Question 1

How long does company formation take in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Free Zone licenses typically issue in 3 to 7 business days. Some zones like IFZA and Meydan offer same-day or instant licenses for straightforward applications. Mainland licenses take 7 to 14 business days depending on the activity and approvals needed. Regulated activities like healthcare, legal, or financial services add 2 to 4 weeks for regulatory approval.

Question 2

What is the difference between Mainland and Free Zone?

Accepted Answer

Mainland companies can trade directly in the UAE local market, bid for government contracts, and open branches anywhere in the country. Free Zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership and are ideal for international business or re-export. Since 2021, most mainland activities also allow 100% foreign ownership, so the choice now depends mainly on where your customers are.

Question 3

Do I need to register for Corporate Tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every UAE business with taxable income above AED 375,000 must register for Corporate Tax and file annually at 9%. Companies with revenue under AED 3 million can claim Small Business Relief and file a simplified return. Registration is required within 3 months of incorporation for new companies, or by the end of the current tax period for existing ones.

Question 4

What is the VAT threshold in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory VAT registration applies once your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in the past 12 months or are expected to exceed it in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. Once registered, VAT returns are filed quarterly for most businesses and monthly for larger enterprises.

Question 5

Can you help open a corporate bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare your source of funds documentation, KYC file, and business profile before approaching the bank. We work with Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAK Bank, Mashreq, WIO, and several digital banks. Standard bank account opening takes 2 to 6 weeks, though this varies by bank and your business activity.

Question 6

Do you provide PRO services for visa renewals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our PRO team handles investor, employee, and family visa applications and renewals, Emirates ID processing, medical fitness bookings, MOHRE work permits, and Ejari registration. We also send automatic reminders 30 to 45 days before every renewal so you never pay a late fee.

Question 7

How much does it cost to set up a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Free Zone setups start from AED 5,750 for entry-level packages and go up to AED 25,000 or more for premium zones with office space. Mainland setups start around AED 15,000 plus office rent. Total cost depends on the license type, number of visas, and whether you need a physical office. Use our Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Question 8

Do you offer ongoing accounting and bookkeeping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our monthly bookkeeping packages start from around AED 500 per month for small businesses with limited transactions. We use cloud accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books, and deliver monthly P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports by the 10th of every month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Formation

Tax

Banking

PRO

Accounting

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