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 * Home
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   * HEY, WE’RE VIRTUZONE
     
     
     THE #1
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 * Contact Us

 * Home
 * 
   Business Setup
   
   * HEY, WE’RE VIRTUZONE
     
     
     THE #1
     UAE
     BUSINESS
     SETUP
     EXPERTS
   
   * 
     Free Zones
     * Overview
     * Business Activities
     * Free Zone License Locations and Pricing
     * UAE Residence Visa
     * Registration Process
     * Our Solution
   * 
     Mainland
     * Overview
     * Sponsorship
     * Dubai Mainland Licence
     * Business Activities
     * Mainland Visas
     * VirtuFit
 * 
   Accounting & Tax
   * Accounting Services
   * VAT & Tax Consultancy
   * Corporate Tax
 * 
   Services
   * 
     Essential Services
     * Bank Account Opening in UAE
     * Accounting Services
     * Compliance Services
     * Health Insurance
   * 
     Operational Services
     * IT Services
     * Legal Services
     * Mail Management
     * Virtual Receptionist
   * 
     Support Services
     * Tourist Visa
     * Golden Visa UAE
     * PRO Services
     * Will Preparation Service
 * 
   Resources
   * About
   * Blog
   * Setup Guides
   * Press
   * Infographics
   * Get a Trade License
   * E-commerce licence
   * How to Start a Business in Dubai
   * Our Partners
   * Stand Together UAE
   * Citizenship & Residency
   * FAQs
   * Support Services
 * Cost Calulator
 * Contact Us



Cost Calculator Cost Calculator



HOW MUCH DOES BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI COST?

That depends. What is your business activity? Free zone or mainland? How many
visas or shareholders? From our experience with business setup in Dubai for over
70,000 entrepreneurs, we have created the Business Setup Cost Calculator to give
you the answer.

Calculate Now
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ALREADY OWN A BUSINESS?

SIMPLIFY YOUR OPERATIONS WITH OUR END-TO-END SUITE OF CORPORATE SERVICES

CORPORATE TAX & VAT

Expert advice ensures compliance with Corporate Tax and VAT obligations with the
Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

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BANK ACCOUNT OPENING

Easily open business or personal bank accounts with the UAE’s trusted banks.

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ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL

Our accountants manage finances, providing bookkeeping, reconciliation, payroll,
and audit support, saving hiring costs.



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COMPLIANCE SERVICES

Our experts guide you through complex UAE regulatory requirements, including ESR
reports and UBO filings.

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GOLDEN VISA

Obtain a UAE Golden Visa for long-term residency with a seamless application
process.



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PRO SERVICES

Delegate admin tasks to our PRO team, focusing on your business while saving
time and money.

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LEGAL SERVICES

Legal team advises on UAE’s laws regarding M&As, corporate restructuring,
financing, and dispute resolution.

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EXPLORE MORE OF OUR CORPORATE SERVICES


SHOULD YOU UNDERTAKE BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI YOURSELF?

Wondering if you can start a Dubai company yourself? You can. But there are some
things you need to know.


1. THERE IS A MULTITUDE OF OPTIONS.

With over 60 jurisdictions, how do you know which is the right one for your
Dubai company? How do you make sure you’re choosing the right licence and
business activity? Don’t let your business setup in Dubai be a trial-and-error
process.


2. IT IS NOT EASY. 

Liaising with the relevant authorities and government departments alone takes
time and travel miles.  Lots of both.


3. THERE IS A MOUNTAIN OF PAPERWORK. 

Starting a Dubai company involves tonnes of paperwork. Think forms,
applications, banking and legal requirements – and that is just the start.  


4. YOU MIGHT SAVE MONEY – BUT AT WHAT COST? 

What is your time worth?  Are you outstanding with detail?  Can you afford to
hit pause on your business plans to fill out forms or attend more meetings?




BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.

Before you do anything, talk to one of our experts at company formation in
Dubai. We’ll show you how easy the Virtuzone process is and why we’re the
partner of choice for more entrepreneurs choosing to start a Dubai company.

Calculate your business setup cost

or

Speak to an expert


BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI – THE VIRTUZONE WAY.

Our time-tested process saves you time and money, while removing the headaches
of beginning your journey.  We know the game.  We have the networks.  We are the
leaders in this space.

