Everything you need to know about setting up and operating a business in Dubai — company formation, visas, instant licensing, facilities, and compliance.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general guidance only, based on our free zone partner's published guidelines and UAE regulatory frameworks as understood at the time of publication. It does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or professional advice. Regulations, fees, and policies are subject to change without prior notice. BH Management Consultancy LLC-FZ accepts no liability for decisions made in reliance upon this information. For advice specific to your situation, please book an initial consultation.
Common questions about setting up a UAE free zone company.
How many shareholders can be on a UAE free zone license?
Up to 50 shareholders are permitted. For most standard setups — sole founders, two-partner structures, or corporate-held entities — this limit is more than sufficient. If your shareholding structure is complex, we advise on the appropriate approach during your consultation.
How many directors and managers are permitted?
A maximum of 4 directors may be listed. Only one manager can appear on the license itself. Additional operational managers can be appointed internally without being reflected on the license document.
How many business activities are included in the license fee?
The standard license fee includes up to three business activity groups. Within each group, you may include as many individual activities as needed. Activities from a fourth group onward carry a supplementary fee per additional activity. With 2,500+ activities across 17 sectors, most businesses find everything they need within three groups.
Can I set up a company with zero visa allocation?
Yes. A 0-visa license includes a Lease Agreement and LLC-FZ Trade License covering three business activity groups. This is suitable for holding structures, non-resident businesses, or companies not yet requiring UAE-based employees. Visa allocation can be added at any point after formation.
What documents will I receive after incorporation?
Upon successful incorporation you receive: Certificate of Formation, Share Register, Business License, Lease Agreement, and Memorandum of Association. Instant licenses are issued digitally within 60 minutes. Standard licenses are typically ready within 1–3 business days.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to set up?
For the license application itself, physical presence is generally not required. If applying for a UAE residence visa, you will need to visit Dubai for your medical examination and Emirates ID biometrics. A Non-Resident License is also available for fully remote setups.
Note: Our Non-Resident License allows UAE-registered companies and non-resident banking access without a physical visit to Dubai.
Visa & Immigration
Questions about residence visas, investor visas, and immigration.
Am I eligible for an Investor or Partner visa?
Eligibility requires a minimum share capital investment of AED 50,000 or more in the company. Sole shareholders apply for an Investor visa; co-shareholders each apply for a Partner visa. We manage the full application once the license and Immigration Card are in place.
What types of visas can BH process?
We manage: Employment Visa, Investor/Partner Visa, Dependent Visa (spouse and children), Long-Term Visit Visa, Entry Visa, and Status Change for individuals already inside the UAE.
How many visas does my license allow?
Visa allocation depends on your facility type. Flexi-desks typically include 1–2; dedicated desks allow up to 6; shared offices include 1; and private offices can include 6–14 depending on size. We match the facility to your headcount needs from the outset.
Note: Visa processing fees are separate from the license fee. Volume pricing is available for large teams.
How long does the full visa process take?
The full residence visa process — including medical examination, Emirates ID biometrics, and stamping — typically takes 2–3 weeks after the license is issued. Urgent processing is available for time-sensitive cases.
Instant License
Questions about our UAE free zone's 60-minute instant business license.
What is the Instant License?
The Instant License is a fully digital LLC-FZ license issued in under 60 minutes — no physical paperwork required. It includes access to 1,800+ business activities, same-day visa and bank account application initiation, and one free amendment in the first year. It is backed by a money-back guarantee if the 60-minute target is not met.
Who is the Instant License designed for?
The Instant License is designed for solo founders who need to launch quickly. At formation, a single individual must serve as the sole shareholder, manager, director, and UBO. After the included free amendment, additional shareholders can be added and the license transitions to a standard free zone license with full flexibility.
Is there a refund if it takes longer than 60 minutes?
Yes — the Instant License is the only UAE free zone license with a formal time guarantee. If the process exceeds 60 minutes, you may be eligible for a partial refund. A full refund applies if the license is not issued at all.
Facility & Office
Questions about workspace options in Dubai.
What workspace options are available?
Our free zone partner's business centre offers: Co-working Flexi-Desk (4-hour blocks), Dedicated Desk (monthly), Shared Office (annual, 1 visa allocation), and Private Offices ranging from approximately 5.5 to 26+ SQM with dedicated phone answering, mail management, and free monthly meeting room access. Meeting Rooms and Boardrooms are also bookable by the hour.
Do I need a physical office to get a license?
No. A flexi-desk arrangement satisfies the facility requirement for the license. It provides a professional business address, a lease agreement, and shared workspace access — without the cost of a private office. You can upgrade at any time as your team grows.
Where is the business centre located?
The business centre is located at Meydan Grandstand, 6th Floor, Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE — within the iconic Meydan complex. Our BH team is based at the same location, so we are on-site to assist you directly.
Compliance & Legal
Questions about UBO, VAT, ESR, and ongoing compliance obligations.
What is a UBO and what are my obligations?
The Ultimate Beneficial Owner is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls your company. Under UAE law, all free zone licensees must create and maintain a Register of UBO and a Register of Partners/Shareholders within 60 days of formation. Any changes must be updated within 15 days. Non-compliance can result in penalties and license suspension.
Does my company need to register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory if your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 per year. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. We advise on your VAT position and handle registration, filing, and deregistration.
Note: Free zone entities supplying goods or services within the UAE mainland may be subject to standard VAT rules.
Can I operate on the UAE mainland with a free zone license?
Yes, with the appropriate approvals. UAE free zone companies can obtain a No Objection Certificate and DED/DET approval to conduct business on the UAE mainland without a separate mainland license. We manage the full approval process with the relevant authorities.
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