FAQs

The proposed branch activities are reviewed as part of the licensing process and should be supported by the parent company's corporate and activity documents. Activities also remain subject to the UAE authority responsible for licensing that particular business.

The timeline depends on the selected free zone, activity, shareholder profile, document readiness and external approvals. Some straightforward licence applications may be processed within a few working days, while regulated or more complex applications can take longer.

Yes. Dubai free zone companies generally allow 100% foreign ownership, subject to the applicable regulations and activity requirements.

The right free zone depends on your business activity, target market, visa requirements, workspace needs and budget. A consultant can compare suitable options based on your operating model rather than recommending a single free zone for every business.

Yes, if your selected licence package includes visa eligibility. The number of visas available may depend on the package, facility and free zone rules.

No. Bank account approval is subject to the bank’s compliance checks, business activity, shareholder profile, source of funds and supporting documents. Dahhan can assist with preparation and coordination, but the final decision belongs to the bank.

Depending on your requirements, the next steps may include establishment card processing, residence visas, Emirates ID applications, bank account applications, tax registration, accounting setup and operational approvals.

Not automatically. A company may qualify for a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income only when the required conditions are met. Corporate Tax registration, filing and record-keeping obligations may still apply.

The permitted operating model depends on the company’s activity and the applicable regulations. Certain mainland transactions may require an authorised distributor, branch, additional permit or another approved arrangement.

Not always. Some free zones offer flexi-desk, shared workspace or virtual-office-style packages. Other activities may require a dedicated office, warehouse or specialised facility.

Many incorporation steps can be completed remotely, depending on the free zone and shareholder profile. Physical presence may still be required for immigration, medical, Emirates ID or banking procedures.

Yes. The Green Visa for freelancers is available to qualifying freelancers and self-employed individuals who satisfy the applicable permit, educational and financial requirements.

There is no personal income tax on freelance earnings in the UAE. However, freelancers may need to register for VAT if turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold, and corporate tax rules should be reviewed based on your specific activity and income level.

If your business grows beyond an individual freelance structure, you can explore establishing a professional company suitable for additional activities, employees, partners or future expansion.

Yes, eligible licensed businesses can hire employees after completing the required labour and immigration registrations and obtaining the necessary work permits.

Premises requirements vary according to the activity, company structure and licensing jurisdiction. For Dubai mainland businesses, appropriate business premises and tenancy documentation may be required.

Eligible business owners can apply for the appropriate residence visa after completing the required company and immigration procedures. Discuss with Dahhan Business Services for more info.‍

More than one compatible business activity may be included under a licence where permitted by the licensing authority.

Requirements depend on the activity and legal structure. Since many mainland activities permit full foreign ownership, a UAE shareholder is not automatically required for every Professional License setup.

Many Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership. However, ownership eligibility should be confirmed for the exact activity and legal structure before proceeding.

Consultants, technology professionals, designers, trainers, specialists and other eligible service providers may require a Professional License depending on the exact activity they intend to conduct.

A Professional License is a Dubai business licence intended for approved professional service activities based primarily on an individual's professional, intellectual, technical or creative expertise.

The UAE Green Residence for qualifying freelancers and self-employed professionals is valid for five years and is renewable, subject to satisfying the required conditions.

Office or workspace requirements depend on the type of freelance permit and issuing authority. Some freelance structures have more flexible workspace requirements than traditional companies.

Freelancers generally provide independent services to clients rather than being employees of those clients. The work you perform must remain within the activities permitted under your freelance approval.

Eligible individuals can undertake freelance work without being sponsored by a traditional employer. Certain UAE residence categories, including the Green Residence for qualifying freelancers and self-employed professionals, are also based on self-sponsorship.

Bank account eligibility depends on the bank's compliance requirements, your residency status, income, activity and documentation. Holding a freelance permit does not automatically guarantee account approval.

Yes. Once the company documents are issued, it can apply for a UAE corporate bank account.

A Dubai mainland LLC can generally conduct its licensed activities across the UAE, subject to industry regulations, local permits and any activity-specific restrictions.

A mainland LLC generally requires an approved commercial address and Ejari registration.

Yes. A single individual or legal entity can establish a one-person limited liability company, provided the licensing and activity requirements are met.

