The following links will be helpful in checking business activities registered in the UAE and licences issued in the UAE:
- Inquiry by business name or business activity – Unified Commercial Registration System by the UAE Ministry of Economy
- Inquire about commercial companies licences – UAE Ministry of Economy
- Inquire about economic licences – Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
- Search trade name – Dubai Department of Economic Development
- Trade name search – Sharjah Economic Development Department
- Trade name inquiry – Ajman Department of Economic Development
- If the business is operating in a free zone, the company’s legitimacy can be verified by consulting the free zone authority.
- There are third-party service providers in the UAE that can assist with registering a company branch. While these providers are not listed by the government, entrepreneurs and investors can receive guidance and referrals from key institutions such as the local chambers of commerce in each emirate. For example, Dubai Chambers and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry can direct individuals to consultants and service providers experienced in company formation. Additionally, the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry can help guide businesses to the appropriate local chamber for assistance with the registration process.
- These business chambers serve as excellent starting points for information on business setup and may provide recommendations for service providers specialising in company branch registration.
- Furthermore, each free zone in the UAE has its own website offering detailed information on how to set up a business within their respective areas.
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Email us at SingaporeEMB.ECO@mofa.gov.ae
- In the first instance, the inquiring company should refer to the relevant contractual dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the contract or agreement. If the contract or agreement specifies arbitration, mediation or a particular court, that provision in the contract or agreement should be followed. If there is no clear contractual provision, the appropriate forum will depend on the nature of the dispute.
- Each emirate has its onshore licencing authority which licences and regulates companies incorporated in that emirate. For matters concerning commercial licences, companies should first contact the Commercial Protection Department of the Department of Economic Development within their respective emirate.
- If the inquiring company operates within the DIFC or ADGM free zones, the DIFC Courts or ADGM Courts should be the first point of contact.
- If the dispute involves a mainland company and is not covered under the jurisdiction of DIFC or ADGM, the matter should be referred to the UAE Court of First Instance, which has the jurisdiction to hear all civil, commercial, administrative, labour and personal status lawsuits.
- If the contract includes an arbitration clause, the inquiring company should be referred to Dubai International Arbitration Centre, Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre, or another relevant arbitration centre.
- The minimum capital varies, depending on the business type and the free zone authority. It is highly recommended to check with free zone authorities about the type of company that they can register, and the capitalisation required to establish a company.
- For businesses set up outside of the free zones, there is no minimum capital requirement.
- For more information, visit:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/doing-business-in-free-zones/starting-a-business-in-a-free-zone
- Obtaining a trade licence in the UAE can be done through a free zone authority, which offers a streamlined process for establishing businesses in designated areas.
- It is important to note that free zones in the UAE specialise in various industries, so choosing the appropriate zone for the business is essential.
- Businesses intending to operate outside free zones must apply through the Department of Economic Development in the emirate where they plan to establish their operations.
- Businesses must determine the type of activity they plan to pursue, as this will dictate the type of licence required. There are six types of licence: industrial licence; commercial licence; crafts licence; tourism licence; agricultural license; and professional license. A licence may include more than one business activity.
- Next, an application must be submitted to the relevant free zone authority, along with required documentation such as copies of the passports of shareholders and managers. Following this, the company name and trade name must be approved by the free zone authority, in order to ensure compliance with UAE naming regulations.
- Once the company name is approved, legal documents such as a memorandum of association must be prepared. The applicant then pays the applicable licencing fees, which vary depending on the free zone and business activity. After payment, the free zone authority will issue the trade licence.
Further information is available at :
https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/establishing-business-in-the-uae
Our Embassy only accepts application of entry visa for Diplomatic passport holders.
No, the relevant authorities in United Arab Emirates has dictated that they will not accept sponsorship request if the patient did not apply prior to travel overseas. Hence the Embassy will not be able to apply on behalf. Patients are advised to obtain sponsorship approval for overseas treatment prior to arriving Singapore. You may refer directly to the Health Authorities in the UAE for any assistance.
• Hospitals will try to accede to your preferred date of appointment as much as possible. Otherwise, the next available appointment will be offered. Hence, it is strongly advised to arrange an appointment beforehand to avoid unnecessary waiting time. • It is strongly advisable to have a prior arranged appointment to avoid unnecessary waiting time.
