Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Under current commercial laws, foreign investors can maintain 100% full ownership across both Free Zone jurisdictions and the vast majority of Mainland commercial activities without needing a local national sponsor.

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Mainland companies generally require a physical office tied to an Ejari lease agreement, while many Free Zone authorities offer flexible workspace options such as flexi-desks or co-working facilities.

Regulated sectors—including healthcare, education, legal services, transport, financial services, and food trade—require secondary approvals from relevant federal ministries or municipal authorities.

Yes. E-commerce activities can be registered under specific Free Zone or Mainland licences, allowing legal online sales, payment gateway integration, and logistics operations.

Annual operational expenses include trade licence renewals, office or flexi-desk lease renewals, visa renewals, corporate tax filing fees, and mandatory auditing overheads.

Trade licence fees, office lease registrations, and corporate registration maintenance are renewed on an annual basis across all UAE jurisdictions.

Yes. Each visa allocation involves government processing fees, mandatory medical fitness screenings, Emirates ID issuance costs, and immigration establishment file maintenance.

UAE Corporate Tax applies to net taxable income (profit) after deducting valid commercial expenses, rather than overall gross turnover.

Yes. Business owners and employees holding valid UAE residency permits can sponsor their spouses, children, and domestic staff upon meeting housing and income requirements.

The Golden Visa is a long-term, self-sponsored residency permit granted to real estate investors, business founders, senior executives, and exceptional talent without requiring a local corporate employer.

Yes. All adult applicants must pass official government medical fitness screenings (blood tests and chest X-rays) conducted at authorized medical centres.

Standard residency visa holders must enter the UAE at least once every 180 days to keep their residency active, whereas Golden Visa holders face no continuous travel restrictions.

The standard UAE Corporate Tax rate is 9% on net taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. A 0% tax rate applies to net profits up to AED 375,000 and to Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting statutory conditions.

Yes. All registered mainland and free zone entities must complete Corporate Tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority regardless of revenue size or activity.

Mandatory VAT registration applies to companies whose taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year, while voluntary registration is available at AED 187,500.

Yes, but specific operational routes apply. Free Zone entities can sell services directly to mainland businesses or conduct goods trade through licensed local distributors or mainland branches.