Investing in Dubai is an ideal opportunity for businesspeople of various nationalities, including Yemeni investors, as the emirate offers a sophisticated economic environment and numerous advantages that facilitate business establishment. However, one of the most important questions on investors’ minds is the cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis, as costs vary based on the type of company, location, and required trade license.

Dubai offers Yemeni investors a variety of options, whether establishing a company in a free zone or on the mainland. Each option has its own costs and requirements. These costs include registration fees, business license fees, office rental costs, and administrative services. In this article, we will discuss in detail the cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis , explain the factors that affect this cost, and offer tips on how to minimize expenses and secure the best deals available to investors.

Steps for establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis

A Yemeni investor can easily establish a company in Dubai by following a set of legal and administrative steps. Procedures vary depending on the type of company and location (mainland or free zones), but the basic steps remain similar.

1- Determine the business activity
. The investor must choose the appropriate business activity, as there are more than 2,000 approved business activities in Dubai, such as trade, services, industry, and consulting. The type of activity determines the required business license.

2- Choosing the legal form of the company.
The legal structure of the company is determined, and the options include:

• A mainland limited liability company (LLC), with or without a local partnership in some activities.
• Sole proprietorship, where the investor is the sole owner.
• A company in a free zone, which offers benefits such as full (100%) ownership and tax exemptions.

3- Registering a trade name:
A distinctive trade name must be chosen that complies with Dubai laws and submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the selected free zone authority for approval.

4- Obtaining initial approvals:
An application is submitted to the competent authority to approve the establishment of the company. The basic approvals include government agencies such as the Department of Economic Development, the Ministry of Economy, and specialized bodies depending on the activity.

5- Preparing and notarizing the articles of association.
If the company is located on the mainland, a notarized articles of association must be prepared by a notary public in Dubai.

In free zones, the establishment agreement is signed in accordance with the requirements of the competent authority.

6- Renting the company’s headquarters
on the mainland. An office or official headquarters registered in the Ejari system must be rented.

In free zones, some entities offer options for virtual offices or shared offices.

7- Obtaining a commercial license
. After completing all procedures, the commercial license is issued by the competent authority after paying government fees.

8- Opening a business bank account:
A bank account must be opened in the company’s name in one of the approved banks in the UAE to conduct financial transactions.

9- Applying for an investor residency visa:
A Yemeni company owner is entitled to apply for an investor residency visa, which allows him to reside in Dubai and manage his business freely.

10- Starting your business:
After completing all procedures and obtaining the necessary licenses, the investor can officially start operating in Dubai and benefit from its attractive business environment.

Documents required to establish a company in Dubai for Yemenis

When establishing a company in Dubai , a Yemeni investor must submit a set of basic documents to ensure the smooth completion of legal procedures. Requirements vary depending on the type of company, whether it is mainland or free zone, but there are some basic documents that are required in all cases.

Basic documents

1. Valid passport for the investor and all partners (if any).
2. A copy of the residence visa or entry stamp to the UAE (if applicable).
3. Recent passport photos with a white background according to official standards.
4. No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the investor is a resident of the UAE sponsored by another party.
5. A copy of the Yemeni commercial register (if the investor has an existing company and wants to expand in Dubai).
6. The company’s articles of association, notarized according to the company type (for limited liability companies in the mainland).
7. A company’s business plan outlines the business activity, especially in certain sectors such as investment and consulting.
8. A company headquarters lease contract notarized by the relevant authorities, such as the mainland rental system or the free zone authority.

Types of companies that Yemenis can establish in Dubai

Types of companies that Yemenis can establish in Dubai:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Suitable for general trade and services, and allows for partnership with other investors.
2. Sole Proprietorship: Yemenis can establish a sole proprietorship without the need for a partner, but it is limited to certain activities.
3. One-person LLC: Combines the advantages of a sole proprietorship and a limited liability company, and is suitable for entrepreneurs.
4. Branch of a foreign company: Yemenis can expand their business in Dubai by opening a branch of an existing company in Yemen.
5. Free zone company: Offering benefits such as full ownership and tax exemptions, it is ideal for trade, import, and export.
6. Offshore company: Suitable for international business, with tax advantages and low operating costs.
7. Professional partnership: Allows individuals to provide professional services such as legal and engineering consulting without the need for a local partner.

Cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis

The cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemeni investors varies depending on several factors, such as the type of company, its location (mainland or free zones), and the nature of the business. The cost can be divided into several main items, including government fees, licenses, and company headquarters rental.

Factors affecting cost

• Company Type: Fees vary between a mainland or free zone company.
• Commercial License: The cost varies depending on the chosen business activity.
• Company headquarters rent: depends on the location and space required.
• Visa procedures: Includes investor residence visa and health insurance.
• Government fees and additional permits: vary depending on the nature of the business.

Estimated cost

• Business License: Depends on the activity and starts from a specific annual fee.
• Office or company headquarters rent: The cost varies depending on the location and space required.
• Investor Residence Visa: Includes application fees, medical examination, and health insurance.
• Government and administrative service fees: include official certifications and approvals.

Cost savings

• Yemeni investors can choose free zones that offer competitively priced establishment packages that include several services such as office space and visas.
• Some free zones do not require a physical headquarters, which reduces rental costs.

Advantages of investing in Dubai for Yemeni businessmen

Dubai is a prime investment destination for Yemeni businessmen, offering a stable economic environment, business-friendly legislation, and numerous incentives and benefits that make establishing businesses and investing easier.

1. Ease of company formation:
Dubai offers flexible and fast company formation procedures, whether in free zones or on the mainland, making it easy for Yemeni businessmen to start their projects without complications.

2. 100% company ownership:
Yemeni investors can establish their companies with full ownership in many free zones, without the need for a local partner, giving them complete independence in managing their businesses.

3. Stable economic environment:
Dubai has a strong and diversified economy supported by the trade and tourism sectors, providing multiple investment opportunities in areas such as real estate, trade, and logistics.

4. Tax exemptions:
Dubai offers attractive tax benefits, such as exemption from personal income tax and no tax on profits in many free zones, which enhances profitability.

5. Advanced infrastructure:
Dubai offers an integrated business environment with global transportation networks, modern ports, and high-speed internet, facilitating import and export operations.

6. Residency Opportunities:
Yemeni investors can obtain a long-term residency visa upon establishing their company, allowing them to settle in Dubai and run their businesses with ease.

7. Government support and flexible legislation:
The UAE government provides a flexible legislative environment that supports the growth of startups and entrepreneurs, with the ability to benefit from government facilities and investment incentives.

Knowing the cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis is essential for anyone wishing to enter the world of investment in the UAE. This knowledge helps with sound financial planning and avoiding any unexpected expenses. Thanks to government facilities and excellent services, Yemeni investors can easily establish their companies, whether in free zones or on the mainland, according to their needs and investment vision.

Ultimately, success in the Dubai market depends on examining costs and choosing the most appropriate option based on available capital and the nature of the business. Therefore, if you’re planning to start your own business in Dubai, learning about the cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Yemenis will enable you to make informed financial decisions that will ensure a strong start and a successful investment future in one of the world’s most prosperous cities.

Top Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai for Yemenis