Export to the United Arab Emirates on a turnkey basis
The SORP Group of companies, together with the professionals of the Svoi Lyudi import-export group, have developed a unique strategy for bringing your products to the UAE market
The United Arab Emirates is the largest hub connecting the world's logistics and trade routes, with opportunities for developing international trade. However, to successfully organize a business in the Emirates, you need expert knowledge of local legislation, business traditions, and market specifics. SORP Group specialists, in collaboration with the professionals of the Svoi Lyudi import-export group of companies, will help you to successfully organize logistics and conduct trade operations in the UAE.
The UAE’s biggest import categories
Building materials
A popular product group in the actively developing GCC countries
Precious stones and metals
This product group accounts for 13% of all imports
Cosmetics and perfumes
The total volume of imports showed an increase of 31% over 5 years
Food and beverage
The UAE ranks 21st in the world in terms of food imports to the country
Smart devices and software
7.5%: share of equipment and software imports to the UAE
Textile products
The UAE is the 3rd largest importer of textile products in the world
8%
Annual growth
Total commodity imports in value terms
70%
Of the total volume of export operations
For by non-oil group products by 2030
Key steps and stages of entering the Arab Emirates market
1
Analysis of the market, competitive environment and market trends
Including an analysis of the prospects in other foreign markets, as well as possible risks. Testing reactions and opinions through focus groups, as well as interviewing potential buyers. Forming strategies to develop your business, gathering data to make optimal decisions and perform objective risk assessment.
2
Deciding where to incorporate
Factors that feed into this decision include the location of your target audience (consumers of your goods and services), infrastructure and logistics requirements.
3
Analysis of UAE legislation relevant to your business area
Understanding the specifics of licensing, requirements of regulatory authorities for obtaining permits, and operating regulations. Assessing the need for trademark registration and what is required by the registration process.
4
Registering and licensing your business
Legal and administrative procedures for incorporation, obtaining permits from regulatory authorities and mandatory business licenses.
5
Trademark registration
Determining the product class, verifying the name and logo for uniqueness, putting together and submitting the documentation required by the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (National Patent Committee of the United Arab Emirates).
6
Obtaining an import permit
Getting products certified through the testing and registration procedures of the relevant government departments, obtaining an importer's code and dealing with the customs authorities.
7
Marketing and promotion
Planning and executing marketing campaigns. Searching for buyers and reference partners in the UAE. Meetings with distributors, retail chains and large customers. Negotiating and closing deals.
8
Supply management
Working out the optimal route, interacting with carriers, monitoring and ensuring the continuity of logistics chains from initial onboarding to the moment of cargo release from the port and delivery to the UAE warehouse
9
Organizing and managing the business
Optimizing costs and overheads related to the administrative support of your business activities including tax, accounting, legal and PRO streams.
Business Analysis — the first step for entering the UAE market 1
Consider services that adapt your strategies and develop methodologies for entering the country's market. You can order a personalized analysis of your objectives that assesses them in the context of UAE legislation and business environment.
A well-designed strategy for exporting your goods to the Emirates maximizes the potential for business development and helps prevent mistakes that are commonly made. We will help you identify consumer preferences and adapt products to the local market based on analysis conducted with the participation of a focus group.
Proven solutions
Unique solutions at the intersection of academia and business practice to realize your profitable ideas
Practical skills
Simulation and resolution of existing business problems for entrepreneurs and managers based on best practices
Customers from all over the world
Scale your business based on the unique capabilities of the Emirates and maximize retained profits
Determining the geography of the business activity and choosing where to incorporate
Choosing a jurisdiction is an important step in the planning stage of your business, which will determine the potential for incorporation and the opportunities that open up to you when doing business in the UAE
There are two main types of onshore company. Legislation gives each of them different attributes and opportunities for business development, and determines the geography in which they may operate.
Local company (Mainland)
Unlimited business opportunities in any field in the UAE and abroad
- Some business licenses need to be incorporated in the form of LLC with a local partner 51% (possibly on a nominee basis with the registration of a waiver of the share ownership in the Dubai court).
- In a professional company (SE or CC), a contract is signed with a local agent. The agent is not a shareholder.
- Freely conduct trade and services, or manufacturing in the domestic market and abroad.
- Simplified visa procedures for shareholders and employees. Obtaining the status of a tax resident provides UAE banks with confidence.
