Driven by the demand for IT Services in UAE; start-ups and entrepreneurs are obtaining IT services company licenses to offer specialized IT Services for organizations in UAE.

The growth of IT related business attracts global investors to UAE. Especially with the pandemic, the demand for IT services in organizations has gone up tremendously.

To stay competitive in the digital world, IT services have a vital role to play. IT provides the perfect infrastructure and platforms for the organization to grow digitally.

How to Open an IT Services Company in UAE?

Opening an IT Services company in UAE is a straightforward process. There are ample choices for entrepreneurs in UAE to start an IT-based business.

To keep the business setup cost low, the Free Zones in UAE are the ideal choice. They offer world-class facilities and amenities along with an IT Service license all at an affordable business setup package with visa quotas to hire employees.

An expert Business Consultant will assist you in the process of obtaining an IT service license, and UAE residence visa application submission. They will ensure you have a seamless business setup and continued business operations by getting all the paperwork and clearance approved.

Steps in Setting Up an IT Services Company in UAE?

To establish an IT Services Company in UAE, the first step is to get the trade name approval. A suitable name must be registered for the company with the respective Free Zone authority. Following are the steps involved in setting up an IT Services Company in the UAE.

• Choose the right business activities and the company structure depending on the number of shareholders. Prepare the shareholder agreement and memorandum of association with the respective Free Zone.
• Submit the required documents to the Free Zone authority and pay the required business license fee.
• Choose the right office space for your IT business based on the budget. Get the tenancy contract for the office space from the free zone.
• Proceed to obtain the investor visa and get it stamped on the passport. Now you can legally start business operations from the newly registered IT company.

Top Free Zones in UAE offering IT Services License

The Free Zones in UAE offer exclusive discount offers for investors aiming to establish an IT business in UAE.

There are few Free Zones offering the perfect infrastructure and business support services for entrepreneurs to start their IT Services business in UAE.

1. Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the premium choices for every entrepreneur in Dubai. Get the prestigious Dubai Address and set up your company in the top-rated Free Zone in the world.

Situated adjacent to the Dubai International Airport, it is a perfect choice for IT service companies to invite and conduct meetings with clients who are always on the go.

The Free Zone offers attractive business setup packages with a shared office, Flexi Desk, executive office, etc., and business infrastructure that is conducive to IT services business.

2. Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre

The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre is a perfect Launchpad for IT services companies, start-ups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to start any IT-related business ventures.

DTEC offers ample business infrastructure such as a testing laboratory, meeting rooms, conference rooms, cafes, office spaces, business support services, and more.

This free zone has a well-built ecosystem to support IT companies’ growth and expansion of the business communities.

There are a host of business activities under the IT service license in DTEC that investors can venture into at affordable business setup fees.

To know more, read: Start a Company in DTEC

3. Dubai Silicon Oasis IFZA

Dubai Silicon Oasis IFZA is another popular Free Zone for IT Services in Dubai. The Free Zone has dedicated amenities for supporting IT Service companies and entrepreneurs to test the software products.

Also, it provides access to start-up accelerators where entrepreneurs can secure funding for their projects subject to approvals.

There is a robust IT start-up community growing in the IFZA Free Zone. IFZA offers one of the low-cost Business Setup Packages for IT Companies in Dubai.

There are a variety of Office spaces available ranging from shared desks to fully furnished offices, and other facilities to support IT Service businesses to easily grow in the region and beyond.

4. Sharjah Media City

Sharjah Media City is a dynamic Free Zone in the Emirate of Sharjah offering a wide range of business license types for IT Companies.

IT Services are one of the most sought-after business activities among start-ups to meet the growing demand from organizations in the UAE.

Sharjah Media City provides office facilities, conference halls, meeting rooms, shared work areas, etc., for IT start-ups to easily scale up their business at lower business setup fees.

Contact us now to get an IT Services business License in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

5. Sharjah Publishing City

The Sharjah Publishing City is the newest Free Zone in Sharjah. Located near the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and near the Sharjah International Airport, the Free Zone is a perfect choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs to easily start an IT company at the lowest setup cost.

The highlight of the Free Zone is the Dual License issued for the investors and getting the investor visa stamped to the passport in the shortest time. Dual License allows Free Zone companies to expand beyond the Free Zones and strengthen their presence in the mainland of UAE.

Hence, for start-ups and investors looking for an easy IT business setup in a hassle-free way and obtaining an investor visa at the earliest; SPC Free Zone is the right choice.

To know more about the procedures of opening an IT Service Company in UAE or a Software Development Company in Dubai, talk to our expert Business Consultants right away!

Contact Us: Aurion Business Consultants

The post IT Company License in UAE – How to Start an IT Services Company in UAE? appeared first on AURION.

There is growing market confidence due to the launch of the Stimulus package initiated by the UAE Government and Central Bank.

