Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your Questions, Answered
We understand that navigating business setup, visas, and government services in the UAE can raise many questions. Below, we have compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from our clients. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Company Formation
The main difference lies in market access. A Mainland company can trade directly with any business or consumer across the entire UAE and is eligible for government contracts. A Free Zone company offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but is generally restricted from direct trade within the UAE mainland market.
Yes. In Free Zones, 100% foreign ownership has always been permitted. On the Mainland, recent legal reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership for over 2,000 commercial and industrial activities, removing the previous requirement for a local Emirati partner in most cases.
The timeline varies. A Free Zone company can often be established within a few business days. A Mainland company typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the business activity and any external approvals required.
This depends on your jurisdiction and license type. Many Free Zones offer flexible options like virtual offices or flexi-desks. Mainland licenses generally require a physical office space with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari).
Visas & Immigration
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, and outstanding students. It offers unique benefits, including no sponsor requirement and the ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency.
The most common ways to obtain a residence visa are through employment (sponsored by a UAE company), investment (by establishing or investing in a UAE company), or family sponsorship (sponsored by a UAE resident family member).
Yes. If you are a UAE resident and meet certain salary and accommodation requirements, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents for residence visas.
A standard residence visa is typically valid for 2 or 3 years and must be renewed before its expiry date. The Golden Visa is valid for 5 or 10 years.
Document Services
Attestation is the process of certifying the authenticity of a document so it is legally recognized by government authorities. For documents issued outside the UAE, this involves a chain of verifications, culminating in a final stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Attested documents are required for many official purposes in the UAE, including residence visa applications, employment, school enrollment, and business transactions.
The timeline depends on the country of origin and the type of document. The full process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 business days on average.
PRO & Government Services
PRO (Public Relations Officer) services involve managing all interactions and paperwork with UAE government departments on behalf of a company or individual. This includes visa processing, license renewals, document submissions, and other administrative tasks.
A Local Service Agent is a UAE national required for certain professional service licenses on the Mainland. The LSA facilitates administrative dealings with government departments but has no shareholding or management rights in the business.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation, and we will provide personalized answers to your specific questions.