The Problem with the "Move to Dubai" Industry
Table of Contents
Introduction
We’ll be transparent and say this straight up: We have a huge problem with the “move to Dubai” industry. You probably don’t know what this problem is, so let us break it down for you. As a consultancy that speaks to hundreds of clients every month, we hear stories about what other agencies, “move to Dubai” companies, and consultants do and say, which are totally wrong and honestly very sad.
Let’s go over a few things you need to watch out for when picking an agency to work with. we’ll give you real-life examples of what our clients have gone through with other consultants, either through calls or by unfortunately signing up with them.
Misleading Information About Tax Residency
Let’s dive into the first issue. One of the most common problems is the misinformation about what it takes to become a tax resident in Dubai. My very first call of the day was with a client from Portugal. They were confused about how long they needed to spend in Dubai to be considered a tax resident. They told me that a consultant had informed them that they only needed to be in Dubai for one day every six months. This is completely incorrect.
According to UAE law, to be a tax resident, you must spend a minimum of 90 days in the country. The “one day every six months” rule only ensures that your visa remains valid; it has nothing to do with tax residency. If you stay out of the UAE for more than six months continuously, your visa becomes inactive. But simply maintaining your visa status does not grant you tax residency. To achieve tax residency, you need to be in the UAE for at least 90 days per year, have a business or employment here, and of course, hold residency.
When I explained this to the client, they were shocked. They couldn’t believe a consultant would provide such misleading information. Unfortunately, this misinformation is often given because it’s more appealing and makes it easier for consultants to close deals. They might say, “Just come one day every six months,” because it sounds easier than staying 90 days a year. However, this approach is purely about making money and not about providing accurate advice.
Hidden Fees and Incomplete Quotes
Another issue is the lack of transparency regarding costs. we spoke to a client from the UK who wanted to set up a Mainland company in the UAE. She mentioned that the quote provided by a company setup agency did not include all necessary items. Some companies avoid listing all costs upfront to make their initial offer seem more attractive. Once you pay the initial amount, they hit you with additional hidden fees that you didn’t expect but now have to pay because you’re already committed.
This practice is very common. Companies lure you in with low prices, then upsell you on necessary services. Worse, they often make you sign contracts that force you to use their services for everything related to your company. If you want to terminate the contract, you have to pay hefty fees.
At our company, GenZone, we don’t believe in this approach. We don’t lock clients into restrictive contracts. We trust that our service quality will make clients want to stay with us. In fact, we don’t even ask clients to sign a contract because we are confident in our ability to provide excellent service.
Integrity and Transparency
Let us give you an example of how we handle things at GenZone. Just today, We refunded a client $15,000 USD. The client had paid for a scope of work, but due to personal reasons, we couldn’t move forward. Rather than holding the money hostage, we refunded it immediately. This client paid in crypto, and we processed the refund as soon as the decision was made.
Most companies wouldn’t do this. They might keep the money or delay the refund. At GenZone, we value trust and integrity. We believe that if something isn’t meant to be, it’s better to part ways amicably. When this client is ready to move forward in the future, we know they’ll come back to us because of how we handled this situation.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Consultant
When you’re looking to set up a business in Dubai, it’s crucial to choose a reputable company. You want a consultant who is honest, transparent, and responsive. Many consultants will make up timelines and stories, promising quick and cheap services, but then deliver subpar results.
At GenZone, we pride ourselves on our transparency and honesty. We aim to provide the best service possible because we know that satisfied clients will refer us to others. Most of our business comes from referrals, and we want to keep it that way.
If you’re looking to set up a company in Dubai and want to work with a trustworthy agency, book a call with us. We’ll provide you with as much information as you need and ensure that you have a smooth and successful experience.
Real-Life Examples of Client Experiences
To further illustrate these points, let’s look at some real-life examples of what our clients have gone through with other consultants.
Case 1: Misleading Tax Residency Information
A client from Portugal was misled by a consultant who told them that they only needed to be in Dubai for one day every six months to maintain their tax residency status. This misinformation could have serious repercussions. Had the client followed this advice, they would not have met the requirements for tax residency, potentially leading to legal and financial complications. At GenZone, we prioritize providing accurate information. We ensure our clients understand that to be considered a tax resident in the UAE, they need to spend at least 90 days in the country each year. This clarity helps our clients plan their stay and manage their tax obligations effectively.
