FAQs

Dubai is an attractive destination for starting a business due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering access to a vast market. The city boasts a business-friendly environment with streamlined regulations, tax incentives, and various free zones tailored to different industries. Additionally, Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including world-class facilities and services, supports business growth and international trade.

Choosing the best location for your business in Dubai involves several key considerations:

1. Business Type: Different free zones cater to specific industries. For instance, technology firms might thrive in Dubai Internet City, while media-related businesses may benefit from Dubai Media City.

2. Customer Access:*Select a location that provides easy access to your target market.

3. Infrastructure: If your business depends on international trade, proximity to logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port or free zones can be crucial.

4. Cost: Compare rental and operational costs across different areas and zones to stay within your budget.

5. Regulations: Ensure the location aligns with your business’s regulatory requirements and industry-specific benefits.

The process to obtain a new business license in Dubai typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business, the type of license required, and the completeness of your documentation. Engaging with a business setup consultant can help streamline the process and potentially expedite the approval.

UAE Mainland: Businesses operating in the mainland can trade directly with the UAE market and have access to the local market without restrictions. They require a local sponsor or partner, and there are various regulatory requirements to follow.

Free Zone: Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and are ideal for businesses focused on export-oriented activities or specific industries. Companies in free zones benefit from tax exemptions and simplified administrative procedures but are generally restricted from operating directly in the UAE market without a local distributor.

Offshore: Offshore companies are typically used for asset protection, tax planning, and international trade. They are not allowed to conduct business within the UAE but can operate internationally. Offshore setups offer privacy and tax benefits but have restrictions on business activities within the UAE.

Once your documentation is approved and verified by the relevant authorities, you can expect to receive your mainland license within 2 working days.

Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership of a business in Dubai in several scenarios. Foreign investors can fully own businesses in various free zones, and recent updates to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors outside free zones as well. However, certain strategic sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, still have ownership restrictions.

Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai involves the following steps:

1. Select a Bank: Choose a bank that fits your business requirements.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the bank to arrange a meeting.
3. Prepare Documents: Typically, you’ll need your passport, proof of address, and proof of income. Additional documents may be required depending on the bank.
4. Complete Verification: The bank will perform a credit check and verify your identity.
5. Account Setup: The process usually takes between two to four weeks. Ensure you select the appropriate type of account for your business needs.

Choose based on your business goals, ownership preference, tax requirements and location. LLC suits mainland operations, free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, branches extend an existing company and offshore is ideal for international operations.

Yes, in many free zones foreigners can have full ownership. Mainland ownership may require a UAE national partner for certain activities, though recent reforms allow 100% ownership in most sectors.

Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE and deal directly with the local market but may require a local partner. Free zone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership but are restricted to operating within the zone or internationally.

Yes, mainland companies must have a physical office (Ejari registration). Many free zones offer flexible options like virtual offices or shared spaces.

Advantages include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, full repatriation of profits, simplified setup and access to free zone infrastructure.

Visa sponsorship in the UAE allows residents or companies to legally bring family members or employees into the country. The sponsor takes financial and legal responsibility for the visa holder during their stay. For details, What is visa sponsorship.

The process includes preparing documents, typing the application, paying government fees, and submitting it through the GDRFA or ICP portal. Once approved, a residence visa is stamped in the passport. For details applying for visa sponsorship.

Avoid submitting incomplete documents, missing deadlines, or providing incorrect sponsor details. These errors can lead to delays, rejections, or fines. For details mistakes to avoid during visa sponsorship.

Choose activities that match your business goals and meet DED regulations. Consulting an expert ensures compliance and avoids future restrictions. For details, Right Mainland Business Activities.

Activities like healthcare, education, and real estate need external approvals from specific government bodies before licensing. For details, Special Approvals or Permits.

Start by deciding your business activity, selecting the right jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), and choosing a trade name approved by the DED. For details, Steps to Take Before Registering a Company.

You must have a valid trade name, business license, office space, and approvals from relevant authorities like the DED or Free Zone. For details, Legal Requirements for Registering a Company.

Maintain proper bookkeeping, renew trade licenses annually, and comply with VAT, labor, and immigration laws. For details, Legal and Compliance Requirements.

