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Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to common questions about setting up a company, visas and residency, property and working with us in the UAE.

Setting up a company

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

It depends on the jurisdiction (free zone or mainland), your business activity and whether any outside approvals are needed. A free zone licence is often issued within a few working days once your documents are complete. Mainland setups usually take longer. We give you a realistic timeline once we understand your plans, but the final timing depends on the authorities.

What is the difference between a free zone and a mainland company?

A mainland company is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, as well as internationally. A free zone company is licensed by its free zone authority. It usually trades within its free zone or internationally, and selling directly to the UAE market generally needs extra arrangements, such as a mainland distributor, a branch or a permit. Both are subject to UAE corporate tax (9% on taxable income above AED 375,000), but qualifying free zone income can be taxed at 0%. We help you choose based on who your customers are and what you plan to do.

Can I own 100% of my company, or do I need a local sponsor?

In most cases you can own 100% of your company and don't need a local partner. Since 2021, UAE law allows full foreign ownership for most mainland activities, and free zones have always allowed it. A small number of activities still have specific ownership rules. We confirm what applies to your activity before you apply.

Do I need a physical office?

Every company needs a registered business address. Depending on the jurisdiction and activity, this can be a flexi-desk, a shared office or a dedicated office. Mainland companies generally need a registered tenancy contract (Ejari). The space you choose can also affect how many visas you can apply for, so we help you plan both together.

How much does it cost to set up a company?

Costs depend on the jurisdiction, business activity, office space and number of visas. Typical items include licence fees, office or flexi-desk rent, visa and Emirates ID costs, and our service fee. We send you a detailed quote for your situation before you commit to anything.

Can you help open a corporate bank account?

Yes. We help you choose suitable banks, prepare the documents they ask for and follow your application through. Each bank runs its own compliance checks and makes the final decision, so approval and timing can't be guaranteed.

Read more:How to start a business in Dubai: the steps in orderWhat a Dubai company setup really costs, and what drives the priceFree zone vs mainland: which is right for your business?

Visas and residency

Can I get a residence visa by setting up a company?

Yes. Company owners and partners are generally eligible for a UAE residence visa through their company. You'll need a medical fitness test and an Emirates ID as part of the process. How long the visa is valid depends on the jurisdiction and visa type.

What is the UAE Golden Visa and who is eligible?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa, valid for 5 or 10 years. It is self-sponsored, so you don't need an employer or local sponsor. Routes include property investment (property worth at least AED 2 million), entrepreneurs and business owners, skilled professionals (a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 and a bachelor's degree), outstanding students and people with recognised talent in specific fields. Holders can sponsor their family and can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency. We prepare and submit your application; the decision is made by the UAE authorities.

How many employee visas can my company get?

Your visa quota depends on your licence type, jurisdiction and office space. Free zones set their own allocations. We confirm your quota during setup and help you plan it around your hiring needs.

Can I sponsor my family?

Yes, if you meet the minimum salary or income requirement set by the authorities. You can usually sponsor your spouse and children, and in some cases your parents. We can prepare and submit family visa applications for you.

How long does visa processing take?

A residence visa involves several steps: an entry permit if you are outside the UAE, a medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics and the visa itself. The full process usually takes weeks rather than days. Timelines depend on the visa type, the authority and how complete your documents are. We give you an estimate for your case and keep you updated throughout.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

We help you understand the reason and, where possible, reapply with corrected or additional documents. Visa decisions are made by the UAE authorities, and government fees are generally non-refundable.

Read more:How a UAE residence visa works: entry permit, medical, Emirates IDThe complete guide to the UAE Golden VisaSponsoring your family in the UAE on a standard residence visa

Buying property in Dubai

What is the minimum investment for property in Dubai?

There is no single minimum. Prices vary widely by area and property type, and prime locations need higher budgets. If you want a Golden Visa through property, the property must be worth at least AED 2 million. We help you find properties that match your budget and goals.

Can foreigners own property in Dubai?

Yes. Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills. We explain the ownership rules that apply to the property you're considering.

What extra costs are there when buying property?

