# Entityz - UAE Business Setup & Company Formation

> Entityz is a leading business setup consultancy in the United Arab Emirates, helping entrepreneurs and companies establish their presence in Dubai and across the UAE. We are an authorized channel partner for major UAE free zones.

## Quick Facts

- **Company Name**: Entityz Business Setup
- **Location**: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Languages**: English, Arabic (العربية)
- **Contact**: +971 52 719 5855
- **Website**: https://www.entityz.ae
- **Arabic Website**: https://www.entityz.ae/ar
- **Client Retention**: 95%
- **Businesses Formed**: 500+

## What We Do

Entityz provides end-to-end business formation services including:

- **Free Zone Company Setup**: 100% foreign ownership in Dubai's top free zones (IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, JAFZA, Shams)
- **Mainland Business License**: Trade license for operating anywhere in UAE
- **Ecommerce License**: Digital business and online trading permits
- **Investor & Residency Visa**: UAE residence visas for business owners and employees
- **PRO Services**: Document clearing, attestation, and government liaison
- **Corporate Bank Account**: Business banking setup assistance
- **Virtual Office & Ejari**: Registered office address and tenancy contracts

## Pricing

Entityz does not publish a price list. Government and free zone fees are revised
during the year, so a figure printed here would be out of date. Entityz quotes the
fee that applies on the day you apply, in writing, with the government charge shown
separately from the consultant fee.

| Service | What sets the price |
|---------|---------------------|
| Free Zone Package | The free zone chosen, activity count, visa quota, flexi desk or office |
| Mainland License | The activity, the approvals it triggers, and the office requirement |
| Ecommerce License | The free zone chosen and whether goods are stocked in the UAE |
| Investor Visa | The number of visas and whether processing is in or out of country |
| Golden Visa | The eligibility route being used |

## Step-by-Step: How to Start a Business in UAE

1. **Choose Business Activity** - Select your business activity type (trading, services, consulting, ecommerce)
2. **Select Jurisdiction** - Decide between free zone (100% ownership, tax benefits) or mainland (local market access)
3. **Reserve Trade Name** - Submit your company name for approval (1-2 days)
4. **Prepare Documents** - Passport copies, photos, NOC if employed, business plan
5. **Apply for License** - Submit application to free zone or DED (1-5 days)
6. **Receive Trade License** - Get your official UAE trade license
7. **Apply for Visa** - Submit residence visa application (7-14 days)
8. **Open Bank Account** - Set up corporate banking (2-4 weeks)

**Total Timeline**: 2-4 weeks for complete setup

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
It depends on four things: the free zone or mainland authority chosen, how many activities go on the licence, how many residence visas are needed, and whether the address is a flexi desk or a physical office. Government fees are revised during the year, so Entityz quotes the fee that applies on the day you apply and shows it separately from the consultant fee.

### Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. UAE free zones have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Since 2021, mainland companies also allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities under the new Commercial Companies Law.

### How long does company formation take in UAE?
- Free zone license: 1-5 business days
- Mainland license: 5-10 business days
- Visa processing: 7-14 days
- Bank account: 2-4 weeks
- Complete setup: 2-4 weeks total

### What is the difference between free zone and mainland in UAE?
**Free Zone**: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax (up to AED 375,000), no customs duty on imports, limited to trading within free zone or international export.
**Mainland**: Trade anywhere in UAE, work with government clients, no restrictions on local market, some activities require local partner.

### What is the best free zone in Dubai for ecommerce?
Top free zones for ecommerce businesses:
1. **IFZA** - Most affordable, fast processing
2. **Meydan** - Good for startups, competitive pricing
3. **Shams (Sharjah)** - Budget-friendly, media activities
4. **DMCC** - Premium, best for commodities trading
5. **Dubai CommerCity** - Dedicated ecommerce free zone

### Do I need to be in Dubai to start a company?
No. Remote company formation is available for most free zones. You can complete the entire process online. Physical presence is only required for:
- Emirates ID biometrics
- Visa stamping (can be done on visit)
- Bank account opening (some banks require in-person)

### What documents are needed to start a business in UAE?
- Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- NOC from current employer (if UAE resident)
- Business plan (for some activities)

### What is a UAE Golden Visa?
A 10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Eligibility:
- Investment of AED 2 million+ in property or business
- Established entrepreneurs with successful business
- Exceptional talent in science, art, or sports

### How much is VAT in UAE?
UAE VAT is 5% on most goods and services. Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 must register for VAT. Some items are zero-rated (exports, international transport) or exempt (residential property, financial services).

