Frequently askedQuestions

Yes, in most cases a foreign investor can own 100% of a company in Dubai, both on the mainland and in a free zone. This follows the reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law. A small number of strategic activities may still have specific ownership requirements, so we check your activity first.

A mainland company can generally trade anywhere in the UAE, while a free zone company is licensed by a free zone authority and has its own rules for trading inside the UAE. Free zones are often chosen for international trade and services; the mainland for businesses serving local customers. The right choice depends on your activity, customers and visa needs.

It depends on the jurisdiction, the activity and how quickly documents are ready. Simple free zone set-ups are typically faster than activities that need extra approvals. We give you a realistic timeline for your case at the free consultation.

The cost depends on the jurisdiction, the licence activity, the office solution and the number of visas. There is no single price that fits every business. Use the cost calculator for an estimate or book a free expert consultation for an exact quote.

In many cases a large part of the process can be done remotely. Some steps, such as visa medicals, biometrics for the Emirates ID and bank meetings, usually need you in the UAE. We plan the process so your time in the country is as short as possible.

In most cases, no. Local agents are required only in rare cases and certain industries, such as some oil and gas activities. We confirm the rules for your specific activity.

It depends on your profit, structure and activity. The UAE introduced federal corporate tax in 2023, generally at 9% above a threshold, and qualifying free zone income may be taxed at 0%. We review your case and help you register and stay compliant.

Yes, a UAE company can typically sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their dependants. The number of visas depends on the licence and office solution. We handle the visa process after the licence is issued.

A UAE offshore company is an entity registered with an offshore registry that does not trade inside the UAE. It is typically used for holding assets and shares or for international business. It does not have a licence to operate locally.

No, an offshore company generally cannot trade with customers inside the UAE or operate a local office. For local business you need a mainland or free zone company. We help you choose the right one.

In most cases, no — offshore companies generally cannot sponsor UAE residence visas. If you need a visa, a free zone or mainland company is usually required. Many clients combine an offshore holding with an operating company.

Yes, in certain cases an offshore company can own property in areas where this is permitted. The rules depend on the registry and the property location. We check this before you set up the company.

It depends on its activities and income. UAE corporate tax, introduced in 2023, can apply to companies depending on their circumstances, and other countries may tax the company or its owners. We recommend reviewing your structure with a tax adviser, and we help coordinate this.

It is possible, but it usually requires more preparation than for an operating company. Banks will ask about the purpose of the company, source of funds and beneficial owners. We help you build a clear application.

The cost depends on the registry, the structure and the services you need. Use the cost calculator for an estimate or book a free expert consultation.

The most common ways are through your own UAE company, through employment, as a family member of a resident, or through a long-term programme such as the Golden Visa. The right route depends on your situation. We recommend one at the free consultation.

Yes, owning a UAE company typically allows you to get an investor or partner residence visa. The number of visas the company can hold depends on the licence and office solution.

Yes, UAE residents can typically sponsor their spouse and children, and in some cases parents. There are usually income or accommodation requirements, and family documents must be attested. We handle the full process.

Yes, a medical fitness test is generally required for residence visa applicants above a certain age. It is done at an approved medical centre in the UAE. We book it and tell you what to expect.

It depends on the visa type. Standard residence visas are typically issued for a few years and can be renewed, while the Golden Visa is a long-term visa. We confirm the validity for your route.

It depends on the visa type, the emirate or free zone and how quickly documents are ready. Most applications take a few weeks rather than days. We give you a realistic timeline for your case.

The Golden Visa is available to eligible categories such as investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and others who meet the criteria set by the authorities. The criteria change from time to time. We check your eligibility under the current rules.

Standard residence visas can lapse if you stay outside the UAE for too long, while some long-term visas are more flexible. The exact rules depend on the visa type. We explain them for your case.

No, UAE citizenship cannot be bought. The UAE offers long-term residence, such as the Golden Visa, but not citizenship by investment. Our second citizenship service covers lawful programmes of other countries.

Citizenship by investment is a legal programme in which a country grants citizenship to applicants who make a qualifying investment or contribution and pass due diligence. Each country sets its own rules. Programmes change over time, so current rules always apply.

Yes, citizenship-by-investment programmes are run legally by the governments that offer them. Whether you may hold two citizenships also depends on the laws of your current country. We recommend checking this before applying.

In most programmes you can include your spouse and children, and some also allow parents. Family rules differ by programme. We confirm who can be included in your case.

It depends on the programme and on due diligence, and usually takes months rather than weeks. We give you a realistic estimate once we know which programme fits you.

