
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a UAE residency visa through this license?
Yes. When you register your business in a Free Zone, you become eligible to apply for a UAE residency visa for yourself, your family members, and your friends.
Do I need to live in the UAE full time if i register a business?
No. If you choose to register without a visa, you can run your business remotely. You don't have to be in the country, you still maintain 100% ownership.
If I do decide to get a visa, do I need to live in the UAE full time?
No. You can run your business remotely and still maintain your residency status with occasional visits to the UAE, exact schedules depend on immigration requirements. Please contact us for more information.
How much does it cost to set up a business and get a visa?
Please see our Packages with Visa here. Government costs such as Visa application and Emirates ID are additional, and we’ll provide a full breakdown before you commit.
Do I need a physical office in the UAE?
No. The Free Zone does not require a physical office, which means you can run your business virtually.
What types of businesses can I register?
You can choose from over 120+ business activities including consulting, media, marketing, IT services, wholesale and retail trading, and freelancing. We help you pick the right ones to tailor to your needs. Please contact us for more information.
How long does the setup take?
Business registration can be completed in 3–5 working days, and the visa process typically takes 2–3 weeks once your company is registered.
Can I sponsor my spouse and children?
Yes. Once you have your residency visa, you can sponsor your immediate family members under your name.
Can I bring in my friends and other unrelated individuals into the UAE?
Yes. You can issue visas to anyone as an employee of your company. Costs do apply so for more detailed information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Do I need to pay income tax in the UAE?
No. The UAE has 0% personal income tax, which means you keep 100% of your earnings!!!
Will I still need to pay tax in my home country?
This depends on your tax residency status. Many expats restructure their residency and finances to benefit from the UAE’s tax system. We recommend consulting a tax advisor for your specific case.
Do I need to pay corporate tax in the UAE?
Yes. You will need to pay 9% corporate tax on NETT profit over 375 000 AED. This is after expenses such as your own salary (with 0% income tax) for example.
Can I open a UAE bank account?
Yes. Once your company , you can open a business bank account in the UAE. If you add a visa and obtain residency you can then open a personal account.
What support does The Start Edge provide?
We handle the full process for you — from choosing your business activity and applying for the license to managing your visa paperwork and guiding you through opening a bank account. We can also assist with personalized soft landings and services such as accounting and software to run your business operations.
What is a Free Zone license?
A Free Zone license is a business license issued by one of the UAE’s free zones. It allows you to legally run a business in the UAE and access visa and banking services.
