Business Setup Dubai FAQ
At VINQ Solutions, we understand that setting up a business in Dubai or the UAE raises many questions. That is why we have compiled and answered the most frequently asked questions in one clear overview.
Here you will find practical information about business structures, regulations, taxation, licensing and the full company formation process in Dubai.
Our goal is to provide clear and complete guidance, so you can make the right decisions with confidence. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to assist you with personalised advice.
On average, it takes between 5 and 10 working days to make a company fully operational in Dubai. The exact timeline depends on the chosen business structure, activity and the required documentation.
Thanks to our close cooperation with official authorities such as IFZA, we are able to manage the entire setup process efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Yes, in most cases you do not need to be physically present to start your company setup in Dubai. Many documents can be submitted and signed digitally, allowing the process to begin fully remotely.
If required, we can also arrange your visa, corporate bank account and office address from abroad. For the Emirates ID application, a short visit to the UAE is required at a later stage.
Dubai and the United Arab Emirates introduced a federal corporate tax system that applies from 1 June 2023. Companies pay 0% corporate tax on taxable profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% on profits above this threshold.
Free Zone companies can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the conditions set by UAE law, such as maintaining real economic substance and complying with all regulatory requirements. If these conditions are not met, the standard 9% rate applies.
There is no personal income tax in Dubai. Salaries, dividends and other personal income are not subject to income tax in the UAE.
No. In all UAE Free Zones, 100% foreign ownership is permitted. In addition, since recent legal reforms, many Mainland business activities also allow full foreign ownership. Only a limited number of strategic or regulated activities may still require local involvement.
VINQ Solutions advises you on the most suitable structure and jurisdiction and ensures that your company setup fully complies with UAE regulations.
A Free Zone company allows 100% foreign ownership, offers a fast setup process and is often tax-efficient. Free Zones are ideal for international trade, consulting, e-commerce and online services. Activities are usually limited to doing business outside the UAE or within the Free Zone itself, unless additional approvals are obtained.
A Mainland company also allows 100% foreign ownership for most business activities following recent UAE legal reforms. Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE market, work with local clients and participate in government contracts. Only a small number of regulated or strategic activities may still require local involvement.
The best structure depends on your business activity, target market and long-term goals. VINQ Solutions advises you on the most suitable option and ensures full compliance with UAE regulations.
When setting up a company in Dubai, you can apply for a UAE residence visa for yourself as a business owner. In most cases, this residence visa is valid for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed as long as the company remains active and compliant.
Depending on the license type and business structure, you may also sponsor residence visas for family members and employees. The number of visas depends on the Free Zone or Mainland authority and the size of the business.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa with a validity of up to 10 years. It is not automatically included with company formation and is normally granted based on specific eligibility criteria such as investment value, professional background or business profile.
Occasionally, certain Free Zones such as IFZA may offer limited-time promotions in which a Golden Visa can be included or facilitated as part of a company setup package, subject to conditions and government approval. These offers are temporary and depend on the official regulations in force at the time of application.
A valid UAE residence visa allows you to live, work, open bank accounts and operate your business legally in the UAE. VINQ Solutions advises you on the available visa options and informs you transparently about any active Free Zone promotions.
Yes. Our support does not stop after your company is established. VINQ Solutions focuses on long-term partnerships and continues to support you throughout the entire lifecycle of your business in Dubai.
After incorporation, we can assist you with ongoing services such as company license renewals, accounting and compliance support, residence visa renewals for you and your family, and guidance with corporate banking matters. We also help you navigate local regulations and connect you with reliable partners when needed.
Our goal is to ensure that your business remains compliant, operational and ready to grow, while you can focus on running and scaling your company with confidence.
Service-Related Questions
After submitting your request, we schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation, goals and business plans. Based on this conversation, you will receive a clear and transparent roadmap outlining the required steps, documents and estimated costs.
Throughout the entire process, you will have direct contact with a dedicated advisor who guides you from start to finish. We ensure clear communication, fast follow-up and full transparency at every stage, so you always know exactly where you stand.
To start a business in Dubai, the required documentation is generally straightforward. In most cases, the following documents are sufficient:
A clear copy of your passport
Proof of residential address
A brief description of the planned business activities
Depending on the chosen license type, free zone or mainland structure, additional documents may be requested, such as a CV or business profile. We review your case in advance and inform you upfront if anything extra is required, ensuring a smooth and compliant setup process.
Throughout the entire setup process, you are kept fully informed via regular updates by email or WhatsApp. In addition, every client receives access to a secure, personalised client portal where all documents, status updates and next steps can be followed in real time.
You also have direct contact with your dedicated advisor at any stage, ensuring clear communication and complete transparency from start to finish.
Yes. We provide full guidance throughout the corporate bank account setup process. We advise you on bank selection based on your business activity, prepare you for compliance requirements, and support you with all required documentation and application forms.
While the final approval and submission are handled directly between you and the bank, we guide you step by step and liaise where possible to ensure the process runs smoothly, correctly and efficiently. This way, you remain fully compliant while never having to navigate the process alone.
Our pricing is fully transparent. Before we start, you receive a clear and detailed quotation outlining all costs involved, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
We only proceed once you have reviewed and approved the proposal, so you always know exactly what to expect before the setup process begins.
Practical Questions
Yes. Many entrepreneurs keep their existing company in their home country while setting up an additional business in Dubai.
This approach allows you to expand internationally while maintaining your current operations. Depending on your structure and activities, this can offer advantages in terms of market access, asset structuring and tax efficiency.
We assess your situation individually and advise on the most suitable and fully compliant setup, taking both UAE regulations and your home country rules into account.
No, a physical office is not always required. In many Free Zones, flexible office solutions are available, such as shared desks, serviced offices or virtual office arrangements.
The most suitable setup depends on your business activity, licensing requirements and long-term plans. We help you choose the most cost-efficient and compliant option based on your specific situation.
Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai is a mandatory step, but it can be one of the more challenging parts of the setup process.
Banks apply strict compliance and KYC procedures, and approval depends on factors such as business activity, ownership structure and source of funds.
We guide you through the full process, advise on the most suitable banking options and support you with the required documentation. This significantly improves the approval timeline and reduces unnecessary delays.
Yes, this is possible. Most Free Zones allow companies to sponsor employee work visas, provided that the business activity, licence type and office solution meet the Free Zone’s requirements.
The number of visas depends on factors such as the chosen Free Zone, licence package and office or flexi-desk setup. We guide you through the visa allocation process and help you structure your company in a compliant and scalable way.
Yes. A company legally registered in Dubai, including those established in recognised Free Zones such as IFZA, is internationally recognised.
This allows you to operate globally, enter into contracts, invoice international clients and work with banks, suppliers and partners worldwide. The level of international acceptance depends on the chosen business activity, licensing authority and banking structure, which we carefully align with your business goals.
If you decide to close your company in Dubai, a formal liquidation process is required. This includes cancelling the trade license, settling outstanding obligations, closing the corporate bank account and cancelling any associated visas.
We guide you through the entire process to ensure everything is completed correctly and in compliance with local regulations, helping you avoid unnecessary costs, delays or legal issues.
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