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FAQs

The Growth > FAQs
FAQs
قسم الأسئلة الشائعة والإخلاء القانوني

How much does it cost to start a company in the UAE?

The cost of starting a company in the UAE depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, number of shareholders, visa requirements and office arrangement.

A licence-only package generally costs less than a company formation package that includes residency visas, immigration registration, medical testing, Emirates ID and office facilities.

Before comparing UAE business setup quotations, confirm whether the price includes:

  • Trade licence and company registration
  • Establishment or immigration card
  • Visa allocation
  • Investor or employee residency visa
  • Medical examination
  • Emirates ID
  • Office or flexi-desk
  • Corporate Tax registration
  • Government and professional service fees

The lowest advertised licence price may not represent the full cost of establishing and operating a business in the UAE.

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of most mainland and free-zone companies in the UAE.

Some regulated or strategically restricted business activities may require additional approvals or be subject to specific ownership conditions. The proposed activity and ownership structure should therefore be reviewed before submitting the company formation application.

A mainland company is licensed by the economic authority of the relevant emirate. It can generally conduct business across the UAE, open offices in approved mainland locations and participate in private-sector or government projects, subject to its licensed activity and required approvals.

A free-zone company is established within a specific UAE free zone. Free-zone packages may provide lower initial costs, flexi-desk facilities, industry-focused ecosystems and services designed for international businesses.

The right structure depends on where the company will operate, the clients it intends to serve, visa requirements, office needs and long-term expansion plans.

There is no single UAE free zone that is suitable for every company.

The most appropriate free zone should be selected based on:

  • Availability of the required business activity
  • Licence and annual renewal costs
  • Number of residency visas required
  • Office, warehouse or industrial-space requirements
  • External government approvals
  • Corporate banking requirements
  • Location of customers and suppliers
  • Customs and import requirements
  • Access to UAE mainland projects
  • The free zone’s reputation within the relevant industry

Some free zones specialise in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, research, sustainability, logistics, digital assets, media or professional services.

A straightforward UAE trade licence may be issued within a few working days when the activity does not require external approval and all documents are accepted.

The process may take longer when the application involves:

  • A regulated business activity
  • A corporate shareholder
  • Attested foreign documents
  • Security or compliance screening
  • External government approval
  • Physical commercial premises
  • Multiple shareholders
  • A complex ownership structure

Trade licence issuance, residency visa processing and corporate bank account opening should be treated as separate timelines.

The usual UAE company formation documents include:

  • Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Proof of residential address
  • Proposed company names
  • Selected business activities
  • Shareholding percentages
  • Contact information
  • Source-of-funds or source-of-wealth information
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID copies, when applicable

Depending on the activity and ownership structure, the authority may also request bank statements, a business plan, professional qualifications, a no-objection certificate or attested corporate documents.

Many UAE companies can be established remotely, depending on the selected jurisdiction, business activity and shareholder structure.

Digital applications, electronic signatures and remote identity verification are available through many UAE licensing authorities.

A visit to the UAE may still be required for residency visa procedures, biometric registration, certain corporate bank account applications or activities that require an in-person assessment.

No. A person can generally own shares in a UAE company without holding a UAE residence visa.

A residence visa may still be beneficial when the shareholder intends to live in the UAE, obtain an Emirates ID, rent property, develop local banking relationships or manage the company’s operations from within the country.

Company ownership and corporate bank account approval are separate matters. Banks may assess resident and non-resident shareholders differently.

Certain UAE free zones and business activities allow companies to operate through a flexi-desk, shared workspace or registered business address.

A physical office may be required when the company needs:

  • A higher visa allocation
  • Municipality approval
  • Customer-facing premises
  • A warehouse or manufacturing facility
  • Approval for a regulated profession
  • A mainland operating location
  • Stronger evidence of economic presence

The selected office facility must be compatible with the company’s business activity and operational requirements.

A UAE trade licence may include multiple business activities when the activities are compatible and accepted by the licensing authority.

Additional government fees or external approvals may apply. Activities from unrelated regulatory categories may require separate licences or separate legal entities.

The selected activities should accurately reflect the company’s operations because banks, tax authorities, customs departments and clients may review whether its transactions match its licensed scope.

Initial approval confirms that the relevant licensing authority has no preliminary objection to the proposed shareholders, legal structure and business activities.

It does not normally authorise the company to begin trading.

After receiving initial approval, the applicant may still need to complete trade-name reservation, external approvals, constitutional documents, office registration and final licence issuance.

The proposed company name must comply with the naming rules of the relevant licensing authority.