A UAE national majority shareholder is no longer required for many mainland activities.

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of many mainland LLCs in Dubai. However, businesses carrying out activities considered to have strategic impact may be subject to additional ownership conditions or regulatory approvals.

LLC means Limited Liability Company. It is a separate legal business structure in which the shareholders’ liability is generally limited to their respective capital contributions

Holding companies in Dubai benefit from: 0% corporate and personal income tax No capital gains tax Access to double taxation treaties with over 130 countries Some free zones also offer industry-specific incentives.

The cost typically ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000, depending on your choice of jurisdiction (mainland, free zone or offshore), company type, and business requirements. Dahhan Business Services offers transparent pricing and will recommend the most cost-effective and compliant setup for your objectives.

A holding company is a legal entity that owns shares in other companies, rather than directly engaging in commercial activities. Dubai offers compelling reasons to establish one—including 0% taxes, asset protection, and access to global markets through robust infrastructure and free zones.

The right structure depends on your goals, business model, and assets. Common options include: Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) – ideal for flexibility and full foreign ownership Offshore Company – suited for international holdings without local operations Our experts at Dahhan will assess your needs and guide you to the most effective structure.

Yes. A UAE holding company can legally own international subsidiaries, property, and intellectual property. Dubai’s strong legal framework and treaty network make it an ideal base for global asset structuring and expansion.

A branch operates as an extension of its parent company rather than as an independently owned subsidiary. This means the choice between a branch and LLC/subsidiary should be considered carefully from both legal and tax perspectives.

No. Current UAE Commercial Companies Law does not generally require a foreign company branch to appoint a UAE national agent.

Yes. A foreign company can establish a branch in Dubai after obtaining the required licences, approvals and registrations. For mainland foreign branches, Ministry of Economy and Tourism and relevant Dubai licensing procedures may apply.

A properly licensed branch may conduct the business activities authorised under its UAE licence. This differs from a representative office, which is restricted from carrying on commercial activity under the Commercial Companies Law.

The timeline depends mainly on document preparation, attestation, licensing authority approvals and the business activity. Individual Ministry procedures may take around one to three working days once a complete application reaches that particular stage, but the full company setup process takes longer.

There is no single fixed total because costs depend on licensing, activity, premises, approvals, document attestation and visas. The Ministry currently lists AED 3,500 for initial approval and AED 7,500 for its foreign branch registration service, with additional Dubai licensing and setup expenses applying.

Applicants generally need to show a bank statement with a balance of at least $4,000 USD maintained over the past 6 months. Dahhan Business Services reviews your documentation before submission to reduce the chance of rejection.

Dahhan Business Services ensures your application is accurately prepared from the start to avoid these delays.

No. This visa is self-sponsored, meaning you can apply independently without needing a UAE-based company or individual to sponsor your application — a key advantage over standard visit visas.

The visa allows unlimited entries over its 5-year validity. Each visit permits a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended once for a further 90 days — giving up to 180 days per year in the UAE.

All nationalities can apply for the 5 years multiple entry visa UAE, though final approval rests with GDRFA.

Yes — once annual taxable turnover crosses AED 375,000, 5% VAT registration becomes mandatory, same as any other UAE mainland entity

Generally, yes — licensing, office rent, and visa costs in Ajman tend to run lower than equivalent Dubai mainland setups, while trading rights remain the same UAE-wide.

No, offshore companies do not provide residency visas. Discuss with our visa consultants in Dubai to know the possibilities to get Dubai Residency Visa.

Packages typically start from AED 7,999+, with the final cost shaped by your activity, office type, and visa count. Get a tailored quote from our consultants in under a minute.

Yes — mainland licenses carry nationwide trading rights across all seven emirates, not just the emirate that issued them.

No — most commercial and professional activities in Ajman now permit 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.

You can open a business bank account by submitting your trade license, company documents, and KYC details to a UAE bank.

Some business types require a physical office, but many free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options.

You can obtain an investor or partner visa by establishing a company in Dubai, allowing residency for up to 3 years with multiple entry privileges.

The best business depends on market demand, but popular options include e-commerce, consultancy, real estate, and tourism-related services.

