Did you know that over 50,000 new businesses get registered in the UAE every year? And guess what, every one of those businesses needs marketing! They need websites, Google Ads, and social media management. This is why the opportunity in digital marketing is HUGE in Dubai. If you’re looking to set up your own digital marketing agency, now is the perfect time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting your own marketing agency in Dubai. We'll cover the license requirements, costs, and whether you should choose to set up in a Freezone or Mainland. Let’s dive in and get started!
How to Start Digital Marketing Agency Legally
Now that we know the demand for digital marketing services is massive in Dubai, let’s understand what it takes to operate legally. To start a digital marketing agency, you will need the right license. But don’t worry – we’ve made this simple to understand. There are two main options to choose from: a Freezone license or a Mainland license. Let’s explore both.
Freezone License for Digital Marketing Company
Freezones are special zones in the UAE that operate under their own rules. Freezone companies cannot sell products directly to Mainland companies but can do so through a third party. However, digital marketing services are different. Since you’ll be selling services (not products), you can work with Mainland companies after getting some extra approvals. That means starting your digital marketing agency in a Freezone is a great option. There are many Freezones in Dubai where you can get a marketing services license and operate legally.
Digital Marketing License Cost in Freezone
The cost of a digital marketing license in a Freezone is generally lower than in the Mainland. It varies between AED 6000 to AED 12000. It’s a more affordable option for many new business owners.
Pros of Starting a Digital Marketing Company in a Freezone
1. 100% ownership of your company
2. Tax benefits
3. You can sell services to Mainland companies with extra approvals
4. Cost-effective setup
5. Very fast setup process
6. You can sponsor your family and parents
7. Ability to add multiple business activities
Cons of a Freezone License
1. Some Mainland companies prefer to work with other Mainland companies
2. Bank account opening can be a bit more challenging than with a Mainland license
At CSPzone, we provide Freezone business setup services to clients. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses get started in the UAE. If you want to know which Freezone is best for your digital marketing agency, reach out to us today!
Mainland License For Digital Marketing Company
Dubai Mainland is where most of the major businesses are set up. If you get a Mainland license, you can provide services all over the UAE and internationally without needing any extra approvals. A Mainland license is slightly more expensive than a Freezone license, but it makes it easier to open a bank account. Plus, you can get your digital marketing agency up and running in as little as a week! The cost of a Mainland license is usually between AED 10,000 and AED 14,000. You can also combine additional business activities, like web development or app development, into a single marketing license.
Pros of a Mainland License
1. 100% ownership
2. You can sell services across the UAE and internationally without extra approval
3. Easier to open a bank account
4. You can add multiple activities to your license
5. You can bid on government projects
6. Ability to sponsor family members and parents
7. Multiple visas available for employees
Cons of a Mainland License
1. More expensive than a Freezone license
2. The setup process can take 4 to 7 days
At CSPzone, we provide business setup services in Dubai Mainland. If you want to know more about the process and costs of starting your digital marketing agency, reach out to us today!
Digital Marketing Agency License Cost in Dubai
The cost for a Dubai Mainland digital marketing license ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 14,000, while a Freezone license costs between AED 6,000 and AED 12,000. Please note, this is just the cost of the license. If you want to get a resident visa for yourself or employees, the total cost will go up. The above figures cover only the business license in the Mainland or Freezone.
Documents Required
If you are already a UAE resident, you will need your Emirates ID and a copy of your passport. If you are outside the UAE and don’t have a resident visa, you will need to provide your passport copy.
Business Registration Process in the UAE
Registering a business in the UAE is a simple and straightforward process. Here is a complete guide on how to register a company in Dubai. The UAE government has made it easy for entrepreneurs to get started, with clear rules and quick approvals. Once you decide whether you want to set up in the Freezone or Mainland, the rest is smooth. Whether you’re a UAE resident or living abroad, setting up your digital marketing agency can be done quickly with the right support.
At CSPzone, we have over 15 years of experience helping businesses register in the UAE. We make the process simple and stress-free for you. If you’re ready to start your digital marketing agency, reach out to us today!
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