The name should not conflict with an existing registered business or protected trademark. Certain country names, government references, religious terms and regulated professional descriptions may be restricted or require special approval.

Applicants should prepare several company-name options in case their preferred name is unavailable.

A free-zone company may serve mainland customers depending on its licensed activity, transaction structure and the regulations of the relevant emirate.

Certain businesses may require:

  • A mainland branch
  • A local distributor
  • A dual licence
  • A mainland operating permit
  • Additional approval from the relevant authority

The structure should be reviewed before the company signs contracts or begins operating from a mainland location.

A UAE trade licence should be renewed before its expiry date.

The renewal process may require:

  • A valid tenancy or office agreement
  • Renewed regulatory approvals
  • Updated shareholder and manager information
  • Payment of government renewal fees
  • Settlement of outstanding penalties
  • Valid immigration and establishment records
  • Updated beneficial-owner information

An expired trade licence may affect company visas, banking services, contracts, customs transactions and government applications.

A UAE company can apply to amend details such as:

  • Trade name
  • Business activities
  • Company manager
  • Shareholders
  • Shareholding percentages
  • Legal structure
  • Registered address
  • Share capital

The documents and approvals depend on the type of amendment. Ownership and legal-structure changes may require shareholder resolutions, amended constitutional documents and updated beneficial-owner records.

Can a UAE company sponsor an investor residence visa?

Yes. An eligible shareholder can usually apply for a UAE investor residence visa through a licensed company.

The company must hold valid immigration registration and the required visa allocation.

The application normally involves an entry permit or status adjustment, medical fitness examination, Emirates ID application, biometric registration and final residence-permit issuance.

Approval remains subject to the requirements of the relevant immigration authority.

The UAE investor visa process generally includes the following stages:

  1. Obtain the company trade licence.
  2. Register the company with immigration.
  3. Apply for the investor entry permit.
  4. Enter the UAE or complete an in-country status adjustment.
  5. Complete the medical fitness examination.
  6. Submit biometrics for the Emirates ID.
  7. Obtain the residence permit and Emirates ID.

The requirements and processing time vary according to the emirate, free zone and applicant’s profile.

A medical fitness examination is generally required for eligible UAE residence-visa applicants.

The test must be completed through an approved medical fitness centre. Additional examinations may apply to certain professions or visa categories.

The medical fitness test is separate from the biometric registration required for an Emirates ID.

Biometric registration may be required for a new Emirates ID application or when requested by the federal identity authority.

The applicant may need to provide fingerprints, a photograph and other identity information at an approved service centre.

Completing the biometric appointment within the specified period helps prevent delays or cancellation of the application.

An eligible UAE resident may sponsor a spouse, children and certain other dependants, subject to current immigration requirements.

The sponsor may need to provide:

  • A valid UAE residence permit
  • Proof of income
  • Suitable accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Attested relationship documents
  • Valid passports and photographs

Marriage and birth certificates may require attestation and Arabic legal translation.

After a UAE residence visa expires or is cancelled, the visa holder must leave the country, change status or obtain a new residence permit within the applicable grace period.

Remaining in the UAE beyond the permitted period may result in daily overstay fines and immigration restrictions.

The applicable grace period should be confirmed according to the visa category and the latest immigration rules.

Yes. A UAE residence visa can normally be renewed within the permitted renewal period.

The sponsor’s records, company licence, passport, health insurance and other supporting documents must remain valid.

The renewal may also require a new medical fitness examination and a renewed Emirates ID application.

How do I open a corporate bank account in the UAE?

The company must first obtain its UAE trade licence and incorporation documents.

The bank will then assess the company’s ownership, business model, expected transactions, source of funds and compliance profile.

A corporate bank account application may require:

  • Trade licence
  • Incorporation documents
  • Memorandum and articles
  • Shareholder identification
  • Proof of address
  • Company profile
  • Business plan
  • Contracts or invoices
  • Personal or corporate bank statements
  • Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth evidence
  • Expected turnover and transaction countries

Company registration does not guarantee bank account approval. The final decision is made by the bank.

Corporate bank account requirements vary between banks, but companies are commonly asked to provide:

  • Valid UAE trade licence
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Memorandum and articles
  • Share certificates or ownership register
  • Passport copies of shareholders and signatories
  • UAE visas and Emirates IDs, when applicable
  • Proof of residential and business address
  • Six months of personal or corporate bank statements
  • Company profile or business plan
  • Customer and supplier information
  • Contracts, invoices or evidence of business activity
  • Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documents

The bank may request additional information after reviewing the initial application.

