Common setup mistakes
Most problems we fix for clients come from choices made in the first week.
- Choosing a zone on price alone, then finding the activity or visa count does not fit.
- Vague activities, which lead to bank rejections.
- Ignoring home-country tax rules on residence and company management.
- No UAE substance, which weakens banking and treaty positions.
- Forgetting corporate tax registration, which triggers penalties.
- Letting the licence expire instead of renewing or closing it.
- Mixing personal and company funds in one account.
- Unattested documents that delay visas and corporate steps.
- Leaving without cancelling visas, which creates fines and future problems.
- Assuming 0% tax for every free zone company. See Qualifying free zone person.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.