The Embassy only assists in facilitating the extension of stay in Singapore for UAE Nationals with medical treatment officially sponsored by the UAE authorities. (Eg; UAE nationals staying in Singapore for medical treatment under the sponsorship of any of the official bodies in the UAE).
Interpretation service is only provided in private healthcare institution. The said service is not available in re-structured/government Hospitals. However, they are able to assist in arrangement of interpretation service at a cost payable directly to the service providers.
• The Embassy is able to assist in endorsement of Singapore issued birth certificate, application of ordinary passport (for newborn unable to travel back to the UAE) or issuance of emergency passport (for newborn travelling back to the UAE) - applicable to UAE Nationals only. Kindly refer to the Consulate Department of the Embassy for more information on this matter. • The newborn will be granted a maximum of 45 days of duration of stay in Singapore unless a passport is issued.
No, the Embassy is only authorized to endorse documents issued by Singapore relevant authorities, Singapore registered Institute, companies and organizations (excluding UAE issued documents). You may send an email to the Consulate Department regarding any inquiry on attestation matters.
No appointment is required. The submission Hours are from Monday to Friday, 9.00 AM to 11.30 AM (Submission Hours is subject to changes depending on current situation).
• All entry visas should be applied through visa sponsors as follows: 1. Hotels in the UAE 2. Airlines operating in the UAE 3. Company registered in the UAE 4. Contact person currently a UAE resident or UAE citizen
You may contact the Consulate Department of the Embassy at 6771 9730 or email us at SingaporeEMB.VISA@mofaic.gov.ae
You may send an email to the Consulate Department of the Embassy at SingaporeEMB.VISA@mofaic.gov.ae for more information regarding entry visas.
The maximum duration of stay for maids and butlers is 90 days only (strictly for treatment purpose only). In case of longer stay due to accompanying employer for work purpose, kindly contact Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Abu Dhabi or Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Dubai.
• Once the submission is made and the online payment is successful, the process for endorsement of document would take approximately between 0 to 3 working days depending on the current situation at the Embassy. • Collection Hours is from Monday to Friday, 2.00 PM to 3.30 PM (Collection Hours is subject to changes depending on current situation).
Application is required to be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance prior to the travelling date and is subjected to the approval from the Ministry of Interior in the UAE. Applicants will be notified via email on the approval of the visa.
Payment could only be made through eGate MOFA online portal. Guidelines for online payment is obtainable from the Consulate Department of the Embassy via email.
Singapore General Hospital - http://www.sgh.com.sg/ Tan Tock Seng Hospital - http://www.ttsh.com.sg/ National Cancer Centre Singapore - http://www.nccs.com.sg/ National Heart Centre Singapore - http://www.nhcs.com.sg/ National Skin Centre Singapore - http://www.nsc.com.sg/ Singapore National Eye Centre - http://www.snec.com.sg/ KK Women's and Children's Hospital - http://www.kkh.com.sg/ National University Hospital - http://www.nuh.com.sg/
Eligibility for obtaining visa on arrival at the UAE for free is assessed based on the nationality of the traveler. Hence, having permanent residence status in Singapore does not guarantee a free entry visa obtainable on arrival to the UAE. You may send your inquiry via email to the Consulate Department at SingaporeEMB.VISA@mofaic.gov.ae .
Do provide the Hospitals with your medical reports and detailed current conditions. The Hospital's International Help Desk / Foreign Patient Desk will forward your reports to the appropriate specialists and coordinate your visits if you are required to consult various specialists.
Singapore is known to have some of the highest quality and efficient healthcare facilities in the world. Regardless of which Hospital you choose to get treated in, they strive to provide utmost quality healthcare.
Priority is given to Singapore citizens and permanent resident for Cadaveric donor or deceased-donor. All foreign patients are advised to bring a live donor for the transplant. The donor should be an immediate family member, spouse or close friend.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital *(managed by Parkway Hospital Singapore) Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital *(managed by Parkway Hospital Singapore) Gleneagles Hospital *(managed by Parkway Hospital Singapore) Farrer Park Hospital - https://www.farrerpark.com/ Raffles Hospital - http://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com *Parkway Hospital Singapore - https://www.parkwayhospitals.com/
• There are 3 main categories of endorsements provided by the Embassy; 1) Non-commercial (Certificates) 2) Commercial 3) Invoice.
