Find clear, expert answers to the most common queries regarding corporate setup and expansion in the UAE.
A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows you to trade freely anywhere in the UAE local market and take on government contracts. A Freezone company offers 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but generally restricts direct trading with the local UAE market without a local distributor.
Not necessarily. Recent updates to UAE commercial laws now allow 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities in the Mainland. For specific activities that still require a local sponsor, we provide secure, corporate nominee sponsorship services to protect your assets and control. Freezones inherently offer 100% foreign ownership.
Depending on the chosen jurisdiction and business activity, Freezone company formation can typically be completed within 3 to 7 working days. Mainland company formation may take 1 to 2 weeks as it requires specific external government approvals depending on your industry.
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (valid for 5 or 10 years) that allows expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It is available to investors (real estate or corporate), entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, and outstanding students. Our team can assess your profile and manage the entire application process.
Yes. Once you have acquired your Investor or Employment visa and your Emirates ID, you are eligible to sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, your parents, provided you meet the minimum salary and accommodation requirements set by the UAE government. We handle all dependent visa processing seamlessly.
UAE banks maintain strict KYC and compliance regulations, making the process rigorous. However, our deep relationships with major UAE banks and thorough pre-screening of your business profile drastically improve approval rates and speed up the process. We guide you on exactly what documents and business proofs are required.
The UAE introduced a Corporate Tax rate of 9% on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. Qualifying Freezone persons may still benefit from a 0% rate depending on their specific activities and where they conduct business. Additionally, a 5% VAT applies if your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 annually. We provide full tax advisory and registration services to keep you compliant.
Our business setup advisors are available to provide specific, personalized answers regarding your unique business requirements.