StrataLink Blog
Practical guides on company formation, free zones, Golden Visas, banking, and compliance — written for founders from India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond.
UAE mainland companies can trade freely across the UAE and bid for government contracts with no foreign ownership restrictions since 2021. Free zone companies offer 0% personal income tax and faster setup but cannot sell directly to the UAE mainland market. This guide maps the right choice to your revenue model.
Singapore-based founders can register a UAE free zone company entirely remotely — no UAE visit required. We walk through jurisdiction selection, notarised document requirements, bank account strategy for Singapore residents, and realistic timelines from application to operational account.
Seychelles IBCs incorporate in 3–5 days from AED 3,500 and are widely accepted for UAE banking. Panama foundations offer stronger asset protection and estate planning features. We compare both jurisdictions on cost, banking access, privacy laws, and annual maintenance requirements.
Each guide links to the service page where you can get a quote.
Free Zone Formation
IFZA, Meydan, SHAMS, Ajman
Mainland Formation
Dubai & Abu Dhabi DED
Offshore Formation
Seychelles, Panama, IFZA Offshore
UAE Golden Visa
10-year residency for investors
Bank Account Help
6 UAE banking partners
Corporate Tax & VAT
FTA filing & compliance
Setup from Asia
India, Singapore, Hong Kong
Business Center
Flexi desks & registered address
Quick answers — sourced from the questions StrataLink clients ask most often.
UAE free zone company formation costs range from AED 8,950 (Ajman Free Zone) to AED 21,000+ (IFZA, Meydan) depending on the jurisdiction, licence type, and number of visas required. The total cost includes the trade licence fee, establishment card, and mandatory medical insurance. StrataLink provides a full itemised quote before any commitment.
Yes. Most UAE free zone companies can be formed entirely remotely. The process involves submitting notarised copies of your passport and address proof, signing documents digitally or via courier, and receiving your licence and Emirates ID by mail. StrataLink completes the full process without requiring the founder to travel.
The UAE Corporate Tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Income below AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%. Free zone companies that meet Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions continue to benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. The UAE has no personal income tax.
UAE free zone company formation typically takes 7–10 business days from document submission to licence issuance. Mainland formation in Dubai takes 10–15 business days depending on the Department of Economy and Tourism queue. Bank account activation adds a further 2–4 weeks.
The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year residency to investors (AED 2 million minimum property or public investment), entrepreneurs with an approved UAE business, skilled professionals in priority sectors, and outstanding students. Indian, Singaporean, and Hong Kong nationals commonly qualify via the investor or entrepreneur pathway.
Have a different question? See the full FAQ or speak to the team.
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