The cost for endorsement depends on the categories as mentioned before (Commercial, Non-commercial and Invoice). For more information on attestation procedures, kindly email us a scanned copy of the document you wish to get endorsed by our Embassy at SingaporeEMB.VISA@mofaic.gov.ae
Should you be guilty of overstaying in Singapore for up to 90 days, you may be sentenced to a maximum fine of $4,000 and/or a jail term of up to 6 months. Overstaying beyond 90 days may result in a maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment and a minimum of 3 strokes of the cane (or up to a $6,000 fine if you cannot be caned). For not possessing a valid permit or pass, you will be liable for a fine up to $4,000 and/or a jail term of up to 6 months if the length of your unauthorized stay does not exceed 90 days. If it exceeds 90 days, you may be sentenced to at least 3 strokes of the cane (or fined up to $6,000 if you cannot be caned) and up to a 6 months’ jail term. For more updated information, kindly refer directly to ICA Singapore through the website https://www.ica.gov.sg/ .
You may send an email to the Embassy at SingaporeEMB.VISA@mofaic.gov.ae for complete procedures of endorsement with a scanned copy of the document you wish to endorse.
- Expatriate residents with valid residence permits or visas can sponsor their family members to reside in the UAE. The sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of AED4,000 (or AED3,000 if accommodation is provided by the employer).
- Sponsored family members aged 18 and above must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres in the UAE.
- A sponsor has 60 days to apply for a dependent’s residence visa after their entry into the UAE under an entry permit. Residents can also sponsor their parents, with the residence visa granted on a renewable yearly basis, regardless of the sponsor’s visa duration, subject to meeting additional requirements.
For further information, visit:
- https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/residence-visa-for-family-members
- The Golden Visa programme is designed to attract investors who wish to make significant economic contributions to the country, as well as entrepreneurs seeking to establish and operate their ventures in the UAE. An entrepreneur can qualify for a UAE Golden Visa if he or she satisfies the following criteria:
- The applicant must be the owner or a partner in a pilot project or venture duly registered in the UAE, falling under the category of Small and Medium Enterprises within a sector recognised by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the competent authority, or the relevant local authorities. The venture must generate annual revenues of no less than AED1 million.
- Alternatively, the applicant may qualify if the proposed business activity has been approved for establishment in the UAE by an accredited business incubator, the UAE Ministry of Economy, or the relevant local authorities.
- The applicant may also be eligible if they are the founder, or one of the founders, of a prior pilot project or venture that has been sold for a total value not less than AED7 million, subject to the approval of the UAE Ministry of Economy, the competent authority, or the relevant local authorities.
-The entrepreneur must possess valid and comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members, which should remain effective at the time of application for the Golden Visa or as otherwise required by the competent local authority.
- Investors can also be eligible for a Golden Visa when they purchase a property in the UAE that is worth not less than AED2 million.
Visit the following links for more information:
- https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/-/what-are-the-conditions-for-granting-a-golden-visa-to-entrepreneurs-?
- https://icp.gov.ae/en/golden-residency/
The UAE does not impose personal income taxes. However, businesses may be subject to certain taxes, such as:
-Corporate Tax: The UAE introduced a corporate tax on business profits in June 2023. Businesses generating annual profits exceeding AED375,000 are subject to a 9% corporate tax rate.
-Value Added Tax (VAT): The UAE has a VAT of 5% on most goods and services.
If a company in Singapore sets up a branch in the UAE, the company will be subject to UAE taxation for the income generated in the UAE. In particular:
-The branch will be subject to UAE corporate tax (if applicable) based on its profits generated in the UAE.
-VAT will apply to transactions within the UAE, where applicable.
Singapore operates a territorial tax system (that is, income earned outside Singapore) may not be subject to tax in Singapore. Singapore tax resident companies may enjoy tax exemption on foreign-sourced income that is remitted into Singapore. It is advisable to consult a tax professional for detailed guidance.
Visit the following links for more information:
-UAE Government Portal:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/corporate-tax
-Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore: https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/corporate-income-tax/income-deductions-for-companies/companies-receiving-foreign-income#tax-exemption-on-specified-foreign-sourced-income
