Business Setup in the GCC
Launch and Grow Your Business in the Gulf
From company registration to licensing and bank accounts, we guide West African entrepreneurs through every step of establishing a business in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
Why Start a Business in the GCC?
Most GCC countries offer zero or minimal corporate tax, no personal income tax, and 100% profit repatriation.
- 0% corporate tax in UAE free zones
- No personal income tax
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Full profit repatriation
The GCC sits at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, providing access to 3 billion consumers within an 8-hour flight.
- Gateway to Middle East markets
- Easy access to Africa and Asia
- World-class logistics infrastructure
- Major international airports and ports
State-of-the-art business facilities, reliable utilities, high-speed internet, and efficient government services.
- Grade-A office spaces
- Reliable power and water
- High-speed internet connectivity
- Digital government services
Access to a diverse, multilingual workforce from around the world, with flexible labor laws.
- International talent pool
- Multilingual professionals
- Flexible employment visas
- Competitive salary ranges
Our Business Setup Services
We handle all aspects of company formation, from choosing the right business structure to completing registration.
- Business structure consultation (LLC, FZE, Branch, etc.)
- Trade name reservation
- Memorandum of Association drafting
- Government approvals and registrations
- Share capital arrangements
- Certificate of incorporation
Obtain all necessary business licenses and permits to operate legally in your chosen GCC country.
- Trade license application
- Professional licenses (if required)
- Industry-specific permits
- Municipality approvals
- Chamber of Commerce registration
- License renewals
We help you choose between free zone and mainland setup based on your business needs and goals.
- Free zone benefits analysis (0% tax, 100% ownership)
- Mainland advantages (local market access)
- Cost comparison
- Activity restrictions review
- Office space requirements
- Visa quota differences
We facilitate corporate bank account opening with major GCC banks, navigating their requirements.
- Bank selection guidance
- Document preparation
- Bank meeting coordination
- Multi-currency account setup
- Online banking activation
- Payment gateway integration
From flexi-desks to full offices, we help you find the right workspace for your business.
- Virtual office packages
- Flexi-desk and co-working spaces
- Private office rentals
- Warehouse and industrial space
- Lease negotiation
- Ejari registration (UAE)
Secure investor, partner, and employee visas for your business team.
- Investor visa processing
- Partner visa applications
- Employee visa allocations
- Emirates ID / residency permits
- Family visa sponsorship
- Visa renewals and cancellations
Popular Business Types for West Africans
Leverage the GCC's strategic location to trade between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Many Ghanaian entrepreneurs successfully import African products (food, textiles, crafts) and export GCC goods to West Africa.
Offer professional services in IT, management, HR, marketing, or engineering. Low startup costs and high demand make this attractive for skilled professionals.
Tap into the GCC's high internet penetration and purchasing power. Sell products online targeting local or international markets.
Restaurants, catering, food trucks, or food import businesses. The diverse expat population creates demand for international cuisines, including African food.
Property management, real estate brokerage, or holiday home rentals. The GCC's booming property market offers opportunities for service providers.
Software development, app creation, IT support, or digital marketing agencies. The GCC is investing heavily in digital transformation.
Our Business Setup Process
Initial Consultation
We discuss your business idea, goals, budget, and target market. We assess which GCC country and business structure best suits your needs.
Business Plan & Structure
We help you refine your business plan and choose the optimal legal structure (LLC, free zone company, branch office, etc.).
Document Preparation
We prepare all required documents, including passport copies, business plans, shareholder agreements, and application forms.
Company Registration
We submit your application to the relevant authorities, follow up on approvals, and obtain your trade license.
Bank Account & Office Setup
We facilitate corporate bank account opening and help you secure office space or virtual office services.
Visa Processing
We process investor/partner visas for you and employee visas for your team members.
Ongoing Support
We provide post-setup support including PRO services, accounting, auditing, and business advisory as your company grows.
Business Success Stories
"I started a trading company in Dubai with Executive Travel Plan's help. They handled everything—registration, licensing, bank account, office space, and my visa. Within six months, I was importing African food products and exporting electronics back to Ghana. My business has grown 300% in two years."
- Kofi M., Trading Company Owner in Dubai
"As an IT consultant, I wanted to establish a presence in the GCC to serve clients across the region. Executive Travel Plan set up my free zone company in Dubai, got me a 3-year investor visa, and helped me open a corporate bank account. The whole process took just 3 weeks. Now I have clients in 5 GCC countries."
- Ama D., IT Consulting Firm Owner in UAE
"I was overwhelmed by the complexity of starting a business in Qatar. Executive Travel Plan guided me through every step, explained all my options, and handled all the paperwork. They even helped me hire my first employees and process their visas. I couldn't have done it without them."
- Kwame A., Restaurant Owner in Doha
Typical Setup Costs
Costs vary significantly based on business type, location, and structure. Here are typical ranges:
Note: These costs typically include trade license, registration fees, office space (virtual or physical), and initial visa processing. We provide detailed, transparent quotes after understanding your specific requirements.