Find quick answers to the most common questions about UAE business setup, visas, accounting, and more. Browse our FAQs to get the information you need or contact our experts for personalized assistance.
- UAE Business Setup
- Africa
- Visas
- Accounting
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. Since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional business activities on both the mainland and in free zones. A small number of strategic sectors (e.g., oil & gas, defence) may still require a UAE national partner.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
Free zone companies can be incorporated in 5–10 business days. Mainland companies typically take 10–16 business days. Regulated activities requiring special approvals (healthcare, financial services, education) may take 3–6 weeks.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE and with government entities. A free zone company benefits from tax advantages and simpler setup but is restricted from directly trading in the UAE domestic market without a mainland distributor or agent.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to set up my company?
Not necessarily. Many free zone setups can be completed remotely. For mainland companies, a physical visit to the UAE is typically required for notarisation and visa stamping. Gatewind advises on what can be done remotely for each specific case.
What is the UAE Corporate Tax rate?
The UAE Corporate Tax rate is 9% on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 annually. Profits up to AED 375,000 are taxed at 0%. Qualifying free zone entities may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, subject to maintaining substance requirements.
How many visas can my company sponsor?
The number of visas depends on your office type and size. A flexi-desk typically allows 3–6 visas. A dedicated office allows more based on floor area. Mainland companies have higher potential quotas linked to office space (approximately 1 visa per 9 sq metres of office space).
Why should I use Gatewind for Africa business setup rather than a local firm?
Gatewind provides a unique dual advantage: we combine deep UAE expertise with vetted in-country African legal and corporate partners. This means you get a single point of contact managing a multi-jurisdiction engagement, with the quality assurance, accountability, and governance standards of a UAE-licensed firm throughout.
Which African countries does Gatewind cover?
We currently have active partnerships in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, and Mozambique with additional markets being continuously developed.
How long does it take to register a company in Africa?
Timelines vary significantly by country. Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana typically offer the fastest registrations (5–15 business days). Nigeria and South Africa generally take 3–6 weeks. Countries with more complex regulatory frameworks may take 6–12 weeks.
Do I need a local partner to set up in Africa?
This depends entirely on the country and sector. Several African nations have local content requirements mandating a percentage of local ownership (e.g., Nigeria’s oil & gas sector requires significant local equity). Gatewind advises on exactly what is required for your specific market and activity, and identifies reputable local partners where needed.
Can I structure my African investment through a UAE company?
Yes, and this is often strongly recommended. Using a UAE holding company as the investment vehicle provides access to UAE’s double tax treaty network, offers enhanced investor protections, makes it easier to attract co-investors, and provides a more neutral and credible jurisdiction from a governance perspective.
What are the most popular investment sectors for UAE investors in Africa?
Currently, the most active sectors for UAE-Africa investment include real estate and construction, agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, fintech and mobile banking, mining and natural resources, and healthcare infrastructure
What is the UAE Golden Visa and who qualifies?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years, renewable) that does not require a UAE employer sponsor. Eligible categories include investors with AED 2 million+ in UAE assets, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents in science, arts, culture, and sports, outstanding students, and specialist healthcare professionals.
Can I sponsor my family after setting up a company in the UAE?
Yes. Once you hold a UAE residence visa as an investor or employee, you can sponsor your spouse, children under 18 (or unmarried daughters of any age), and parents, subject to meeting minimum salary requirements (typically AED 3,000-4,000 per month for spouse and children sponsorship).
How long does UAE visa processing take?
Investor visa processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Employee visa processing takes 7-14 business days. Golden Visa applications generally take 1-2 weeks. Processing times may vary based on applicant nationality and current authority workloads.
UAE Business Setup FAQs
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. Since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional business activities on both the mainland and in free zones. A small number of strategic sectors (e.g., oil & gas, defence) may still require a UAE national partner.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
Free zone companies can be incorporated in 5–10 business days. Mainland companies typically take 10–16 business days. Regulated activities requiring special approvals (healthcare, financial services, education) may take 3–6 weeks.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE and with government entities. A free zone company benefits from tax advantages and simpler setup but is restricted from directly trading in the UAE domestic market without a mainland distributor or agent.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to set up my company?
Not necessarily. Many free zone setups can be completed remotely. For mainland companies, a physical visit to the UAE is typically required for notarisation and visa stamping. Gatewind advises on what can be done remotely for each specific case.
What is the UAE Corporate Tax rate?
The UAE Corporate Tax rate is 9% on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 annually. Profits up to AED 375,000 are taxed at 0%. Qualifying free zone entities may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, subject to maintaining substance requirements.
How many visas can my company sponsor?
The number of visas depends on your office type and size. A flexi-desk typically allows 3–6 visas. A dedicated office allows more based on floor area. Mainland companies have higher potential quotas linked to office space (approximately 1 visa per 9 sq metres of office space).
Africa Business Setup & Investment FAQs
Why should I use Gatewind for Africa business setup rather than a local firm?
Gatewind provides a unique dual advantage: we combine deep UAE expertise with vetted in-country African legal and corporate partners. This means you get a single point of contact managing a multi-jurisdiction engagement, with the quality assurance, accountability, and governance standards of a UAE-licensed firm throughout.
Which African countries does Gatewind cover?
We currently have active partnerships in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, and Mozambique with additional markets being continuously developed.
How long does it take to register a company in Africa?
Timelines vary significantly by country. Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana typically offer the fastest registrations (5–15 business days). Nigeria and South Africa generally take 3–6 weeks. Countries with more complex regulatory frameworks may take 6–12 weeks.
Do I need a local partner to set up in Africa?
This depends entirely on the country and sector. Several African nations have local content requirements mandating a percentage of local ownership (e.g., Nigeria’s oil & gas sector requires significant local equity). Gatewind advises on exactly what is required for your specific market and activity, and identifies reputable local partners where needed.
Can I structure my African investment through a UAE company?
Yes, and this is often strongly recommended. Using a UAE holding company as the investment vehicle provides access to UAE’s double tax treaty network, offers enhanced investor protections, makes it easier to attract co-investors, and provides a more neutral and credible jurisdiction from a governance perspective.
What are the most popular investment sectors for UAE investors in Africa?
Currently, the most active sectors for UAE-Africa investment include real estate and construction, agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, fintech and mobile banking, mining and natural resources, and healthcare infrastructure
UAE Visa & Immigration FAQs
What is the UAE Golden Visa and who qualifies?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years, renewable) that does not require a UAE employer sponsor. Eligible categories include investors with AED 2 million+ in UAE assets, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents in science, arts, culture, and sports, outstanding students, and specialist healthcare professionals.
Can I sponsor my family after setting up a company in the UAE?
Yes. Once you hold a UAE residence visa as an investor or employee, you can sponsor your spouse, children under 18 (or unmarried daughters of any age), and parents, subject to meeting minimum salary requirements (typically AED 3,000-4,000 per month for spouse and children sponsorship).
How long does UAE visa processing take?
Investor visa processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Employee visa processing takes 7-14 business days. Golden Visa applications generally take 1-2 weeks. Processing times may vary based on applicant nationality and current authority workloads.