The main one is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the property value. Other costs can include registration and trustee fees, agent commission, mortgage registration fees if you borrow, and a valuation fee. We give you a full cost breakdown before you commit.

Is property investment in Dubai profitable?

It can be, through rental income and capital growth, but returns depend on location, property type and market conditions, and they are never guaranteed. We share market research to help you make an informed decision.

Do you offer property management?

Yes. We can help with finding tenants, collecting rent, coordinating maintenance and handling annual renewals.

Read more:Buying property in Dubai as a foreign investor: a practical guideThe full cost of buying property in Dubai, beyond the priceBuying off-plan property in Dubai: escrow, Oqood and payment plans

Software development

What types of software projects do you handle?

We build custom web applications, mobile apps (iOS and Android), business software, e-commerce platforms, CRM systems and SaaS products, using technologies such as React, Node.js, Python and cloud platforms.

How do you price software projects?

Pricing depends on scope, complexity, timeline and technology. We offer fixed-price projects, time-and-materials contracts and dedicated team models. Once we understand your requirements, we send a detailed proposal with clear pricing.

What is your development process?

We work in short, iterative stages: discovery and planning, UI/UX design, development, testing, launch and ongoing support. You get regular updates and can review progress at each milestone.

Do you provide maintenance and support after launch?

Yes. Maintenance plans cover bug fixes, security updates, performance improvements and new features, on monthly or annual contracts.

Who owns the source code when the project is finished?

Once the project is paid in full, you own the source code and deliverables as set out in your agreement. We can also provide documentation, training and handover to your team.

Read more:How much does a website cost in Dubai? What small businesses pay forMobile app development in Dubai: cost, timeline and choosing a developerCustom CRM or off-the-shelf? CRM options for UAE small businesses

Digital marketing

What digital marketing services do you offer?

SEO, Google Ads, social media marketing, content marketing, email campaigns, influencer marketing and brand strategy, tailored to the UAE market and your audience.

How long does SEO take to show results?

SEO is a long-term effort. Early improvements often appear within a few months, and bigger gains usually build over 6 to 12 months, depending on your website and competition. We send regular reports on rankings, traffic and enquiries.

How do you approach social media marketing?

We plan for each platform separately, whether that's Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. Work can include content creation, community management, paid ads and influencer partnerships, measured by engagement and enquiries rather than follower counts.

Do you work with businesses in specific industries?

We work with businesses in many sectors and shape each strategy around your industry, audience and goals.

What budget do I need for digital marketing?

It depends on your goals, channels and competition. After a consultation we recommend a monthly budget covering our fees and ad spend, and how to split it across channels.

Read more:SEO for small businesses in Dubai: what works and what it costsHow much does digital marketing cost for a small business in the UAE?How to grow a business Instagram account organically in the UAE

Working with Almahira

How do I get started?

Contact us by phone, email, WhatsApp or the contact form. We'll arrange a free consultation to understand what you need, then send a tailored proposal with no obligation.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. The first consultation is free for all our services, so you can ask questions and understand our approach before you commit to anything.

How can I pay?

We accept bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and online payments. Other methods may be possible on request. Payment terms are set out in your service agreement.

Do you work with clients outside Dubai?

Yes. We're based in Dubai and work with clients across the UAE. For software development and digital marketing, we also work with clients internationally.

How will I know how my case or project is going?

We send regular updates by email, WhatsApp or whichever channel you prefer. For software projects, you also get access to our project management tools.

Why work with Almahira?

You can handle company setup, visas, property and technology with one team, so you don't have to coordinate several providers. We explain costs in writing before you commit and keep you updated at every step.

Read more:UAE corporate tax: what small businesses and free zone firms need to knowHiring your first employee in Dubai: permits, contracts and payroll

Still have a question?

Every business is different, so it often helps to talk it through. Call us on +971 52 210 4014, message us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab) or email hello@almahira.me. We're available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (GST).

Tell us what you're planning

One short call is usually enough to recommend a jurisdiction, licence and visa route. A written quote follows.

Or call +971 52 210 4014 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 6 PM)