof.

With a focus on exceptional client support, we have successfully established businesses in the Mainland, Free Zones, and Offshore, providing tailored solutions for diverse business needs, from professional to commercial licenses.

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Company Formation & Consulting in the UAE

Whether you’re eyeing the bustling mainland or the strategic advantages of the free zones, our experts guide you through the entire company formation process, ensuring your enterprise is built on a solid foundation.

Free Zone & Offshore Business Advisory

Leverage the numerous benefits of UAE’s free zones and offshore jurisdictions. From 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits to operational flexibilities, our advisory helps you tap into these zones optimally.

Liquidation Services

Should you ever need to wind down operations, AKW ensures a smooth, transparent, and compliant process. From documentation, clearances to fulfilling all legal requisites, we’ve got you covered.

Company Formation & Consulting in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates offers a dynamic business environment coupled with a myriad of opportunities. When setting up a company in the UAE, it’s not just about legal formalities but about understanding the socio-economic fabric of the region. At AKW Consultants, our extensive experience enables us to offer more than just a procedural service.

Dubai is often the first choice for many due to its global appeal, but the other Emirates offer unique advantages that could align better with specific business objectives. Whether it’s the bustling heart of Abu Dhabi or the industrial zones of Sharjah, each Emirate has its distinctive flavor of commerce.

Furthermore, the choice between mainland and free zones can significantly influence your business’s operational, financial, and growth parameters. From 100% foreign ownership in free zones to leveraging local markets in the mainland, the implications are varied.

With AKW Consultants, we not only guide through the paperwork but also ensure you understand the advantages, responsibilities, and potential of your chosen setup. We craft a tailored approach, ensuring your business has the right foundation for future growth.

Setting up in a Free Zone
  • UAE’s jurisdiction houses around 40 distinct free zones, each governed by its own regulations, authorities, and distinctive prerequisites for business registration and licensing.
  • Investors are bestowed with privileges such as 100% foreign ownership and additional incentives, cultivating a conducive environment for international business.
  • Companies are generally structured as either a Free Zone Company (FZCO) or a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), each offering different benefits.
Setting up a base in the UAE Mainland
  • Situated in one of the vibrant Emirates, the mainland opportunities are regulated under the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 2 of 2015, abbreviated as CCL).
  • Prospective businesses commonly adopt one of the two structures: establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or inaugurating a branch/representative office of an offshore parent company.

Free Zone & Offshore Business Advisory

The allure of free zones and offshore entities in the UAE is undeniable. With benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and world-class infrastructure, they’ve become hotspots for global businesses. But with over 40 distinct free zones in the UAE, each with its unique offerings, the choice becomes critical.

Our team at AKW Consultants delves deep into understanding your business objectives, industry norms, and long-term vision. Whether you’re a into commodities trading enterprise eyeing the dynamic ecosystem of DMCC or a startup considering the International Free Zone Authority, we guide you to a choice that synergizes with your goals.

Moreover, offshore entities in the UAE offer a myriad of advantages, especially for businesses looking at international operations, asset protection, and tax optimisation. With us, you get a clear roadmap, understanding the intricate differences and advantages of each zone and offshore jurisdiction.

Liquidation Services

Exiting a business, especially in a foreign land, can be as challenging as setting it up. The process is not just about wrapping up operations but ensuring all legal, financial, and procedural aspects are cleanly addressed.

Key Services offered
  • Comprehensive liquidation process management.
  • Appointment of liquidation auditor.
  • Document preparation and submission.
  • Legal notifications and newspaper advertisements.
  • Liasoning with different government departments.
  • Liquidation report preparation and submission.

FAQs

How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?

The cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies based on several factors such as licencing authority, number of visas required, office space preference, and locality.

For a typical setup, the lowest licence cost starts from USD 2,000 in some of the free zones. In the mainland, initial setup costs can reach up to AED 36,000 (USD 10,000), including fees for licences and charges to various government bodies. Office space, visa fees, and other operational expenses can further increase the initial investment, with some startups requiring up to USD 25,000 for setup and first-year operations. To get an estimate of your exact initial setup cost and annual operating expenses, get in touch with us today.

How to start a new business in Dubai?
 
1. Evaluate Jurisdictions: Consider mainland and free zones, pros and cons, and fit for your business.

2. Finalise Key Considerations: Determine licence activities, company type (LLC, Branch, etc.), shareholders, visa requirements, and office space.

3. Reserve Trade Name: Choose a trade name that meets legal and cultural guidelines.

4. Apply for Licence: Apply through the relevant authority (DET for mainland, respective authority for free zones). Additional licences may be required based on business activity.

5. MOA Signing: Sign the Memorandum of Association, either in person or digitally.

6. Company Incorporation: Complete the incorporation process.

Are there any legal complexities in setting up a business in Dubai?
 
Yes, there are several legal aspects to consider:

Business Ownership: Foreigners can own 100% of a free zone company. After the 2021 amendment to the commercial company law of UAE, the role of a local sponsor has been restricted to a limited set of businesses, i.e., oil, gas, insurance, medical retail, banking, security, and military services. Apart from these, about 1,061 commercial activities have been permitted to operate without any local sponsor in the mainland, as well.

Licences and Permits: Specific licences are required based on business activity and location.

Labour Laws: Comply with employment regulations, including contracts, minimum salary, end-of-service benefits, and health insurance.

Tax Laws: No income tax, but a 5% VAT applies to some businesses. Social security contributions are also required.

What are the categories of business setup in Dubai?
 
Commercial Licence: For trading goods and services.

Industrial Licence: For manufacturing and industrial activities.

Professional Licence: For consultancy, healthcare, engineering, etc.

Tourism Licence: For travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.

What are the different types of company structures in Dubai?
 
Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one individual with unlimited liability.

Civil Company: For professional services like consultancy and law firms.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most popular choice, offering limited liability protection for its owners.

Free Zone Company (FZC): Offers various benefits like tax exemptions and full ownership repatriation, but trade is limited within free zone and outside of the country.

Partnership: Shared risks, profits, and losses among partners.

Private Joint Stock Company: Minimum of three participants, AED 2 million capital.

Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC): Shares divided equally, minimum AED 10 million capital.

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