Top ten rules of freelancing in the UAE

Freelancing is working for yourself, which is legal as long as you are licensed to do so

Freelancing is a work option for many in the UAE. Increasingly many companies are looking to hire freelance workers in various fields such as programmers, web developers, graphic designers, writers, data entry staff and more at a fraction of the cost when compared to full-time employees.

Though freelancing seems a viable and an attractive way to work for many in the country, there are employees who are not sure about the rules that should govern their scope of work.


1. May I legally freelance in the UAE?

Yes, you may freelance in the UAE!  However, it is important to distinguish between part-time work and freelancing.  Freelancing is working for yourself, where you are essentially a company made up of one person, which is perfectly legal as long as you are licensed to do so.

2. So, I need a license?

Yes you do!  You will need to secure a Trade License pertaining to your business activity from your selected Licensing Authority, and adhere to their stipulations.

3. What kind of license do I need?

The kind of license you need depends on the nature of the business you are looking to conduct.
There are two main ways of setting-up a business in Dubai and different license options for both, which a business setup specialist can explain in detail. The first is through the Dubai Department of Economic Development and the second is through one of the many Free Zones

a) Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) Business Setup
The main license types in the DED are:
1. Commercial (51 per cent Emirati-owned; 49 per cent foreign-owned)
2. Services/Professional/Consultancy (100 per cent expat-owned with a local Emirati service agent).

b. Free Zone (FZ) Business Setup

For the free zones, both of the above license options apply, but the main differences are 1. an Emirati partner is not required, and 2. FZ businesses are 100 per cent expat owned.

4. What are other benefits of setting-up through a Free Zone?

The general benefits of setting-up through a FZ are that companies can remain 100 per cent foreign-owned and benefit from being “tax free” for 50 years, according to Article 15 of Law No. 1 of 2000 of the Emirate of Dubai.

Visas

5. If I’m not a resident, may I obtain a residency visa through one of these license options?

Yes, you may!

6. May I freelance if I’m on my husband’s visa?

Yes, you may!  You would first need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your husband as well as a labour card issued from the licensing authority/immigration office of the Emirate where the freelance company has been registered.

7. I’m working full-time but I’m interested in turning my hobby into a business.  May I obtain a license even if I’m sponsored by my employer?

Yes, you may!  Most (not all) licensing authorities would request you to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer in order for you to start your own freelancer company.

8. How long will it take to get a freelance license and setup my business?

On average the process can take anywhere from one week to ten days.

9. Do I need to rent office space?

The majority of licensing authorities do require you to have some sort of office space within their jurisdiction, be it something minimal like a flexi-desk or a smart office, which is often already built into the price of the company setup package offered. These packages are typically catered to fit the needs of freelancers like you.

Some licensing authorities are even able to provide you with a Trade License without taking office space of any sort. However, under this option you wouldn’t be able to secure any residency visas on the company, so this option is best suited to a freelancer who already has a residency visa be it through their spouse, parent or current employer.

10. Do I have to get a freelance license through a business setup specialist or can I do it myself?

You certainly can do it yourself, however most of our community members have testified that using a business setup specialist was a wiser, more sensible and efficient option, as setting up a company in the UAE can be a very time consuming and draining process.

There are so many facets to consider when setting up a new business in the UAE, like obtaining your trade license, applying for your visa, getting business cards printed and setting up your bank account. The business setup specialist takes care of all the admin, allowing you to focus your attention on developing and growing your business.

We at Elegant Business Services provide company registration services / Freelance permit Services from start to finish. Please contact us on +971-055 174 5764  or info@elegantbusiness.ae or visit our website www.elegantbusienss.ae for more information.

HOW TO START E-COMMERCE BUSINESS IN UAE ?

With nearly half the world’s population expected to become web users by 2016 the internet economy is set to provide companies with an important source of growth.

UAE has made major efforts to establish itself as an e-commerce hub, and according to a study carried out by UAE Media City-based Madar Research Group in late 2002 was at that time on a par with top European Union states in basic online services.

This trend is being further fuelled by the rise of the emerging markets, and the growth of social media. SMEs are also increasingly championing the Internet, using it for marketing, sales and interactions with customers and suppliers.