Since 2009, our company formation experts have helped more than 70,000 business
owners and founders with business setup in Dubai.  We’ve done the heavy lifting
and helped them navigate a myriad of options, while they focus on their exciting
new Dubai company. Our process saves you time and money, while removing the
headaches of beginning your journey.   Make sure you get set up the right way! 

 


FIND OUT WHY OVER 70,000 ENTREPRENEURS HAVE ENTRUSTED THEIR BUSINESS WITH US.

Pricing
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WHAT SETUP OPTION IS BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Business setup in Dubai (or anywhere in the UAE) can be complicated.
Decisions need to be made which can affect your journey and shape your success.
Jurisdiction? Free zone or mainland?


FREE ZONES

 * Retain 100% ownership of your Dubai company
 * 0% corporate and income tax rate
 * No custom duties
 * Option to repatriate 100% of your capital and profits

Find your free zone


MAINLAND

 * Business activities not limited
 * Operate anywhere inside and outside the country
 * No limit on number of visas

Mainland Business Setup


 THE PROCESS OF BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI

With Virtuzone as your company formation partner, registering a company in the
UAE is not only easy, but it’s the most cost-effective way to do it! In fact,
the entire process can take as little as 24 hours! That’s right! All you have to
do is supply us with the relevant information about your company and we do the
rest.  Here’s our time-tested process:


1. PREPARE DOCUMENTATION

If you’re an overseas entrepreneur starting up in a new country for the first
time, the documentation process can be daunting. We help you to make the right
decisions for your Dubai company and handle all of the complex paperwork.


2. BUSINESS LICENCE

Choosing the right licence and applying for it are essential to getting your
business setup in Dubai right. Having an in-depth understanding of the dos and
don’ts around setting up your business licence will help you to avoid the common
traps we see people fall into. For instance, some business categories require
prior approvals from certain authorities. A company formation expert will guide
you through the necessary requirements to start your business.


3. VISA PROCESS

Private companies can obtain new employment entry permits for their employees
provided they apply for residence visa status within 30 days of the employee’s
entry into the UAE.


4. BANK ACCOUNT

Setting up a corporate bank account in the UAE can be a little arduous for
international entrepreneurs. It requires careful consideration and there are
several boxes to tick to ensure you have everything in place before approaching
your bank of choice.

About Us

Calculate your business setup cost


YEARS IN BUSINESS


TEAM MEMBERS


HAPPY CUSTOMERS


BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI INSIGHTS

Keep up with the latest UAE company formation insights with articles from our
team of experts.


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The recent surge in interest and development within the crypto and Web 3 sectors
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May 3, 2024

In the face of escalating cyber threats, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has
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May 3, 2024

Biotechnology is an ever-evolving frontier in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
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May 2, 2024

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Apr 26, 2024

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GETTING A FREELANCE VISA DUBAI (2024)

Apr 25, 2024

So, does the freelance lifestyle sound like a perfect fit for you? Then, getting
a Freelance Visa in Dubai (and a freelance permit) is your next step! Obtaining
a Freelance Visa in Dubai allows you to conduct business in the UAE and legally
provide professional...

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LEAN SIX SIGMA: DEFINITION, ADVANTAGES, AND EXAMPLES

Apr 23, 2024

Lean Six Sigma stands at the forefront of business process improvement,
championing efficiency and quality across various industries. This hybrid
methodology merges the waste-slashing principles of Lean with the rigorous
defect-reduction strategies of Six Sigma,...

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WHY INFORMATION PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT AND HOW TO KEEP YOUR DATA SECURE

Mar 29, 2024

Information privacy has become a cornerstone of personal and corporate security
in our digital age. It's the practice that ensures our personal data remains
confidential and protected from unauthorised access and misuse. As we
increasingly live our lives online, the...

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MATERNITY AND PATERNITY LEAVE IN THE UAE

Mar 27, 2024

Paternity leave in the UAE has recently garnered significant attention as the
nation strives to support families during the crucial early stages of a child's
life. The United Arab Emirates has taken progressive steps to ensure that both
mothers and fathers can benefit...

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GDPR COMPLIANCE IN THE UAE

Mar 21, 2024

In the interconnected world of data exchange, GDPR compliance in the UAE
represents a critical consideration for businesses operating within the
Emirates. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU's benchmark for
data protection and privacy, extends its...

