A Dubai company, set up properly for people who live internationally.
Neva forms, licenses and maintains UAE companies for entrepreneurs, investors and families from the UK, Europe, the United States and beyond. One adviser, one fixed fee, and a bank account at the end of it.
What we handle
Tools
Calculators and checkers that answer UAE setup, tax, visa and banking questions in a minute.
Company setup
Mainland, free zone, offshore and branch structures explained, with the steps, documents and timelines for each.
Free zones
Independent guides to the UAE's main free zones: who each one suits, what it allows and how setup works.
Comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons of free zones, visas and structures, so you can decide quickly.
Visas & residency
Investor, Golden, employment and family visas: eligibility, documents and the process from entry permit to Emirates ID.
Tax & accounting
Corporate tax, VAT, bookkeeping and reporting obligations for UAE companies and their owners.
Advice written for where you come from
Moving a business to Dubai means different things for a UK director, a US citizen or a Swiss resident. Tax residency, reporting and banking questions change with your passport, so our guidance does too.
- For UK citizens
- For US citizens
- For Russian citizens
- For Swiss citizens
- For Finnish citizens
- For Grenada citizenship holders
- For German citizens
- For Canadian citizens
- For Australian citizens
- For French citizens
- For Italian citizens
- For Dutch citizens
- For Swedish citizens
- For Norwegian citizens
- For Danish citizens
- For Irish citizens
- For Kazakhstan citizens
- For Uzbekistan citizens
- For Indian citizens
- For Singapore citizens
How a setup with Neva works
- Consultation. We learn where you are tax resident, what the company will do and who owns it. You receive a written recommendation: jurisdiction, licence activity, visa plan and a fixed fee.
- Name and approvals. We reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval from the licensing authority, usually within days.
- Documents and signing. We prepare the incorporation documents and arrange signing, in person in Dubai or remotely where the authority allows it.
- Licence issued. Your trade licence, establishment card and registrations are issued and delivered to you.
- Visas and Emirates ID. Entry permit, medical test, biometrics and residence visa for you and, if you wish, your family.
- Bank account. We prepare a bank-ready file and introduce you to banks suited to your profile and nationality.
Why international clients choose Neva
- One adviser from start to finish. You deal with the same person from the first call to the bank account.
- Fixed fees, written in advance. Government fees, our fees and optional items are itemised before you commit.
- Home-country awareness. We flag what your move may mean for tax residency and reporting where you come from, and work alongside your own advisers there.
- Compliance done properly. Banks accept well-prepared clients. Our KYC files are built to the standard UAE banks expect.
- Discretion. Client matters are handled by a small team and never discussed with third parties without consent.
Common questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland activities can also be 100% foreign-owned. A small list of strategic activities still needs UAE national participation. See 100% foreign ownership.
Do I need to live in the UAE to own a company there?
No. You can own a UAE company as a non-resident. Many owners also take a residence visa through the company, which is needed for some banks and for UAE tax residency.
How long does company setup take?
A free zone licence can be issued in a few working days once documents are complete. Mainland setups usually take one to three weeks. Visas and bank accounts add time; see Setup timeline.
Is there tax in the UAE?
The UAE has a federal corporate tax of 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, with 0% available on qualifying income for qualifying free zone companies. There is no personal income tax. VAT is 5%. See UAE corporate tax.
Talk it through with a specialist
Tell us where you live, what the business does and what you need from the UAE. We reply within one business day with a recommended structure and a fixed quote.