A UAE company with a non-resident shareholder may apply for a corporate bank account, but the application may be subject to additional compliance review.

The bank may request stronger evidence of:

  • UAE business activity
  • Local customers or suppliers
  • Signed contracts
  • Office presence
  • Source of wealth
  • Expected transaction volumes
  • The commercial reason for maintaining a UAE account

Some banks may prefer at least one UAE-resident shareholder or authorised signatory, depending on their internal policies.

The processing time depends on the bank, business activity, shareholder nationality, ownership structure and transaction profile.

A complete application with a clear business model and strong supporting evidence may be processed faster.

Applications involving complex ownership structures, regulated activities, international transactions or high-risk jurisdictions may require additional review.

The final approval and processing timeline remain under the bank’s control.

Corporate bank account applications may be rejected for several reasons, including:

  • An unclear business model
  • Limited evidence of commercial activity
  • Inconsistent financial information
  • High-risk countries or industries
  • A complex ownership structure
  • Unclear source of funds
  • Transactions that do not match the licensed activity
  • Missing contracts or invoices
  • Insufficient economic presence
  • Adverse compliance findings

A bank-ready application should clearly explain what the company does, how it earns revenue, who its clients are, where the funds originate and why the account is required in the UAE.

Minimum-balance requirements depend on the selected bank and corporate banking package.

Some business bank accounts require the company to maintain an average monthly balance. Others charge a monthly fee when the balance falls below the required amount.

Digital business banking packages may offer different eligibility requirements, transaction limits and fee structures.

The company should review the bank’s schedule of charges before opening the account.

The Growth provides UAE corporate bank account assistance by helping clients prepare a bank-ready application and approach suitable financial institutions based on their business activity, ownership structure and transaction profile.

Our support may include:

  • Reviewing incorporation documents
  • Preparing the company profile
  • Organising source-of-funds information
  • Reviewing expected business transactions
  • Supporting the preparation of compliance questionnaires
  • Coordinating with suitable UAE banks
  • Following up during the assessment process

Bank account approval remains subject to the independent compliance and risk assessment of the selected bank.

Does every UAE company need to register for Corporate Tax?

UAE companies and other taxable persons are generally required to register for Corporate Tax and obtain a Corporate Tax registration number.

This may include businesses that expect to have no Corporate Tax payable.

Corporate Tax and VAT are separate registrations. A company that is already registered for VAT may still need to complete Corporate Tax registration.

The company’s obligations should be assessed based on its legal form, activities, tax residency and applicable exemptions.

The standard UAE Corporate Tax rates are:

  • 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000
  • 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000

Different rules may apply to qualifying free-zone persons, exempt entities, multinational groups and certain categories of income.

A company subject to a 0% tax rate may still be required to register, maintain records and file a Corporate Tax return.

Free-zone companies fall within the UAE Corporate Tax system.

A qualifying free-zone person may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income when all legal conditions are met.

Income that does not qualify may be subject to the applicable Corporate Tax rate.

Free-zone status alone does not guarantee a 0% tax position. The company’s activities, customers, transactions, economic substance and compliance should be reviewed.

A UAE-resident business must generally register for VAT when its taxable supplies and imports exceed, or are expected to exceed, AED 375,000 within the relevant period.

Voluntary VAT registration may be available when taxable supplies, imports or qualifying expenses exceed AED 187,500.

Different rules may apply to non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in the UAE.

Yes. A UAE company should maintain proper accounting records from the date of incorporation, even when it has not started earning revenue.

The records may include:

  • Company formation expenses
  • Shareholder funding
  • Bank transactions
  • Sales invoices
  • Supplier bills
  • Contracts
  • Payroll records
  • Asset purchases
  • Tax-related documents

Accurate accounting records support tax filings, banking reviews, audits, investor due diligence and financial decision-making.

A taxable person generally has nine months from the end of the relevant tax period to file its UAE Corporate Tax return, unless a different deadline applies.

The company should confirm its financial year and first tax period after completing Corporate Tax registration.

Accounting records and supporting documents should be prepared throughout the year rather than immediately before the filing deadline.

A natural person conducting a business or business activity in the UAE may be required to register for Corporate Tax when total business turnover exceeds AED 1 million within a Gregorian calendar year, subject to the applicable rules and exclusions.

The threshold relates to business turnover and does not automatically include employment income, qualifying personal investment income or qualifying real-estate investment income.

Professional tax advice should be obtained when an individual earns income from several sources.

The Growth provides UAE Corporate Tax, VAT and accounting support for startups, SMEs and international companies operating in the UAE.

