A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and can trade anywhere in the UAE. A Free Zone company is registered in a specific jurisdiction and is primarily for international business, with restricted access to the local UAE market.
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is a standard benefit for companies set up in any of the UAE's 40+ free zones. Additionally, recent laws now permit 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities on the UAE mainland.
The timeline varies depending on the jurisdiction and business activity. A free zone license can often be issued in a few working days. A mainland license may take longer due to the need for external approvals and a physical office lease. Our team works to expedite the process as much as possible.
For a mainland company, a physical office with a valid tenancy contract (Ejari) is mandatory. For free zone companies, many jurisdictions offer flexible solutions like virtual offices or flexi-desks, which are cost-effective and fulfill the legal requirement for a registered address.
The number of visas you are eligible for is typically linked to your office space. On the mainland, a larger office allows for more visas. In free zones, the number of visas is determined by the specific license package you purchase. Virtual office packages usually come with one or two visas.
Yes, opening a corporate bank account is a crucial and mandatory step for conducting business in the UAE. It is required for all transactions, payroll, and to maintain financial transparency. The process can be complex, and we provide full assistance.
The UAE has implemented a 9% Corporate Tax on business profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year. Companies are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and file an annual tax return. Certain free zone companies may qualify for a 0% rate on their qualifying income.
Yes, once you have your residence visa as an investor or employee, you can sponsor your immediate family members (spouse and children). There are specific requirements, including a minimum salary and providing an attested marriage and birth certificates.
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