Expanding an ecommerce business into UAE (Dubai) - any advice?

[BenFridja]

We are looking at the UAE and Dubai to expand. We want to import our goods from China into Dubai and sell mainly online to Amazon and on various marketplaces.

Has anyone had any experience starting a company or getting a VISA as a UK resident?

Any advice, knowledge or experiences would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Red Wood]

We are looking at the UAE and Dubai to expand. We want to import our goods from China into Dubai and sell mainly online to Amazon and on various marketplaces.

Has anyone had any experience starting a company or getting a VISA as a UK resident?

Any advice, knowledge or experiences would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

I have just asked a similar question.

Yes I have experience living in the UAE for 4 years over 10 years ago. Visa and company formation for a UK citizen is no problem. Just chose the right FZ for your requirements with an e-commerce license, then how many visas you need, do your health checks and away you go.

A lot has changed recently in regards to the laws, it has opened up significantly in the last 3 years, so you won't have any issues. Most FZs offer e-commerce licenses now so you will have many FZ's to choose from.

It can be a very good way of life in the UAE, however, costs even down to electricity for your villa/townhouse or apartment need to be considered, Especially in the summer months when AC will need to be on 24/7.

 

[slabo22]

Hi Ben,

Did you end up starting your online business in Dubai. Would love to learn more as in similar position. We sell on Shopify and want to expand to UAE but only working via fulfillment centres so will not be in the country/manage it from abroad. Would love to understand what FZs to consider using. Any other costs to account for etc ?