Frequently Asked Questions

Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore — the choice depends on your business activity, license type, and goals.

Popular and cost-effective options include IFZA, Meydan, SHAMS, RAKEZ, and SPC Free Zone. They offer low fees, simple registration, and convenient processes.

Yes, most Free Zones allow remote registration with a power of attorney or notarized documents.

Mainland is suitable for operating across the UAE and working with government contracts. Free Zones are ideal for international business and startups, offering incentives and simplified reporting.

The cost of setting up in DMCC (or any other Free Zone) depends on your legal structure, license type, and required services. We provide tailored quotes after reviewing your needs. Contact us for a detailed estimate.

Choose your legal structure, obtain approvals and licenses, register with authorities, and open a corporate bank account. We assist you every step of the way.

Usually between 5 to 15 business days, depending on the Free Zone and document readiness.

Passport, proof of address, color photo. Some zones may require a CV and business plan.

An offshore company in the UAE is designed for international operations and asset holding, not for domestic activity. No visa, office not required, but bank account opening can be more complex.

Minimum one. In most Free Zones (LLCs), up to 50 shareholders are allowed.

Yes. In Free Zones and, since 2021, for most activities on Mainland, 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

Most Free Zones allow Flexi Desk. Mainland usually requires a physical office.

A shared workspace with virtual office rights and limited physical access. A full office is a private space.

Yes, even Flexi Desk agreements must be renewed yearly.

Sometimes, but often requires closing and re-registering. We find the best option for your case.

Through formal liquidation with final reporting, visa cancellations, and license termination. We manage the full process.

Yes. Annual renewal is required to avoid penalties and restrictions.

Depends on license type and jurisdiction. We provide estimates after reviewing your case.

Depends on the type of change (e.g., activity, management). Quotes provided upon review.

Trading, services, manufacturing, medical, consulting, finance, IT, etc. We help select the right one.

Yes, most Free Zones allow 3–5 related activities per license.

Via Free Zone portal with fee payment and updated documents. We handle renewals for you.

Penalties apply, company may be blacklisted, visas and accounts blocked.

Quick launch, existing license, reputation. Due diligence required to avoid hidden liabilities.

It saves time but must be preceded by audit and legal checks. We handle it.

Yes, in most Free Zones — with proper documentation and approvals.

Undisclosed debts, license expiration. We audit and verify each company before sale.

Yes. We guarantee clean transactions and document transfer.

Yes. We check registration, financials, contracts, and government ties.

Usually not. Easier to close and open a new one while transferring contracts/assets.

— Investor/Partner visa: 2 years (Mainland) or 3 years (Free Zone).
— Nomad visa: 1-year remote work visa, requires proof of income (typically $3,500/month) and health insurance.
— Family visa: For spouse, children, and parents.
— Freelance visa: For creatives, media, and IT professionals.
— Golden Visa: 10-year residency for investors, business owners, scientists, and specialists.
— Green Visa: 5-year visa for highly skilled professionals and freelancers.

From USD 4,000 (incl. VAT), takes 5–10 business days including medical test and Emirates ID. Investors may get it included in the setup package.

Depends on office size and Free Zone rules. Typically 1–3 visas for Flexi Desk.

Yes, if you plan to live or work in the UAE.

Spouse, children (sons up to 25, daughters without age limit), and parents. Minimum income: AED 4,000/month and proof of accommodation required.

No, unless officially permitted and sponsored by that company.

Through investment (real estate from AED 2 million), business, startup, or as a qualified professional. We evaluate your eligibility and prepare your case.

The visa itself is free, but eligibility is based on investment, ownership, or qualifications. We help you assess and prepare.

Yes, visa transfers are possible upon resignation or company closure with proper documentation.

Yes, most Free Zones allow visas with Flexi Desk rentals (1–3 visas).

Yes, typically every 2–3 years along with the license.

Daily fines, Emirates ID suspension, and visa cancellation. Renew early — we provide reminders.

Via employment or business ownership sponsorship. We assist with documentation and application.

Valid passport, photo, educational certificates, medical test, biometrics, and supporting documents depending on visa type. We guide you through all steps.

Costs vary by visa type and include government fees, medical test, and processing charges. We provide a detailed cost breakdown.

Yes. We help open corporate bank accounts with reputable UAE banks.

Yes, many banks offer accounts for non-residents, but the conditions are stricter: higher minimum balances and proof of income/source of funds are required.

Typically: passport, visa (if available), proof of address, and income documents (e.g., employment certificate or tax returns).

Usually 5–15 business days, depending on the bank and the compliance review.

Yes, all banks require it. Without proof of funds’ origin, the account cannot be opened.

Some banks allow this, but often at least one visit is required for verification. Garant BC helps choose the best option.

Most commonly AED, USD, EUR, and GBP. Many banks offer multi-currency accounts.

