What is the difference between Mainland and Freezone companies?

Mainland companies provide the flexibility to trade anywhere within the UAE and internationally. They also allow direct access to the UAE market, including working with government contracts.
Freezone companies, on the other hand, are best suited for consultant, freelancer, IT & Software developers, crypto or forex traders business activities and offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and ease of operation.
The second major difference is, Mainland companies open physical offices, shops or stores within the market of Dubai whereas Freezone companies can have only in particular zones

What is the cost to set up a company in Dubai?

The cost depends on several factors, such as the type of company (Mainland or Freezone), the business activity, and additional requirements like visas, office spaces, or bank accounts. On average, the cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 or more. Our experts will assess your needs and provide a tailored cost estimate to ensure transparency and accuracy. Book a Call

As a Non-Resident, what challenges might I face when registering a company in Dubai? US Residents

Non-residents often face challenges like understanding local legal structures, navigating UAE’s licensing requirements, and identifying the most suitable jurisdiction for their business. Additionally, setting up bank accounts or obtaining residency visas, medical checkup, biometric can be complex without proper guidance. At E-Startup, we handle all these challenges, providing you with end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Which is the best freezone for my business setup in Dubai?

Choosing the best Freezone depends on several factors, as each Freezone has unique advantages and limitations. Some Freezones cater to specific business activities, while others offer broader flexibility. The cost of setting up also varies significantly between Freezones, and not all Freezones provide the same immigration support for visas. Additionally, the location and infrastructure of a Freezone can impact your business operations.
Our experts will carefully assess your business activity, budget, and operational needs to guide you in selecting the Freezone that aligns perfectly with your goals while maximizing benefits like tax exemptions and ease of operation.

How much time does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

Typically, the trade license and certificate of incorporation process takes about 5 to 7 business days. However, the timeline for opening a bank account can vary depending on various factors like your Dubai visit, medical checkup, biometric, eVISA and Emirate id. We prioritize efficiency and will guide you every step of the way to expedite the process.

Do I need to visit Dubai to set up a company?

No, you don’t need to visit Dubai to establish your company. With our comprehensive remote services, we can handle all the necessary paperwork, approvals, and processes till company setup without your physical presence in UAE. For open a bank account, you need to obtain Visa and Visit dubai.

Which banks are available in Dubai to open a bank account?

Dubai boasts a wide range of both local and international banks where you can open personal and corporate bank accounts.

Prominent local banks include:

- Emirates NBD
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Mashreq Bank
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- WIO Bank

International banks with a presence in Dubai include:

- HSBC Middle East
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Citibank UAE
- Barclays

These banks offer various services tailored to high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, including private banking, wealth management, and international banking solutions.

What are the criteria to open a bank account in Dubai?

To open a bank account in Dubai, the general criteria include:

For Personal Accounts:
- A valid UAE residence visa.
- A copy of your passport and Emirates ID.
- Proof of address in the UAE
- A company ownership or a letter from your employer.
- Personal bank statements from the past 3-6 months.

For Corporate Accounts:
- Trade License of the company.
- Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association.
- Passport copies and visas of all shareholders and authorized signatories.
- Emirates IDs of shareholders and signatories (if applicable).
- Owners Profile
- Company financial track records such as company bank statements of any other country or sister concern.
- Company’s business plan or a description of business activities.
- Proof of the company's physical address in the UAE.
- Board resolution authorizing the account opening and signatories.
- Bank reference letters (some banks may require this).

Banks may also conduct a due diligence process, which includes background checks and verifying the source of funds, especially for international entrepreneurs.

What are the documents required for opening a bank account in Dubai?

For Personal Accounts:
- Passport copy with UAE residence visa page.
- Emirates ID (or a copy of the application receipt if pending).
- Proof of UAE address (utility bill, tenancy agreement).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (if required).
- Salary certificate stating your income and position (for employed individuals).
- Personal bank statements from the last 3-6 months (for self-employed or freelancers).

For Corporate Accounts:
- Trade License of your UAE company.
- Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Share Certificates and details of the company’s ownership structure.
- Board Resolution authorizing the opening of the account and signatories.
- Passports and visas of all shareholders and authorized signatories.
- Emirates IDs of shareholders and signatories (if applicable).
- Proof of address for the company (lease agreement) and individuals.
- Company's business plan or a detailed description of business activities.
- Audited financial statements (for existing companies) or projected financials (for new companies).
- Reference letters from personal or corporate banks (if required).

Please note that requirements may vary slightly between banks, and some may request additional documentation based on their compliance policies.

Can we use Dubai bank accounts to buy/sell crypto?

Engaging in cryptocurrency transactions via traditional bank accounts in Dubai is approached cautiously due to regulatory considerations. While the UAE is progressive toward blockchain and has established regulatory frameworks in places like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), most conventional banks remain conservative.

Direct Transactions: Most banks in Dubai currently do not support direct transactions involving cryptocurrencies. Attempting to buy or sell crypto directly through your bank account may lead to transaction declines or account restrictions due to anti-money laundering (AML) policies.

Regulated Exchanges: You can use licensed cryptocurrency exchanges that operate under UAE regulations, such as Exness, BitOasis, Rain, or CoinMENA. These platforms allow you to deposit and withdraw funds from your UAE bank account to trade cryptocurrencies legally.

Dubai's stance on crypto is evolving, and regulatory bodies are working toward integrating cryptocurrencies into the financial system securely. Always stay updated with the latest regulations and bank policies.

Is Digital Banking available in Dubai?

Absolutely, Dubai is at the forefront of digital banking innovation. Many traditional banks offer robust online and mobile banking platforms. Additionally, several fully digital banks operate in Dubai, such as:

- WIO by FAB Bank
- Liv. by Emirates NBD
- Mashreq Neo
- E20. by Emirates NBD
- Zand Bank (a digital bank offering services to individuals and businesses)

These digital banks provide seamless banking experiences, including instant account opening, real-time transfers, expense tracking, and investment options—all accessible through user-friendly mobile apps.

What types of visas are available in the UAE?

The UAE offers a range of visa options, including employment visas, investor visas, business visas, freelance visas, and the prestigious Golden Visa. Each type caters to different residency and work requirements based on your business activity or purpose of stay.

What are the criteria to obtain a UAE visa?

Criteria depend on the visa type. Generally, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of business activity or employment, sponsorship (for certain visas), and financial proof. Specific visa types, like investor visas, may require evidence of investments or company ownership in the UAE.

Do I need to reside in the UAE to keep my visa valid?

For most visa types, except Golden Visa, you must visit the UAE at least once every six months to maintain its validity.

What is the Golden Visa in Dubai?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. It’s designed to attract global talent and investment.

What are the benefits of a Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency, valid up to 10 years, 100% business ownership without a sponsor, family sponsorship, unlimited domestic help sponsorship, and the freedom to live, work, and invest in the UAE including discounts in real estate, education and health. It also provides a secure environment for long-term planning and growth.

How can I obtain a Golden Visa in Dubai?

To qualify, you must meet specific requirements, such as

Owning a qualifying business with annual revenue of AED 1 Million, Making AED 2 Million investments,
Holding 2 million AED in a bank account for a year, or
Demonstrating exceptional talent in a recognized field.

Our experts can guide you through the application process to secure your Golden Visa.