Free Zone Companies: Offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal tax (except the new 9% corporate tax for profits over AED 375,000), 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and no currency restrictions. Free zone setup is generally faster and easier with dedicated support from the authorities. However, they can only conduct business within the free zone or internationally, not on the UAE mainland without a local service agent.

Mainland Companies: Allow unrestricted trading throughout the UAE and internationally, direct access to the UAE market without intermediaries, and a wider range of business activities. With recent regulatory changes, mainland companies now also offer 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.

Free zone setup costs typically range from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000, while mainland setup costs range from AED 25,000 to AED 60,000 depending on the business activity and location. At Evolve UAE, we analyze your business needs to recommend the most suitable jurisdiction for your operations.

As a business owner or investor in the UAE, you can sponsor yourself, family members, and employees for residence visas. The standard process involves:

• Entry Permit Application: Valid for 60 days from issuance
• Status Change: If the applicant is already in the UAE
• Medical Fitness Test: Required for all visa applicants aged 18 and above
• Emirates ID Registration: Mandatory for all residents
• Visa Stamping in Passport: Final step to complete the process

Visa validity typically ranges from 2-3 years depending on the jurisdiction. Processing time is generally 2-5 working days for status updates after medical test results are received. The number of visas you can obtain depends on your company's license type, office space, and capitalization.

Our PRO services at Evolve UAE handle the entire visa process efficiently, managing all government transactions and documentation to ensure a smooth experience for you and your employees.

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE requires thorough preparation and documentation. Key requirements include:

• Company Documentation: Trade license, registration certificates, and memorandum & articles of association
• Shareholder Documents: Passport copies and visa copies of all shareholders and signatories
• Business Plan or Company Profile: Detailing business operations, expected transactions, and revenue projections
• Board Resolution: For account opening authorization
• In-Person Meeting: Most banks require physical presence of at least one significant shareholder or director
• Minimum Balance Requirements: Ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 150,000 depending on the bank and account type

The account opening process typically takes 1-3 weeks, though this can vary based on the bank and your company structure. UAE banks have strict compliance procedures including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations.

Evolve UAE has established relationships with major UAE banks and can facilitate introductions, prepare all required documentation, and guide you through the entire process to significantly increase your approval chances.

The UAE offers various logistics and warehousing solutions catering to different business needs:

• Free Zone Warehouses: Located in dedicated logistics free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai South, and KIZAD, offering tax advantages and custom-built facilities
• Mainland Warehouses: Available throughout industrial areas in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates with varying sizes and specifications
• Bonded Warehouses: Allow storage of goods without paying customs duties until they leave the warehouse, facilitating effective regional distribution
• Specialized Facilities: Including temperature-controlled storage, hazardous materials warehousing, and cold storage solutions

Lease terms typically range from 1-5 years, with most industrial spaces requiring advance payments and security deposits. Costs vary significantly based on location, facility type, and amenities.

At Evolve UAE, we provide comprehensive logistics consulting to help you identify optimal warehouse locations, negotiate favorable lease terms, and establish efficient supply chain solutions for your business. We also assist with necessary permits and compliance requirements for logistics operations in the UAE.

Commercial property transactions in the UAE involve specific processes and regulations:

• Leasing Commercial Property:
  • Standard lease terms range from 1-5 years with renewal options
  • Typically requires 1-4 cheques per year, with better rates for fewer cheques
  • Security deposits usually amount to 5-10% of the annual rent
  • Ejari registration is mandatory in Dubai, while Tawtheeq registration is required in Abu Dhabi
• Buying Commercial Property:
  • Foreign ownership is permitted in designated areas and free zones
  • Transaction fees include 4% transfer fee, 0.25% registration fee, and agency fees of 2% (split between buyer and seller)
  • Mortgage options are available with down payments typically starting at 30-40%

Evolve UAE provides comprehensive commercial property services including market research, property identification, negotiation support, and transaction management. We maintain an extensive portfolio of commercial and industrial properties throughout Dubai and the UAE, tailored to your business requirements and budget.

