Guides
UAE business setup guides
Answer-first, practitioner-written guides for founders and families planning a move to the UAE. Written by the Founder Solutions team and reviewed September 2026.
Company setup
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai: A Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide to setting up a company in Dubai in 2026: structure, activities, licence, visas, Emirates ID, bank account and ongoing compliance.
10 min read
Company setup
Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Structure Is Right for You?
Free zone or mainland? Compare ownership, where you can trade, office, visas, tax treatment, audit and banking perception, with a practical decision checklist.
9 min read
Company setup
How Long Does Company Setup Take in Dubai? Realistic Timelines by Stage
Realistic Dubai company setup timelines by stage—licence, establishment card, visa, Emirates ID and bank account—and what speeds things up or slows them down.
8 min read
Company setup
Can I Set Up a Dubai Company Remotely? What Can and Can’t Be Done Without Flying In
What parts of Dubai company setup you can do from abroad, which steps need you in the UAE, and how to plan one efficient trip for visas and banking.
7 min read
Visas & residency
UAE Golden Visa Eligibility: Categories Explained and How to Check
Who qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa: investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, exceptional talents and students—and how to check your eligibility.
8 min read
Visas & residency
How to Sponsor Your Family in Dubai: Documents, UK Certificate Attestation and Steps
Sponsoring a spouse, children or parents in Dubai: income and housing requirements, attestation of UK marriage and birth certificates, and the step-by-step process.
7 min read
Banking
Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE: What Banks Ask For and How to Avoid Rejection
What UAE banks look for when opening a corporate account—substance, business plan, source of funds, residence—typical documents, rejection reasons and how to prepare.
7 min read
Tax & compliance
UAE Corporate Tax for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know
UAE corporate tax basics for small businesses: 0% up to AED 375,000, 9% above, qualifying free zone persons, Small Business Relief to 2029, registration and filing.
7 min read
Tax & compliance
UAE E-Invoicing 2026–2027: What’s Changing and What Small Firms Should Do Now
The UAE is phasing in mandatory e-invoicing from 2026 to 2027. What is changing, who is affected, and the practical steps small businesses should take now.
8 min read
Relocation
Moving to Dubai from the UK: The Complete Checklist
A printable checklist for moving from the UK to Dubai: documents, visas, company, housing, schools, healthcare, driving, banking and UK loose ends. Download as PDF.
8 min read
Relocation
Exchanging a UK Driving Licence in Dubai: Process Overview
How UK licence holders can exchange for a Dubai driving licence: eligibility, documents, eye test, RTA process and practical tips after you get your residence visa.
7 min read
Company setup
Dubai Free Zone Companies on the Mainland: Resolution No. 11 of 2025 Explained
How Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 lets eligible free zone companies operate on the Dubai mainland, who it suits, and what to check before applying.
7 min read
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