Which format fits
Media and creative free zones often suit agencies, as do zones that offer a marketing and consulting licence. If you place advertising for local clients, check the requirements for advertising activity in the UAE.
What to pay attention to
- Clients’ advertising budgets pass through you, so you need a reliable bank account and clear contracts.
- Settlements in several currencies and with several platforms call for a multi-currency account.
- Rights to creative work and developments are best set out in contracts.
Structure and asset protection
The operating company receives budgets and pays contractors. The agency brand and the rights to your own products are held by a holding company. A separate company for large clients reduces cross-risks.
The overall logic of the structure is described on the page “Asset protection and ownership structures”.
Bank account
The bank looks at turnover and pass-through payments. Prepare contracts with clients and contractors, and explain what the agency receives as its fee and what it passes on to platforms.
More: bank account opening.
Common mistakes
- Pass-through payments without transparent contracts
- The brand and creative work are left without a legal owner
Where to start
Tell us about your business. We will review your situation and propose a company format, a jurisdiction and an ownership structure. You can compare the options in the article “Free zone or mainland”, and costs are covered in the article “How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai”.
Regulations and licensing requirements change. Current conditions must be verified before launch. The decision to open an account is made by the bank. Tax consequences depend on your residency.