Also, with the availability of Vaccines to curb the spread of the Pandemic, the business scenario in UAE is showing a positive outlook in 2021.

Changing Consumer Behaviour – A Challenge & Opportunity for most Businesses in UAE

Consumer Behaviour globally has drastically changed over the past year due to the Pandemic. Online Marketing and Shopping Carts saw unprecedented traction due to the Governments imposing lockdowns and people not stepping out for buying things due to the pandemic.

On the flip side, many industries witnessed downtime and have to cut down on staff especially the airlines, tourism, retail sector, as most people stayed indoors.

Business Challenges & Opportunities

Businesses have a challenge as well as an opportunity with more consumers adopting the online channel. The challenge is that companies must be technology ready and available to serve customers in the online space.

The Opportunity is the wide scope of the online world can be tapped effectively to expand business across geographies and find new customers.

Business Scenario in UAE

Sectors like tourism, hospitality, and international trade were greatly affected due to the Pandemic. These were the major growth drivers of the UAE. Both Oil and Non-Sectors across the world has a hit in 2020.

Businesses in UAE are anticipating a positive growth rate in 2021 with enormous Government support in the form of initiating the stimulus packages, managing the Covid-19 situation, implementing vaccination drives, and more.

Financial Experts in UAE Forecast a steady growth rate in all sectors once the pandemic gets controlled and life gets back to normal.

Also, with ‘Expo 2020 scheduled for the end of 2021, it throws hope for a total market revival as more tourists and visitors will start arriving in UAE to participate in the show.

How are Businesses in UAE Getting Equipped to Sustain and Grow?

Companies in UAE are all set to scale up and grow. To tap the new opportunities amidst a crisis such as Covid-19, technology adoption seems to be a crucial strategy every business is heavily relying on.

With most of the services moving completely online, it helps people to experience things at an ease and by being at the comfort of their homes.

From Banks to Grocery Delivery, to pharma companies, all have an active digital presence and help customers with satisfying their requirements.

There are some ‘New Normal’ Trends shaping up as more companies are moving to the digital space.

1. Sustainable Businesses

Many businesses especially in retail, aviation, tourism, etc., were on the verge of closing down, or downsizing; this is where a sustainable business model comes into action.

In UAE, with the Government Support and Banking Network’s financial assistance, these companies were turned around and business strategies were restructured so that the companies could run with a lean ecosystem.

Also, with the investors ready to fund the ailing companies in the form of crowd-funding, incubators, venture capitalist funding, etc., will help in sustaining the business ecosystem in the region.

2. Working Remotely

Working remotely is a productive and cost-efficient strategy for most industry sectors. Sectors such as IT, Marketing, Trading, Services, etc., where employees can work on their own and coordinate with the team online without the requirement of physical presence.

3. Restructuring of Food & Beverage Sector

The Food & beverages sector is one of the worst-hit by the pandemic. However, the demand is still on track.  Online food delivery and aggregator apps are on high traction due to their convenience. There is a huge business opportunity for investors in the F &B sector.

Concepts like virtual kitchen, organic food delivery, home-cooked items, etc., are receiving likes among the digital consumers.

4. Adoption to Financial Technologies

The digital payment industry is on a surge as more businesses are moving online and the payment methods are changing from traditional cash-based transactions.

Also, the bank is moving to complete digital services via the app, website, and chat facilities. The modern technology of contactless payment, Artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc., is making the banking sector more efficient and user-friendly.

5. Customer Service

Customers are the center of any business. There must be constant measures to enhance customer service in the digital and offline world to keep customers delighted.

Brands must adopt a hybrid strategy for customer service to deliver personalized attention when communicating with the customers.

6. Technology Adoption

For the brands to stay completive in the modern world, technology adoption is essential. Businesses must have the certain infrastructure in place to be actively present in the digital space and serve customers better.

So, with companies getting ready for the transformation by giving importance to the employees like never before, servicing clients efficiently, etc., are positive signs of market recovery. Businesses are transforming their operation by bringing in new changes to the working environment.

Talk to our team to know more about the growing business opportunities and company formation procedures in UAE.

Read more about “How Businesses in the UAE are Scaling Up After the Lockdown?“.

The post How Businesses are Transforming into ‘New Normal’ in Dubai? appeared first on AURION.

The Social Media Influencer License in UAE will enable the younger generation to take their passion into a business with all legal protection. It will help them to establish a company and conduct social media related promotional activities complying to the business legislative authorities of UAE.

Update: Please reach out to our expert Business Consultants for the latest pricing update. The Package cost will vary in real time.

How Social Media Influencers Became Popular?

Social Media Influencer License in UAE is one of the most popular in the online space currently. With smartphone penetration of more than 90% in the world. Content sharing, creation, promotion, and consumption have become part of our daily routine.

