Dedicated specialists in Dubai provide expert guidance through every step of the process.
UAE: Your Financial Safe Harbor
Full Business Support: Company Setup, Visas, Banking. No success — no fee.
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Company Setup Guide
Complete guide to setup companies in the free zone, offshore, mainland, branch.
100% Foreign Ownership available in Free Zones and Mainland
Low Tax Rates - only 9% corporate tax
No Currency Controls - easy capital repatriation
Bank Account Opening
Easily open business or personal bank accounts with the UAE’s trusted banks.
End-to-end PRO services for government approvals
Complete banking package setup
96% success rate
Golden Visa & Residency
Obtain a UAE Golden Visa for long-term residency with a seamless application process.
No need to enter UAE every 6 months
10-year validity with the option for renewal upon maintaining qualifying conditions
92% success rate
Compliance Services
Our experts guide you through complex UAE regulatory requirements, including ESR reports and UBO filings.
Corporate Tax & VAT
Expert advice ensures compliance with Corporate Tax and VAT obligations with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Legal Services
Legal team advises on UAE’s laws regarding M&As, corporate restructuring, financing, and dispute resolution.
Accounting & Payroll
Our accountants manage finances, providing bookkeeping, reconciliation, payroll, and audit support, saving hiring costs.
Why Choose Golden Fish
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Local UAE Expertise
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Proven Success Rate
Over 90% approval rate with hundreds of visas, bank accounts, and company registrations issued through our premium processing.
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Success-Based Fees
Pay only after approval. Complete transparency with no hidden costs.
FAQ
UAE Business Setup FAQ
General Ownership Requirements
Will there be restrictions on ownership if foreigners set up a UAE company?
Certain UAE business entities, such as those involved in specific strategic sectors, will require clients to appoint Emirati shareholder(s). Therefore, choosing the optimal business entity to suit your corporate needs is essential to proceed with a UAE business setup.
Can my company be 100% foreign-owned?
Yes, most business activities enjoy 100% foreign ownership.
Company Registration
How do you register a company in the UAE free trade zone?
For incorporation of a free zone entity in the UAE, Golden Fish will:
- Obtain the necessary permissions from the relevant authorities.
- Reserve the company name.
- Prepare the incorporation documents.
- Notarize the documents at the public courts.
- Apply for the business license.
- Register the company for VAT (if required).
- Obtain work visas for clients and their employees.
What are the benefits of starting a free zone entity in the UAE?
UAE free zone companies offer several benefits, including:
- No requirement for a resident shareholder, i.e., an FZ company can be 100% foreign-owned.
- No obligation to hire staff.
- No customs duties on goods entering or leaving the zone.
- High-quality infrastructure.
Directors and Shareholders
How many directors must be appointed to register in a UAE free trade zone?
Only one director is required to form a UAE free zone company.
How many shareholders are required to incorporate in a UAE free trade zone?
Only one shareholder is required to start a free zone entity in the UAE.
How many shareholders are required for an offshore company in the UAE?
Only one shareholder is required for starting an offshore company in the UAE.
Is a resident director required?
No.
Are shareholder/director details available for public viewing?
No.
Logistics and Premises
Am I required to visit the UAE to incorporate a company there?
No, Golden Fish can legally incorporate your UAE company without you needing to travel.
Do I need to rent premises for my company?
The requirements differ based on the type of company:
| Company Type | Office Requirement |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Company | A lease agreement for office premises or a flexi-desk is required before incorporation. |
| Mainland Company | Only a virtual or registered address is needed. |
| Offshore Company | Only a virtual or registered address is needed. |
This comparison table helps clarify the differences between the requirements for free zone, mainland, and offshore companies.
Compliance and Taxation
Will I be required to get a full audit if I set up a small business in the UAE?
Yes, most entities will require audited financial statements.
What are the tax implications of a UAE company setup?
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) has been implemented in the UAE at a standard rate of 9%. Additionally, depending on the volume and nature of the business, some companies are liable for VAT (5%) and/or customs duties. Specific industries, such as oil and gas and branches of foreign banks, may have special tax considerations or exemptions.
Is a UAE company required to submit an annual tax return and/or financial statement?
Yes, all companies in the UAE are obliged to submit annual audited accounts to the government.
Banking Solutions
Which banks are recommended for UAE business banking solutions?
Golden Fish recommends several local UAE bank options, including:
- Emirates NBD
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Mashreq Bank
These banks are known for good customer service, which is essential when starting a new business in the UAE.
How do I open an offshore bank account in the UAE?
Clients will not be required to register a local company to open an offshore bank account in the UAE. However, the KYC procedures will be more stringent than those for opening a bank account for a resident company. Attestation documents will also be required. Please refer to our bank account opening guide for UAE companies for more detailed information.
Can Golden Fish assist with Islamic Banking services in the UAE?
Yes, Golden Fish can assist clients with their Islamic banking needs.
Visas and Residency
How long is a UAE business residence visa issued for?
UAE business residence permits are typically issued for 2 to 3 years.