But of course, consultants are not a local phenomenon. The global management consulting market is vast, topping USD 275bn in 2018 and is expected to expand to USD 285bn by the end of 2019. Here in this part of the world, the industry is just as sizeable. Recent figures put the GCC market size at USD 2.8bn with year-on-year growth of 6%.

Within the GCC, there can be little argument that the UAE is the ideal place to start a consulting business. Not only is it home to a wide array of businesses creating demand for consultancy services, but it also boasts a 0% tax rate, a stable economy, and low barriers to entry.

It’s so simple to start a consultancy business in the UAE that, with the help of a company formation expert, you could be up and running in a matter of days.

How to start a consultancy business in the UAE

There are three common routes to starting a consultancy business in the UAE – either by forming a company in the mainland, doing the same in a free zone, or setting up in either as a freelancer.

If you decide to set up on the mainland, you should make your application to the local municipality or Department of Economic Development (DED). When trading on the mainland, you are free to set up anywhere and can take on government work.

Alternatively, if you start your business in a free zone, you can make your application directly to the relevant authority. When you do business from a free zone, you will benefit from a 100% customs tax exemption, zero currency restrictions, and the ability to repatriate all capital and profits to your home country.

It is also possible to set up as a freelancer, either in the mainland or in a free zone, and conduct your business under your own name.

In all cases, a company formation expert can manage every stage of your application on your behalf.

Wherever you set up, there are no formal requirements to become a consultant. However, you are expected to be knowledgeable in your field. This knowledge could come in the form of relevant qualifications to your industry or years of experience in the sector.

Now to answer the key question – how to start a consultancy business in the UAE. With the right guidance, the process takes just four key steps:

Step 1: Choose your business activity

While the overarching activity that you will undertake is consultancy, it is imperative that you define exactly which field you intend to trade in. There are several common consultancy activities in the UAE including corporate management consulting, HR consulting, IT consulting, risk management, strategy consulting, project management consultancy, and sales consulting.

The full list of permitted activities is published by the DED. A company formation expert can help you choose the one that most closely aligns with your business.

Step 2: Choosing your company name

A step of the business incorporation process that takes on more importance here in Dubai is the choosing of your company name. That’s because as well as the need for a name that’s catchy and captures the essence of your business, you’ll also need to stick to the UAE’s clearly defined naming conventions.

In short, UAE company names must not contain any blasphemous or offensive language, any references to well-known institutions or any abbreviations of your name – though your full name is acceptable.

Your name should also have a legal entity attached to it such as FZE or LLC. It must also relate to your business activity, not resemble the name of any other company, and be available to register.

Step 3: Applying for your license

The next, and most important, step is to apply for a trade license for your consulting business.

If you’re setting up in the mainland, you can make your license application directly to the Department of Economic Development. If you’ve chosen a mainland setup, you should apply directly to the managing authority of your chosen free zone.

As this is such a pivotal step, it’s advisable to work closely with a company formation expert to avoid delays and possible rejection.

Documents required for a Dubai consulting license 

When setting up as a consultant in the UAE, you are usually required to submit several documents along with your application form, including:

• A copy of your passport
• Several passport photos
• Proof of relevant experience or qualifications
• A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 4: Applying for your visa

The final step is to apply for your visa.

This process involves four stages including a medical fitness test and biometric capturing. In all, it usually takes less than a week.

As the holder of a UAE trade license, you can also sponsor others such as your children, a spouse, or domestic staff for their visas too, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

The cost of a consulting license 

The cost for a consultancy license typically ranges between 6,000 and 12,000 AED.

This price variation can be influenced by choices like operating as a freelancer or establishing a company in a mainland or free zone, deciding on office premises, and hiring employees. Generally, the most economical option is to set up in a free zone, where the license package often covers visa application fees and access to business facilities and co-working spaces.

About us

When starting a UAE consultancy business, getting the right guidance beforehand is key. That’s why it’s always advisable to undertake the steps with the assistance of a registered company formation agent to eliminate any potential hassles that might arise.

With more than 15 years of experience in company incorporation, Charles Ntumwa Services can help you get your business up and running within a matter of weeks. We’ll manage the entire process on your behalf and correspond with all relevant authorities for you. All you need to do is wait for the green light to start doing business.

Charles Ntumwa Services helps entrepreneurs in the UAE with all their company setup needs. For more information, call us now on (800 3733 9663). 

The post How to Open a Consulting Business in the UAE appeared first on WWF.

For many living in Dubai, starting a business is a life goal. The chance to work for yourself, with no boss telling you what to do, and making your own money is alluring.

There are many opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs in Dubai in a multitude of sectors. The economy has diversified hugely in recent years, backed by the government, which wants to make the emirate a premier destination for businesses both new and established.

The best thing is that anyone can set up a business in Dubai. The process to do this is relatively easy – and there are company formation specialists that can help with that – and often this can be done with minimal upfront investment.

