The influx of expatriates heading to Dubai from every corner of the world has rapidly increased since the 1970s. And many of them are not travelling alone. As the number of overseas workers has grown in the UAE, so too have levels of pet ownership.
Today, it is common to see domestic cats around the emirate and dog owners walking their precious pooches along our streets. And this rise in pet ownership means big business for those working in pet-related fields.
Whether you plan to trade in pets here in the UAE or help expatriate workers bring their animals over from home, there is an increasing demand for your services. What’s more, while the pet trade is well regulated, with the proper support, starting a pet trading and relocation business in Dubai, UAE, can be quick and easy.
What are the benefits of starting a pet trading business in Dubai?
Perhaps the biggest benefit to starting a pet trading business right now is that Dubai is fast becoming an emirate of animal lovers – so there is an increasing demand for your services.
On top of this, there are the many benefits of starting any business out here – the easy incorporation process, low barriers to entry, and incredibly welcoming business environment.
And of course, there is also the nation’s tax rate – still 0% on corporate and personal income – and its low VAT rate of 5%.
What are the steps to start a pets trading business in Dubai?
The first and most crucial step is to partner with the local company formation experts at Set Hub. We can manage the entire process for you, ensuring a smooth and speedy service.
First, we’ll help you outline your business activities. This should be fairly straightforward, but you do need to ensure that you specify precisely what you intend to do.
That could be trading in pets, relocating pets, or both, but every activity must be stated on your license application.
We can now help you choose a company name. Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. You should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting.
Set Hub can check that your chosen name is available before registering it for you.
At this stage, you can apply for your pet trading license. You can make this application yourself directly to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or equivalent Municipality if you wish to set up elsewhere in the emirates. In most cases, we’ll usually ask you to provide:
- A completed application form
- Articles of incorporation (if necessary)
- Passport copies for all shareholders
- Brief descriptions of intended business activities
We can help you apply for your UAE visa too. You can also sponsor visas for company employees, family, and domestic staff such as housekeepers or drivers.
The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
In all cases, the visa application process follows the same five steps:
- Apply for an entry permit
- Status adjustment
- Medical and fitness test
- Emirates ID registration
- Visa stamping
Finally, you will need a corporate bank account to trade in the UAE. There are various local and international banks to choose from. However, opening an account can be a complicated process for overseas entrepreneurs.
Before making your application, you should first familiarise yourself with several financial institutions to find one that is best suited to your business needs and most likely to offer you corporate banking services. Again, Set Hub can help you with this process.
Starting a pet trading and relocation business in the UAE – approvals and requirements
The regulation governing your pet business will depend on where you set up and the services that you intend to offer.
If you wish to sell pets from Dubai’s markets, you will need approval from the DED, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local veterinary services, and proof of a rental contract. Any animals that you sell must all undergo health checks and vaccinations.
What is the cost of starting a pets trading business in Dubai?
The total cost of starting a pet trading business will depend on the size and location of your premises and the level of staffing and equipment you require. As for your pet trading license, you will usually pay in the region of AED 10,000-12,000.
For a full and personalised breakdown of the costs involved in starting a pet trading business in Dubai, get in touch with Set Hub.
Are you ready to start your pet trading and relocation business in Dubai?
Hopefully, this guide has made clear that setting up a pet trading business in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complex if you’re armed with the right knowledge.
That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.
To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a company formation specialist such as Business Incorporation Zone when establishing a new company in the UAE.
We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.
As well as handling your license application, Set Hub can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.
We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visa applications required to trade in the UAE.
In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.
