Question 1

When did Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 take effect?

Accepted Answer

15 October 2025 per Gibson Dunn and Norton Rose Fulbright. Clyde & Co states 15 November 2025. Several provisions are phased over 12-24 months.

Question 2

What is the difference between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore companies?

Accepted Answer

Mainland &ndash; allows business operations within the UAE and the ability to enter into contracts with government entities.

Free Zone &ndash; has minor restrictions on working with Mainland companies, offers potential tax benefits, and provides industry-specific infrastructure tailored to certain business sectors.

Offshore &ndash; cannot conduct business within the UAE but is advantageous for international business operations and tax planning.

Question 3

What types of companies can be registered in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

You can register a Mainland (onshore), Free Zone (special economic zone), or Offshore company. The choice depends on the purpose of incorporation, the need for a physical presence in the UAE, and the intended direction of business development.

Question 4

What are the benefits of registering a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Company registration in the UAE offers a range of advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, a well-developed ecosystem for business management, a stable economy, easy access to international markets, and a highly developed domestic infrastructure.

Question 5

What documents are required to open a company?

Accepted Answer

The standard package includes the owner&rsquo;s passport, proof of address, a business plan (in some cases), and other documents depending on the business activity.
Detailed information on each business activity is available on the UPPERSETUP platform after selecting the type of company.

Question 6

Can a company be registered remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases, registration can be completed remotely without personal presence.

Question 7

What are the benefits of registering a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Registering a company in the UAE offers several advantages: 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, a well-developed business ecosystem, a stable economy, easy access to international markets, and advanced infrastructure within the country.

Question 8

How long does it take to register a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the chosen jurisdiction, the process typically takes 2 to 10 working days.
For certain regulated activities (medical, educational, financial services, etc.), additional approvals from UAE government authorities may be required, extending the timeframe.

Question 9

Is personal presence required for company registration?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the registration process can be completed remotely and online.

Question 10

Can a company be registered under one owner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100% ownership by a single individual or corporate entity is allowed.

Question 11

What types of business licenses exist in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

The main types of licenses are:
&bull; Commercial (trading, retail, e-commerce)
&bull; Service (consulting, IT, marketing, professional services)
&bull; Industrial (manufacturing, factories, production)
&bull; Holding (asset ownership)

Question 12

How to choose the right business license?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on your business activity. For example, a Commercial license is required for trading, while a Service license is for consultancy businesses.
You can determine the required license type on the UPPERSETUP platform.

Question 13

Can business activities be changed or expanded after registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but modifications to the license require regulatory approval.

Question 14

How long does it take to open a corporate bank account?

Accepted Answer

The process can take from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the bank and business type.

Question 15

What documents are needed to open a corporate bank account?

Accepted Answer

A passport of the owner and director, a business plan (in some cases), proof of address, details of business activity, and proof of the source of funds.

Question 16

Which banks are best for business in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Popular options include Emirates NBD, ADIB, Mashreq, RAKBANK, FAB.

Question 17

Do companies in the UAE have to pay corporate tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. From 2024, a 9% corporate tax applies to companies earning more than AED 375,000 in annual profits.

Question 18

Is accounting mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all companies in the UAE are required to maintain proper financial records.

Question 19

Is VAT registration required?

Accepted Answer

If the annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, the company must register for 5% VAT.

Question 20

Can business owners get a UAE residence visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, business owners can obtain an investor visa for 2 to 10 years, depending on the investment amount.

Question 21

How many visas can a company apply for?

Accepted Answer

The number of visas is linked to the size of the leased or owned commercial space.

Question 22

How to process work visas for employees?

Accepted Answer

The company must apply through the UAE immigration department, sign a labor contract, and complete a medical examination for the employee.

Question 23

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases, foreigners can own 100% of their company, regardless of the registration jurisdiction.

Question 24

How to protect intellectual property in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Trademarks, patents, and copyrights can be registered through the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Question 25

How to close a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

The liquidation process takes 1 to 3 months and requires conducting an audit, submitting financial reports, and officially notifying regulators.

Question 26

Can ownership of a company be transferred to another person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, business ownership transfer is possible through a re-registration process with the relevant regulator.

Question 27

What are the benefits of registering a company with UPPERSETUP?

Accepted Answer

UPPERSETUP is an IT platform that makes company registration in the UAE a simple, transparent, and predictable process.
&bull; Selection of registration jurisdiction, company type, and business license based on your business goals
&bull; Step-by-step guidance and transparent pricing
&bull; Multiple service options to choose from
&bull; Full business support, including accounting and visa services
&bull; User-friendly dashboard for managing documents
&bull; Exclusive partner benefits through the UPPERSETUP loyalty program

Obtaining Employment Visa

Download the visa application guide

Cost Calculation

Tariffs

Guide

Chat support

Expert

Frequently asked questions

Reviews