Choose your business activity, select a jurisdiction, register your trade name, obtain initial approvals, and apply for a trade license.

Get help from Dahhan Business Services for professional DM approval assistance.

The timeline depends on the type of application and document readiness.

It is used to confirm that a project, product, or application meets Dubai Municipality requirements.

Businesses, contractors, and product owners may need it depending on their activity.

Dubai Municipality approval is official approval required for certain business, product, or project activities in Dubai.

Dahhan Business Services can help with the application, documentation, approvals, and follow-up so the process is easier and more organized.

Yes, you usually need to register a trade name that matches your business activity and get the required approvals.

No, E-trader license is designed for individuals or home businesses and does not typically require a physical office.

Expat eligibility depends on the activity and license category, and the rules may differ between commercial and professional activities.

The license is generally suitable for individuals in Dubai who have a valid Emirates ID and meet the authority’s eligibility conditions.

An E-Trader License in Dubai is a permit for individuals who want to sell products or services online through approved digital and social media channels.

No, the process depends on the emirate, business structure, and whether the license is mainland or free zone, so the steps and documents can differ.

Yes, employee visas and work permits usually need to be canceled as part of the closure process.

You should cancel your trade license when your business is closing, restructuring, or no longer operating so that the license does not remain active unnecessarily.

Trade license cancellation in the UAE is the official process of closing a business license and removing the company from the active register.

The timeline depends on the authority review and whether the application is complete and accurate from the start.

Usually, basic trademark details and supporting documents are required. The exact requirements depend on the renewal case.

A trademark in Dubai is typically valid for a specific period and can be renewed for additional terms as allowed under UAE law.

If you miss the renewal deadline, your trademark may expire, and you could lose exclusive rights to your brand.

Trademark renewal in Dubai is the process of extending the validity of your registered trademark so your brand name, logo, or slogan remains legally protected.

You can take legal action and claim damages.

Yes, you can register multiple trademarks under different classes.

UAE trademarks are valid locally but can be extended internationally.

Yes, individuals can register trademarks in the UAE.

Dahhan Business Services is the trusted attestation provider in Dubai taking care of all kinds of commercial and personal documents. Get a free quote now.

MOFA attested documents are required for applying new visas, legal matters and other government-related procedures in the UAE.

Yes, in many cases foreign-issued documents must first be attested by the relevant authority in the issuing country and then by the UAE Embassy or Consulate before MOFA.

Documents that required MOFA Attestation are - Degree certificates, birth certificates, trade licenses, power of attorney, and other official personal and commercial papers.

MOFA attestation is the final verification of the documents verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs that confirms a document is genuine and accepted for official use in the UAE.

SIRA approval in Dubai is the government authorization required for companies offering or using regulated security services such as guarding, CCTV, and security equipment in Dubai.

Yes, many consultancies that provdies business setup Dubai and PRO Services in Dubai specialize in SIRA approvals and can handle licensing, documentation, and the inspection process for you.

Documents required for SIRA Approval includes - Security-related activities, a SIRA-Licensed Security Manager, and complete corporate documents.

SIRA approval is required for security companies, guarding firms, CCTV and fire‑alarm installers, and any business that sells, installs, or operates security systems in Dubai.

Dahhan Business Services is a trusted consultancy offering business setup in Dubai specialize in providing expert guidance, transparent pricing, and end-to-end support for company formation.

Looking to setup a company in Dubai? Contact Dahhan Business Services! Our business consultants can handle the entire process for you, making it fast and hassle-free.

Renew 30 days before expiry (AED 500-1,000 fees, new medical/insurance); for cancellation, submit via typing center (AED 60), clear fines, and get deposit back after labor clearance to avoid AED 25/day overstay fines.

Submit documents for entry permit, pay fees at Tadbeer/GDRFA, conduct medical test and Emirates ID upon arrival, then stamp the 2-year residency visa—all typically done in days with PRO help.

Total costs range AED 8,500-17,000 via Tadbeer centers (including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping, and insurance), plus a refundable deposit of AED 2,000; private sponsorships are higher.

Documents required for housemaid visa application includes: Sponsor and Maid, Sponsor's Emirates ID, Salary Certificate, Ejari tenancy contract, and medical fitness results after arrival.