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HOW TO START AN AIRBNB BUSINESS IN THE UAE

Mar 3, 2024

Understanding how to start an Airbnb business in the UAE requires diving into
the intricacies of local regulations, cultural expectations, and the global
appeal of the Airbnb platform. Aspiring hosts in the UAE can capitalise on the
region's booming tourism sector by...

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YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING GOLD IN DUBAI

Feb 28, 2024

Dubai has long been synonymous with luxury and opulence; buying gold in Dubai is
a testament to this grandeur. Known as the "City of Gold," Dubai offers a unique
and attractive market for gold enthusiasts, from the historic Gold Souk to
modern gold and jewellery...

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JOIN 70,000 HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Make sure you hire the best in the business for your business setup in Dubai.
With Virtuzone, you will fast-track your path to business success.

EXCELLENT
1147 reviews on

Mike R
March 17, 2024
Was a good experience. The team understood my urgency and pushed everything to
speed up the process. Team was professional and polite. Would recommend them. A
big thank you to Youssef Zaharna and Aaqib Iqbal for handling my case.
 
Nikolaos Raptis
October 16, 2022
Been working with Virtuzone for several years. They supported our company in
Fujairah from the beginning up to date and always act fast on informing us about
any new requirements or processes to be undertaken. Every time we had a request
, our personal advisor, Mrs Felkers, has been more than happy to help us and
solve our issues asap. Always reachable as well which helps a lot on
emergencies.
Read more
gamal fahim
October 12, 2022
It was a very pleasant experience with Virtuzone to start my company in the UAE
from the start till everything was setup and a very special thanks to Mr.Ahmed
El Shenawwy who assisted me with his team to make every step easier and on time.
Promised and delivered!
Read more
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FAQS

Our team of experts fields common questions from people all over the globe about
company formation in the UAE. 

WHY CHOOSE DUBAI FOR STARTING A BUSINESS?

So many reasons! Here’s a list of the most common ones:

 * The UAE government actively promotes businesses as part of its long-term
   economic stability plan?
 * Dubai offers a tax-friendly environment and competitive labor and financing
   costs.
 * It has no foreign exchange controls, trade barriers, or quotas.
 * Dubai is strategically placed for doing business, with easy access to 1.5
   billion consumers in Africa, West Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
 * Our world-class transport links also make it an easy place to attract
   business to.
 * In terms of business setup, the process is straightforward and affordable.
 * Dubai has a large pool of highly educated talent and world-class
   infrastructure, making it ideal for startups.
 * Its high standard of living combined with unparalleled safety measures makes
   Dubai an alluring destination for global talent.
 * Conducting market research in Dubai is simplified due to clear procedures and
   robust legal frameworks.

HOW DOES THE ECONOMY OF DUBAI SUPPORT NEW BUSINESSES?

Fortunately, Dubai’s economy was deliberately engineered to boost local business
growth and innovation. Through the DED, the UAE government not only promotes
entrepreneurship but also ensures economy insurance activities, offering
incentives like low corporate taxes and easy business setups.

This focus earns the UAE a 16th placement in the global Ease of Doing Business
Index. With a dynamic economy, Dubai magnetizes various industries and, thanks
to its strategic location, offers access to extensive markets spanning East and
West. The city’s free zones, including DWTC, JAFZA, and RAKEZ, amplify
opportunities, while initiatives like Scale2Dubai provide funding for scaling
ventures.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO SET UP A BUSINESS IN DUBAI?

From a high level, to start a business in Dubai, you’ll want to follow these
steps:

 * Business Idea: Define your business idea and target market.
 * Business Plan: Draft a comprehensive plan detailing objectives, market
   analysis, and financial projections.
 * Legal Structure: Decide between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore company
   structures.
 * Trade Name: Pick a name compliant with the Department of Economic Development
   (DED) regulations.
 * Business License: Depending on your activities, apply for a commercial,
   professional, or industrial license.
 * Documentation: Submit required documents like passport, visa, and a No
   Objection Certificate (for expats) to the relevant authorities.
 * Office Space: Secure a physical address, essential for registration.
 * Corporate Bank Account: After getting your license, choose a bank that aligns
   with your business needs and open an account.
 * Visas: If hiring, process employee visas. The number is often determined by
   office size and license type.
 * Operational Setup: With administrative tasks done, set up operations and
   embark on your business journey.

Note: Requirements might vary based on your specific new business setup, so make
sure you thoroughly research the next steps for your chosen structure.

HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE BEST LOCATION FOR MY BUSINESS IN DUBAI?

Selecting the best business location will require that you consider a myriad of
options. We strongly recommend that you engage the services of business setup
consultants for these nuanced decisions, however, broadly speaking, you will
want to understand:

 * Nature of Business: Your business type influences the right location choices;
   for example, tech businesses often prefer free zones like Dubai Internet
   City.
 * Target Market: Choose a location easily accessible to your primary customers.
 * Infrastructure Needs: If international shipping is crucial, being near ports
   like Jebel Ali Port is advantageous.
 * Budget: Rent and operational costs differ across areas, impacting your
   choice.

Legal Requirements: Specific business activities are zone-restricted,
influencing the right business location.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SETTING UP A MAINLAND BUSINESS VERSUS A FREE
ZONE BUSINESS?

A mainland business setup in the UAE provides unrestricted access to the UAE
market, allowing over 3,000 business activities, unlimited employee visas, and
the ability to sponsor family and domestic staff. It’s ideal for businesses
targeting the local Dubai mainland market. In contrast, a free zone business
setup offers 100% foreign ownership, no personal taxes, unrestricted profit
movement, and a simplified setup process. This setup is favored by companies
focusing on international markets or seeking specific industry clusters within
certain free zones.  Deciding between a Dubai mainland and Dubai free zone setup
requires careful consideration of your business goals and needs.  

 1. Business Activities: Dubai mainland offers a wider range of business
    activities, while free zones often cater to specific sectors or industries. 
 2. Trading: If your business involves trading directly with the UAE market, a
    mainland license could be more beneficial. 
 3. Ownership: If 100% foreign ownership is important to you, then a free zone
    setup would be ideal. 
 4. Expansion Plans: If you plan to scale up your business within the UAE, a
    mainland setup might offer more flexibility. 

Cost: Setup and operational costs differ between mainland and free zones.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE IN DUBAI?

In Dubai, there are three main types of business licenses that you can apply for
depending on the nature of your business activities: 

 1. Commercial License: This is for businesses engaged in trading activities. It
    covers a broad range of activities from retail to transportation services. 
 2. Professional License: This is typically for individuals offering their
    expertise or services. It covers consultancies, accounting firms, and
    architectural firms among others. 
 3. Industrial License: This license is for businesses that focus on
    manufacturing or industrial activities, usually involving transforming
    natural resources or materials into end products. 

Each license type is governed by the DED in Dubai. It’s important to define your
business activities accurately as each license allows up to ten activities. For
businesses in specific Free Zones or looking to operate offshore, there may be
different license types and requirements.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI?

Setting up a business in Dubai involves a few key legal and regulatory steps: 

 1. Identifying your business activities: This is essential as it helps in
    deciding the type of license you’ll need. Each license allows a maximum of
    ten activities. 
 2. Choosing the legal structure: The legal structure of your company, whether
    it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, will define how your
    business operates. 
 3. Applying for a trade license: Depending on your business activity, you’ll
    need to apply for a commercial, professional, or industrial license.
    Operating without a valid license can lead to heavy penalties. 
 4. Documentation: You’ll need several standard documents like a completed
    application form, and passport copies of shareholders. Some businesses may
    also need approvals from certain authorities. 
 5. Registering Ultimate Beneficial Owners: The UAE requires all free zone and
    mainland operating companies to register their Ultimate Beneficial Owners
    for transparency and to avoid illegal transactions. 
 6. Opening a corporate bank account: To conduct business in the UAE, you’ll
    need to open a corporate bank account. 
 7. Immigration and visa processing: After getting your business license, you
    can start the visa application process for yourself, your employees, and any
    domestic staff. 
 8. Adhering to naming conventions: The UAE has specific naming conventions for
    companies. Your chosen company name must not violate these conventions. 
 9. Compliance with local laws: Businesses must ensure they comply with all
    local laws and regulations to avoid legal trouble, fines, or even jail time.
    This includes labor laws, environmental regulations, and others about your
    specific industry. 

Office or physical presence: Depending on the nature of your business and the
jurisdiction you choose, you may need to lease an office or warehouse.
Considering the many steps and potential complexities involved in setting up a
business in Dubai, it can be very beneficial to work with a company formation
specialist.

HOW DO THE LOCAL SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENT AND LOCAL SPONSOR SYSTEM WORK?

