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Description

Setting Up a Small Business in the UAE: Licensing, Pricing and Invoicing

Launch an independent activity in the UAE with proper records and a net income calculated in advance

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Freelance permits and sole establishment licences appeal for their simplicity, yet they expose founders to unpleasant surprises. Cash collected is mistaken for income available. Licence renewals, insurance and tax obligations are not set aside. Invoicing and value added tax become live issues from the very first client.

These two days take participants from the initial idea to a licensed activity. They check that their project fits the licence category envisaged, then build a simple forecast and set their rates. Day-to-day obligations are handled in practice: revenue records, invoicing, periodic filings and cash monitoring.

Learning objectives

  • Check that the project fits the licence category envisaged
  • Complete the steps required to register the activity and obtain a trade licence
  • Build a simple first-year business forecast
  • Set a rate that covers costs and the target income
  • Issue compliant invoices and maintain a revenue register
  • Anticipate licensing, insurance and tax deadlines in the cash position

What makes this programme different

Each participant leaves with the full costing of their own project
An hourly or daily rate calculated from the income targeted
The registration steps reviewed screen by screen

Programme

1The small business framework in the UAE

Checking that the set-up suits the project

  • Activities covered by freelance permits and activities that fall outside them
  • Mainland, free zone and offshore options and their practical consequences
  • Differences between a sole establishment and a limited liability company
  • Visa, insurance and social protection considerations for the independent worker

2Registering and starting up

The steps in the right order

  • Trade name reservation, initial approval and supporting documents required
  • Choice of licensing authority and activity codes
  • Opening a dedicated bank account and arranging useful insurance cover
  • Additional approvals required for regulated activities

3Costing the activity

Knowing what remains after costs

  • Building a realistic revenue forecast
  • Listing recurring costs including licence, visa and workspace
  • Calculating disposable income after charges and taxes
  • Setting the rate and the volume of work required

4Running the business day to day

Meeting obligations without losing your evenings

  • Keeping a revenue register and retaining supporting documents
  • Mandatory particulars on invoices and tax invoice requirements
  • Value added tax registration thresholds and periodic filings
  • Cash monitoring and setting aside funds for upcoming deadlines

Who is it for

Aspiring founders wishing to set up an independent activity, employees planning a career change and individuals considering a secondary business activity.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.