Guides & Insights
Practical, accurate guides on company formation, corporate tax, banking, and visas in Dubai and the UAE.
Opening a UAE corporate bank account is widely cited as the most difficult step in the company setup process. The UAE's robust AML and KYC requirements mean banks conduct thorough due diligence, and applications from newly incorporated companies are frequently rejected or delayed. Understanding what banks look for, and preparing thoroughly, makes the difference.
Three free zones dominate the conversation for SMEs and startups in the UAE: IFZA, SHAMS, and DMCC. Each serves a different profile of business. Getting the choice right avoids unnecessary costs and compliance headaches down the line.
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax in June 2023, ending the long-standing zero-tax environment for most businesses. The headline rate is 9%, but the practical picture is more nuanced: a zero-rate band for the first AED 375,000 of profit, Small Business Relief for revenues under AED 3 million, and a separate 0% regime for qualifying free zone companies.
Setting up a company in the UAE entitles you to apply for a UAE residency visa. The standard route for company owners is the investor or partner visa, a 3-year renewable residency that comes with an Emirates ID, the right to sponsor family members, and access to UAE banking, healthcare, and schools.
Cost is one of the first questions every founder asks about Dubai company formation. The honest answer requires separating government fees from advisory fees, one-off setup costs from ongoing annual expenses, and understanding that the number depends heavily on your chosen jurisdiction, activity, and how many visas you need.
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