In the Middle East, the web effect is no less dramatic. For example, 42 per cent of UAE shoppers accessed the internet for online shopping in 2012, up from 33 per cent in 2010 according to a survey by MasterCard.

The e-commerce trends here are no different. New players are setting ablaze the trail for e-tailing.

PayPal is coming on big in the GCC . In fact, according to Arab Advisors Group, the value of e-commerce related transactions is about $11 billion a year in the Middle East. With the growth of broadband in the region and improvements in logistics, security of transactions, payment execution and technology speed, we expect the online space to continue to flourish.

Building and distributing a successful brand in the Internet era is about addressing the new behaviors of an evolving customer base. Looking to the future, the discussion has to shift from e-commerce vs. offline commerce to an integrated model.

For the consumer, some things remain the same irrespective of whether the talk is about online or offline retail. Customers still want to buy trendy products at great prices, they still value good service, and they continue to desire brands that understand their life interests.

Increasingly, consumers are making the final purchase through a series of online and offline experiences. Online, they share information, validate their friend’s choice, research, learn and develop a point of view. Offline they often look at and feel the product, comparing it with some brands and associating it with others.

It is a mixture of these experiences that drives the consumer to his or her final purchase decision and brands of the future must take both into consideration. Finding the right strategy for this online versus offline dynamic will be key to the success of future brands and e-tailors.

Licensing:

1) To form a web-based company, you will need a License from the Department of Economic Development (DED).

2) If you are looking to setup within a free zone, the license will have to be acquired from the relevant free zone authority.

3) The type of license issued will depend on the nature of your online business.

Office space:

Depending on the nature of the business, you should also consider setting up a physical office.  UAE-based company must have physical office space to be considered legal

Website development:

To set up an online business, you naturally need to prepare a website The following steps need to be taken when establishing your web presence:

Registering a domain name:

1) You will need to choose and register a domain name.

2)  This is the name or address you use for your website (often the company’s name).

3) A number of companies in the UAE offer domain name registration services. In order to acquire you can search it out on Google which is the best one available.

If you are an online shopping portal, there are a few additional factors to consider:

Online payment gateways:

If you are selling products online (whether tangible or intangible) you need to set a Secure Payment Gateway Options include credit card payment, cash on delivery and pre-paid card systems such as PayPal.

Import/export requirements:

If you are importing products from outside the country and selling them online to the UAE market, the business has to be registered with the relevant emirate’s ports and customs authority, and receive an importer’s code. A customs duty (often 5%) is applicable to goods being imported.
Businesses established within a free zone are exempt from customs duties if they are selling their products/services within the free zone or outside the country. However, if they are selling to the UAE market (outside the free zone), the customs duty has to be paid and a local commercial agent has to be appointed.

We at Elegant Business Services  provide company  registration services from start to finish. Please contact us on +971-055 174 5764  or info@elegantbusiness.ae  or visit our website www.elegantbusienss.ae for more information.

How to Stay Dedicated to your Business as an Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, it is normal to feel frustrated at times. Being your own boss often means managing all aspects of your business; from accounting and HR to marketing and business development, it can be extremely difficult to adequately fill all the necessary roles to launch and grow your business. As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to stay motivated. It is natural at times, to struggle with procrastination and discouragement. Although the times may be tough, it is important to never quit. Remember that a little patience goes a long way and your persistence will pay off. Here are our top five motivational tips to help entrepreneurs stay dedicated to their business:

Set Goals. Every entrepreneur should set out goals or some form of a to-do list for themselves. This is the most simple and effective motivational tool for productivity. Many people have trouble finding a set of goals that works for them. While some people are naturally organized and use colorful lists as the solution to disorganization - this is not the case for everyone. Every entrepreneur is different and each of their set of goals should be different as well. Whether you are using a simple piece of paper or an innovative electronic app - set small achievable goals for yourself and review them constantly. This will keep you focused and help you get more work done in less time.

