Are you looking to establish a business in Dubai? If so, you may be wondering what restrictions are in place when it comes to obtaining a work permit. The answer is yes, there are certain regulations that you must be aware of. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you can do business with a work visa as long as you have a license from certain free zones, such as the Meydan Free Zone. However, if you plan to do business in a free zone that requires permission from your current employer, you will need to acquire a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Obtaining a 10-year visa may be more challenging and requires you to deposit at least 10 million AED in a public investment. Alternatively, you can create a company with a capital of at least AED 10 million or invest AED 10 million in an existing company. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) is responsible for issuing work permits in Dubai. Your employer must apply for this permit, which is then converted into a valid resident visa.
Once you obtain the residence visa, the work permit will allow you to enter the UAE and work there. This permit is valid for two months. During this time, your employer will need to organize procedures such as medical tests, the Emirates ID card, the work card and the residence visa. If you plan to operate businesses such as hotels, restaurants, car rentals or travel agencies in Dubai, you will need to obtain a valid tourist license.
Locally, some of the most popular commercial banks are First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD and Dubai Islamic Bank. If your business is related to industrial or manufacturing activities, you will need an industrial trade license. While setting up a business in the UAE is relatively straightforward, creating a non-profit company or charity can be more difficult. Although conservative and hierarchical, the local business culture in the UAE is fairly easy to understand. Freelance work is now allowed in the UAE and the government is granting permits so that self-employed individuals can work in the country. Business owners can create a Flexi-desk and even open a business in mainland Dubai with a Meydan NOC.
Expats working in the UAE must have both a valid work permit and work visa to work legally in the country. In addition to visa requirements for the Dubai work permit, physical fitness tests must also be taken at government approved health facilities in Dubai. We provide all the help and support needed to obtain an NOC from your employer or an immediate license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) so that you can start your business in Dubai quickly. Yes, it is possible to start a business in Dubai while employed if you obtain a license from certain free zones such as Meydan Free Zone. To start any kind of business in Dubai - from retail to construction, public transport and real estate development - you will need to acquire a business license.
