Straight answers, including the inconvenient ones.
Everything people actually ask us, answered without the sales gloss. If your question is not here, message us and we will add it.
Company formation
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
Six things decide it: where your customers are, how many visas you need, your business activity, shareholder nationality, workspace, and whether you are looking at year one or year three. That is why we build a quote from your answers instead of advertising a package price. Be careful with headline figures — they are almost always licence-only, in the cheapest emirate, with no visa and a renewal that costs considerably more.
Free zone or mainland?
If your customers are mostly outside the UAE, a free zone is usually cheaper and faster. If you sell directly to UAE customers, want a shop or office, or plan to bid for government work, you need mainland. Getting this wrong is expensive to undo because changing jurisdiction generally means forming a new company, not transferring the old one.
Do I need a local partner or sponsor?
For a free zone company, no, and that has always been the case. For mainland, the 2021 reforms removed the requirement across most commercial and professional activities. A limited list of strategic-impact activities still requires Emirati participation or a local service agent.
How long does formation take?
Free zone licences are often issued within a few working days once documents are complete. Mainland typically takes one to three weeks depending on activity and external approvals. Add roughly two to four weeks for residence visas after that.
Do I need to be in the UAE?
Not for the licence in most free zone cases. You do need to be physically present for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics once your entry permit is issued.
What ongoing costs are there?
Annual licence renewal, visa renewals every two to three years, mandatory health insurance for each visa holder, corporate tax registration and filing, and bookkeeping. Ask any provider for the three-year total, not the first-year price.
Residence visas
What visa do I get as a company owner?
An investor or partner visa, tied to your own licence. In most free zones it runs for two years and is renewable.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes, once your own residency is issued. You will need attested marriage and birth certificates, a minimum income level, and suitable accommodation.
What is the medical test?
A mandatory blood test and chest x-ray at an approved screening centre, required before residency is issued.
Will I lose my visa if I leave the country?
A standard residence visa lapses after more than six consecutive months outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders have significantly more flexibility.
Am I eligible for a Golden Visa?
It depends on the category: property investors above a threshold, entrepreneurs with approved projects, specialised talent, and certain senior professionals. Criteria change periodically, so eligibility should be checked before you pay anything.
Corporate banking
Can you guarantee a bank account?
No. The bank decides under its own compliance rules. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees approval. We assess your odds honestly first and build the application file properly.
How long does a corporate account take?
Four to eight weeks is normal for a traditional UAE bank. Digital business banking platforms can be considerably faster.
Why do applications get rejected?
High-risk activity classification, restricted shareholder nationalities, no demonstrable UAE substance, weak source-of-funds documentation, or an offshore company in the ownership chain.
What minimum balance is required?
It varies by bank and account tier, and traditional banks generally expect more than digital platforms. We give you the real figure for each option before you choose.
Tax
Does the UAE have corporate tax?
Yes. 9% applies on taxable profits above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory for all companies regardless of profit level.
Are free zone companies tax free?
Not automatically. A qualifying free zone person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if substance and other conditions are met, and non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. Treat blanket "tax free" claims as marketing.
Do I need to register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed the mandatory threshold, and voluntary registration is available at a lower threshold. Whether it makes sense to register voluntarily depends on your customers.
Will a UAE company make me tax free at home?
Not by itself. Your personal tax position depends on where you are tax resident and on your home country's rules, including controlled foreign company legislation. Take advice in your own country before you rely on any structure. We are not tax advisers.
Still not sure what you need?
Six questions and you will have a recommended structure and a real number.
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