Yes, usually from AED 3,000 up to AED 100,000. Failure to maintain it may lead to fees.

Yes, if the account is approved, cards work worldwide.

Banks with clear compliance and multilingual support — for example, WIO Bank (our partner), Emirates NBD, Mashreq.

No fixed limits, but banks may request proof of purpose for large transfers.

Yes, but the company must meet “economic substance” rules. Free Zone companies often face easier conditions.

Usually 2–6 weeks, depending on the bank, activity, and documents.

WIO Bank, RAKBANK, and Mashreq are often more flexible.

They require real presence (office, staff) in the UAE. Banks check this to avoid “paper companies.”

Banks want to see actual operations. Even new companies must provide a business plan, contracts, or expected transactions.

Company license, incorporation documents, shareholder/director passports, UBO details, lease contract (if applicable).

Yes, but not in all banks. Garant BC helps choose suitable ones.

Major banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and WIO.

Yes, if the UBO is a UAE resident, the process is simpler. Still possible for non-residents with the right preparation.

Yes, most banks issue them. WIO offers fully online solutions.

Usually AED 200–500 per month if the minimum balance is not maintained.

Rarely, but sometimes possible. Usually at least one director/UBO must attend.

Top local banks include Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq, and modern digital bank WIO (our partner).

Local banks offer better access for UAE businesses, while international banks are stronger for global transfers.

Garant BC analyzes the reasons, prepares documents, and re-applies to another bank.

Compliance is stricter, but transparent businesses with proper documents open accounts successfully.

We partner with banks (incl. WIO), know their requirements, and prepare applications to minimize rejection risk.

Since 2023, a 9% corporate tax applies to profits above AED 375,000. Below this threshold, the rate is 0%.

Free Zone companies may qualify as a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” (0% on qualifying income) if they meet substance requirements and restrictions on Mainland transactions.

No, the withholding tax (WHT) on dividends, interest, and royalties in the UAE is 0%. This makes the country attractive for holding structures.

Starting from 2025, the UAE will apply a 15% “domestic minimum top-up tax” for multinational groups with revenue ≥ €750 million (OECD Pillar Two).

No, there is no personal income tax for individuals in the UAE.

Corporate tax returns, ESR (Economic Substance Report), and, for VAT-registered companies, VAT returns.

Penalties start at AED 10,000 and can exceed AED 50,000. We support companies in timely filing and applying for penalty relief if needed.

Yes, we prepare reasoned submissions to the FTA and have successfully obtained penalty waivers for our clients.

Yes, all companies in the UAE are required to maintain proper accounts and keep records for at least 5 years.

The official language is English. Documents in other languages must be translated.

For many companies, especially in Free Zones, an annual audit is mandatory. We select licensed auditors and manage the process.

Yes, bookkeeping is directly linked to corporate tax and VAT. We maintain accounts in compliance with FTA requirements.

Usually quarterly, but some companies are required to file monthly.

Yes, we provide online accounting solutions where clients can access reports and records anytime.

A full cycle: bookkeeping setup, processing primary documents, tax calculation, preparation and filing of returns, liaison with FTA and auditors.

The cost depends on the volume of transactions. We offer packages for small, medium, and large businesses.

This may result in penalties, difficulties with bank accounts, and risks during tax inspections.

Because we combine accounting, tax, and compliance expertise — reducing risks and saving clients’ resources.

Incorporation documents, a trade license, the memorandum of association, and shareholder resolutions. We prepare the full package “turnkey” so the process takes minimal time.

Yes, we draft and adapt contracts for UAE business: partnership, agency, employment, distribution, and others.

It is an agreement regulating the rights and obligations of business owners. It is essential if there are multiple shareholders. We prepare SHAs to protect all parties’ interests.

Yes, especially for companies in finance, real estate, and consulting. We help implement AML and KYC procedures.

Yes, powers of attorney are notarized either with a notary public or through Smart Services. We arrange the process “turnkey.”

Yes, we work with partner law firms. We handle document preparation and represent clients’ interests in court.

We assist both companies and individuals: from business registration to family and inheritance matters.

Because we combine local expertise with international experience: we prepare documents in full compliance with UAE law and explain everything in clear language.

In most Free Zones, UBO data is not public. Shared only with regulators (MoE, FTA) for compliance.

Yes, legally allowed, but must be transparent and documented. The real owner bears responsibility.

Garant ensures strict security and confidentiality using encrypted channels.

ESR: Economic Substance Report; UBO: Ultimate Beneficial Owner declaration. We file both as required.

Phone: 800-GARANT (427268), +971 4 421 4335, +971 52 938 5533
Address: Office 1707, Tower BB-1, Mazaya Business Avenue, JLT, Dubai, UAE
Email: info@garant.ae