### Can I get a visa for my family with a UAE business?
Yes. Business owners can sponsor:
- Spouse and children (unlimited)
- Parents (with salary requirement)
- Domestic helpers

Family visa costs approximately AED 3,500-5,000 per person.

## Services

Twenty two services, full list at https://www.entityz.ae/services (Arabic at https://www.entityz.ae/ar/services). Every page has an Arabic twin at the same path under /ar/.

**Company formation**
- Free Zone Company Setup: https://www.entityz.ae/services/freezone-company-setup
- Dubai Mainland Company Setup: https://www.entityz.ae/services/mainland-company-setup
- E-Commerce License: https://www.entityz.ae/services/ecommerce-license
- Industrial License: https://www.entityz.ae/services/industrial-license

**Residence and government**
- Golden Visa: https://www.entityz.ae/services/golden-visa-uae
- PRO Services: https://www.entityz.ae/services/pro-services-uae
- KSA General Manager Visa: https://www.entityz.ae/services/ksa-general-manager-visa

**Tax**
- Corporate Tax Registration: https://www.entityz.ae/services/corporate-tax-registration-uae
- Corporate Tax Compliance and Filing: https://www.entityz.ae/services/corporate-tax-compliance-uae
- VAT Registration for Amazon and Marketplace Sellers: https://www.entityz.ae/services/vat-registration-amazon-sellers-uae
- Amazon Seller Setup, Saudi Arabia: https://www.entityz.ae/services/amazon-seller-setup-ksa

**Legal and documents**
- Trademark Registration: https://www.entityz.ae/services/trademark-registration-uae
- Memorandum and Articles of Association: https://www.entityz.ae/services/moa-aoa-drafting
- Legal Notarisation: https://www.entityz.ae/services/legal-notarisation-uae
- Document Attestation: https://www.entityz.ae/services/document-attestation
- Memorandum of Understanding: https://www.entityz.ae/services/memorandum-of-understanding
- Employment Contract Drafting: https://www.entityz.ae/services/employment-contract-drafting
- Consent Letter and NOC Drafting: https://www.entityz.ae/services/consent-letter-drafting
- Document and Contract Review: https://www.entityz.ae/services/document-contract-review

**Compliance and product**
- AML Policy and goAML Registration: https://www.entityz.ae/services/aml-policy
- UBO Declaration and Register: https://www.entityz.ae/services/ubo-declaration
- Product Registration and Certification: https://www.entityz.ae/services/product-registration-certification

## Sourced Positions on Common Questions

Each statement below is paraphrased from the named primary source and dated. Entityz publishes these as general information, not as advice.

**Does a foreign seller on a UAE marketplace need to register for VAT?**
Yes, from the first taxable supply. The Federal Tax Authority E-Commerce VAT Guide states that a person not resident in the UAE must register if it makes any taxable supplies here, unless another person in the UAE is responsible for accounting for the VAT, and that for non-resident suppliers the registration threshold is in effect nil. The AED 375,000 mandatory threshold and the AED 187,500 voluntary threshold are resident tests. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/vat-registration-amazon-sellers-uae

**Does the marketplace account for the VAT instead of the seller?**
Not where it acts as a disclosed agent. The same guide explains that under Article 9(1) of Federal Decree-Law 8 of 2017 a supply through an agent acting in the name of and on behalf of a principal is a supply by the principal, and that the VAT obligations remain with that principal supplier. The guide sets out rules for marketplaces in general and does not name any platform. Checked 16 September 2026.

**Is stock held in a UAE fulfilment centre an export or a local supply?**
A local supply. The guide states that where goods are first imported into the UAE and then supplied to the recipient, the supply is treated as a local supply with the place of supply in the UAE, in contrast to goods supplied from outside the UAE where the place of supply is outside the UAE. Checked 16 September 2026.