Free Trade Zone Company (FZE, FZCo)
Onshore legal entity with the ability to operate in international markets
- 100% foreign ownership permitted. Ideal for conducting international operations, while there are a number of restrictions on activities in UAE market.
- Free international trade, export and re-export, wholesale trade in the UAE through intermediaries or distributors.
- Execution of works and rendering services within the Free Trade Zone and in international markets without restrictions.
- Resident visas available for shareholders and employees. Proving economic presence (economic substance) in the UAE is a requirement.
Analysis of UAE legislation: key points3
Business in the UAE is subject to clear rules and laws. Taking time to understand them clarifies what you may legally accomplish and also helps you to enjoy all the rights and benefits of the country's business-oriented legislation.
In the United Arab Emirates, there are several regulations for the smooth and fair conduct of business. As a responsible entrepreneur, you are required to comply with the laws that:
Regulate the conduct of business on the mainland
The laws regulate the form of incorporation, the requirements for ownership, and the qualifications needed by owners and managers. Each Emirate is subject to Federal Laws, but may issue its own regulations that apply only to companies incorporated in that Emirate.
Regulate the conduct of business in Free Trade Zones
Each Free Trade Zone is governed by its own set of rules. In addition to direct regulations of FTZs, certain types of activities involve meeting the requirements from other regulatory authorities that license business activities. The list of permitted activities differs in each zone.
Govern Intellectual Property (IP) Rights
The Ministry of Economy, and in particular the Department of Intellectual Property under its control, is the competent authority for the registration and protection of intellectual property in the UAE. Laws regulate Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, and Industrial Projects.
Determine Economic Substance Requirements (ESR)
The laws are developed in accordance with international tax regulation and require compliance with the "transparency" of business operations and taxation. The rules require all UAE companies that carry out any of the Regulated Activities to confirm an economic presence here.
Business incorporation and licensing: stages and process4
The license is the main constituent document of the company, which reflects the place of incorporation, the dates of registration and renewal, the types of permitted activities, the data about the owners and managers.
Understanding licensing procedures
You need to determine the type of activity that best suits your area of business, as well as take into account possible additional requirements of government bodies
Obtaining a license and incorporation
This can be achieved after the regulatory requirements (if any) are met, the registered business address is confirmed, and the license fee and registration fees are paid.
Business support and license renewal
The final stage is selecting a service company that will provide high-quality business admin and legal support, and which will renew all permits when required.
Trademark registration5
The Emirates adheres to international standards for the protection of intellectual property rights, having signed all major agreements: the Berne Convention, the TRIPS Agreement (on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property rights), the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the WTO Agreement on the Protection of Intellectual Property, and individual agreements with a number of countries.
Regulated by Law No. 37 of 1992
"On the Regulation of the Use and Registration of Trademarks”
Additional requirements
Specialized agencies can submit additional requirements for the marking of goods or check compliance with the registration class (45 types)
Current business
The applicant must have an active business in the United Arab Emirates, usually for a period of at least 6 months
Brand Name
The trademark must be verified for uniqueness before the application for registration is submitted
Terms of registration
Registration period: up to 14 months
Obtaining an import permit6
To import goods to the UAE, it is usually not enough to simply organize logistics and find a market. Some product types require mandatory certification and registration with the relevant agencies. Without this, you will not have access to the local market.
Company incorporation
A company must first be incorporated and an importer’s code obtained
Tax payer registration
Registration in the Tax Refund system and with the Federal Tax Authority.
Documentation required
The correct documents must be carefully prepared, assembled and submitted
Payment of fees
Payment of customs and port fees and filling in the customs declaration.
Permission to import controlled goods
After the company is registered, it is necessary to obtain an import permit
Permit for the activities of the importing company
Registration of the company with the authorities to obtain an import permit.
Delivery of goods to the port/airport
Customs clearance with the help of a customs broker.
Additional inspection
A number of product types are subject to inspection and tests upon arrival.
Delivery to warehouse
Release of goods from the port and delivery to the importer's warehouse.
Marketing and promotion7
A well-researched and thought-out solution to build awareness of your product, taking into account the peculiarities of the business environment and the specific preferences of the target audience, will ensure demand for your product and market loyalty.
