Question 1

How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Most free zone licenses issue within 2 to 5 working days once documents are ready. Mainland licensing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the activity and approvals required. Visas and bank accounts follow after the license.

Question 2

Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now permit 100% foreign ownership as well. A small list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, we confirm this for your activity before you commit.

Question 3

Should I choose mainland or a free zone?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your customers. A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts, while a free zone gives 100% ownership and is often faster and cheaper for international or online businesses. We recommend the right fit for your activity and budget, then handle the whole setup.

Question 4

Do I need to be in the UAE to start the process?

Accepted Answer

No. Company formation, trade name reservation, and most approvals can start while you are abroad. You will need to enter the UAE for biometrics when your residence visa is processed.

Question 5

How hard is it to open a corporate bank account?

Accepted Answer

UAE banks apply strict compliance checks, and unprepared applications are the main reason for rejection. We pre-vet your profile, match you with suitable banks, and prepare the file so it answers compliance questions before they are asked.

Question 6

Do small businesses need to register for corporate tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, corporate tax registration with the FTA is mandatory for UAE companies regardless of size, even if your profit falls under the AED 375,000 threshold where the 0% rate applies. VAT registration becomes mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year.

Question 7

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on jurisdiction, activity, visa count, and office type, so we do not publish one-size-fits-all prices. Complete the two-minute questionnaire and you will receive a fixed, itemised quote in AED.

Question 8

How many visas can I get with my company?

Accepted Answer

Free zone packages come with a set visa quota you can upgrade; mainland quotas scale with your office space. We size your visa allocation to your actual hiring and family-sponsorship plans, and handle every application through our PRO team.

Question 9

Can you help if I already have a company but need banking or tax help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients come to us with an existing license and need only a corporate bank account, corporate tax registration, VAT filing, or bookkeeping. We can take on any single service or manage the whole compliance stack for you.

Question 10

Do you help with visa and Emirates ID processing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our PRO services cover residence, employment and family visas, Emirates ID, medical typing, labour and immigration cards, establishment cards, and document attestation, all tracked so nothing lapses.

Question 11

What areas of the UAE do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We set up companies in Dubai mainland and across the UAE's major free zones, and handle federal processes nationwide. Our office is in Single Business Tower, Business Bay, Dubai.

Question 12

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Answer the short questionnaire on our Start page or message us on WhatsApp. You will get a clear recommendation and a fixed quote, with no obligation to proceed.

DAFZA Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai

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