This article covers:

• Low investment business ideas in Dubai
• Starting a business in Dubai with little or no investment
• Why choose Charles Ntumwa Services?

Low investment business ideas in Dubai

Here are seven ideas for businesses that can be set up with little or no upfront investment from the entrepreneur.

Website development

There are very few businesses today that do not have an online presence of some description and, depending on the sector it operates in, it is essential. This means websites must be fast loading, easy to navigate and attractive. Skilled website designers, who can deliver websites to specification, without bugs, are highly sought after and can command large fees.

While there are some potential setup costs for website designers, such as purchasing the necessary equipment and software, this is easily recouped when the first contracts come in.

Websites are also not static entities and will need to be constantly updated and improved, which means that ongoing contracts can be secured.

Pet-sitting

Many people in Dubai own pets, but, if they work full-time, these pets need to be looked after while they are out at work. This is where the professional pet-sitter comes in and is something that is growing in popularity.

As the name suggests, a pet-sitter looks after a pet, or pets, in the owner’s home while they are out, be it at work, away on business or on holiday. This includes things like feeding them, taking them for walks (if required) and generally caring for them.

All that is needed is some knowledge (and love) of animals and how to care for them and to be able to travel to the owner’s home – usually not a problem thanks to Dubai’s transport infrastructure. Often, the only setup costs are for advertising online, although there are free ways to do this, such as on social media platforms.

Social media management

Most businesses now have a presence on social media, and many understand how it can be a huge marketing tool for them. But some businesses, especially smaller ones, often don’t have the time or skills to make the most of their social media accounts, meaning some are turning to freelance experts who can manage them on their behalf, for a fee.

This can involve creating and publishing content, such as videos, memes and blogs – which can be done with just a laptop, phone and decent editing software.

Online tutor

If you have skills or expertise that others might want to learn, then you can easily set up as an online tutor. Popular topics include school subjects such as maths and languages as well as musical instruments or crafts.

Online tutors can teach sessions on a one-to-one or group basis, and fees are usually charged by the half hour or hour. This is another business where regular customers can be built up quickly if the service provided is good. It can also be worked around other responsibilities such as childcare.

Again, up-front investment is low, perhaps just the videoconferencing technology, as you already have the skill and qualifications.

Professional cleaning services

Many people living in Dubai lead busy lives, which means that they can struggle to find time for tasks such as house cleaning. Increasingly, people in Dubai are paying others to clean for them.

No qualifications are needed, and setup costs are low – just the equipment to do the cleaning and maybe some advertising in local media. One of the advantages of cleaning is that it can be flexible – times can be arranged to be mutually convenient – and you can build up regular clients quickly if your service is good. Commercial cleaning – such as offices – can also be an avenue to explore and can pay more than domestic cleaning.

Recruitment consultant

With so many businesses now based in Dubai, and more setting up in the emirate all the time, the need to recruit new employees never ends. Successfully recruiting new employees can be a process that takes up valuable time and money – and if it is got wrong, it can cost a business a lot more. Many business owners understandably outsource this process to recruitment consultancies.

In the past, recruitment consultancies were in physical premises, but post-COVID and with the rise of videoconferencing, many consultants are now doing this successfully online.

It is useful to have some experience in this sector before setting up your own recruitment consultancy, as it is an industry where reputation and peer-to-peer recommendations often count for a lot, especially when just starting up.

Online retailer

Online shops are a popular option for many business owners, as they don’t have many of the costs of physical premises, such as rent, electricity, staffing etc. This also widens the number of potential customers from passers-by to anyone with access to the internet. It is particularly popular among entrepreneurs in the craft sector, as they can market their wares and take orders online through various payment methods with ease.

In addition, there are numerous online marketplaces that retailers can join, which can make it easier for customers to find their products, rather than relying on Google search or social media.

Starting a business in Dubai with little or no investment

While all of the business ideas listed above need little or any upfront investment in equipment, premises or stock, the biggest cost that has to be considered is the business licence, although even this is very affordable.

How much a licence costs depends on the type of business that is being set up, and where it is being set up. For instance, if you base your business in a free zone, a business licence usually costs between AED 10,000–15,000. Another option is to submit an application to the Department of Economic Development, which generally costs about AED 15,000.

What kind of business setup you choose will depend on what products or services you provide and how big it is. For help with this, company formation specialists can provide advice on which setup is right for your business and help you to apply for the business licence and even a visa, if required.

Why choose Charles Ntumwa Services?

As this article has shown, there are many businesses that can be started with little or no investment, but help can still be needed with the setup process, which is where company formation specialists such as Charles Ntumwa Services can be crucial.

Charles Ntumwa Services’ team has helped to set up many businesses in Dubai over the years and can negotiate the complexities to allow an entrepreneur to focus on what they are good at – making money.

To find out more and to receive a personalised quote, please contact Charles Ntumwa Services today.

The post Businesses You Can Start in Dubai with No Investment appeared first on WWF.