Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions we hear most often about setting up a business, obtaining a visa, and staying compliant in the UAE.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
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A free zone company can typically be established in 3–7 working days once all documents are in order. Mainland formations via the Department of Economic Development generally take 7–14 working days. Offshore company registrations are usually completed in 5–10 working days. Processing times vary depending on the jurisdiction and the completeness of your documentation.
No. Many of our clients set up UAE companies from abroad. Free zone and offshore structures can be established remotely, and the investor visa is issued as part of the formation process. Mainland formations may require a physical visit for biometric registration, although much of the process can be managed remotely.
A free zone company allows 100% foreign ownership and comes with 0% corporate tax, but restricts you to trading within the free zone or internationally — not directly with the UAE domestic market (without a local distributor). A mainland company, registered with the Department of Economic Development, allows you to trade freely within the UAE and take government contracts, but requires a physical office and is subject to 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000.
Yes. Since the UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments of 2021, foreign nationals can own 100% of mainland companies in most commercial and industrial activities without a UAE national partner. 100% ownership has always been permitted in free zones. Some strategic and restricted activities still require a UAE national as a shareholder.
The core requirements are: a valid passport (and for some free zones, a UAE visa copy), passport-sized photograph, business activity description, and proposed company name options. Additional documents may be required depending on the jurisdiction and activity type — for example, professional licences for regulated activities, or a no-objection letter if you are currently employed in the UAE.
Not necessarily. Many free zones offer flexi-desk packages — a shared workspace facility that satisfies the address requirement without committing to a dedicated office. These are a popular choice for startups and SMEs. Dedicated office space is available and required for certain activity types or visa quotas above a certain threshold.
The UAE introduced a federal Corporate Tax of 9% from June 2023, applicable on profits above AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000). Free zone businesses that derive qualifying income and meet substance requirements are currently eligible for a 0% preferential rate. Offshore companies and small businesses with annual revenue below AED 3 million may qualify for the Small Business Relief scheme.
We assist with investor and partner visas linked to company formation, employment visas for staff, the UAE Golden Visa for long-term residency, freelance visas, jobseeker visas, and short-stay travel and tourism visas. We also handle family sponsorship and visa renewals.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa valid for 5 or 10 years, automatically renewable. Qualifying categories include investors (property or business investment of AED 2 million or more), entrepreneurs, specialised talent (doctors, engineers, scientists, artists), outstanding students, and humanitarian workers. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members and household staff.
Standard employment and investor visas are typically processed within 5–10 working days once all documents are submitted. Golden Visa applications take 15–30 working days on average. Medical and Emirates ID appointments add additional time, which we schedule and manage on your behalf.
Yes. Residence visa holders who meet the minimum salary or financial requirements can sponsor spouses, children, and in some cases parents. The exact requirements depend on your visa type and emirate. We manage the full family sponsorship process, including document preparation and appointments.
A UAE Freelance Permit and Visa allows self-employed professionals to work legally in the UAE without a company sponsor. It is issued by certain free zones (e.g. Fujairah Creative City, SHAMS, TECOM) and covers a wide range of professional activities including media, technology, education, and consulting. It is an excellent option for remote workers, content creators, and independent consultants.
The UAE Jobseeker Visa (also known as the Job Exploration Visa) allows eligible professionals to enter the UAE and actively seek employment for up to 60 days, extendable to 120 days. It is available to degree holders with at least two years of experience, and removes the need to arrange a job offer before arriving. Once employment is secured, the visa is converted to a standard employment residence visa.
PRO (Public Relations Officer) Services involve liaising with UAE government departments and free zone authorities on behalf of a business. A PRO handles administrative and regulatory tasks including document submission, licence renewals, visa applications, labour card management, and Ministry of Human Resources registrations — so your business stays compliant without the queuing and paperwork.
Most businesses with employees or ongoing regulatory obligations benefit from PRO services. If you have staff on UAE employment visas, are subject to Ministry of Human Resources filings, or have a mainland or free zone licence requiring periodic renewal and compliance submissions, a dedicated PRO saves significant time and reduces the risk of missed deadlines or penalties.
The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance is a mandatory UAE scheme for all employees in the private sector, introduced in 2023. It provides a financial safety net for employees who lose their job through no fault of their own. Employers are required to ensure their workforce is registered and contributions are current. Our PRO team manages registration and ongoing compliance.
Yes. We assist with the full attestation chain for educational and professional documents — including UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassy attestation, and MOFA legalisation. We also assist with equivalency certificate applications through the UAE Ministry of Education for internationally qualified professionals.
Our PRO team regularly interacts with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the Department of Economic Development (DED), free zone authorities including DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, and Meydan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
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