FAQ
Find detailed answers and helpful information about our company, services, and processes.
Company Formation FAQ
Quick answers to common questions on setting up a company—structures, requirements, timelines, and more.
Mainland Company: Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows operation anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Free Zone Company: Offers tax incentives and 100% foreign ownership. Business activity is limited to inside the Free Zone and international markets (not Mainland UAE unless a local distributor is appointed).
Offshore Company: Not licensed for business inside the UAE. Ideal for international structuring, asset holding, or IP ownership. Cannot lease offices, hire employees, or issue visas.
IFZA/RAKEZ: 3–5 working days
DIFC/ADGM: 10–15 working days
Mainland: 7–15 working days depending on activity and authority approvals
Mainland: Ideal for physical retail, F&B, or working directly with UAE clients.
Free Zone: Suitable for international trade, consulting, or digital services.
Offshore: Used for asset holding, IP protection, or structuring international operations.
Mainland: 100% foreign ownership is now allowed for most activities. Some regulated sectors may still require a Local Service Agent (LSA).
Free Zone & Offshore: No local sponsor required.
- Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- UAE visa copy (if applicable)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Passport-sized photo
- Business plan or activity summary
Yes. Shareholders and employees can apply for UAE residence visas. Process includes:
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID registration
- Visa stamping
- Many Free Zones allow remote incorporation.
- Physical presence is required for visa processing and most bank account openings.
If documents originate outside the UAE (e.g., corporate documents), notarization and UAE Embassy attestation may be required.
Corporate Tax: 9% on net profit exceeding AED 375,000. Companies earning below this threshold are exempt. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% rate if they meet specific activity and compliance conditions.
VAT: Standard rate is 5% on most goods and services.
- Mandatory VAT registration is required for businesses with taxable supplies and imports exceeding AED 375,000 annually.
- Voluntary VAT registration is available if supplies or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500 annually.
- VAT-registered businesses can reclaim input tax on eligible business purchases and expenses.
Mainland: Yes, annually
Free Zones: Varies; required by DIFC, DMCC, RAKEZ, etc.
IFZA (Dubai): Affordable, fast processing
DIFC (Dubai): Prestigious, internationally recognized
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah): Low cost, flexible offices
SHAMS (Sharjah): Digital and media focused
Yes, remote management is possible. However, UAE presence is usually needed for bank account setup and visa processing.
A Holding Company is an entity designed to own shares or assets in other companies. UAE Holding structures (especially in DIFC, RAK ICC, or ADGM) are ideal for asset protection, tax planning, and consolidating multiple ventures under one umbrella.
SPVs are typically used for asset holding, risk isolation, or investment structuring. DIFC, RAK ICC, and ADGM all offer SPV frameworks suitable for real estate, IP ownership, or venture capital setups.
DIFC is generally preferred for its investor-friendly environment, stronger international perception, and more cost-effective setup for Holding Companies, SPVs, and Family Offices.
Visa Setup FAQ
Essential answers to your questions about visa types, eligibility, application steps, and processing times.
Investor/Partner Visa: For company owners
Freelance Visa: For independent professionals in approved sectors
Golden Visa: 10-year visa for investors, scientists, exceptional talents
Green Visa: 5-year visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals
Free Zone Investor Visa: 2 years
Mainland Investor Visa: 2 years
Yes. Free Zones provide visa quotas based on the office size or package selected.
Mainland: Based on office space (approx. 1 visa per 9 sqm)
Free Zones: Based on Flexi-desk or office package (1–6 visas or more)
Yes, after your residency is granted, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents.
Yes, if they get an NOC from the sponsor.
Entry into UAE is mandatory for:
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID biometric scan
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport photo
- Company license and MOA
- Establishment Card
- Immigration file
Free Zone: 5–10 working days post-license
Mainland: 5- 10 working days
No. You cannot work for another company unless officially transferred.
Yes, Required for visa issuance and renewal.
A 10-year visa for:
- Investors with AED 2M+ property or funds
- Entrepreneurs
- PhD holders, scientists, skilled professionals
Property Owners: Real estate valued at AED 2 million or more (can be mortgaged or unmortgaged).
Entrepreneurs: Founders of startups or SMEs approved by accredited UAE business incubators.
Doctors, Engineers, and PhD Holders: Professionals in specialized sectors such as AI, healthcare, cybersecurity, or renewable energy, with academic or professional qualifications recognized by relevant UAE authorities.
Skilled Professionals: Individuals earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and working at first or second occupational levels per MOHRE classification (e.g., executives, consultants, legal or financial specialists).
Researchers & Scientists: Those with proven research credentials and high-impact work in critical sectors, supported by recommendations from recognized scientific councils or academic institutions.
Yes. Golden Visa holders can establish or invest in businesses without being tied to specific employment or visa sponsorship.
Not necessarily. SPVs and Holding Companies (especially in ADGM or DIFC) can be maintained without residence visas unless operational staff are required.
Corporate Bank Account Opening FAQ
Get clear answers on bank requirements, documents needed, timelines, and key steps to open a business account.
Yes, once licensed. Approval depends on business risk profile and documentation.
Corporate Account: For businesses
Offshore Account: Limited access, not all UAE banks offer
Personal Account: For individuals (requires UAE visa)
Local Banks: Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, ADCB, FAB
International Banks: HSBC, Standard Chartered
Digital Banks: WIO, Zand (for lower-risk profiles)
- Valid trade license
- Shareholder(s) passport copies
- Emirates ID & UAE visa (of signatory)
- MOA & board resolution
- Office lease/Ejari
- Business plan, invoices/contracts
- Company stamp & bank KYC form
Yes, in most cases. Flexi-desks with registered lease agreements may suffice for low-risk businesses.
1–4 weeks depending on:
- Business activity
- KYC clearance
- Shareholder background
Yes, especially those:
- Without UAE presence
- With high-risk activities
- From less reputable Free Zones
Generally, UAE residency is required. Some banks may accept non-residents on a case-by-case basis.
A tenancy contract registration system in the UAE. Required for Mainland entities to prove office space.
Yes. The signatory must appear in person for identity verification.
Varies. Ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 150,000. Falling below may incur penalties (AED 250–500/month).
Depends on:
- Nature of activity
- Jurisdiction
- Quality of documentation
- Residency status of the shareholder
Yes, once you obtain a UAE residence visa.
Yes, but the process is often stricter. Banks require a clear purpose (e.g., asset holding, investment structure), full documentation, and may assess the UBO’s background closely.