FAQs about Emirabiz Services
No, offshore companies are not entitled for resident visas.
There are a few major differences:
- An offshore company is not allowed to do business in the UAE, but a free zone company can import goods and provide services in the territory of the UAE.
- An offshore company is not eligible for UAE resident visas, whereas a free zone company is usually entitled for resident visas.
- А Free Zone company may be liable for VAT if it does business in the UAE, but an offshore company never has to pay UAE VAT.
- An offshore company is the cheapest type of UAE corporate entity, and any free zone would always cost higher.
The visa validity is written on the visa itself. If you are a company owner, your visa would be valid for 3 years. If you are an employee, the validity is 2 years.
If your visa status is Investor, you are allowed to stay out of UAE 12 months and enter UAE every 365 days in order to maintain your visa.
If your visa status is other than Investor, you have to enter UAE every 6 months to keep the visa valid.
In case you fail to come or overstay abroad, your visa will be cancelled automatically and you will need to apply for a new one.
Visa renewal is similar to the new visa process, but costs cheaper and processing is slightly easier. In order to renew the visa you need to do new Medical check and re-apply for new Emirates ID. It should be done with your original passport and copy of the old visa, which should still be valid. Once the medical report is issued, just apply for new visa to the free zone counter and pay the fees for visa stamping only.
It’s recommended to start visa renewal about 2 weeks before the old visa expires.
If you are processing your resident visa and want to check the status, you may either call AFZA customer care line or check the updates on the free zone portal.
The official office of the free zone company must be located within the premises of AFZA. You will not be able to rent a Dubai office under the license issued in Ajman.
If you need to have a workspace or a meeting facility in Dubai, the best way would be to use a business center. You will be able to have flexible options starting from meeting room usage ending with executive serviced office of any required size.
Flexi-desk always comes as a part of company setup package even if you are not planning to use it. It is mandatory that any company has at least a small physical space from where it can conduct the activities. The free zone is obliged to provide such a space regardless of your intentions of using it or not.
Yes, Ajman free zone is a designated one from the point of view of VAT. It means that if a company registered in such a free zone sells the goods to a company in another designated free zone, such transaction is going to be free of VAT.
The UAE is free from personal income tax. However, there is a 5% import tax on goods brought into the country and a 5% VAT on trading or service transactions that occur within the UAE.
On June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced 9% corporate tax, however, companies registered in UAE free zones may be granted corporate tax exemption if they meet the criteria for qualifying activities.
Planning to start a business in the UAE? With Emirabiz, you can navigate the process quickly and effortlessly. We provide expert assistance with company registration, licensing, residency visas, bank accounts, and comprehensive business support.