Frequently Asked Questions
Setup routes, costs, visas, PRO, corporate tax, VAT, bookkeeping and audit — the questions every UAE business owner asks, answered in plain English and grouped by topic. Each answer is short; where a topic needs depth, we link you to the full service page or guide.
Free ConsultationWhatsApp +971 52 922 7960Business setup
Mainland, free zone or offshore — which is right for me?
It depends on where your customers are, whether you need UAE visas, and your budget. Mainland suits direct UAE-market trading; free zones suit streamlined, zone-based licensing; offshore suits holding and international structuring.
What does business setup cost in Dubai?
Indicatively: free zone from AED 12,999, mainland from AED 14,999, offshore from AED 9,999 — planning prices only. Your final quote depends on activity, authority, visas, office and government fees.
Can I set up a company while living abroad?
Many steps can be handled remotely; some need your presence or a power of attorney. We map the exact path on the discovery call.
Can a foreigner fully own a UAE company?
Ownership rules are activity- and jurisdiction-specific — we confirm your exact position on the consultation rather than giving a blanket answer.
Do I need an office to get a licence?
Most licences require a flexi-desk or office arrangement — indicative from AED 3,500 (flexi) to AED 12,000 (dedicated). The requirement is set by the jurisdiction and licence type.
How long does setup take?
Timelines are authority- and case-specific — we give you a realistic estimate for your route on the consultation, never a blanket promise.
Visas & PRO
How many visas can my company get?
It depends on the jurisdiction, licence and office setup — we plan visa allocation around your hiring needs.
What does PRO cover?
Approvals, trade-name and licence processing, visa applications, medicals, Emirates ID, renewals and government liaison — the paperwork between you and the authorities.
Can TNC handle licence and visa renewals?
Yes — renewals and ongoing government liaison are part of PRO support (indicative AED 4,999/year or AED 499/month).
What happens after my visa medical?
Medicals and Emirates ID follow the visa application; PRO tracks each step so nothing stalls.
Can family members get visas through my company?
Family sponsorship rules are case-specific — we confirm eligibility and the process for your situation.
Tax: corporate tax & VAT
Does corporate tax apply to my business?
Most UAE businesses fall in scope; exemptions and reliefs are case-specific and must be assessed on your facts. Never assume you’re exempt. The headline rate is 9% above the taxable threshold.
When must I register for VAT?
Mandatory registration once taxable supplies cross AED 375,000; voluntary registration available from AED 187,500. VAT is charged at 5% on most taxable goods and services.
Does corporate tax apply to free zone companies?
Free zone companies have a separate treatment with qualifying conditions — your position must be assessed case by case. There are no blanket exemptions.
What happens if I don’t register or file?
Both tax frameworks include penalties — registration timing and accurate filing matter.
Can TNC handle registration and filing?
Yes — corporate tax and VAT registration and filing support (indicative AED 999 per tax), plus the bookkeeping both taxes depend on.
What’s the difference between corporate tax and VAT?
Corporate tax is charged on profits and filed annually; VAT is collected on sales and filed periodically.
Bookkeeping & audit
Accounting & Bookkeeping • Audit & Assurance
What does monthly bookkeeping cost?
Indicative from AED 499/month, depending on transaction volume — invoicing, payables, receivables, reconciliation and management reports.
My books are behind — can you fix them?
Yes. We do a cleanup: reconstruct records, reconcile accounts and bring filings current, then move you to a monthly rhythm.
Do I need audited financials?
Some situations — certain licences, stakeholders or authorities — call for independent review. We assess whether it applies to you.
What does an audit involve?
Independent examination of your financial statements, coordinated on a scoped quote after we review your position.
Can one firm handle my books, tax and audit support?
Yes — that’s the TNC model: setup, bookkeeping, tax and audit readiness under one roof, so nothing falls between providers.
How do we switch our accounting to TNC?
Discovery call, handover checklist, cleanup if needed, then the monthly cycle. No disruption to your operations.
Financial advisory
What is financial advisory at TNC?
Feasibility, cash-flow and growth analysis for founders and SMEs — scoped to your question, quoted after a scope review.
When should a small business get financial analysis?
Before big decisions: pricing changes, expansion, funding, or when the numbers stop making sense.
How is this different from bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping records what happened; financial analysis interprets it and guides what to do next.
Still have a question? Ask a consultant directly.
For the full picture, browse the UAE Business Guides hub and the UAE Tax Guides hub.
Free ConsultationWhatsApp +971 52 922 7960