Dubai is home to many expats and businesses and this means that several government processes are in place to make sense of it all. Many of these processes require some level of paperwork to get set in motion. This is why starting a typing centre in Dubai is a good choice for any first time entrepreneur! The demand for quick and reliable document processing services is always on the rise, and this is where you would come in as the owner of a typing centre in Dubai.
How to Start a Typing Center in Dubai
From visa processes to business registrations and Emirates ID renewals, typing centres are an essential component that helps the people of Dubai navigate the systems in place. So, if you are thinking about getting into this industry, this SetHub guide will paint a picture that consists of all the things you need to know about!
What Does a Typing Center Do?
Answering this question is rather straightforward. Simply put, a typing centre is a place where people can visit to carry out certain bureaucratic tasks. Here is a list of the few things that typing centres do to serve the public:
- Assistance with visa applications/renewals
- Emirates ID or Labour Card processing
- Help with trade license applications
- Translation of documents and attestation
- Public Relations Officer services
Because some of the government processes in the UAE can be complex, most expats prefer to get the help of a typing centre to reduce the chance of making mistakes with these processes. Your typing centre business in UAE will play an integral role here.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
The first thing that you will need to do is decide on the structure of your business. You can choose from mainland or free zone setup. If you go to the mainland, your typing centre services can be accessible to anyone. However, in a free zone, your services will be limited to those in free zones only.
Step 2: Get Your Trade License
To legally start a typing centre in the UAE, you will need to obtain a trade license. Holding this document grants you permission to operate as a business in this trade. To get a trade license, follow the process we have outline below:
Decide on the name for your business. You will want to keep it simple as it is a typing centre after all, and make sure you abide by the company naming guidelines in the UAE. Do not use profanity or religious and political terms.
Next, you need to obtain the initial approval by submitting an application to the DED. Once this is done, begin work on drafting the MOA. As a mainland business you will have a local partner and therefore you must have an MOA that outlines the details of ownership.
Now comes the time to lease an office space that you can use for your typing centre. Make sure that it meets the government standards. More on the topic of standards, you will also have to secure a series of government approvals. For example, you need the approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
The final step is to pay the fees once your license is approved. After this is done, the license will be on its way to you, giving you the greenlight to commence operations as a typing centre in Dubai!
Step 3: Pick the Right Location
As a typing centre business, your location is extremely important! Make sure you make a strategic decision in terms of this. Position your business in close proximity to Immigration and labor offices, Amer and Tasheel Centers, Free zone authorities and Business hubs with lots of expats.
Step 4: Set Up Your Office with the Right Equipment
For your typing centre to run smoothly, you will need to set up the office with some important equipment. It will take more than a desk and a laptop! The ideal setup will include:
Computers that are connected to fast internet, printers, scanners and copiers, secure data storage for client documents and Government approved software for visa processing. You may also need integration with platforms like Amer, Tasheel, and the GDRFA portal, so make sure your system is up to date.
Step 5: Hire the Right People
Most of the time, your typing centre will be handling some important paperwork. This is why you will need a skilled set of staff who can work quickly with accuracy. Here is who you need to hire to run this business smoothly:
- Typists who are fluent in English and Arabic
- Public Relations Officers who can take of the government paperwork and approvals
- Customer service staff who can answer the many questions that your customers may have
Step 7: Stay Compliant & Follow UAE Laws
Most of the documents you will be handling will be sensitive and contain the private data of individuals. This is why you need to follow the privacy laws of the UAE when handling all of this information. Always make sure that you protect the client information, renew your trade license on an annual basis and follow the pricing regulations for typing centres dictated by the government.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Typing Center in Dubai?
See below for our rough breakdown of the cost to start a typing centre in Dubai:
Expect to pay between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000 on trade license fees
Office rent will cost anywhere from AED 30,000 to AED 100,000 per year
Meanwhile, equipment and software will be AED 10,000 to AED 20,000
Employee salaries will set you back another AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per month
Final Thoughts
Starting a typing center in Dubai is a great business opportunity, given the constant demand for document processing services. Whether you’re looking to start a typing center in Dubai or open a typing center in Sharjah, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
With a solid business plan, the right location, and excellent customer service, your typing center can thrive in the UAE market.