Case 2: Hidden Fees and Incomplete Quotes
Another client from the UK wanted to set up a Mainland company in Dubai. They received a quote from a different setup agency that seemed attractively low at first glance. However, when we reviewed the quote, I noticed it lacked several essential items and services that would be necessary to complete the setup process. The client wasn’t initially aware of these omissions, and the agency planned to charge extra fees later on.
This kind of practice can leave clients feeling trapped and financially strained. At GenZone, we provide comprehensive quotes that include all necessary costs upfront. This transparency ensures our clients know exactly what they are paying for, preventing any unpleasant surprises later on.
Case 3: Restrictive Contracts
A third client shared their experience of signing a restrictive contract with another consulting firm. This contract bound them to use the firm’s services for all their business needs, from setting up the company to handling administrative tasks. When the client wanted to switch to a different service provider due to poor service, they found themselves locked in by hefty cancellation fees.
At GenZone, we don’t believe in restrictive contracts. We operate on trust and the quality of our service. We want our clients to stay with us because they are satisfied, not because they are contractually obliged. This approach fosters long-term relationships built on mutual respect and satisfaction.
The Value of Integrity in Business
Integrity is at the core of our business philosophy at GenZone. We believe that being honest and transparent with our clients is the best way to build lasting relationships. Here’s another example to highlight this point.
Case 4: Immediate Refunds
Recently, we had a situation where a client needed to cancel their service after paying $15,000 USD. Due to personal reasons, the client could not proceed with the business setup. Instead of holding onto the money or delaying the refund, we processed it immediately. The client had paid in cryptocurrency, and despite the complexities involved in such transactions, we ensured the refund was prompt.
This kind of integrity is rare in the industry, where many firms might look for reasons to withhold refunds. At GenZone, we understand that trust is crucial. If a client is eligible for a refund, we act swiftly to return their money, no questions asked. This practice has earned us a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy, which is why our clients often refer us to their friends and colleagues.
Tips for Choosing the Right Consultant
Choosing the right consultant can be the difference between a smooth, successful move to Dubai and a stressful, costly experience. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
1. Research Thoroughly
Before selecting a consultant, do thorough research. Look for reviews and testimonials from other clients. Check their track record and see if they have a history of delivering on their promises.
2. Ask for Detailed Quotes
Request a detailed quote that includes all potential costs. A transparent consultant will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all expenses, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Avoid Long-Term Contracts
Be wary of consultants who require you to sign long-term contracts. These contracts can lock you into using their services, even if you’re unhappy with their performance. Look for firms that offer flexibility and don’t tie you down with restrictive agreements.
4. Verify Information
Cross-check the information provided by your consultant. For instance, if they give you advice on tax residency, verify it against official UAE regulations. This can help you avoid falling for misinformation.
5. Look for Transparent Communication
A good consultant will communicate clearly and transparently. They should be willing to answer all your questions and provide honest advice, even if it’s not what you want to hear. This kind of transparency is crucial for building trust.
6. Check Their Services
Ensure the consultant offers all the services you need, from business setup and residency to banking and beyond. A one-stop-shop can make the process more convenient and cohesive.
7. Evaluate Their Responsiveness
How quickly do they respond to your inquiries? Responsiveness is a good indicator of the level of service you can expect. A firm that takes days to reply might not be the best choice when you need timely assistance.
Conclusion: Why GenZone Stands Out
At GenZone, our commitment to honesty, transparency, and client satisfaction sets us apart from other consultants in the industry. We believe that the best way to grow our business is through happy clients who refer us to others. Here’s a quick summary of what we offer:
- Transparent Information: We provide accurate, up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions.
- Comprehensive Quotes: Our quotes include all necessary costs, so you won’t face unexpected expenses.
- No Restrictive Contracts: We don’t lock you into long-term contracts. You’re free to choose us because you want to, not because you have to.
- Integrity in Service: We handle refunds and cancellations promptly, ensuring you’re never left in a difficult situation.
- Full Range of Services: From business setup and residency to banking and more, we offer all the services you need for a smooth move to Dubai.
- Responsive Communication: We pride ourselves on our quick and clear communication, ensuring you always know what’s happening with your application.
If you’re considering moving to Dubai and need a reliable partner to help you with the process, look no further than GenZone. Book a call with us today, and let us guide you through every step of your move, ensuring a hassle-free and successful transition to your new life in Dubai.