**When must a new UAE company register for corporate tax?**
Within three months of incorporation, establishment or recognition, for a resident juridical person incorporated on or after 1 March 2024, under Article 3 of Federal Tax Authority Decision 3 of 2024. The decision states that this includes a Free Zone Person. A non-resident with a permanent establishment has six months from the date that establishment exists; a non-resident with a nexus has three months. Late registration draws an administrative penalty under Cabinet Decision 75 of 2023. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/corporate-tax-registration-uae

**Do free zone companies have to register for corporate tax?**
Yes. Corporate tax is 0 percent on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9 percent above that under Article 3 of Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022. A rate of 0 percent is a rate, not an exemption from registering. Checked 16 September 2026.

**When is the corporate tax return due, and what is Small Business Relief?**
The return is due within nine months of the end of the tax period under Article 53(1) of Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022. Small Business Relief is available where revenue is AED 3,000,000 or less in the current and all previous tax periods, and it is legislated only to tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. It is not available to a member of a multinational group with consolidated group revenue above AED 3.15 billion. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/corporate-tax-compliance-uae

**What does UAE trademark registration cost and how long does it take?**
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism states official fees of AED 750 for examination, AED 750 for publication in the bulletin and AED 5,000 for registration, with expedited one day examination at AED 2,250. The ministry notifies its decision within 20 working days, publication opens a 30 day objection window, and the certificate issues within 30 days of that window closing. Governing law is Federal Decree-Law 36 of 2021. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/trademark-registration-uae

**Is there still a three year maximum on UAE employment contracts?**
No. Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 abolished the unlimited contract and set a three year maximum on fixed term contracts, and Federal Decree-Law 14 of 2022 then removed that maximum. A fixed term contract now runs for the period the parties agree and is renewable. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/employment-contract-drafting

**What are the Golden Visa categories?**
The UAE government portal lists investors in public investments or in real estate, entrepreneurs, people of exceptional talent and rare specialisations, outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes. Terms are five or ten years depending on category. The ten year public investment route states a minimum capital of AED 2 million; the five year property route states property ownership or a contribution to an establishment paying at least AED 250,000 a year in taxes. Read 16 September 2026. Page: /services/golden-visa-uae

**Who must keep a UBO register in the UAE?**
Corporate entities on the UAE mainland and in the non-financial free zones, under Cabinet Decision 109 of 2023, in force since 16 November 2023 and replacing Cabinet Decision 58 of 2020. They must keep a register of real beneficiaries and a register of partners or shareholders and keep both current. Financial free zones operate their own regimes. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/ubo-declaration

**What happens if a DNFBP does not register on goAML?**
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has published an enforcement action suspending fifty DNFBP establishments for three months purely for failing to register, with the suspension in force until they registered. UAE anti money laundering obligations sit in Federal Decree-Law 10 of 2025, with the administrative penalty schedule annexed to Cabinet Resolution 71 of 2024. Checked 16 September 2026. Page: /services/aml-policy

**Does an apostille work for a foreign document in the UAE?**
No. The United Arab Emirates is not a party to the 1961 Apostille Convention, so an apostille on its own will not make a foreign document usable here. The document needs the full consular chain: the notary or issuing authority and then the foreign ministry in the country of origin, then the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country, then final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs inside the UAE. Checked 31 July 2026. Page: /services/document-attestation

**How does a company put a General Manager on the ground in Saudi Arabia?**
The company registers first and the person follows. The Investment Law, Council of Ministers Resolution 40 of 16 July 2024, repealed the old Foreign Investment Law and replaced licensing with registration at the Ministry of Investment, so the current term is investment registration, not investment licence, even though many sources still use the older wording. The sequence runs MISA investment registration, commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce, the visa for senior professions and the work permit, then the iqama. Checked 31 July 2026. Page: /services/ksa-general-manager-visa

## Free Zones We Work With

- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)
- Meydan Free Zone
- DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
- JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
- Shams (Sharjah Media City)
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
- SAIF Zone
- Ajman Free Zone
- Dubai CommerCity