Our services may include:

  • Corporate Tax registration
  • VAT registration and deregistration
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax return preparation and filing
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Tax deadline monitoring
  • Review of business records and transactions
  • Support with Federal Tax Authority requirements

Our role is to help businesses maintain accurate records, meet their filing obligations and reduce the risk of avoidable penalties.

How do I register a company with Dubai Customs?

A company intending to import or export goods through Dubai generally needs to register with Dubai Customs and obtain a Customs Business Code.

The company should hold a valid commercial licence that covers the relevant trading activity.

The Customs Business Code is used when submitting declarations for imports, exports and other customs transactions.

Additional approvals may be required depending on the type of products being traded.

A Dubai Customs Business Code is an identification number issued to a company registered as a customs client.

It connects the company’s trade licence with its import, export and customs-clearance transactions.

The validity of the customs registration is generally linked to the validity of the company’s trade licence and should be renewed when required.

A company must hold a commercial licence covering the products it intends to import or trade. It must also complete registration with the relevant customs authority.

Certain products require additional registration, testing, permits or regulatory approval.

These products may include:

  • Food and beverages
  • Cosmetics
  • Medical products
  • Chemicals
  • Telecommunications equipment
  • Controlled or restricted goods

The required approvals should be identified before the products are shipped to the UAE.

How can a UAE company register as an ADNOC supplier?

A company seeking to register as an ADNOC supplier must complete the official supplier registration and prequalification process.

The process may include:

  • Creating a supplier account
  • Submitting company and ownership information
  • Selecting relevant product or service categories
  • Providing financial and technical records
  • Completing compliance and due-diligence questionnaires
  • Submitting required certificates and policies
  • Completing technical prequalification

Supplier registration does not guarantee tender invitations, purchase orders or contract awards.

ADNOC supplier registration and ICV certification are separate processes.

A company may be able to begin its supplier registration based on the applicable registration requirements. However, an ICV certificate can affect the company’s commercial evaluation and competitiveness when bidding for opportunities where ICV scoring applies.

The ICV assessment considers factors such as local procurement, UAE-based investment, Emiratisation and the company’s overall contribution to the national economy.

New companies should also assess whether audited financial statements are required before applying for certification.

Registering as an ADNOC supplier can provide a UAE company with access to one of the region’s largest energy-sector procurement networks.

The main benefits include:

  • Access to relevant ADNOC sourcing and procurement opportunities
  • Eligibility to participate in tenders, requests for quotations and supplier prequalification
  • Greater visibility across ADNOC’s supplier network
  • Opportunities to supply products and services to ADNOC and, where applicable, its operating companies
  • Improved credibility when approaching oil and gas companies, contractors and project partners
  • Potential access to long-term contracts and framework agreements
  • Opportunities to work with engineering, procurement and construction contractors within ADNOC’s supply chain
  • Better positioning for UAE industrial and local-manufacturing opportunities
  • Participation in ADNOC’s In-Country Value ecosystem
  • Stronger commercial positioning for companies investing in local operations, employees, manufacturing or procurement

ADNOC reports more than 7,000 suppliers in its expanding network and more than 20,000 contracts signed annually, showing the scale of its procurement ecosystem. Registration is the entry point, but companies must still satisfy compliance, technical, financial and category-specific prequalification requirements.

Companies with a strong ICV score may also improve their competitiveness in commercial evaluations because suppliers are expected to submit relevant ICV documentation when bidding for ADNOC opportunities.

For manufacturers, registration can also provide access to ADNOC’s local manufacturing and off-take opportunities, supporting business expansion and investment planning in the UAE.

How can The Growth help me apply for a UAE Golden Visa?

The Growth provides end-to-end UAE Golden Visa assistance for eligible investors, entrepreneurs, executives and specialised professionals.

Our team can:

  • Conduct an initial eligibility assessment
  • Review the applicant’s professional or investment profile
  • Prepare the required supporting documents
  • Coordinate document verification
  • Manage the application with the relevant authorities
  • Support medical testing and biometric procedures
  • Assist through final Emirates ID issuance, where applicable

Golden Visa eligibility and approval remain subject to the criteria and final decision of the relevant UAE government authority.

The Growth supports founders and international companies beyond the initial UAE company formation process.

We combine business licensing, UAE market-entry strategy, residency visa services, corporate banking assistance, tax compliance and government liaison through one coordinated service model.

Our team helps clients select the appropriate jurisdiction, establish a compliant legal structure and manage the practical requirements of launching and expanding in the UAE.

The service is designed for companies seeking a long-term UAE market-entry partner rather than a licence-only provider.