Dubai has a long history as a global trading location. Before the days of oil, the emirate’s pearl divers sold their wares to merchants the world over. Today, there is very little that is not traded out here – from electronics and textiles to spices and precious stones.

This article looks at one of Dubai’s multimillion-dollar industries – garment trading. We’ll cover these areas:

• An overview of the garments business in Dubai
• Garments trading license in Dubai – Step by step
• Cost of starting a garments trading business in Dubai
• Advantages of starting a garments trading business in Dubai
• Is the clothing business profitable in Dubai?
• How can I sell my garments in Dubai?
• How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

An overview of the garments business in Dubai

The UAE exports garments, fabrics and apparel to over 50 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Such reach makes the UAE one of the world’s most significant garment trading hubs.

Pre-pandemic, UAE clothing and textile exports totalled over USD 4bn. With recovery now underway, total revenues in the apparel industry are expected to hit USD 3.7bn by the end of the year and increase to USD 5.3bn by 2027.

Such is the UAE’s appetite for clothing that the country’s per capita spending, at around the USD 500 mark, is the second highest in the Middle East.

Garments trading license in Dubai – Step by Step

Dubai is built for business. But, that said, company formation requires an expert eye. So, before starting a garment company, it’s always beneficial to speak to a local expert such as Charles Ntumwa Services.

Once we understand your business and its requirements, we’ll guide you through the entire process, handling applications and liaising with authorities on your behalf.

There are five basic steps to the process.

Step 1: Business activities

When starting a business in Dubai, you’ll need to be clear about the types of activities you wish to carry out. When starting a garment business, this may mean specifying whether you plan to import and export garments wholesale or sell directly to customers in the UAE.

Your business activities may dictate the most suitable license and setup type for your company, so once we understand your intentions, we can advise on the best way forward.

Step 2: Company name

Once you have outlined your activities, you’ll need to choose a name for your business. There are several stipulations to consider at this stage to ensure you adhere to UAE company naming conventions.

For example, your business name cannot be the same as one used by an existing business in the UAE. In addition, it should not contain any blasphemous or offensive language or have any religious connotations.

Step 3: Trade license

Next, we will help you apply for your garment business license. The process here differs slightly depending on whether you are setting up in a free zone or the mainland. If you choose the latter, you may also require additional permits and approvals before you can start trading.

Whatever your requirements, the team at Charles Ntumwa Services will manage this process for you, liaising with all government bodies and relevant authorities on your behalf.

Step 4: Visas

As the owner of a Dubai business, you are eligible for a visa that allows you to live and work in the UAE. At this stage, you can also secure any other visas that may be required, such as your family’s or employees’.

The visa process comprises four stages, from obtaining an entry permit and passing a medical examination to submitting your ID registration and getting your visa stamp from Immigration. Once again, Charles Ntumwa Services can guide you through this process.

Step 5: Corporate bank account

You will need a corporate bank account to make and take payments in the UAE. There are many institutions available, and once we understand your needs, we can advise on the most suited to your business.

Cost of starting a garments trading business in Dubai

The cost of starting a garment business depends on many factors, with the size, location and nature of your enterprise all playing a part.

For starters, a garment trading license costs in the region of AED 10,000 to AED 30,000. On top of this, you’ll also need to account for premises, staff, visas, equipment, materials, and more. If you plan to import goods from overseas, you will also have to pay customs tax unless you are set up in a free zone.

For a complete and personalised breakdown of the costs involved in starting your Dubai garment business, get in touch with the team at Charles Ntumwa Services.

Advantages of starting a garments trading business in Dubai

One of the biggest advantages of starting any trading business in Dubai is the UAE’s strategic location. At the heart of the Middle East, it is perfectly placed to trade with Africa, Asia, Europe and further afield.

With direct links via air and sea to industry hubs around the world, there can be few better places from which to import and export garments, textiles and much more.