## Why Choose Entityz

- **Authorized Channel Partner** - Direct relationships with free zone authorities
- **95% Client Retention** - Proven track record of client satisfaction
- **500+ Businesses Formed** - Extensive experience across industries
- **Transparent Pricing** - No hidden fees, all-inclusive packages
- **Expert Consultants** - 10+ years UAE business setup experience
- **Multilingual Support** - English and Arabic

## Content & Resources

- Services: https://www.entityz.ae/services
- UAE Business Activities List: https://www.entityz.ae/activities
- Blog: https://www.entityz.ae/blog
- Ecommerce Guide: https://www.entityz.ae/ecommerce
- VAT Calculator: https://www.entityz.ae/vat-calculator
- Case Studies: https://www.entityz.ae/case-studies
- Careers: https://www.entityz.ae/careers
- RSS Feed: https://www.entityz.ae/rss.xml

## Key Articles

- How to Set Up a Company at IFZA Free Zone in Dubai: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/ifza-free-zone-company-setup-dubai
  What IFZA is and where it sits in Dubai Silicon Oasis, who the zone suits and who it does not, the eight setup steps in order, the documents, the visa quota and establishment card, what moves the licence cost, the Qualifying Free Zone Person rule, and whether an IFZA company can trade on the mainland. Arabic version at /ar/blog/ifza-free-zone-company-setup-dubai
- How Do You Open a Free Zone Company in the UAE, Step by Step?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/free-zone-company-setup-uae-cost-and-steps
  The order of the steps, the documents required, where the money goes, and what happens after the licence is issued. Arabic version at /ar/blog/free-zone-company-setup-uae-cost-and-steps
- What Does a Free Zone Company Setup Cost in Dubai?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/free-zone-company-setup-cost-dubai
  Price and timing for a Dubai free zone licence, which zones licence which activities, and when a mainland licence is the better structure. Arabic version at /ar/blog/free-zone-company-setup-cost-dubai
- Do You Need to Register for VAT in the UAE?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/do-you-need-to-register-for-vat-in-uae
  The mandatory and voluntary registration thresholds, what counts toward them, and what filing obliges you to do. Arabic version at /ar/blog/do-you-need-to-register-for-vat-in-uae
- How to Calculate VAT in the UAE: Add 5% or Take It Out: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/how-to-calculate-vat-in-uae
  How to add 5% to a price, how to pull the tax back out of a total that already includes it, worked examples in AED, and the mistakes that cost money. Arabic version at /ar/blog/how-to-calculate-vat-in-uae
- Do You Need a Trade License to Sell on Amazon.ae?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/do-you-need-a-license-to-sell-on-amazon-ae
  What Amazon asks a UAE seller for, which licence activity covers which product, free zone against mainland for marketplace selling, and where VAT enters. Arabic version at /ar/blog/do-you-need-a-license-to-sell-on-amazon-ae
- How a New UAE Company Gets Paid by Clients Abroad: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/how-uae-companies-get-paid-from-abroad
  The three routes an overseas payment can take into a UAE company, what each one needs, the order to set them up in, and the tax and record keeping that follows. Arabic version at /ar/blog/how-uae-companies-get-paid-from-abroad
- Selling on Amazon.ae or Amazon.sa From Abroad? When You Must Register for VAT: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/amazon-vat-registration-non-resident-sellers-uae-saudi
  When a non-resident marketplace seller is obliged to register for VAT in the UAE and in Saudi Arabia, why the answer turns on where the stock sits at the moment of sale and who the buyer is, and how the two countries differ on the tax representative, the security, and the filing calendar. Every rate, threshold and deadline is attributed to the UAE Federal Tax Authority or to Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. General information, not tax advice. Arabic version at /ar/blog/amazon-vat-registration-non-resident-sellers-uae-saudi
- Does Your UAE Company Need an Audit, and by When?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/uae-company-audit-requirements
  Who must prepare audited financial statements under Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025, the AED 50 million revenue threshold, why a Qualifying Free Zone Person needs an audit at any size, and why 30 September 2026 is a corporate tax return date for companies with a 31 December 2025 year end rather than a national audit deadline. Free zone filing rules by zone, the seven year record keeping rule in Article 56 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, and the penalties. Every figure is attributed to its law, decision number and article. General information, not tax or legal advice. Checked 31 July 2026. Arabic version at /ar/blog/uae-company-audit-requirements
- Is Your UAE Business Covered by AML Rules Without Knowing It?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/uae-aml-compliance-requirements
  The six categories of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions listed in Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution 134 of 2025, why coverage follows the activity rather than the licence name, the goAML registration and reporting duties, the compliance officer requirement, and the fines. Property brokers, dealers in precious metals and gemstones, accountants, auditors, certain legal services and company service providers are all inside the rules. General information, not legal advice. Checked 31 July 2026. Arabic version at /ar/blog/uae-aml-compliance-requirements
- When Is Your UAE Corporate Tax Return Actually Due?: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/uae-corporate-tax-filing-deadline
  Nine months from the end of your own financial year under Article 53(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, not one national date, with Article 48 setting the same period for payment. Worked deadlines by year end, the registration timing rules, the AED 10,000 late registration penalty, the 0 and 9 percent bands, Small Business Relief and the free zone position. General information, not tax advice. Checked 31 July 2026. Arabic version at /ar/blog/uae-corporate-tax-filing-deadline
- What Happens If You Pay UAE Salaries Late? The Wage Protection System in 2026: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/uae-wps-payroll-compliance
  Wages fall due on the first day of the month and the grace period was removed when Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 came into force on 1 June 2026 and repealed the previous Wage Protection System rulebook. What the Wages Protection System is, who must join it, the escalating measures from work permit suspension onward, and which employers sit outside the federal system. General information, not legal advice. Checked 31 July 2026. Arabic version at /ar/blog/uae-wps-payroll-compliance
- UAE E-Invoicing: Deadlines, Penalties and Who Must Comply: https://www.entityz.ae/blog/uae-e-invoicing
  Under Ministerial Decisions No. 243 and No. 244 of 2025, businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 30 October 2026 and go live on 1 January 2027, businesses below that by 31 March 2027 and 1 July 2027, and government entities go live on 1 October 2027. VAT registration is not the test and free zones are not excluded, while sales to consumers stay outside the system for now. The five corner Peppol model and PINT AE, the 14 day issuing rule, credit notes, exports and the reverse charge, record keeping, and the penalties and fines in Cabinet Decision No. 106 of 2025. General information, not tax advice. Checked 24 September 2026. Arabic version at /ar/blog/uae-e-invoicing