Social Media Influencers Monetize their Creative Content

Social Media Influencers are individuals who monetize on their creative way of sharing content and leveraging the power of instant content consumption, getting popular quickly.

To regulate the commercialization and protect consumers as well as the influencer’s interest, the National Media Council (NMC) launched the UAE Influencer license.

Exclusion for Social Media Influencer License

If you are a blogger who solely receives gifts, experiences, and or products in exchange for coverage of brands on your social channels. You will not need to obtain a license or be signed to an influencer agency to operate.

3 Types of Licensing Options for Social Media Influencers

Following are the types of licensing options available for Social Media Influencers:

1. Apply for an individual license and also a trade license to conduct commercial selling activities in the UAE

2. Apply for a partnership license (a small group of influencers-friends or family). Get an NMC special e-media license and a trade license on behalf of the company

3. Sign up with an official influencer agency certified by NMC. (Can only work with the signed-up agency)

Influencers that fail to comply with the risk of the new law of having their account shut down and will be levied a fine of Dh 5000.

Low-Cost Social Media Influencer Permits Available in the UAE

1. Influencer Permit by RAKEZ Free Zone

RAKEZ is offering Social Media Influencer Permit for influencers or bloggers residing in the UAE. It is not a trade license but a permit that enables influencers and bloggers to advertise in their social media accounts in exchange for money complying with the UAE laws.

There is no memorandum of association, certificate of incorporation, or partner list for the social media permit.

Also, there is no visa eligibility nor any immigration file under the social media influencer permit. Hence, using a Social Media Influencer permit one cannot hire any office space nor open a corporate bank account.

Social Media Influencer or blogger can obtain the Social Media Influencer Permit from RAKEZ for AED 3,550 per year. The package is inclusive of the National Media Council (NMC) permit. It will allow to legally conduct the business activities in UAE without any hassles.

Similarly, a social media license for influencers from the Sharjah Media City Free Zone starts at AED 5,740 for zero visa quota.

2. Social Media Influencer Permit by Ajman Media City Free Zone

 The permit is custom-made for bloggers, social media influencers who have to comply with the UAE laws of conducting business.

The Ajman Media City has tied up with National Media Council to issue permits for eligible social media influences to conduct business legally in the UAE.

E-Trader License in Dubai

E-Trader License in Dubai is launched by the Dubai Economy (DED) for home entrepreneurs based in Dubai. The E-Trader License will make it easier for individuals and single-business owners to sell their items online.

DED has launched the initiative to curb counterfeit sales and fake product advertising on social media platforms like Instagram. With the e-Trader license, the online selling sector is expected to be regulated and eliminate all illegal practices.

Who can Apply for E-Trader License?

E-trader license is ideal for those who don’t have to require a physical office space to conduct their business. UAE and GCC Nationals and ex-pats of certain other nationalities can apply for the E-Trader License in Dubai.

There are certain regulations in terms of business activities for other nationalities. Commercial Trading activities are restricted to other nationalities. However, services businesses such as lifestyle coaching, marketing services, project management services, etc., are open to all nationalities.

DED Trader license aims at providing an authentic legal backup for start-ups, and entrepreneurs.

It helps those working from home to continue their entrepreneurial journey and contribute actively to the economy. At the same time curb all illegal activities and protect consumer interest.

Do you require a Commercial Trade License Required for Selling Items Online?

UAE residents are eligible to be fined up to Dh 500,000 for selling items on social media without a valid commercial trade license or an eCommerce license.

The purview of Selling in Social Media includes all categories of items including online catering, tailoring, and beauty business from home.

Selling any kind of items ranging from garments, shoes, handbags, and homemade food on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups will come under scrutiny.

Ways to get an e-Commerce License in UAE?

In the UAE, to carry out trade by any means, one must have a valid trade license from the Dubai Economy or any of the Free Zones offering commercial Trade Licenses.

There are two ways to obtain an e-commerce trading license in UAE

1. Getting an e-Commerce License from the Department of Economic Development in each emirate
2. Getting an e-Commerce License from any of the Freezones of the UAE

All residents in the UAE intending to sell goods online, be it stay-at-home mothers, part-timers, etc., must have a valid trade license to avoid any fines or legal actions.

Is a Trade License a must for selling Online in UAE?

Over the years, there has been a significant increase in online stores for tailor-made clothes, beauty products, and accessories via online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.

UAE and the Telecom Regulatory Authority are on a constant watch to locate and shut down unauthorized websites and social pages to protect consumer interest.

The Free Zones such as Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) provide an e-Trader Package for AED 6,510 with Zero Visa quota. The Package allows only two business activities. One is eCommerce and the Other is a general trading activity.

So, all those involved in online sales, e-commerce platforms, and utilizing social media platforms to promote sales, have to be compliant with the UAE commercial license requirements to avoid fines or shutdowns.

To know more about the relevant social media and online selling licenses, talk to our expert business consultants.

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