Great question! The local service agent (LSA) agreement and local sponsor system
are two key aspects of setting up a business in the UAE. The LSA agreement
applies to certain types of licenses, like professional licenses or branches of
foreign companies. The LSA, who must be a UAE national, is paid a fixed fee to
act as a representative for administrative dealings with the government. They
don’t own a part of the company or receive any commission or profits. The local
sponsor system, on the other hand, applies to LLCs. A local sponsor must own 51%
of the company.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL STRUCTURES AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI, LIKE LLC,
JOINT STOCK COMPANY, ETC.?

In Dubai, there are several legal business structures you can choose from: 

 1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a popular choice for many small
    businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers operational flexibility and allows
    trading across the UAE and the GCC. Members of an LLC enjoy limited
    liability. 
 2. Sole Proprietorships: This is a business owned and operated by a single
    individual. It’s simple and has less administrative tasks, but the owner has
    unlimited liability. 
 3. Civil Companies: These are professional companies usually established by
    lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, where 100% foreign ownership
    is allowed. 
 4. Private Shareholder Companies: These are companies with limited liability,
    meaning the liability of shareholders is limited to their shares in the
    capital. 
 5. Public Shareholding Companies: This is a company whose capital is divided
    into transferable shares of equal value and a partner therein shall be
    liable only to the extent of his share in the capital.
 6. Branch & Representative Offices: Foreign companies are allowed to establish
    a branch or representative office in Dubai. 
 7. Free Zone Companies: These are companies set up in one of Dubai’s free
    zones, like DWTC, JAFZA, DUQE, RAKEZ, and Creative City. These companies
    enjoy benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and fewer
    restrictions. 

Offshore Companies: These are incorporated in the UAE but operate outside the
UAE. They are used for a variety of purposes including tax planning and asset
protection.

CAN FOREIGNERS HAVE COMPLETE FOREIGN OWNERSHIP IN ANY BUSINESS SETUP?

Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership in certain business setups in Dubai. For
instance, in several free zones, foreign investors can have full ownership of
their business. Furthermore, recent changes in the UAE’s Commercial Companies
Law have made it possible for foreign investors to have 100% ownership of their
businesses in many sectors, even outside free zones. However, be aware that
certain strategic sectors like banking and telecommunications have some
restrictions.

HOW ARE THE LEGAL FORMS AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS MANAGED AND ATTESTED?

Legal document management and attestation in Dubai is a straightforward process,
but it does require some understanding of the local regulations. When setting up
your business, you’ll typically need to prepare and submit a range of legal
documents, such as the application form and copies of the shareholders’
passports. Once your documents are submitted and approved, you will receive your
business license. It’s important to note that these documents must be kept
up-to-date to avoid penalties or even the loss of your business license. As for
attestation, this refers to the process of having your documents verified by the
relevant authorities.

HOW DOES LICENSE RENEWAL WORK?

Renewing your business license in Dubai involves a few key steps. Firstly, you
need to ensure that your tenancy contract is valid for at least three more
months from the date you apply for renewal. Then, you’ll need to complete a
renewal form and gather the necessary documents, which often include attested
authorization and approval letters, photographs of all business partners, as
well as the payment number for renewal fees. Once all these are in order, you
submit them to the DED. After your application is approved, you can pay the
renewal fees and your license will be renewed.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN COMPANY BRANCHES?

Branch companies in Dubai, which are extensions of an existing foreign business,
are allowed to trade independently and earn a profit. However, they are still
under the complete ownership of the parent company and are not considered a
separate legal entity. One of the limitations is that representative offices, a
type of branch company, can only promote and source work for the parent company.
They are not allowed to make a profit in the UAE and must outsource all work
back to the parent company. Branches of free zone companies must also have a UAE
national agent on board. Additionally, certain activities such as commercial
agencies, banking and telecommunications, and certain types of professional
consultancies are not eligible for 100% foreign ownership.

DO I NEED A PHYSICAL OFFICE TO START A BUSINESS IN DUBAI?

It depends on the type of business you’re setting up. If you’re establishing a
Mainland company, you’ll need a physical office space as per the regulations of
the DED. However, if you’re setting up a free zone company, many free zones
allow for flexi-desk options, which is a more cost-efficient alternative to a
full-time office space. Alternatively, there’s the option of a virtual office. A
virtual office in Dubai allows entrepreneurs to conduct business without needing
physical premises.

