Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below are the ones we are asked most often by founders setting up in the UAE. They cover jurisdictions, costs, timelines, visas, banking and tax.
Getting Started
Jurisdictions, timelines and the first decisions to make.
A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's Department of Economy and Tourism and can trade anywhere in the UAE. A free zone company is registered within a specific economic zone, offering full foreign ownership and fast setup, but trades into the mainland through a distributor or branch. An offshore company is a non-operational holding structure that cannot trade in the UAE or sponsor visas.
It depends on who your customers are. If you sell to UAE-based clients or need government contracts, mainland is usually correct. If you serve international clients, sell online, or provide consultancy, a free zone is generally faster and cheaper. If you are holding assets rather than trading, consider offshore.
A straightforward free zone licence can be issued within three to seven working days. Mainland setups typically run one to three weeks. Add two to four weeks for residence visas and two to eight weeks for a corporate bank account.
Not to begin. Much of the process runs remotely with attested documents. You will normally need to attend in person for biometrics and Emirates ID, and most banks require the signatory to appear for account opening.
Your business activity. It determines your licence category, which authorities can license you, whether you need regulatory approval, and in some cases your premises and capital requirements.
Costs and Pricing
What setup really costs, and what recurs each year.
It varies substantially with jurisdiction, activity and visa count. A no-visa free zone licence sits at the lower end, while a mainland licence with leased office space and several visas costs considerably more. We provide an itemised quote separating government fees from our own.
Almost always because of what is excluded. Headline prices often omit the establishment card, visa costs, medical testing, Emirates ID and mandatory insurance. Compare all-in totals for the same visa count.
Licence renewal, office or flexi-desk renewal, visa renewals every two years, mandatory medical insurance, accounting and, where your jurisdiction requires it, an annual audit.
No. The initial consultation, jurisdiction comparison and written quotation are free with no obligation.
Several free zones offer instalment plans. Terms change frequently, so ask us to check what is currently available for the zone you are considering.
Visas and Residency
Quotas, processing times, family sponsorship and the Golden Visa.
Free zone packages carry a fixed allocation, commonly one to six depending on the package. Mainland quotas are tied to office space, broadly one visa per nine square metres, subject to the authority's assessment.
Usually two to four weeks from entry permit through to Emirates ID delivery, assuming medical and biometric appointments are attended promptly.
Yes, once you hold residency and meet the salary threshold, with a registered tenancy contract for suitable accommodation. Sponsoring parents carries additional conditions.
A ten-year renewable residence permit requiring no employer sponsor, available to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent and outstanding students. The property route requires UAE real estate valued at AED 2 million or more.
All visas sponsored by the company must be cancelled as part of the closure process, and the immigration file is closed. Individuals then need alternative sponsorship or must exit within the grace period.
Banking and Tax
Corporate accounts, corporate tax, VAT and audit duties.
Harder than most people expect. Banks apply strict compliance standards and decline applications regularly. Approval depends on your activity, shareholder profile, substance and expected turnover. Proper file preparation makes a significant difference.
UAE corporate tax applies at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Qualifying Free Zone Persons can access 0% on qualifying income if they meet the conditions. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required regardless of whether tax is payable.
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 over twelve months. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500.
No. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on salaries or employment income.
It depends on jurisdiction and size. Many free zones require audited statements at renewal, and they are increasingly expected for corporate tax and banking purposes.
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