Frequently asked questions

Free zone companies are licensed by a free zone authority, offer 100% ownership and customs benefits, and trade with the UAE mainland through distributors. Mainland companies are licensed by an emirate's economic department and trade anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts. Offshore companies cannot trade inside the UAE at all; they hold assets and operate internationally.

Free zone packages start from the amounts shown on our live price list, mainland packages a little higher, and offshore companies in between. The total depends on visas, office and approvals, which is why we quote in writing for your exact case.

Ajman licences can be issued within 1–3 working days, Dubai free zones in about a week and mainland licences in 3–5 days. Visas add one to two weeks and bank accounts a few weeks more.

Yes. Most licences are issued with scanned documents and a signed power of attorney. You must enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID when the residence visa is processed.

Free zones include a flexi-desk or virtual office in most packages. Mainland licences need a registered tenancy, although Dubai's Instant Licence and Abu Dhabi's Tajer licence waive it for the first year or two.

Yes. Licence amendments cover activity changes, new shareholders, name changes and office upgrades, usually within a few working days.

Free zone packages carry a quota tied to the office option; mainland companies get quota in proportion to office area. Quotas can be increased by upgrading the office.

Yes. Once your own residence visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse, children and, subject to conditions, parents.

A 10-year renewable residence visa for investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, scientists and outstanding students, with no sponsor and family inclusion.

Standard residence visas are valid for two years; Green Visas for five and Golden Visas for ten.

Standard visas lapse after six months outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders are exempt from this rule.

No one can. Banks run their own compliance review. GoldenKey prepares a complete file, writes your business profile and introduces you to a bank that fits your activity and nationality, which is where approvals are won.

From a few days at digital banks to several weeks at the large banks, depending on your profile and how quickly you answer compliance questions.

It depends on your activity, nationality, turnover and whether you need trade finance. We shortlist two or three banks rather than applying everywhere.

Most banks prefer a resident signatory with Emirates ID, so we usually process your visa before the bank application.

There is no personal income tax. Corporate tax applies at 9% on business profits above AED 375,000, with a 0% rate for qualifying free zone income.

Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months and voluntary above AED 187,500.

They must register and file. Qualifying free zone income can be taxed at 0% if substance and income conditions are met; other income is taxed at 9%.

Fixed penalties apply for late registration and filing, growing with delay. GoldenKey tracks every deadline for its clients.

Our service fee is fixed in the written quotation. Government fees are passed through at cost and can change if an authority revises them.

Yes. We license companies in all emirates and free zones and serve clients worldwide.

English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam in-house, with Russian, French and Mandarin support through partners.

Message us on WhatsApp with your nationality, activity and visa count, or send the contact form. We reply shortly with a written quotation.