In this age, all businesses require an online presence to reach customers. Hence, businesses are willing to pay handsomely for well maintained digital marketing campaigns and management. This is particularly true in Dubai, where the corporate laws render healthy competition.

Thus, starting a digital marketing company in Dubai is a lucrative decision.

Steps for Digital Marketing Business Setup in UAE

1.   Location for Business Setup

It is possible to setup a digital marketing company in mainland or a free zone.

By opting for mainland, you will be permitted to trade directly with the local UAE market without the need for a service agent and can take on government contracts. However, you will require a local sponsor to hold 51% shares of your company.

Conversely, you are entitled to 100% ownership for business setup in Dubai free zones and can enjoy zero taxation. However, you will be limited to operating from within the free zone. A company formation consultancy can help you choose the best option.

2.   Business Activities

Create a business plan and establish what business activities you plan to undertake. This will help you clearly define the services you will offer to customers. Establishing your business activities is an important step in order to apply for the right license.

Digital marketing agency in Dubai
Digital marketing agency in Dubai

3.   Choose Business Name

You must decide on an appropriate name, according to government regulations, before presenting your documents for initial approval. A business setup consultancy can help you choose a business name that is aligned with the rules of the Emirate.

4.   Type of Business

Decide on a type of business structure for your digital marketing agency. Options available are:

LLC is the most common type of business structure in UAE and renders many benefits.

A digital marketing company requires a professional license, meaning you can open the business as a sole proprietorship. However, if you choose to operate in the mainland, you will still require a local sponsor for legal and judicial purposes.

5.   Apply for License

Individual Tax Return Form on table. Tax time concept. Top view Copy space

For business setup in Dubai mainland, submit the application along with required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED). The DED will grant initial approval and process your application for the professional license.

For free zone setup, submit the application to the relevant free zone authority. You may also require additional approval.

The license fees for a digital marketing company can range anywhere starting from AED 22,000.

6.   Obtain Visa

After receiving the license, you may apply for a visa. You must visit the immigration center to provide biometric information. The visa application also includes a fitness test, blood test and chest x-ray. If eligible, you can also sponsor employees or family members for a visa during this stage.

7.   Open Corporate Bank Account

The final step is to open a corporate bank account, for which it is helpful to seek help from a business setup consultant.

These are the steps and requirements for starting a digital marketing business in Dubai. As you can see, it is a quite lengthy process. Fortunately, we are skilled in company formation and can help you get your business up and running in no time! Contact us now.