You’ll need passport copies of both sponsor and maid, Emirates ID, salary certificate, tenancy contract, and maid’s photos. Attested documents may also be required. For details, Apply for a Maid Visa.

The maid visa typically costs between AED 5,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the agency and services. It is valid for one year and renewable annually. For details, Cost & Duration of a Maid Visa.

A Dubai residence visa allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE legally. It’s available for employees, investors, dependents, and property owners. The visa duration usually ranges from 2 to 10 years, depending on the category. For details, Who Can Apply.

To apply, start with an entry permit, complete a medical test, and apply for Emirates ID. Then, submit documents for visa stamping through GDRFA or an authorized typing center. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays. For details, Step-by-Step Process.

Rejections usually occur due to incomplete documents, expired passports, or inaccurate information. Using unauthorized agents can also lead to denial. Always verify requirements and apply through licensed centers to avoid rejection. For details, Common Reasons for Residence Visa Rejection.

Mainland business activities are broadly categorized into three types: Commercial, Professional, and Industrial. A Commercial License is for trading goods, a Professional License covers service-based activities like consultancy, and an Industrial License is for manufacturing and production. The DED offers over 2,000 specific activities across these categories.

The initial cost varies widely, typically ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 40,000, depending on the business type, legal structure, and required approvals. Annual renewal requires submitting the current trade license copy and the Ejari registration certificate for your office space. Renewal fees also vary but typically range from AED 6,000 to AED 15,000, including DED and other service fees.

MOFA Attestation is the final and crucial process of legally validating a document’s authenticity by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). It is required for official acceptance of documents (like educational, personal, or commercial certificates) within the UAE for purposes such as employment, visa processing, or legal transactions. Without this process, foreign-issued documents are not recognized as legally binding by UAE authorities.

The core requirement is the required document (unlaminated and undamaged) that has already undergone prior attestation from the issuing country’s relevant authorities and the UAE Embassy/Consulate there. These pre-attestation steps and the original document are necessary because MOFAIC performs the final verification based on the stamps and seals of these preceding official bodies to ensure the document’s chain of custody and authenticity.

The attestation process in the UAE typically takes 1 to 3 working days for standard service, though express options can complete it within 24 hours. The main factors affecting the timeline are the completion of all necessary pre-attestation steps (home country verification, UAE Embassy attestation), the document type (commercial documents can take longer), and whether the application has any inconsistencies or missing information.

Common rejection reasons include skipping mandatory pre-attestation steps (like the UAE Embassy stamp), inconsistencies in personal details (e.g., name mismatch across documents), and submitting poor-quality or damaged originals. Prevention involves ensuring all previous governmental and embassy attestations are complete, verifying all names and dates match exactly, and submitting only clear, undamaged original documents.

The MOFAIC fee for attesting personal and educational documents is approximately 150-450 AED per document, while commercial documents can cost significantly more. Applicants should also expect additional expenses for the mandatory pre-attestation steps (home country fees, UAE Embassy fees), certified translation services if the document is not in Arabic or English, and courier/delivery charges.

They follow the latest UAE regulations and ensure forms match required formats.
Typing centers minimize rejection by verifying documents and preventing common errors.
Their expertise helps residents and businesses complete government processes smoothly and on time.

They prepare accurate visa forms, submit applications through official portals, and ensure all documents meet UAE standards.
Typing centers guide applicants through medical tests, biometrics, status change, and stamping steps.
Their support reduces errors, saves time, and improves approval chances.

Costs vary by service type, government fees, and application complexity.
Additional charges may apply for translation, urgent processing, or corporate documentation.
Prices also depend on system fees from portals like GDRFA, ICP, Amer, and Tasheel.

Document requirements depend on the service, but usually include passport copies, Emirates ID, visa pages, photos, and attested certificates.
Visa and Emirates ID services often require sponsor documents, tenancy contracts, and medical results.
For business and labor services, trade licenses, establishment cards, and MoA copies are commonly needed.

Typing centers handle visa typing, Emirates ID forms, labor contracts, business documentation, and government applications.
They ensure accuracy, reduce errors, and speed up processing for residents and companies.
Their expertise helps applicants complete procedures correctly without delays or rejections.