Basically, you should plan on 3-5 days for setting up a company. If a visa is also required, a visit to Dubai by the applicant is indispensable. Depending on the type of company, a stay of approx. 7 days is then necessary. Of which you will only need one day. The authorities need the rest of the time to issue the documents. Meanwhile, you can spend a few sunny days in Dubai while we take care of the rest.

Whether a visit to Dubai is necessary depends entirely on the type of company and whether you have been to the UAE before. In the case of a foundation in a free zone, no entry is necessary. We take care of the whole thing for you!

Whether you need a visa depends on the purpose of your company. For example, if you plan to open a bank account for your company in the future, applying for a visa and Emirates ID is essential. However, you can also set up your company without applying for a visa.

An Emirates ID is a national identity card for citizens and foreign residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is equivalent to the identity card of your country. It is therefore an electronic card that contains unique identification features and information about the holder. The Emirates ID serves as an important proof of citizenship and residency status and is required in many situations, including banking, business formation, government affairs and more.

The difference between mainland and freezone companies in the UAE is that mainland companies operate under the jurisdiction of federal law and must follow domestic business practices, while freezone companies operate in specially created economic zones and have their own rules and regulations. We will be happy to advise you on
which form of company makes the most sense for you.

Important: A mainland company will be subject to 9% VAT from June 2023. Freezones offer a tax rate of 0%.

Whether you need an office depends first of all on your own needs, of course. As a rule of thumb, however, no office is necessary at first. However, there are freezones that absolutely require one. Furthermore, it can also be that banks require an office. However, there are ways around this. We will be happy to advise you on this.

Yes, it is possible for your loved ones to also receive a visa. This process is called “sponsorship”. Visa sponsorship of family members in Dubai refers to the process whereby an employee or a company takes responsibility for their spouse, children, or parents to enable them to obtain a valid residence permit in the UAE. This requires, for example, the marriage/birth certificate to be authenticated with various authorities in the home country.

There are no personal income or capital gains taxes in Dubai.
However, there are specific taxes for particular industries and activities, such as hotel accommodation taxes, tobacco taxes, and other special taxes on goods. There is also a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% (from June 2023 – 9%) levied on certain goods and services above a turnover of approximately USD100,000.

No. Residency in the UAE is not necessary to incorporate a company, but it would make sense from a tax perspective. However, you can be resident in another country while your
company is based in the UAE.