On top of this, there is Dubai’s welcoming and supportive business environment. There are many private and state-supported accelerator schemes and incubators designed to help small businesses grow and succeed. What’s more, the UAE’s tax rate still stands at 0% on corporate and personal income, while VAT is low and flat at 5%.

When it comes to garment trading, demand is another key factor. Not only are UAE residents keen clothing consumers, but the country has also garnered a reputation as a key exporter of all manner of apparel and materials.

The company incorporation process is fast and straightforward when you set up with experts at Charles Ntumwa Services. Your dedicated contact will advise and guide you through the entire process, informing you as soon as you are ready to trade.

Is the clothing business profitable in Dubai?

It certainly can be. While revenues will differ depending on the types of clothing you are selling, garment trading in Dubai is a multibillion-dollar industry.

How can I sell my garments in Dubai?

There are several ways to sell garments in Dubai. You can sell online or in-person direct to consumers or export garments wholesale to markets around the world.

How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

With the right guidance, setting up a garment trading company in Dubai, UAE, can be a highly profitable endeavour. However, the process of incorporating a business out here can be complex, particularly if you are new to this part of the world.

That’s where Charles Ntumwa Services comes in. We’re the experts in all things relating to business setup in the UAE, and we’re on hand to manage the entire company formation process on your behalf.

Our expert team will take care of licenses, visas and everything else needed. Get in touch for more information and a personalised quote.

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Dubai is one of the world’s most famous business hubs. with thousands of organisations setting up here, from every corner of the world. From health and hospitality to travel and technology, many industries thrive in this open and encouraging environment.

And this busy and burgeoning business environment drives the growth of another industry — facility management. Offices, hotels, gyms, restaurants, apartment buildings and more need and use the services of facilities management companies. And as Dubai continues to grow, demand for such services will only increase with it.

For entrepreneurs looking to stake a claim in this space, the incorporation and licensing process is fast and straightforward – providing you work with an expert, of course. Charles Ntumwa Services can manage the entire process for you. And to help you get started, here’s a simple guide to setting up a facility management company in Dubai

Steps to start a facility management company in Dubai

The first thing to do if you want to start a facility management company in Dubai is decide where you wish to set up.

This can be in a free zone or in the UAE mainland. When trading in the mainland, you are free to set up anywhere and can take on government work. 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.

Having made this decision, the next step is to choose your company name. This step is a little more particular here in Dubai than in other parts of the world. 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. When you work with Charles Ntumwa Services, we can register your trade name on your behalf.

With this early administration out of the way, you can now move on to the most important step, applying for your facility management license.

Applying for a facility management license in Dubai

The process of applying for your facility management license is different depending on where you choose to set up.

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

In both cases, Charles Ntumwa Services can manage this process for you, and liaise with authorities and government departments on your behalf.

Documents required to start a facility management company in Dubai, UAE

When starting a facility management company in Dubai, you will need to submit several documents along with your application form. This may include:

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

Applying for your visa

If you intend to live and work in Dubai, UAE, you will need a residency visa. We can assist with this process too.

There are four stages involved, 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.

While applying for a visa in the UAE is not overly complicated, it’s important to note that even the tiniest error in your application can lead to rejection, which is likely to delay your company formation schedule. So, once again, it’s a good idea to work with our expert team who can guide you through the process.

What is the facility management license cost?

There are a few factors at play that will determine the facility management license cost. These include the size of your business, whether you set up in the mainland or a free zone, and the type of activities you undertake.

In most cases, the most cost-effective route is to set up in a free zone. In this instance, for a trade license package, inclusive of the cost of at least one visa, you can expect to pay in the region of AED 15,000 to 25,000.

Start your facility management business in the UAE with Charles Ntumwa Services

When starting a UAE facilities management 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 formations agent to eliminate any potential hassles that might arise.

With more than 15 years of experience in company incorporation, and trusted by over 10,000 clients around the world, Charles Ntumwa Services can help you get your business up and running within a matter of weeks.

