Question 1

Mainland or free zone – which do I need?

Accepted Answer

Choose according to your activity, customers, premises and visa needs. Mainland and free zone licences have different operating conditions. Some eligible Dubai free zone companies can obtain a mainland operating permit; other activities may require a branch or other approvals. We check the activity and issuing authority before recommending a route.

Question 2

Can I own 100% of a mainland company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 2021 foreigners can own 100% of a mainland company for most activities. A short list of strategic activities still needs a UAE partner; we check yours before you apply.

Question 3

Do I need to be in the UAE to open a company?

Accepted Answer

Not for most steps. Free zones handle almost everything online. For Mainland you can start from abroad if you have a UAE entry record (Unified Number) or an Emirates ID; the owners then sign the MOA at the office.

Question 4

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

A free zone licence often takes about a week once the documents are ready. A Mainland licence usually takes 2-4 weeks: Initial Approval, Trade Name, MOA, Ejari and the licence itself.

Question 5

Do I have to deposit the share capital?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. The capital is declared in the MOA and does not have to be paid in. Some activities set a minimum: real estate brokerage, for example, needs AED 100,000 declared per partner.

Question 6

What about corporate tax?

Accepted Answer

Every company registers for corporate tax. Profit up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0% and above it at 9%. A free zone company can pay 0% on qualifying income if it meets the free zone conditions. We don't file taxes ourselves – we introduce you to our tax partner.

Question 7

Can I add activities later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through a licence amendment. Activities in one licence have to come from the same group, and some add a fee to the licence.

Question 8

Does a company give me a residence visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an owner you get an investor or partner visa through your company. Free zone packages include a set number of visa allocations; on the Mainland the quota depends on the office size.

Question 9

How long is an investor visa valid?

Accepted Answer

Usually two years, and three in some free zones. It is renewed for as long as the company stays active.

Question 10

Can I get a Golden Visa through property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Property worth AED 2M or more can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa, and you can sponsor your family on it. Any property in your name, whatever its value, can give a 2-year property investor visa.

Question 11

Can I sponsor my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once you hold a residence visa you can sponsor your spouse and children, subject to income and housing requirements.

Question 12

What are the steps after the visa is approved?

Accepted Answer

If you are in the UAE, the status is changed without leaving the country. If you are abroad, you enter on an entry permit. Then come the medical test, biometrics for the Emirates ID and the residence visa itself.

Question 13

How long does a corporate account take?

Accepted Answer

Usually 2-6 weeks. The bank runs compliance checks on the company, the owners and the source of funds; a complete file is the fastest route.

Question 14

Which documents does the bank ask for?

Accepted Answer

The licence, MOA, passports and Emirates IDs of owners and signatories, the office lease, a short business plan, source of funds and, where you have them, contracts or invoices.

Question 15

Do I need a UAE residence visa?

Accepted Answer

Most banks want at least one signatory with UAE residency. Non-residents have fewer options and longer checks.

Question 16

Is there a minimum balance?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the bank. Digital banks may need none; traditional banks often ask for an average balance from about AED 25,000.

Question 17

Can you guarantee the account?

Accepted Answer

No. The bank makes the decision. We prepare your profile and documents and pick banks that fit your activity, which raises the chance of approval.

Question 18

Why do I need a will in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Without a registered will, your UAE assets go through court procedures that can take time and may not follow your wishes. A registered will names your heirs and the guardians of your children.

Question 19

DIFC, Dubai Courts or ADJD?

Accepted Answer

DIFC registers English-language wills under common-law rules. Dubai Courts keep a register of non-Muslim wills. ADJD registers bilingual civil wills covering assets across the UAE. We suggest the route that fits your assets and family.

Question 20

Can I sign a power of attorney from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You sign it before a notary or at a UAE embassy in your country, then it is attested and translated into Arabic for use in the UAE.

Question 21

General or special power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

A general POA gives broad powers; a special POA covers one defined task, such as selling one property. If the attorney needs only one thing, a special POA is the safer choice.

Plan your UAE setup —
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Plan your UAE setup — explore the steps and costs

Build your setup

Questions we hear every week

Your clients move to the UAE? — Work with us

Book a setup briefing for your team

Plan your UAE setup —
explore the steps and costs