The United Arab Emirates proactively cooperates at all levels of building business relations. It is a leader in real-time exhibitions, presentations, and advertising campaigns. However, any events are regulated by law, and they require special permits from such departments as the Economic Department and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Remote search
Holding meetings with our employees via internal corporate communication without leaving (with the possibility of obtaining funding from the Export Support Center)
Field events
Organization of business trips on the “turnkey " basis with the development of an individual program, as well as with support during negotiations
Collective business mission
Under the auspices of the Export Support Center, together with the participants of the delegation, with the possibility of participation on a free basis
Conducting promo days
Development and packaging of a marketing campaign, presentation of products in focus groups, holding one-time and cyclical promotions
Market research
SORP will analyze the competitive environment, pricing policy, product representation in the market, and form a comprehensive promotion strategy
Offline campaigns
Using our own SORP Business Center, we will host and present introductory promo days and facilitate networking with potential partners and agents
Branding
We will develop a logo, prepare presentations and prototypes of landing pages, and develop a turnkey marketing plan ready to be implemented at launch
Supply management and first steps8
When it comes to selecting a management company, we recommend engaging experts who understand the subtleties of conducting trading activities in the UAE. Drawing on many years of experience and many successful cases, they will help you solve problems quickly, efficiently and in accordance with your goals.
Legal Support and PRO business services
Learn moreA comprehensive set of solutions for legal and public relations support
Document preparation
Preparing and assembling all of the documents required for starting a business, drafting and professional oversight of a range of agreements
PRO services
Representing your interests with state bodies and visa support, submitting documents to the authorities and support for the processes
Verifying counterparties
Conducting due diligence procedures for future and current business partners and counterparties in the United Arab Emirates
Assistance with closing deals
Checking the legality and validity of transactions and business deals, negotiating, legalizing documents
International support
Studying the legislation of the counterparty's country, effective application of tax agreements
Business audit
Scrutinizing business performance and performing risk assessment, both internal and external
Comprehensive management of the supply and sale of goods in the UAE
Learn moreSolutions to promote your products in the Emirates market
Additional sales to existing customers
Identifying additional needs and implementing sales of auxiliary products
Interacting with landlords
Selecting appropriate premises for your objectives in accordance with the technical requirements
Resolving disputes with customers
Sending a specialist to the point of sale, emergency conflict resolution and negotiation with clients
Controlling the display of goods
Quality control of product displays and elimination of any defects. Supervising and merchandising
Building brand loyalty
Developing and coordinating promotions and marketing events, conducting campaigns
Expanding the customer base
Scaling your business through various effective promotional channels and networking
Integrated business support streams
Learn moreAdministrative and accounting support solutions
Legal support
Full legal support and a range of PRO services for your business
Administrative support
Administrative tasks, secretarial services, personnel policy
Business processes management
Business management at all stages of its formation. Audit and controls
Accounting support
High-quality accounting of business transactions. Safe storage of primary documentation
Tax support
Tax registration with the FTA. Preparation and timely submission of tax returns
International tax consultancy
Optimizing the tax burden. Obtaining tax domicile status to protect against CRS data auto-exchange
Your reliable partners in the UAE!
Engaging outsourced business support will be a crucial factor for confirming your economic presence in the United Arab Emirates. This is an indispensable requirement for conducting international business in the context of modern realities.
The UAE is a jurisdiction with transparent legislation and the most favorable environment for doing business. However, the legal landscape and business practices of the country have their own subtleties and peculiarities, which can be difficult to understand on your own. SORP Group and the Svoi Lyudi group of import-export companies will provide comprehensive support to your business in the UAE, taking care of all the requirements of local legislation.
The UAE is a jurisdiction with transparent legislation and the most favorable environment for doing business. However, the legal landscape and business practices of the country have their own subtleties and peculiarities, which can be difficult to understand on your own. SORP Group and the Svoi Lyudi group of import-export companies will provide comprehensive support to your business in the UAE, taking care of all the requirements of local legislation.
Your reliable long-term partners in the UAE
Ensure success for setting up your UAE business and ongoing support
SORP Group and the Svoi Lyudi group of import-export companies will select the optimal solution for organizing the export of your goods on a turnkey basis. They will advise on how to introduce your products to the market, ensure your business can be scaled, and increase brand loyalty.
Contact us today and get a comprehensive solution to achieve your objectives!
Contact us today and get a comprehensive solution to achieve your objectives!