We are authorised to incorporate companies in all major free zone jurisdictions, and across the UAE mainland. And we can manage the entire company formation 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.

But our service doesn’t end there. We also offer a range of value-added services to facilitate all primary transitions and establishment processes and provide trustworthy bank account opening assistance, VAT registration, re-instatement, and renewal services.

So, if you’re running a business in the UAE, or planning to start one, it always pays to talk to Charles Ntumwa Services.

The post Start a Facility Management Business in Dubai, UAE appeared first on WWF.

Thanks to the UAE’s thriving tourism sector and affluent community, catering has long been big business in this part of the world. And whether dining in, ordering take out or grabbing a bite from one of the emirate’s many food trucks, Dubai is at the centre of this market.

Here you’ll find every cuisine imaginable. And despite a new restaurant popping up on every corner, there is still a huge demand for great food.

There’s more great news for the businesses setting up out here too. When you work with a local expert it’s never been easier to start a catering or food delivery service business in Dubai. There are a few hoops to jump through, as always, but provided you do your homework and know what to expect, you can be up and running in no time.

How to start a catering business in Dubai

Starting a catering business in Dubai is a little different from starting most other business types. As well as obtaining your catering business license, you’ll also need to meet a few more requirements in terms of food hygiene and safety. All is explained in the simple six step process below.

Step 1: Choose your business activity

Every business in Dubai must list a business activity, or activities, on its business license. While you will be in the catering industry, it’s important that you list every activity that applies to your business when making your application. For example, food delivery, food truck, café etc. You can list more than one but are only permitted to carry out licensed activities.

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: Setting up in a free zone or the mainland
The next key step to starting your business is to decide on the type of setup you require. There are two common options in the UAE – free zone and mainland.

Both bring their own advantages and have several distinct differences. If you choose to set up in the mainland, for example, you can trade directly with the local market without the need for a distributor or local agent.

If you set up in a free zone you cannot do this, however you do benefit from customs tax exemptions and other financial incentives such as the ability to repatriate all capital and profits to your country of origin.

Step 4: Applying for your license
Now for the most important step — applying for your trade license. This process will differ a little depending on the nature of your catering business and on whether you intend to set up in a free zone or in the mainland.

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

In either case, you should make your application with the help Charles Ntumwa Services.

As part of your application process, you will be asked to submit several documents along with your application form, including:

• A copy of your passport – and that of any other shareholders
• Your business plan
• A copy of your signature
• A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 5: Meeting additional catering license requirements

A trade license is not the only requirement for starting a catering business in Dubai. You’ll also need to apply to the Dubai Food Safety Department for your catering certification.

As part of this process, you will need to provide details of your kitchen or food prep area. This includes the location of entrances, exits, and ventilation. Finally, you’ll also need to agree to adhere to the UAE Food Code which stipulates the requirements for those wishing to prepare and sell food.

Step 6: Applying for your visa

The final key step in starting a catering business out here is obtaining 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 Dubai business license, you can also sponsor others such as children, a spouse or domestic staff for their visas too, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the cost of food delivery service license?

Of course, one of the most commonly asked questions when starting this type of business is — how much is a catering license?

The answer is usually in the region of AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. However, this is only one component of the total cost of setting up a catering business. You will also need to factor the cost of premises, equipment, ingredients, and any additional approvals that you require.

For a personalised quote, inclusive of your license and visa, get in touch with Charles Ntumwa Services.

Let’s start your catering business in Dubai

By following the steps above, it is possible to obtain the appropriate license and approvals to start a catering business in Dubai.  

However, it is always advisable to undertake the steps with the assistance of a registered company formations 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 week or two. We’ll manage your license and visa application and correspond with all relevant authorities for you. All you need to do is wait for the green light to start trading.

The post How to Start a Catering and Food Delivery Service Business in Dubai, UAE appeared first on WWF.