The cost depends on the programme, the investment option and the size of your family, plus government and due diligence fees. Book a free expert consultation for an overview of current options.

No, approval is never guaranteed. Every programme runs its own background checks and makes its own decision. We prepare a complete, transparent file to give your application the best footing.

You need a residence route first — usually through your own company, an employer, a family member or a long-term visa such as the Golden Visa. After that come the Emirates ID, a bank account, housing and schools. We plan and handle the whole sequence.

Yes, it is possible through other routes, such as setting up your own company, investing in property or qualifying for a long-term visa. Eligibility depends on current rules and your situation. We recommend the route that fits you.

You typically need valid passports, photos, and attested marriage and birth certificates for family visas, plus documents for your own visa route. Attestation is done in your home country and can take time. We send you a full list for your case.

Yes, every UAE resident needs an Emirates ID. It is used for banking, renting, utilities, healthcare and most government services. It is issued as part of the residence visa process.

Yes, health insurance is generally mandatory for residents in Dubai. Employers must provide it for employees, and sponsors are usually responsible for dependants. We can help you find a suitable option.

It depends on your visa route, family size and how quickly documents are ready. Many moves take several weeks to a few months from first planning to settling in. We give you a realistic plan at the start.

Yes, many clients set up a UAE company and get their visa through it. We handle the company, visas and banking as one project. Whether to move or open a new entity depends on your case.

No, the UAE does not levy personal income tax on individuals' salaries or personal investment income. Companies may be subject to corporate tax. Your previous country may still tax you depending on its rules.

Not by itself. UAE tax residence is generally based on factors such as time spent in the UAE and where your permanent home and main interests are. We check whether you meet the criteria.

It is an official document from the UAE tax authority confirming that a person or company is a UAE tax resident for a given period. It is typically used to apply double tax agreements. We prepare and submit the application.

Yes, UAE companies that meet the criteria can apply for a Tax Residency Certificate. Requirements include supporting documents about the company and its activity. We prepare the file for you.

Not automatically. Many countries have their own rules on when you stop being a tax resident and may continue to tax you. Get advice in your home country; we coordinate with your adviser.

It depends on the completeness of your documents and the authority's processing. We give you a realistic estimate when we review your case.

Typically a passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, proof of address such as a lease, bank statements and evidence of time spent in the UAE. Companies need corporate documents and financial information. We send you the exact list for your case.

It usually takes several weeks, and depending on your nationality or financial proof it can take months. Banks run careful compliance checks on every application. A complete, well-prepared file is the fastest route.

No, this is a myth. Opening a business bank account in the UAE takes several weeks in most cases. Be wary of anyone promising otherwise.

It depends on your activity, nationality, currencies and the countries you trade with. Each bank has its own risk appetite. We recommend banks that fit your profile.

Yes, free zone and mainland companies can both open UAE corporate bank accounts. The requirements depend on the bank and your activity rather than the jurisdiction alone.

In many cases, yes — most banks require shareholders or signatories to meet them or to complete identification in person. Some processes can start remotely. We plan your visit to cover the bank and other steps together.

Common reasons include an unclear business model, insufficient source-of-funds documents, a high-risk activity or a mismatch with the bank's appetite. Rejection by one bank does not mean all will refuse. We review the file and help you reapply where it makes sense.

Some banks offer accounts to non-residents, but conditions are stricter. With a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, opening a personal account is usually simpler.

No, nobody can guarantee a bank account — the decision is always the bank's. What we do is choose the right bank and prepare a strong application, which makes a positive outcome far more likely.

Yes, UAE companies are generally required to keep proper accounting records. Corporate tax rules and many free zones also require financial statements, and some require an audit.

The standard UAE corporate tax rate is generally 9% on taxable profit above a threshold, introduced in 2023. Qualifying income of qualifying free zone persons may be taxed at 0%. The result for your company depends on your structure and income.

In most cases, yes — registration is generally required regardless of profit. Filing obligations also usually apply. We handle the registration and filing for you.

A business must register for VAT when its taxable supplies exceed the mandatory threshold, and may register voluntarily below it under certain conditions. We check your position and handle the registration.

It depends on the free zone and your situation. Many free zones require audited financial statements, and corporate tax rules can also require them in some cases. We confirm the rules for your company.

It depends on the volume of transactions, the services you need and whether VAT or audit applies. Book a free expert consultation for a quote that fits your company.

Yes, we can take over your books from another provider. We review the existing records first and tell you if anything needs fixing.