With the worldwide lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered consumer trends and purchasing habits as well as the retail business landscape, e-commerce has experienced a notable surge in popularity and market share on a global scale.
The world came to understand that e-commerce allowed you to start a profitable business in the UAE from the comforts of your home. Everything you should think about when you start an online business in Abu Dhabi is also covered in this article.
With its hospitable business environment, conducive business laws, and abundant market, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely regarded as the financial center of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Benefits of Selling Products Online in UAE
Establishing an internet-based company in Dubai offers a lot of advantages. The following are a few advantages to launching an internet company in Dubai:
- Repatriation of all profits
- total ownership of the company
- Quick and simple setup procedure for business license acquisition
- Reasonable initial and ongoing expenses
- Absence of personal tax
- The simplicity of doing business
- Bank account support
- A three-year residence visa was granted.
Steps to get a business license to sell products online
1. Select a name for your company.
The first thing to do is choose a name for your business. Be mindful of the UAE’s stringent policies regarding business names and refrain from using profane or offensive language, trademarked terms, or unpleasant or offensive language.
2: Select a license for the mainland or a free zone
Decide if you would rather get your business license from the mainland or from a free zone. Benefits like 100% business profit repatriation, no corporate tax, 100% business ownership, and no customs fees are available to companies operating in free zones. Access to both local and foreign markets is a benefit for mainland businesses.
3: Submit an online license application
Apply for an e-commerce license with the relevant authority, based on the type of license you have (free zone or mainland). Applications for mainland licenses are sent to the Department of Economic Development (DED), whereas those for free zones are sent straight to the designated free zone.
The following are the Dubai-available licenses for internet businesses:
a). E-trader license: This could be your best option if you’re a national of the UAE or GCC living in Dubai. You can trade goods and provide services online with an e-trader license even if your business doesn’t have a physical office.
b). Portal License: If you’re a non-UAE national looking to launch an online business in Dubai, a portal license is specifically designed for you. It is legal for you to sell your goods and services online if you have a portal license.
c). Virtual Company License: This kind of internet business license is intended specifically for foreign investors and business owners who wish to manage their enterprises remotely. Only business activities pertaining to designing, advertising, and programming are covered by a virtual company license.
Step 4: Make visa requests
Apply for UAE visas for yourself, your employees, and your family members, if necessary, after your license has been approved. By taking this step, you can live and work in the UAE lawfully.
Step5: Open a bank account for your company
It is imperative that you open a business bank account as soon as you receive your license. In order to transact money and run your business in the United Arab Emirates, you must have a bank account.
Top e-commerce sites in UAE
- Amazon
- Noon
- Namshi
- Mumzworld
- Deliveroo
- Carrefour
- Hypermarket Lulu
Set up your company and launch your online business in Abu Dhabi.
You’ve come to the correct place if you want to launch an internet business in Dubai but need some advice. In the UAE, Business Link Consultants have helped a great deal of brands. We’ll have our experts answer your questions. To get your business off to a great start, connect today.
