Q) Where is HelloBusiness Hub located?

A) We are located in level 2 in One JLT Building, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE.

Q) What are the business hours?

A) We operate between 8:00AM – 5:00PM between Monday – Thursday, 8:00AM – 12:00PM on Fridays and 8:00AM – 4:00PM on Satudays.

Q) I want to reach out to a HelloBusiness Hub representative. What is the quickest way to get in touch?

A) You can call us on 800 1482 or simply request a call back to speak to one of our agents.

Q) How soon can I hear back from a representative?

A) The estimated response time is 1 business day.

Q) Would I have to pay a business setup consultation fee? If yes, how much would it be?

A) Absolutely not. We at HelloBusiness Hub offer you the first consultation with our business set up agent for free. Simply walk in during our business hours or book an appointment.

Q) Are all of the services provided by Etisalat?

A) While HelloBusiness Hub is an Etisalat initiative, the service providers listed in the marketplace are separate business entities – with each specialising in a specific industry. Each of the respective providers have their logos embedded on the product.

Q) Since when has HelloBusiness Hub been operating?

A) HelloBusiness Hub was established in 2017 and currently serves approximately 200 customers per day.

Q) Can I operate with more than 1 service provider on HelloBusiness Hub?

A) Absolutely. The marketplace is designed with the intent to connect you with the finest service providers in this region for all your business needs. The number of providers employed and onboarded is entirely subjective to your requirements.

About Business Setup

A) Absolutely. The marketplace is designed with the intent to connect you with the finest service providers in this region for all your business needs. The number of providers employed and onboarded is entirely subjective to your requirements.

Q) What activities come under a Professional License?

While there are numerous activities that are allowed under this category, the major ones that come under this are listed below:

• Logistics
• Import & export
• Tourism & Travel
• Brokerage
• Product-oriented sales (electronics, construction, shops, stores etc)
• Real Estate
• Rental business

Q) What activities come under an Industrial License?

A) Any and all manufacturing-related activities conducted in an area of land that falls under Industrial production. A few that would come under this umbrella would be the following listed below:

• Manufacturing of textile
• Paper Production
• Petroleum products manufacturing
• Metal casting
• Food production
• Manufacture of equipment & appliances

Q) What is an “Instant License” in Dubai?

A) The concept of an “Instant License” was launched in Dubai in 2017 as a measure to cut down the time and processes involved to issue Commercial Licenses. The initiative was launched by DED’s BRL sector and this scheme drastically reduced the time by bypassing the lease contract formalities (previously mandatory), thereby cutting down the registration and license issuance time by more 90%. Excluding public and private shareholding firms, any business activity can take advantage of the scheme.

Q) What is the VAT criteria for businesses?

A) There are specific criteria applicable for VAT registration in Dubai, UAE. The criteria are based on the revenue generated by the business concern. Businesses can rely on the 3 income generation criteria to decide whether to register the business under VAT or not.

• Mandatory VAT Registration & Filing for businesses trading in taxable commodities or services with an annual income equalling to or more than AED 375,000.
• Optional VAT Registration & Filing for businesses trading in taxable commodities or services with an annual income less than AED AED 375,000 but more than AED 187,500. They come under the Voluntary Registration category.
• VAT Registration & Filing is not required for businesses trading in taxable commodities or services with an annual income generation that is less than AED 187,500.

Q) Can I rent an office space in Dubai if I am not a resident?

A) In the case of a Free Zone investor/business owner, a non-resident is permitted to lease an office space in Dubai however the same would extend for a Mainland Company owner.

Q) What other categories of office spaces are available aside from the conventional office?

A) Business owners can choose between a Virtual office space, Executive office space, Shared office space, Co-working office, Meeting rooms, Flexi desks and more!

Q) Do I need to have an office space if my company is in a Free Zone?

A) Yes, an office space is a mandate however the option of a shared workplace/ co-working solution or a hot desk is also available.

Q) Do I need to have an office space if my company is in the Mainland?

A) Absolutely. You are required to lease an office space in order to get your Trade License. Furthermore, you are also required to complete your Ejari registration before submitting all your documents for your business license. Once submitted, a compliance check is conducted by the concerned government authorities.

Q) Am I allowed to sublet my office space to someone else?

A) Yes, you are but only with the written consent of the property owner/landlord. Subletting may also require additional paperwork and permits.

Q) What documents are required for company license renewal?

A) Each type of license has a specific set of requirements and is subject to business type, activity and zone which is why we regularly advise business owners to confirm the details with a specialist. However, to provide you with an overview, the renewal of a trade licence requires the following documentation:

• A signed copy of the terms and conditions
• A signed price list
• A signed application form
• A signed office lease agreement (if applicable)
• The Shareholder’s updated documents (passport and visa copies)

Q) What documents are required for a new visa?

A) The following documentation is required for the application of a new visa:

• Visa application form with applicant’s signature
• Passport with 7 months’ validity and 3 empty pages
• Copy of current visa status along with any/all support documents
• Trade License copy
• Establishment / Immigration card copy
• An employment contract with signature
• University Degree – copy with necessary attestation and translation.
• Passport-sized photos with white background

Q) What documents are required to apply for a dependant’s visa?

A) The following documentation is required for the application of a dependant visa:

• Visa application form, signed by dependant
• Passport, Visa and Emirates ID copy of the sponsor
• Passport copy of the dependant
• Copy of the current visa status of the dependant along with any/all support documents
• The original EJARI certificate and original tenancy agreement or title deed with the sponsor as tenant/owner
• Original salary certificate of the sponsor
• Original marriage certificate with relevant attestation and translation
• Passport-sized photos with white background

Q) Is it possible to change the name of my company? If yes, what is the process?

A) Yes, it is possible to change your company name however in order to do so, you must first come up with a new suggested company name and then seek approval from the concerned licensing authority/jurisdiction. Upon availability of the name and the approval an ad must then be placed in a local newspaper notifying this change to general public i.e. a legal notice of company name change. We advise you to contact a specialist from our list of providers to assist you with this process.

About Our Service Providers

Q) Will HelloBusiness Hub be liable in any way for any disputes with a service provider?

A) On the off chance of a delay of services or dispute between the customer and service provider, HelloBusiness Hub would immediately intervene to ensure promised service delivery and continuity. However, HelloBusiness Hub is not liable for the service itself due to the client's authorisation of the service provider's Terms & Conditions.

Q) What are the benefits of going with the listed service providers?

A) The biggest advantage of choosing HelloBusiness Hub is that business owners can find every single essential listed in one pool itself. It showcases an entire directory of trusted, experienced and first-rate service providers in the region which eases the journey and processes involved. Furthermore, investors have access to exclusive offers by each provider.

Q) What are the costs involved to open a business bank account in U.A.E?

A) Opening a business bank account is free of charge should you do this by yourself however each bank has its own set of requirements, maintenance fees and a minimum monthly balance requirement.