The questions we are actually asked
Grouped by subject, answered in full, and sourced where a figure is involved.
Business setup
It depends on jurisdiction, activity, visa count and office requirement. Our estimator returns a range with the assumptions shown, and a fifteen-minute call produces a firm written quote.
Mainland lets you trade directly across the UAE market and is usually required for government work and city premises. Free zones offer 100% ownership and predictable packages but generally reach the mainland market through a distributor or branch. See the full comparison.
For most commercial activities, 100% foreign ownership is available on the mainland as well as in free zones. Specific activities retain local participation or agency requirements, so the activity must be checked.
Often yes, with attested documents and sometimes a power of attorney. Visa and Emirates ID steps require at least one visit.
A straightforward free zone licence is commonly issued within a week of complete documents; mainland takes longer where approvals or premises are involved; visas add two to four weeks.
Corporate tax
A tax on business profits that applies to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. The Ministry of Finance publishes rates of 0% on taxable income up to and including AED 375,000 and 9% above that.
All taxable persons, including free zone persons, are required to register and obtain a Corporate Tax Registration Number, as stated by the Ministry of Finance.
Within nine months of the end of the relevant tax period. See the nine-month rule explained.
A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on income that does not qualify. Registration is required either way.
An election available to businesses with revenue of AED 3 million or below, for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. See our update.
VAT
Mandatory registration applies once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. Both figures are published by the Federal Tax Authority.
5%, as stated on the UAE Government portal.
The FTA assigns your tax period when you register and it appears on your portal record. Do not assume quarterly.
There is a reconsideration process with its own window. Whether it is worth using depends on the reason for the penalty — send us the notice for a straight answer.
Accounting and audit
Records supporting tax filings must be kept and produced on request, and many free zones require audited financial statements at renewal. Corporate tax made the accounting record the basis of the return rather than an optional extra.
It is fixable, and it is common. See backlog clean-up — reconstruction from bank records, reconciled, and ending in a compliant position.
Yes, and mid-year is fine.
It depends on your licence and jurisdiction. Many free zones require audited statements for renewal. We confirm your specific position in writing.
Visas and compliance
Investor and employment residence visas are available through a UAE company, and long-term Golden Visas are granted under published categories. See Golden Visa.
A declaration of the natural persons who ultimately own or control the company, kept current as ownership changes.
The entity continues to exist and obligations continue to accrue. Closing properly is cheaper — see company liquidation.
Working with Aizaa
Quoted in writing before any work starts, with government charges itemised separately from ours. Recurring services — bookkeeping, VAT filing, compliance — are fixed periodic fees based on volume, so they do not move because a month was busy.
Within one working day for enquiries, Monday to Friday. WhatsApp during office hours is usually much faster. Messages received outside hours are answered the next working morning.