Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can own a UAE company without being a UAE resident. However, if you want a residency visa (for travel, banking, or living there), you'll need to apply for one through your company and visit UAE periodically to maintain it.

Free zones are designated areas with simplified setup, 100% foreign ownership, and sometimes tax exemptions. Mainland companies can trade directly in the UAE market and internationally but require a local service agent (not a partner—you still own 100%). Free zones are usually cheaper and faster.

Yes. Many founders operate their UAE companies remotely. You don't need to be physically present in UAE to run the business. However, some activities (like retail or warehousing) require a physical presence.

Company setup: 1–3 weeks. Visa processing: 2–4 weeks. Bank account: 2–6 weeks (varies by bank and your profile). Total: 6–12 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Delays can happen if documentation is incomplete or if banks request additional information.

You can close (liquidate) your UAE company at any time. The process involves canceling visas, settling any liabilities, and filing closure documents with the relevant authority. Costs vary but typically range from $1,500–$3,000.

Free zone setup: $5,000–$8,000 (including 1 visa). Mainland setup: $8,000–$12,000. Additional visas: $3,000–$4,000 each. Our advisory fee: $2,500. These are estimates; actual costs depend on jurisdiction, activity, and visa count.

License renewal: $3,000–$5,000. Visa renewal (per person): $1,500–$2,500. Office/desk renewal: $500–$2,000 (depending on setup). Total annual cost: $4,000–$7,000 for a single-person setup. Costs increase with additional visas.

We break down all costs upfront. Common 'surprise' fees include: typing center charges ($100–$300), document attestation ($200–$500), medical tests for visas ($150 per person), and Emirates ID fees ($30). We include these in our estimates.

No. You pay the licensed service providers directly at their standard rates. Our $2,500 advisory fee is separate and covers our time, expertise, and guidance throughout the process.

Our advisory fee is non-refundable (we've already done the work). However, if a bank rejects you, we'll help you apply to alternative banks at no additional advisory cost. Government and service provider fees are also non-refundable.

Most UAE banks require you to visit in person for account opening, though some allow video KYC for certain profiles. We guide you on which banks are most accessible and what documents to prepare. Plan for at least one trip to UAE.

It depends on your profile. Some banks (like Mashreq, ADCB, and certain digital banks) are more open to non-resident founders. We assess your situation and recommend the best options based on your nationality, business model, and documentation.

Bank rejections happen, especially for certain nationalities or business models. If you're rejected, we help you apply to alternative banks. We also discuss backup options: international EMIs (like Wise Business, Payoneer) or multi-currency accounts.

Some banks require minimum deposits (ranging from $5,000 to $25,000), while others don't. We'll tell you upfront what each bank requires so you can plan accordingly.

Yes. Many founders use services like Wise Business, Payoneer, or Airwallex alongside (or instead of) a UAE bank account. These are easier to open but may have limitations for certain transactions. We help you evaluate the trade-offs.

A residency visa allows you to live in UAE and gives you an Emirates ID (government-issued ID card). It also provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ countries. Residency visas are typically valid for 2–3 years and must be renewed.

Yes. To keep your residency active, you must visit UAE at least once every 6–12 months (depending on your visa type). If you don't, your residency will be canceled.

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children (under 18, or under 25 if students) as dependents. Each dependent visa costs approximately $3,000–$4,000. You'll need to meet minimum salary requirements (varies by emirate).

Not automatically. Tax residency depends on where you spend most of your time and where your economic ties are. If you live in UAE for 183+ days per year, you're generally considered a UAE tax resident. We help you understand the implications for your home country.

Yes. Your UAE company can sponsor employee visas. Each visa costs $3,000–$4,000. You'll need to meet certain requirements (office space, salary commitments, etc.). We guide you through the process.

Not anymore. As of June 2023, UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 (~$102,000). If your profit is below that threshold, you pay 0%. There's no personal income tax, VAT on most services is 5%, and there are no capital gains or dividend taxes for individuals.

Yes. All UAE companies must register for corporate tax and file annual returns, even if you have zero profit. You'll also need audited financial statements if your revenue exceeds AED 3 million (~$817,000). We connect you with licensed accountants.

If your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000 (~$102,000), you must register for VAT and charge 5% on most goods and services. If you're below that threshold, VAT registration is optional. We help you understand your obligations.

Possibly. If you're a tax resident of another country (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa), you may still owe taxes there—even if your company is in UAE. We recommend consulting a tax advisor in your home country to understand your obligations.

No. We're advisors, not accountants. But we connect you with licensed accounting firms in UAE who handle bookkeeping, tax filings, and audits. We'll make sure you're set up with the right people.

Yes, but be aware of tax implications. If you're invoicing Nigerian clients from a UAE company while living in Nigeria, Nigerian tax authorities may argue you have a permanent establishment there. We help you structure this properly to minimize risk.

Capital controls and forex restrictions make this complicated. Legal pathways include shareholder loans, service agreements, or offshore structures. We connect you with forex specialists and compliance advisors who understand both sides of the transaction.

Some will, some won't. It depends on the bank and your profile. We know which banks are open to African founders and how to prepare your application to maximize approval odds. We can't guarantee approval, but we significantly improve your chances.

Yes. Stripe and PayPal support UAE entities. You'll need a UAE company, a UAE bank account, and proper documentation. We guide you through the verification process.

Not necessarily. Many African founders don't have audited statements. We help you prepare alternative documentation: bank statements, client invoices, contracts, and a business plan. It's not ideal, but we know how to work with it.