Setting Up an International Shipping Company in Dubai

Setting Up an International Shipping Company in Dubai

Dubai is a magnet for entrepreneurs from all over the world. Fifty years ago, there was a desert where a modern metropolis now stands, and today many international companies have offices in the emirate. The government is interested in developing infrastructure because tourism is the main driver of the economy and attracts investors. One of the advantages is the ability to open a bank account. Unlike many countries, it does not require a large number of documents or citizenship.
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The transportation business in Dubai is a highly profitable and promising investment of available capital. In the modern market, transportation is in high demand. Experts note a constantly increasing consumer demand.

In such circumstances, the opportunity to open a transport company in Dubai, taking advantage of the state's favorable policies and corporate benefits in the form of tax and customs advantages, is the best solution.

Advantages of opening a transport company in Dubai

Types of transportation services

Steps to start a transportation business

Estimated cost of opening a transportation business?

Advantages of Opening a Transport Company in Dubai

Today, Dubai is a center of attraction for entrepreneurs from all over the world. 50 years ago, there was a desert where a modern metropolis now stands, and today many international companies have offices open in the emirate. Every year, thousands of investors come to the country to try their luck. They understand that it is not only financially profitable but also easier than in most developed countries. Additionally, it attracts representatives of small transportation businesses. Many teams have registered their firms in this country.

Strategic Location

The main reason for this is its geographical location. It is convenient to get to Dubai from all continents of the world. The average flight time from airports in Sydney, New York, and Tokyo is 10 hours. Also, from this emirate, you can go directly to the capital of almost any country in the world. Due to its geographical location, the city is an important logistics hub for world trade. On the territory of the ports, there are numerous warehouses for transit cargo that goes to every corner of the planet.

The best infrastructure in the world

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing and economically developed regions in the world. The high level of the economy provides the best infrastructure for creating a business.

The state is interested in the development of infrastructure, as the tourism business is the main engine and attracts investors. Growth is taking leaps and bounds.

Advantages for Companies in Dubai

If you open an organization, you can have a prestigious company, among other advantages. Companies registered in Dubai are of interest to all Gulf States. Such firms are given the opportunity to conclude government contracts with governments.

One of the advantages is the ability to open a bank account. Unlike most countries, they do not require a large number of documents and citizenship.

Types of transportation services

One of the advantages of the transport business is that an entrepreneur can choose from a large number of directions. It all depends on the possible investments, conditions, and desires.

In principle, all types require similar conditions and documents. The entrepreneur should assess the financial possibilities and competently draw up a business plan.

Processes for Setting Up a Transport Company in Dubai

The opening of the firm takes place strictly in stages. An entrepreneur cannot skip a step, as it violates the country's laws. If everything is done in order, all points will be fulfilled. The company is more likely to receive a permit.

Partnership with a Trade License Zone

Entrepreneurs choose the free zone as an effective and flexible solution. The main advantages of opening an organization are:

Choose a business structure for your transportation business in Dubai, UAE

There are 2 types of companies that are most often opened:

It is also not uncommon for foreign citizens to open offshore companies, as this country is not included in the so-called gray and black lists of offshore companies.

The main types of activities – professional, commercial, industrial, or consulting. Within one of these groups, there is a possibility to choose several types of activities. It is necessary to determine the best option depending on the chosen type of activity and general business needs.

Choosing and registering a company name in Dubai

Company names must meet certain requirements and not be repeated in the company register.

The name of the company should be clear, indicate its organizational and legal form, the purpose of its activities, or consist of the names of one or more participants. For branches, the name must match the name of the parent company. As a rule, when passing the preliminary approval, you will need to have the following documents: a passport and its copy, a photo, a bank statement, proof of address, and others.

Notarize your company's documents

A mandatory step is to obtain a preliminary approval from the Department about the possibility of registering a company, enterprise, or branch with a specific name.

Preliminary approval helps to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings in the future. At this stage, a check is also carried out. If there is a mistake, the applicant can correct it and try again.

Then it is necessary to prepare and notarize these constituent documents to coordinate with the Ministry.

The documents submitted to the department must be notarized. If at least one paper is not certified, the entire package will be returned to the entrepreneur. You will have to go through the procedure of submitting documents again.

Submit a business license application

Next, you need to prepare all the necessary documents, information about the shareholders, and organize the submission of documents to the relevant authorities. A company can be opened without the actual presence of a shareholder. The necessary documents may include:

The time for consideration of the application depends on several factors. The commission must carefully study all documents, working conditions, and the type of activity in particular. The minimum period is four weeks, but if there are additional conditions, the period may be extended up to three months.

 

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Obtaining a Dubai Business License

The country's legislation requires the firm to engage in legitimate activities. The license serves as a confirmation of the legality of the enterprise. After submitting the documents, the commission examines them and makes a decision. After receiving a license, the entrepreneur can start his business.

Shortly after the approval of the company's documents and obtaining a trade license, an application for a residence visa for investors is submitted. Investors who want to start a business are eligible for a long-term visa.

After receiving a permit to do business, an entrepreneur should remember about responsibility. The company must operate in accordance with the country's legislation and carry out the activities specified in the received permits.

Cost of Setting Up a Transport Company in Dubai?

The cost of setting up a logistics company in Dubai depends on the type of activity of the company, whether it is local, international, or nominal, and a number of other nuances. For example, if we take the average opening cost of a transport company, where the license cost is about $7,000 USD, then taking into account registration, opening a bank account, and brokerage services, you will have to pay about $17,000-20,000 USD. The bank deposit is not included in this cost.

The service of a registered company includes:

Accounting — $500-700 per month;

Legal services — $1,000 per month.

Also, the expenses should include the rental of an office, warehouse, or other premises necessary for conducting the commercial activities of the company. A good office in a business center of 100 square meters with modern renovation and furniture costs an average of $3,000-4,000 per month. Similarly, to rent an apartment, office owners must pay at least six months in advance at the conclusion of the contract. Also, the tenant will have to pay a deposit of 10% of the monthly cost if the office is furnished. You also need to pay a commission to the realtor, which ranges from 5% to 10% of the monthly office rental price.

 

However, the above expenses are not mandatory for a proxy company. Small local companies can also limit their expenses by renting the necessary premises, but independently maintain accounting and not hire lawyers to support their activities.

The United Arab Emirates is a state whose level of economic development, according to various estimates, is growing by 10% per year. Life is not cheap, but at the same time, it is possible to open and conduct a transport business in Dubai legally and transparently, without sudden inspections by government agencies, etc.

Setting Up an International Shipping Company in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates, Dubai West, is the largest international transit hub connecting European, African, and Asian countries. Its favourable geographical location, government support, and billion-dollar investments have elevated Dubai's logistics system to a high level, connecting the air, shipping, and land routes of different continents.

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