HOW IS THE DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT FROM DIGITAL GOVERNMENT REGULATORY
AUTHORITY?

Dubai has a highly advanced digital infrastructure, which is one of the reasons
it’s a preferred destination for businesses. The city is undergoing a massive
digital transformation that benefits startups and SMEs. The DED provides
comprehensive information on setting up a business online and has digital
initiatives that encourage business investment and support startups.

HOW CAN BUSINESS CONSULTANTS OR BUSINESS SETUP CONSULTANTS ASSIST ME?

Business setup consultants, like Virtuzone, guide you through every step of the
complex process of business setup. This includes helping you choose the right
business activity and name, navigating free zone or mainland setup, and handling
all required paperwork for your business license and corporate bank account
opening. We have strong relationships with government departments, agencies,
banks, and insurance companies, which can be a great asset as you launch your
business. Our consultants are familiar with local requirements, laws, and
potential pitfalls, saving you time and effort. If you’re hiring employees, we
can advise on the process of setting up their visas as well. Our goal is to make
your business setup as efficient and smooth as possible, allowing you to focus
on running your business once it’s established.

HOW CAN I OPEN A CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT FOR MY COMPANY IN DUBAI?

Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai is a straightforward process, but it
does require some documentation and a visit to the UAE. Here’s a brief rundown: 

 1. Choose a bank that aligns with your business needs. 
 2. Schedule an appointment with the bank. 
 3. Bring necessary documents, which typically include your passport, proof of
    address, and proof of income. Some banks may require additional documents. 
 4. The bank will conduct a credit check and verify your identity. Remember, the
    process may take between two to four weeks. It’s essential to choose the
    right type of account for your needs. 

ARE THERE ANY SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC BUSINESS SETUPS?

The share capital requirements for setting up a business in Dubai can vary
depending on the specific business type and the free zone you choose. Some free
zones, for instance, require no share capital demonstration, while others may
require you to list your share capital on the application but not provide
evidence. However, it’s important to mention that these requirements can change,
and the best way to get the most accurate information is by checking directly
with your preferred free zone or by consulting with a business setup specialist.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT VISAS AND RESIDENCE VISAS FOR
STAFF?

The process for obtaining employment visas and residence visas for staff
involves several steps: 

 1. Apply for an entry permit or employment visa for your employee. This is a
    temporary visa valid for 60 days while the residence visa is being
    processed. 
 2. Once the entry permit is issued, you’ll need to conduct a medical check-up
    for the employee. 
 3. Apply for an Emirates ID and then apply for the residence visa. Please note
    that if your business operates within a free zone, you’ll have to liaise
    with the relevant free zone authority to initiate the work permit and
    residence visa process. 

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN VISA, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM REGULAR VISAS?

The Golden Visa in the UAE is a long-term residency program designed primarily
for investors, entrepreneurs, and other high-skilled professionals. Unlike
regular visas, which are typically valid for up to 3 years, the Golden Visa can
provide residency for 5 or 10 years, and in some cases, it can be automatically
renewed. One of the unique features of the Golden Visa is that it does not
require a national sponsor, which simplifies the application process. Also, it
allows the visa holder to own 100% of their business in the UAE. However, the
Golden Visa program has strict eligibility criteria and is typically aimed at
individuals who are looking to make substantial investments in the UAE.

WHAT ARE THE VISA PROCESSING TIMES AND ASSOCIATED FEES?

The visa processing times in Dubai typically range from 2-4 weeks. However, this
timeframe can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa
applied for and the completeness of the application and supporting documents. As
for the associated fees, they can vary significantly based on the type of visa
and other related services.

HOW DO UAE FREE ZONES DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER?

Each free zone in the UAE is designed to cater to specific industries. For
instance, JAFZA or Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is ideal for businesses engaged
in logistics or manufacturing due to its proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al
Maktoum International Airport. On the other hand, Dubai World Trade Centre
(DWTC) free zone is perfect for businesses that want to be at the heart of
Dubai’s business district. The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) caters to a
wide range of sectors, offering cost-effective solutions, and DUQE, located on
the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship, provides a unique business environment. Lastly,
Creative City is designed for media, communications, and creative businesses.
Each free zone has its own rules, benefits, and processes, so it’s important to
choose one that suits your business needs best.


THAT IS WHY WE’RE HERE.

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