1. Do I need a local partner to open a company in Dubai?

Not always. In most Free Zones, you can own 100% of your company as a foreign national. In Mainland setups, 100% ownership is now allowed for many activities — but some still require a UAE national as a sponsor or service agent. What matters is your business activity and long-term goals. For example, media and tech can often be fully foreign-owned; but businesses in oil trading or security still need a local partner. We evaluate this based on both legal feasibility and your control preferences.

2. Can I own 100% of my company as a foreign national?

Yes, in most Free Zone and Offshore jurisdictions — and increasingly in Mainland as well. However, some activities (like legal consultancy, education, or publishing) still require local participation or regulation-specific structures. We’ll guide you through where full ownership is permitted and how nominee structures can be used (safely) when it’s not.

3. Which Free Zone is best for me?

There’s no universal “best.” It depends on your activity, visa needs, operational footprint, banking intent, and investor obligations. For instance:

• IFZA is fast and cost-efficient for consultants
• DMCC has strong global credibility and banking access
• ADGM is preferred by fintechs and funds We shortlist 2–3 options that match your legal, financial, and reputational priorities — and explain the trade-offs clearly.

4. How long does company setup in Dubai take?

Free Zone setups typically take 5–10 working days (if documents are ready and decisions are clear). Mainland setups can take 2–4 weeks due to tenancy registration and more departmental approvals. Visa processing (entry permit + Emirates ID) adds another 7–10 days. We provide a full timeline before onboarding and handle sequencing so nothing falls through the cracks.

5. What documents do I need to get started?

The exact list depends on structure, but typically includes:
● Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
● UAE visa or tourist entry status
● Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
● Resume or business plan (for certain Free Zones)
● No objection certificate (if under existing UAE visa) We send a clear checklist once we’ve mapped your jurisdiction.

6. What’s the total cost of setting up a company in the UAE?

Ballpark estimates:
● Free Zone setups: Shall be discussed since the costing differs from requirement to requirement.
● Mainland setups: Shall be discussed on the basis of requirement (varies by tenancy, sponsor model, visa count) These include government fees, license, MoA drafting, and initial visa(s). We provide an all-inclusive breakdown before committing — no hidden PRO charges, and no surprise annuals.

7. Can I switch from Free Zone to Mainland later?

You can’t “migrate” directly. You’ll need to set up a new Mainland company and either close, repurpose, or link your Free Zone entity (e.g., via holding company). It’s often better to start with the end in mind — and we’ll advise whether your first structure should allow for local trade, retail, or future flexibility.

8. Can I sponsor my family once I have a company?

Yes — if you hold a valid investor, partner, or employment visa and meet the income threshold (typically AED 4,000–10,000/month). We handle end-to-end processing:
● Entry permit
● Medical + Emirates ID
● Visa stamping and renewals Dependents can include spouse, children, and in some cases parents (with additional documentation).

9.Can I open a UAE bank account remotely?

Rarely. Most banks require an in-person visit for compliance. We help prepare all documentation, schedule appointments, and connect you with banks best suited to your entity type (e.g., digital businesses vs. holding companies). Some neo-banking options are emerging for low-volume accounts — we’ll advise case by case.

10. Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to form a company?

Not always — some Free Zones allow remote incorporation. But if you’re applying for
visas or a bank account, at least one physical visit is required. If needed, we’ll help structure it so your presence is timed efficiently.

11. What if I don’t know whether I want Free Zone or Mainland yet?

That’s exactly why we start with Discovery + Mapping. We’ll review your business model, goals, and risk appetite — then lay out a short comparison of your best-fit structures with license type, ownership, compliance, costs, and banking likelihood.

12.Can I hire employees on a Free Zone license?

Yes, but only within your license’s visa quota and activity. Free Zones offer 1–6 visas by default. You can request more by leasing additional space. If you plan to hire a team quickly or outside UAE, we’ll help you assess whether Free Zone is still viable — or if Mainland gives you better scale potential.

13. What is the difference between visa types (Investor / Partner / Employment)?

● Investor visa: for shareholders; valid up to 10 years
● Partner visa: for company partners with equity; similar validity
● Employment visa: for staff; tied to labor contracts We help sequence these with your structure, and ensure your setup allows for dependent sponsorship and renewals.

14. What happens if I want to exit or close my UAE company?

You’ll need to de-register the entity with the relevant authority (Free Zone or Mainland), cancel visas, close the bank account, and submit a liquidation report. We handle the
entire process to ensure clean exit — especially important for avoiding visa or tax complications later.

15.Can I change or add activities after setup?

Yes — through a license amendment. Common changes include adding ecommerce to a retail license or moving from consultancy to full service provision. We advise on what’s allowed, the costs, and how it affects visas, tax status, or sponsor agreements.