Opening Companies in UAE

Our integrated process typically requires 4-6 weeks from initiation to complete operational readiness for most standard business activities. This timeline includes company registration (7-10 days), initial approval (3-5 days), license issuance (2-3 days), immigration processing (10-14 days), and bank account opening (14-21 days with proper preparation). Complex structures or specialized activities may require additional time for specific approvals.

Visa allocations vary by jurisdiction and establishment type. Mainland companies receive quotas based primarily on office space (approximately 1 visa per 9 square meters) and paid-up capital. Free zone allocations typically relate to package type, with basic packages including 2-3 visas and options to increase through facility upgrades or additional fee structures. Our integrated approach incorporates your specific personnel requirements into jurisdiction recommendations and establishment planning, ensuring your selected structure supports necessary visa allocations.

Yes, UAE companies can be managed remotely with appropriate infrastructure and compliance arrangements. This typically includes establishing proper mail handling, local authorized representative appointment, digital documentation systems, and periodic compliance visits as required by specific regulations. Our establishment packages include remote management enablement options that establish necessary infrastructure for effective distance operation while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.

 While certain elements traditionally required presence, our optimized process minimizes physical requirements through digital solutions and legal representative arrangements. Company formation can typically proceed entirely remotely. Immigration processes require presence for medical examination and biometrics, but can be scheduled efficiently during a single short visit. Banking often benefits from in-person meetings but can sometimes be arranged remotely for certain institutions. Our flexible implementation accommodates various presence scenarios, including options for completely remote establishment when necessary.

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is now possible across most business activities in both mainland and free zone jurisdictions following legislative changes implemented in 2021. Certain strategic sectors including oil and gas exploration, security services, and specific utilities still maintain Emirati participation requirements. Our structural recommendations incorporate current ownership regulations applicable to your specific activities, ensuring compliant formation while maximizing control and flexibility for foreign investors.

New companies can access both traditional banking institutions and emerging digital banking platforms in the UAE. Traditional banks offering corporate accounts include Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Commercial Bank of Dubai, while digital alternatives include Mashreq Neo, YAP Business, and various fintech solutions. Banking success varies significantly based on jurisdiction, shareholder nationalities, business activities, and application presentation. Our banking specialists recommend optimal institutions based on your specific profile and prepare comprehensive applications that address current due diligence requirements.

While our integrated approach significantly improves banking success rates, initial applications occasionally face challenges in today’s stringent compliance environment. If this occurs, our banking specialists conduct detailed rejection analysis, identify specific concerns, implement appropriate remediation measures, and coordinate alternative submission strategies including application refinement or institution redirection. This persistence-based approach has achieved over 95% ultimate banking success even for complex client profiles, though some cases require multiple submission iterations.

UAE companies face several tax considerations including corporate tax (introduced at 9% effective June 2023 for profits exceeding AED 375,000), value-added tax (5% standard rate with specific exemptions), excise tax (on certain products), and various municipality fees. Free zone companies may qualify for tax incentives including long-term corporate tax exemptions under certain conditions. Our establishment approach incorporates tax-efficient structuring within compliant frameworks, supported by proper registration and reporting infrastructure to ensure ongoing tax compliance.

The investment varies based on your selected jurisdiction, business activities, and facility requirements. Mainland setups typically range from AED 25,000-50,000 for basic establishment plus AED 15,000-30,000 for visa processing and banking support. Free zone packages generally range from AED 18,000-40,000 inclusive of all components. During consultation, we provide transparent cost breakdowns including all government fees, service charges, and third-party costs rather than misleading base prices that exclude significant portions of the actual investment required.

UAE companies must maintain several ongoing obligations including annual license renewal, immigration status maintenance, lease renewal, annual financial reporting (varies by jurisdiction), tax registration updates, and regulatory compliance filings. Banking relationships require regular activity reviews and periodic documentation updates. Our establishment packages include comprehensive guidance on these requirements and transitional support to appropriate ongoing service arrangements that ensure continuous compliance and uninterrupted operations.

UAE companies can access current accounts (standard operating accounts with dirham and multi-currency options), call accounts (interest-bearing with limited transactions), term deposit accounts (fixed-term investments), merchant accounts (for payment processing), and specialized trade finance facilities. Digital banking platforms increasingly offer streamlined accounts with enhanced technology integration. Our banking specialists guide optimal account structure selection based on your specific transaction patterns, currency requirements, and operational needs.

This determination depends on your specific business model, target market, and operational requirements. Mainland companies offer unrestricted UAE market access, unlimited visa quotas based on office space, and ability to pursue government contracts, but typically involve higher setup costs and potential local sponsor requirements for certain activities. Free zones provide 100% foreign ownership, simplified processes, and cost efficiencies, but may have limitations on direct mainland commercial activities. Our integrated assessment evaluates these factors alongside visa needs and banking considerations to recommend the optimal jurisdiction for your specific circumstances.