## Blog Clusters

- How to Setup: https://www.entityz.ae/blog#how-to-setup
  Step-by-step guides for setting up your business in the UAE
- News & Economy: https://www.entityz.ae/blog#news-economy
  Latest UAE economic updates and business regulations
- Case Studies: https://www.entityz.ae/blog#case-studies
  Real success stories from businesses we helped establish

## Arabic (العربية)

- Arabic Homepage: https://www.entityz.ae/ar
- Arabic Services: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/services
- Arabic Business Activities List: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/activities
- Arabic Blog: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/blog
- Arabic Ecommerce Guide: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/ecommerce
- Arabic VAT Calculator: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/vat-calculator
- Arabic RSS Feed: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/rss.xml
- Arabic LLM Context File: https://www.entityz.ae/llms-ar.txt

## Contact Information

- **Phone/WhatsApp**: +971 52 719 5855
- **Website**: https://www.entityz.ae
- **Consultation**: Free initial consultation available
- **Office Hours**: Sunday-Thursday, 9 AM - 6 PM (UAE Time)
- **LinkedIn**: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entityz

## Optional

- Privacy Policy: https://www.entityz.ae/privacy-policy
- Terms of Service: https://www.entityz.ae/terms-of-service
- Arabic Privacy Policy: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/privacy-policy
- Arabic Terms of Service: https://www.entityz.ae/ar/terms-of-service

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This content is optimized for AI assistants to accurately answer questions about Entityz and UAE business setup services. Last updated: 2026-07-31.