How can we assist you in the UAE?

If you need to set up a company or to expand your business to the UAE or internationally, we’ll offer you the most comprehensive business support (company formation, bank account opening, etc.) as well as all accompanying services (physical/virtual office lease, visa & administrative support, etc.) and advice in the process. We are headquartered in the UAE and have offices in the main free zones of the country.

How long does it take to register a company?

This will depend on the chosen Emirate/free zone. In the majority of cases, after all legal documents have been submitted and payment has been made, it only takes between 24 hours and 7 working days to establish a company.

How do I choose the right legal entity/free zone for my purposes?

There is a multitude of options available for entrepreneurs entering the UAE market. There are currently over 40 free zones in the UAE. To be able to identify the best one for your purposes, a number of questions need to be answered in regard to the company’s activities, industry, goals, size and required facilities. As professional, UAE-based consultants with decades of experience in the local market, we’ll do our best to provide you with a perfect option based on your preferences and needs.

Do I require a license to conduct business?

If you set up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE, 1 shareholder) or a Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO, 2-50 shareholders), a license is required which is issued on the day of the company formation and has to be renewed every year. Offshore companies (IBCs) do not require a license.

How do I choose the right bank?

In order to find a bank that will satisfy your demands, we’ll ask you to fill in a questionnaire and offer you 2-3 options based on your answers (company’s type and activities, account purposes, size of the initial deposit, etc.).

Are there any taxes in the UAE?

There are a number of taxes in the UAE, including the newly introduced VAT (5%). However, if your company is registered in one of the free trade zones and you conduct your business within that free zone or outside of the UAE, no VAT will apply. Companies in the UAE do not pay income or corporate taxes (excluding oil companies and foreign banks).

Can my free zone company sell goods and services in the local UAE market?

The licenses issued by any free zones in the UAE are only valid for operating your business inside the relevant free zone and outside of the UAE. However, goods and services can be sold in the local market through distributors or agents. Besides, there are several free zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi which offer dual licenses enabling free zone companies to trade in the mainland.

How can I obtain a UAE resident visa?

There are three ways to obtain a resident visa in the UAE: through employment, by buying a property worth AED 1 million (USD 272,220) or more or by setting up a free zone company. Generally, a free zone company with a physical office (it can be a shared or the so called “smart” office) entitles its owners to obtain a number of resident visas depending on the rented office size.

If there is a question which haven’t been covered here, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to respond to all your queries in detail and provide you with as much useful information as possible.