New in Filing HQ: UAE company formation, visas, banking, corporate tax and payroll

For years, the same question has come up on our calls. A founder forms a UK company with us, and then asks: "Can you help me set up in Dubai as well?" Until now we had to say no, and point them towards a separate agent, a separate process and a separate set of forms.

That changes today. Filing HQ now helps you set up and run a company in the United Arab Emirates. We cover company formation in a free zone or on the mainland, residence visas, business bank account guidance, corporate tax registration and payroll. You deal with Filing HQ from start to finish. Our licensed UAE partners handle the licensing authorities, immigration and banks on the ground.

Here's what's included, how it works, and how to get started.

What's launching

Setting up in the UAE isn't one task; it's five. You need a trade licence, residence visas for the people who will live there, a bank account, a corporate tax registration and, once you hire, payroll. Most founders end up managing a different provider for each. We've brought them together under one roof.

1. Company formation — free zone or mainland

We help you decide where to set up, then manage the licence application. A free zone company is licensed by that zone's own authority and runs under its rules. A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's economic department and can trade directly across the UAE market. We cover the mainland in all seven emirates and the most popular free zones in each, including:

• Dubai: DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai South and DIFC
• Abu Dhabi: ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City and twofour54
• Sharjah: SPC Free Zone, Shams, SAIF Zone and SRTIP
• Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah: Ajman Free Zone, Ajman Media City, UAQ Free Trade Zone, RAKEZ, RAK DAO, Fujairah Creative City and Fujairah Free Zone

Considering a zone that isn't on the list? Tell us in the enquiry form and we'll look at it. More on UAE company formation.

2. Residence visas

A UAE company can sponsor residence visas for its owners and staff. We coordinate the whole process: the company's immigration file, the entry permit, the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics and the visa itself. The medical and biometrics have to be done in person in the UAE. Our partner books those appointments so your trip is as short as possible. More on UAE residence visas.

3. Bank account guidance

Opening a business bank account is often the slowest part of a UAE setup. We won't pretend we can open one for you — the bank makes that decision after its own compliance checks, and nobody can honestly guarantee the outcome. What we do is match you to banks that fit your profile, check your documents before they go in, and arrange an introduction through our partner. More on bank account guidance.

4. Corporate tax registration

UAE companies register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, and that includes free zone companies expecting to pay 0%. We handle the registration for companies we've formed and for ones that already exist, and tell you what you'll need to file afterwards. More on corporate tax registration.

5. Payroll — managed or self-serve

Once you hire, you need to pay people accurately and on time. Managed payroll is available now: our UAE partner runs every pay cycle, producing payslips, Wage Protection System salary files where they apply, and leave and end-of-service gratuity calculations. Self-serve payroll software isn't available yet. If you'd rather run payroll yourself, register your interest and we'll let you know if we build it. More on UAE payroll.

How it works

1. Tell us what you need. Fill in the short UAE enquiry form. Tick the services you want and any free zones or emirates you're considering, or leave them blank and ask us to recommend.
2. Get a recommendation and a quote. We come back with the setup we think fits your business — free zone or mainland, and which one — and a quote that separates authority fees from our fee.
3. Send your documents. Typically passport copies for each shareholder and manager, plus your preferred company names. We tell you exactly what's needed for your jurisdiction.
4. We manage the setup. Our licensed UAE partner files the application and deals with the authority. We keep you updated at each stage.
5. Carry on with visas, banking, tax and payroll. Once the licence is issued, the next steps follow straight on, with the same point of contact.

Why we price by quote

You'll notice there's no single price on our UAE pages. That's deliberate. The cost of a UAE company depends on the free zone or emirate, your business activity, how many visas you need and the office package that comes with them, and the authorities change their fees regularly. A headline "from" price would almost never be what you actually pay. Instead we quote for your specific setup, before you commit, with no obligation.

Who it's for

• Founders relocating to the UAE who want the company, their residence visa and a bank account set up together.
• UK businesses expanding into the Middle East that need a local entity to serve customers in the region.
• Existing UAE companies that need corporate tax registration or payroll without changing formation agent.
• Accountants and advisers whose clients ask about the UAE and who want a reliable route to refer them.

A note on tax if you're staying in the UK

The UAE's tax rates are a big part of its appeal. Corporate tax is 9%, with 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income, and there's no personal income tax. But a UAE company doesn't take you out of UK tax on its own. If you remain UK tax resident, or the company is run from the UK, UK tax can still apply. We've set out both systems side by side in UK vs UAE tax: 9% corporate tax, 0% personal income tax, and how it compares. If you'll stay UK resident, take UK tax advice first — our accounting partners can help.

Common mistakes when setting up in the UAE

• Choosing a free zone on price alone. The cheapest licence can be the wrong one if it doesn't cover your activity, allow enough visas or suit the customers you sell to.
• Leaving visa numbers until later. How many visas your company can sponsor depends on the licence and office package, so decide before you form the company.
• Assuming the bank account is a formality. Banks run their own checks and can take time. A complete, consistent document file makes the biggest difference.
• Skipping corporate tax registration in a free zone. Free zone companies need to register too, even when they expect to pay 0%.
• Forgetting the UK side. If you stay UK resident, a UAE company can still leave you with UK tax to pay.

Frequently asked questions

Does Filing HQ form the UAE company itself?

We manage the whole process and are your single point of contact. The applications to UAE authorities are filed by our licensed UAE partners, because licensing, immigration and banking all have to be handled on the ground.

Do I need to travel to the UAE?

Not always for the licence itself, as many free zones can issue one without a visit. You will need to be in the UAE for the residence visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics, and usually to meet the bank.

Should I choose a free zone or the mainland?

It depends on who you sell to, what the business does, how many visas you need and whether you want the free zone tax regime. If you're unsure, tick "Not sure yet" in the enquiry form and we'll recommend one.

How much does it cost?

It varies by jurisdiction, activity and visas, and authority fees change regularly, so we quote for your setup rather than publish one price. The quote is free and there's no obligation.

Can you guarantee a bank account?

No — the bank decides. We improve your chances by matching you to suitable banks and getting your documents right before they're submitted.

Can you help with a UAE company I already have?

Yes. Corporate tax registration, payroll and visas are all available for existing UAE companies. Tick the services you need in the enquiry form.