The UAE guarantees that its workforce is content with their jobs and has a decent work-life balance. Companies in Dubai prioritize their employees to instill passion and the desire to be productive in their workforce. However, many individuals wish to start a business while still working to pursue a legal side hustle.

You must receive your employer’s NOC (no objection certificate) and apply for a trade license through your visa. It’s important to remember that your company has the authority to approve or reject your NOC application. You’re probably asking now, “Can I start my business while still working?” Yes, the answer is YES.

UAE is different from other countries because it offers individuals diverse and various Free Zones. They can choose from these Free Zones on which to work based on their work type and business niche, for example, printing, healthcare, etc. Various free zones in the UAE do not require you to submit a NOC to begin your business while still working legally in the UAE. The easiest method to go about it is to work with legal consultants who will help you through the entire procedure.

What exactly is a NOC letter?

The UAE’s labour laws allow a private firm employee to start their own business while still working full-time by obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. There is one caveat: it is entirely up to the employer to accept or reject the NOC letter application sought by its employee. Security and compliance concerns are the most common reasons for a NOC letter application being refused.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required to establish a business while working in Dubai lawfully. A letter of authorization (NOC) is a legal document issued to an applicant by any agency, firm, organization, or institution.

The objective of the NOC letter is to say that the issuer has no objections or contractual obligations to the processes or activities an individual will undertake. Employees may obtain a letter of authorization from their employer’s human resources department for future endeavours and visa purposes.

How can you start a business without a NOC?

Companies have their own rules and are under no obligation to approve your NOC request. While many companies in the UAE allow their workers to run a legal side business, others refuse the application owing to compliance and security requirements. However, you should not be concerned. You may still start a business in Dubai by using the steps outlined below:

1.      Your Spouse’s Visa can be used.

If you’re in the UAE with your family and your employer’s NOC application isn’t accepted, you can utilize your spouse’s visa to start your dream business. Remember that starting a business in Dubai is prohibited if you already work and open your firm with the same visa. As a result, you should use your spouse’s visa and identify them as the new company’s Managing Director.

2.      Apply for a quick DED License.

The DED can provide you with an immediate license to conduct business under specific guidelines set by the government. You do not need to present any physical papers in this situation, and it is preferable to contact business advisors in Dubai to receive a quick license.

3.      Choose a suitable free zone. 

Even if your NOC is refused and you do not have a spouse in the UAE, you can establish a business while working. How? Start your business in one of the following free zones:

Ajman free zone

Fujairah free trade zone

Umm-al-Quwain (UAQ) free zone

Creative City Fujairah

SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) free zone

You can select any free zone based on your company activity and functional needs. The best aspect is that none of these locations requires a no-objection certificate from employees to start a business in the UAE. Furthermore, freelancers do not need to obtain the NOC from their clients to launch a business in Dubai. They can continue working for their clients while running their license-based business.

How to Start a Business in Dubai While Working?

Applying for an immediate license to start a business while working in the Emirates is advised. Here are the steps you must take:

You may obtain an immediate license by visiting a DED desk. To apply on your own, you must first get a UAE pass. You must first register on the official portal using your Emirates ID. After that, you must visit the DED’s website and edit your business profile. This is critical in ensuring that government agencies know your legal status in the UAE.

After that, You must create an account on the DED’s website by supplying the necessary information. You can enlist the assistance of Beyond View’s business advisers to make this procedure as simple and risk-free as possible.

Then, complete the step-by-step instructions on the DED website to obtain your immediate license. You must submit your company’s trading name, a list of stakeholders, and the business operations you plan to carry out. Don’t forget to provide information about the UAE sponsor with whom you’ve collaborated.

Moreover, you must sign the electronic MoA and send it to the department for approval. This can also be done manually.

You will also need the consent of your company partners. A notice of approval is instantly delivered to all of your partners.

The final step is to create your license payment voucher. Once the voucher is activated, simply make the required amount, and you’re done.

Beyond View – Your trustworthy business partner.

Starting a company while working is lawful in the UAE as long as you follow the rules. You cannot create a corporation in limited locations without receiving your employer’s NOC. However, your concerns will be alleviated when you meet with Beyond View Business Setup. Beyond View’s business professionals give end-to-end help for the smooth formation of your firm. As a result, if you wish to create a business while working in the UAE, the first step is to contact us.