Create a Schedule. This goes hand-in-hand with setting goals. Every entrepreneur’s business is different and they will have different goals, initiatives and schedules. Perhaps the most important factor to remember when creating a schedule is to remain realistic. Do not set a schedule that you know you cannot keep up with. Write down the steps you want to take in order to achieve your goals and when you want to finish them by. This will help you stay on track. Remember to be flexible and stay optimistic! Try not to get down on yourself if you get behind schedule. There will always be unexpected twists on an entrepreneur's path to success. Along with your goals, keep your schedule in a place where you will see it often and update it as needed.

Attend Networking Events. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is such a crucial aspect of motivation and is an excellent tool to network and grow your business. In Dubai, there are many business councils and networking groups available for entrepreneurs to engage with other business owners. Entrepreneurs attending the networking events tend to have a positive outlook for their business and can be inspiring to one another. These networking events will also ensure that you are meeting potential new customers and forging alliances to get your business the support and success it deserves.

Take a Break. In the bustling metropolis of UAE, you will never be short on things to do, places to go, or people to see for your business. For an entrepreneur, work can overpower your life if you let it. Above everything else, it is important for you to take care of yourself. Recharge your inner batteries by taking a break from work and doing something that makes you happy. This is especially important if work is leaving you stressed or frustrated. After clearing your head and taking a break, you will be more likely to come up with effective solutions. If you are only focusing on your work goals - you won’t be able to enjoy your journey. Balance is key. Don’t miss out on life by becoming consumed by your ambitions.

Think of your Customers. Many entrepreneurs in UAE today work solely online which, unlike a traditional brick-and-mortar business, means they do not get to interact with their customers in the flesh. Small business owners get to see smiling faces, whereas entrepreneurs are sometimes left staring at their computer screen. When you are feeling demotivated, remember that your customers and clients are benefiting from your work and keeping you in business. Take a look at your customer reviews or feedback to help get yourself back on track and remind yourself why you’re in the business.

Top 10 reasons to Invest in UAE

1.     Global business hub in one of the world's richest economy

·         At US$ 360 billion in 2012, the GDP of the UAE ranks second in the CCASG and third in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region.

·         The Institute of International Finance, or IIF, a global association of more than 470 financial institutions, raised its 2013 growth forecast for UAE to 4.7 per cent from 3.9 per cent previously.

2.     Tax exemptions and highly competitive tariff rates

·         Business set-ups in any of the Free Trade Zones in the UAE enjoy absolutely NO corporate and income taxes.

3.     Strategic location served by over 120 airlines and shipping lines to over 130 global destinations

·         The UAE occupies a strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula through which passes an average of 25% of the world's air and sea traffic every day.

4.     Political and market stability

·         The UAE enjoys a “Safe Haven” status which means that investments are less at risk and on average, are expected to retain its value or even increase its value in times of political or market turbulence.

5.     World class infrastructure and service sector

·         Nationwide, there is currently an average of $350 billion worth of active construction projects.

6.     Business and trade friendly policies

·         Free Trade Zones and special economic zones in the UAE offer 100% foreign ownership, repatriation of profit and capital as well as exemptions from taxes.

7.     A choice of free zones

·         There are over 47 Free Trade Zone in the United Arab Emirates. Most of these Free Zones offer a unique feature or suite of facilities and amenities that are designed for a specific type of industry.

8.     Fast growing economy

·         In Dubai alone, its real GDP grew to Dh169 billion in the first half of 2013 from Dh161 billion in the first half of 2012 while its benchmark Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index surged 79% in 2013, making it the best performer among the 50 biggest equity markets globally.

9.     World's 3rd largest export and re-export center

·         According to the Dubai Economic Council, the value of Dubai’s foreign trade in the first half of 2013 set a new record, reaching Dh679 billion, compared to Dh584 billion in the same period of 2012, showing a growth of 16 per cent. India, China and the US ranked as its top three trade partners.

10.   Gateway to a US$ 150billion p.a., 2 billion population regional import market

·         The UAE provides investors easy and multiple access to the dynamic Central Asia, Africa, Asian subcontinent and Eastern Mediterranean markets.

·         Collectively, India and China alone comprise almost 40 per cent of the world’s total population and support a combined GDP in excess of US$5 trillion, providing significant economic and trading opportunities.

Start your own business in UAE just for 2076 AED per month

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·          

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