Dubai business setup FAQs

It depends on the jurisdiction, your activity, the office you choose and how many visas you need. Use our cost calculator for an itemised range, then we confirm exact figures for your activity in a free consultation.

Mainland suits businesses that sell directly to customers across the UAE or work with government entities. Free zones suit consultants, online and international businesses that want package pricing. We compare both for your activity before you decide.

For most commercial and professional activities, yes: full foreign ownership has been allowed since 2021. A small number of strategic activities still have conditions, so we check your activity first.

Yes. Mainland companies need a registered office lease (Ejari). Business centres offer smaller, lower-cost options. The size of the office affects how many visas the company can sponsor.

Free zone companies can usually trade within their free zone and internationally. Selling directly on the mainland generally needs a local distributor, an additional permit or a mainland branch, depending on the free zone and activity.

No. Offshore companies cannot sponsor residence visas or lease office space in the UAE. If you need a visa, a free zone or mainland company is the usual route.

On the mainland, the visa quota is linked to your office size. In free zones, it depends on the package and office type. Tell us how many people you plan to hire and we will recommend an option that fits.

Many steps, including name approval and licence issuance in many free zones, can be done remotely. Visa medical tests, Emirates ID biometrics and some bank meetings need you in the UAE.

No one can guarantee a bank account; the decision belongs to the bank. We help you prepare a clear, complete application and introduce you to banks that fit your profile.

UAE companies must register for corporate tax. The standard rate is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, with 0% below that. Some free zone companies can qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income if they meet the conditions. We register you; for tax advice we refer you to a licensed tax adviser.

VAT registration is mandatory when taxable supplies or imports exceed AED 375,000 over 12 months (or are expected to in the next 30 days), and voluntary from AED 187,500. The standard VAT rate is 5%.

The Golden Visa has its own eligibility categories, including some for investors and entrepreneurs. We check your eligibility and explain the route; approval is decided by the immigration authority.

Once documents are complete, we submit within 2 business days. Licence issuing times are set by the authority and vary by jurisdiction and activity, and any external approvals add time. New residence visas typically take 2 to 6 weeks, mainly because of government security checks. You get a realistic timeline with your estimate.

Trade licences and residence visas renew every year or every few years depending on the authority. We remind you about 3 months before the due date. Licence renewals usually take a few working days once documents and payment are in; visa renewals need a new medical test and Emirates ID update.

50% of our service fee on engagement and the balance when your licence is issued. Government fees are paid in full before submission. Monthly instalment plans are available on selected packages. Bank transfer and card are accepted.