Your gateway to GCC Markets

Foreign investors in Kuwait can conduct their operations by setting up a WLL (LLC company) with a huge business opportunities for international trade. The foreign company needs to have a basic knowledge of the business community in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti legal system to be effective and successful. The first decision for any business is the type of business structure to establish, Knowledge of the basic rules and regulations and practices, basic awareness of the laws governing its operations and last but not least, to understand how to resolve legal disputes if they arise.

The residence visa in Kuwait is called Iqama, which is a mandatory requirement for all expatriates. All foreigners arriving in Kuwait must pass the fingerprinting and security clearance, as a mandatory procedure. A residence permit application for a long stay in Kuwait can be made with the Immigration and Passport Department. Such a residence permit can be issued for a maximum period of 5 years.

Kuwait currently does not have a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system. Only companies with foreign ownership are subject to corporate income tax in Kuwait on their Kuwait-sourced income. The Corporate Tax Rate in Kuwait stands at 15 %. The employer's contribution rate is 11.5% of the employee's gross salary, subject to a salary ceiling of 2,750 Kuwaiti dinars (KWD) per month. Businesses operating within the Kuwait Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) can also enjoy a range of tax incentives. These include 100% foreign ownership, corporate income tax exemptions, and customs duty exemptions.

Oman's business laws allow foreign investors to set up companies in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, trading, services, and more. Reserve a Company Name: Once you have chosen your business activity, you need to reserve a company name with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). Currently, Oman is a tax-free nation, as there is no taxation on personal income. Moreover, there are no taxes on income from property, wealth, capital gains or death.

Foreign nationals who wish to obtain an Omani residence permit will need a documented motive for stay, such as employment. While Oman allows the nationals of 103 countries to enter visa-free and remain up to 14 days, those who wish to move to Oman will need to acquire the right to become residents. An employment visa for Oman is valid for 2 years from the stamping date on the passport. Foreign nationals in Oman on a visitor visa who want to obtain an employment visa must now exit Oman, apply for and receive the relevant visa, and then re-enter.

There is currently no personal income tax (PIT) law enacted in Oman. A 17.5% social security contribution is applicable to employees who are Omani nationals. The employee pays a contribution of 7% of salary, and the employer pays the balance of 10.5%. However, this does not apply to expatriates. Currently, Oman is a tax-free nation, as there is no taxation on personal income. Moreover, there are no taxes on income from property, wealth, capital gains or death. the government of Oman does not impose a tax on the residents as the country is known for its oil and gas industry. Personal income including income from capital gains, wealth, death, or property, is not taxed in the Sultanate of Oman.

As per Qatar's business laws, a foreign investor can only start a business in Qatar if they have at least one Qatari partner and meet the minimum share capital requirement. A 72-hour business visa is issued on arrival and is used for short business visits. Qatar has a stable political and economic environment, which makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors. The government provides various incentives and support for businesses, including tax exemptions, streamlined bureaucracy, and access to funding. Foreigners in Qatar can establish businesses through various legal entities, such as With Limited Liability (WLL), Branch Office or Representative Office.

To get a visa, you will need to have an employment contract in place, which has been approved by the Ministry of Labor. You need to exclusively work for the company during the period in question and leave the country once the job has been completed. Once approved, the work visa allows Indians to stay in Qatar for up to two years and can be renewed each year thereafter. It is important to note that not all professions are eligible for the work visa in Qatar.

Income Tax in Qatar is imposed based on the income source, with a few specific exemptions. Generally, Qatar-sourced income earned by individuals or resident corporate entities is subject to a 10% income tax rate. Qatar imposes no income tax on its residents, including that which is earned outside of the country. Qatar is considered a tax-free country for expats. Taxable income generally is subject to a flat (CIT) rate of 10%, with certain exceptions available.

The Saudi Arabian government has made a number of reforms in recent years to make it easier for foreigners to start and operate businesses in the country, even with 100% ownership. Companies operating in the Kingdom enjoy access to a growing and affluent market, financial incentives, a modern infrastructure, an educated workforce, a strong research sector, favorable regulatory environment, and a government that is committed to business. you should obtain a business license issued by the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Obtaining this license enables you to invest in the country, buy or establish a new company, or start a foreign branch.

Iqama (Visa) is a residence permit issued to all expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia. It is an indispensable document for individuals arriving in the Kingdom on work or dependent visas. Iqama is typically valid for one year and can only be renewed for this period. Residence permits must be renewed three days before their expiration date. First-time violators pay a fine equal to the renewal charge, and the fine doubles for second-time violators. Anyone moving to Saudi Arabia for work needs to have a Saudi employer who can act as their sponsor. Furthermore, the company must have visa approval from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to employ foreign nationals. The first step of getting an Iqama is to obtain a work visa. The Saudi residence visa allows foreign nationals, already in Saudi Arabia on a short-term visa, to stay in Saudi Arabia for longer periods of time.

There is no individual income tax scheme in Saudi Arabia. Income tax is not imposed on an individual's earnings if they are derived only from employment in Saudi Arabia. Non-employment income is taxed as an entity or permanent establishment (PE). Unlike the Vat rates in UAE which has a standard VAT rate of 5%, the updated VAT rate in Saudi Arabia is 15% on all goods and services. This rate was launched in July 2020, taking place of the older rate, which was 5%. The amount of tax paid depends on the nationality of the employee, as follows: Saudi nationals pay a 21.5% rate, which is paid for by both the employer (12%) and the employee (10%) GCC Nationals (excluding Saudis) pay between 17% and 22%, which is paid for by the employer (12%) and the employee (the remainder).

A foreigner can start a business in Dubai, and many do. The local population is over 80% expatriate, with many of those owning their own businesses. Dubai actively welcomes investors and business owners from overseas. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the best place in the world to start a new business, according to the latest annual Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey. If you're setting up a company in the free trade zone of UAE, then you don't need a local sponsor. The free zone companies have 100% ownership of the company. The drawback of choosing free zone is that you can't trade or do business outside the designated free zones.

A Residence Visa is issued to people who are already in the country after entering the UAE on an entry or Tourist Visa. It allows you to live and work in Abu Dhabi legally and can last up to three years depending on the sponsor. Long term residence visas are available for five or 10 years subject to certain conditions. There are several types of residence visas, which includes: business, golden, property owner, retirement, remote work and student residence visas. Expatriates must obtain a Residence Visa to legally reside in Abu Dhabi. For your visit to the UAE, you must schedule at least 5 working days. To retain your residency, you must visit the UAE at least once every 180 days. Residency is issued for three years right off. To retain your resident status, your company's registration must be renewed on an annual basis.

The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. However, it levies 5 per cent value added Tax on the purchase of goods and services, levied at each stage of the supply chain and ultimately borne by the end consumer.It applies to most goods and services with a few exemptions. Zero-rated supplies, or 0% VAT rate applies to goods and services which are exported outside the VAT-implementing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. All annual taxable profits above AED 375,000 shall be subject to 9% rate