"I'm not sure which entity type is right for me." "The process seems complicated." — Portgate's Dubai-based team guides you from company formation to visa issuance and bank account opening.

For You

Want to start a business in Dubai
Worried about the complexity of company formation
Need support with English communication
Want to handle visa and company setup together

Why UAE

Low Corporate Tax

UAE corporate tax is 9% (0% for annual income under AED 375,000).

Visa Eligibility

Setting up a company allows you to sponsor visas for yourself and your employees.

International Credibility

A UAE company carries strong credibility in international business and serves as a gateway to the Middle East and African markets.

Flow

Setup: Approx. 1 week + Visa: Approx. 2 weeks
1

Submit Application Form & DocumentsOnline

Enter your business details and planned relocation date, then submit the required documents.

2

PaymentOnline

Pay the company formation fee. Card payment is accepted.

3

Office Lease AgreementOnline

Sign a physical or virtual office lease agreement.

4

Trade License AcquisitionOnline

Obtain your trade license and register the memorandum of association and company stamp.

5

E-Visa IssuanceOnline

Receive a 2-month entry visa for completing the remaining steps in Dubai.

6

Medical Check & BiometricsOn-site

Complete the medical examination and biometrics to obtain your Emirates ID.

7

Visa & Emirates ID CollectionOn-site

Receive your company visa and Emirates ID.

8

Bank Account & Tax RegistrationOn-site

Open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.

FAQ

Q. How long does company formation take?
A. For both free zone and mainland, formation takes approximately 1 week, plus about 2 weeks for visa issuance. * Processing times may vary depending on document readiness and government procedures.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Costs vary depending on the free zone and entity type. We'll provide a quote during your free consultation.
Q. Can I set up a company from outside the UAE?
A. Yes. Some free zones offer fully online formation. Contact us for details.
Q. Can I also get a visa at the same time?
A. Yes. We provide combined support for company formation and visa issuance. Most of our clients request both together.
Q. Do you help with corporate bank account opening?
A. Yes. With a certificate of incorporation, visa, and proof of address, you can open an account. Banks like Wio can be set up in as little as 3-7 days.
Q. How many shareholders can be registered?
A. Up to 4 shareholders.
Q. Can I change my business activity after formation?
A. Yes, but it requires license reissuance and an application to the relevant authority.
Q. Do you offer accounting and tax support?
A. Yes. We provide comprehensive support for accounting, VAT registration, and annual reporting.
Q. Do I need to rent an office?
A. You can choose between a virtual office or a physical office for your company formation.
Q. Can I trade stocks or cryptocurrency in Dubai?
A. No company formation is needed — individuals can trade freely. Stocks can be traded through bank or brokerage accounts, and cryptocurrency through licensed exchanges like Binance or Rain.

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Have questions about company setup? Let's start with a free consultation.

We can combine visa and company setup. Our Dubai-based team is here to help.

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