A professional property evaluation in the UAE is a comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified valuers to determine a property's fair market value. Our property evaluation services include:

• Market Analysis: Assessment of current market conditions, trends, and comparable properties
• Physical Inspection: Thorough examination of the property's condition, features, and specifications
• Location Assessment: Evaluation of area development, accessibility, and future growth potential
• Financial Analysis: For investment properties, including rental yield calculations and ROI projections
• Legal Review: Verification of property documentation and legal status

Professional evaluations are crucial for:

• Making informed investment decisions
• Securing financing from banks and financial institutions
• Insurance purposes and asset valuation
• Financial reporting and compliance requirements
• Dispute resolution and legal proceedings

Evolve UAE's property evaluation services are conducted by RICS-certified valuers who are also licensed by Dubai Land Department and other relevant authorities, ensuring accurate and legally recognized valuations for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

UAE businesses must comply with several tax regulations:

• Value Added Tax (VAT):
  • Standard rate of 5% applicable to most goods and services
  • Mandatory registration for businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 annually
  • Voluntary registration available for businesses with taxable supplies over AED 187,500
  • Quarterly or monthly filing requirements based on turnover
• Corporate Tax:
  • Effective from June 2023 for most businesses
  • 0% rate on taxable income up to AED 375,000
  • 9% standard rate on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000
  • Small Business Relief available for companies with revenue under AED 3 million
• Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Requires certain UAE entities to demonstrate adequate economic presence
• Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO): Mandates disclosure of individuals who ultimately own or control a company

Businesses must maintain proper accounting records for at least 5 years and prepare financial statements in accordance with applicable standards. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines, business disruption, and reputational damage.

Evolve UAE offers comprehensive accounting and tax compliance services, including VAT registration and returns, corporate tax compliance, financial statement preparation, and ongoing advisory to ensure your business meets all UAE regulatory requirements.

Business consultation services provide essential guidance for navigating the UAE's complex regulatory landscape. Our expert consultation services include:

• Regulatory Compliance Guidance: Helping you understand and adhere to UAE business laws, including Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies
• Licensing Strategy: Advising on optimal license types and business activities based on your operational needs
• Market Entry Planning: Providing insights on local market conditions, consumer behavior, and competition
• Business Setup Optimization: Recommending cost-effective structures and locations for your business
• Operational Efficiency: Identifying process improvements and best practices for the UAE market

Our business consultants leverage over 25 years of experience in the UAE market to provide practical advice tailored to your specific industry and business model. We maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and market trends to ensure your business remains compliant and competitive.

The cost of business consultation services typically ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 depending on the scope and complexity of your requirements. However, these services often result in significant cost savings by helping you avoid regulatory penalties, optimize your business structure, and make informed strategic decisions.

Corporate restructuring and redomiciliation involve significant legal and administrative processes:

• Corporate Restructuring:
  • Changing company shareholders, directors, or management structure
  • Modifying business activities or license categories
  • Adjusting capital structure or corporate governance
  • Merging with or acquiring other entities
  • Reorganizing departments or operational units
• Redomiciliation:
  • Transferring a company's domicile from one jurisdiction to another
  • Maintaining the same legal identity, history, assets, and liabilities
  • Requires both current and target jurisdictions to allow redomiciliation
  • Popular UAE destinations include ADGM, DIFC, and RAKICC

For redomiciliation to the UAE, the process typically includes:

• Pre-approval assessment from the target free zone or jurisdiction
• Board and shareholder resolutions from the original company
• Preparation of corporate documents for the new jurisdiction
• Certificate of continuation and registration in the UAE
• Deregistration from the original jurisdiction

Evolve UAE provides comprehensive corporate restructuring and redomiciliation services, managing the entire process from initial assessment to final implementation. We ensure full compliance with both UAE and international regulations, minimizing disruption to your business operations during the transition.