Frequently Asked Questions
About Sarsan
What is Sarsan Corporate Services?
Sarsan Corporate Services is a Dubai-based business setup and advisory firm specializing in UAE company formation, corporate bank account facilitation, and Corporate Tax compliance. Unlike standard setup agents, we build the full operational infrastructure your business needs — license, banking, and tax structure — under one roof.
Is Sarsan Corporate Services a government agency?
Why choose Sarsan over other UAE business setup companies?
Sarsan’s core differentiator is our Banking-First approach — we identify the right bank for your business before recommending a license authority, eliminating the account rejection risk that affects over 40% of new UAE businesses. We also provide Corporate Tax readiness and post-setup operational support that most setup firms simply don’t offer.
Business Setup in UAE
How do I set up a business in Dubai as a foreigner in 2026?
Foreigners can set up a business in Dubai by choosing a Free Zone or Mainland structure, submitting required documents to the relevant authority, and obtaining a trade license — the process takes 3–15 business days depending on the structure. Sarsan manages the entire process on your behalf, from structure selection to license issuance and bank account opening.
What are the types of business structures available in the UAE?
The four main UAE business structures are: Free Zone Company (100% foreign ownership, ideal for international trade), Mainland LLC (required for UAE domestic market access), Branch Office (extension of a foreign company), and Offshore Company (for asset holding and tax-efficient structures). Sarsan recommends the right structure based on your banking profile, target market, and Corporate Tax exposure.
What is the difference between a Free Zone and Mainland company in UAE?
A Free Zone company offers 100% foreign ownership and simplified setup but has restrictions on selling directly to the UAE domestic market. A Mainland company allows full access to UAE consumers and government contracts but requires a local trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED). Both are subject to UAE Corporate Tax if annual taxable income exceeds AED 375,000.
Can I set up a UAE company without visiting Dubai?
Yes — UAE company formation can be completed remotely, and approximately 40% of Sarsan’s clients set up their businesses without travelling to Dubai. Physical presence is only required for Emirates ID biometrics and, in some cases, bank account opening. We advise on the optimal time to visit to minimize the number of trips required.
How long does UAE company registration take in 2026?
Free Zone company registration takes 3–7 business days from document submission to license issuance. Mainland LLC formation takes 7–15 business days. Corporate bank account activation takes an additional 2–6 weeks — Sarsan’s Banking-First documentation approach is specifically designed to reduce bank processing delays.
UAE Bank Account Opening
How do I open a corporate bank account in UAE for a new company?
To open a UAE corporate bank account, you need a valid trade license, shareholder documents, a business plan, proof of address, and a source-of-funds declaration. Banks assess your business activity, transaction profile, and risk category before approving. Sarsan profiles your business against UAE bank criteria before the license is issued to maximize approval chances.
Why do UAE banks reject new business bank account applications?
UAE banks reject corporate accounts due to unclear business activity descriptions, high-risk nationalities or sectors, incomplete KYC documentation, or a mismatch between the trade license activity and the declared business model. Tightened AML and KYC regulations since 2021 have made this the biggest operational pain point for new UAE businesses.
Which banks are best for a new company in Dubai?
Costs & Fees
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai in 2026?
UAE business setup costs in 2026 range from AED 12,000–18,000/year for an entry-level Free Zone company with no visas, to AED 25,000–55,000+ for a Mainland LLC with 2–3 visas. These figures include the trade license and authority fees but exclude bank minimum balances, medical insurance, and Corporate Tax compliance costs. Sarsan provides a full itemized cost breakdown before you commit.
What are the hidden costs of setting up a business in UAE?
The most common hidden costs in UAE business setup include: bank minimum balance requirements (AED 25,000–250,000 depending on the bank), annual license renewal fees (typically 80–90% of the initial setup cost), mandatory medical insurance per visa (AED 700–3,500/person/year), Corporate Tax registration (mandatory for all entities), and bookkeeping fees required for CT compliance. Sarsan provides a 3-year total cost of ownership projection at consultation.
How much does it cost to renew a UAE trade license?
UAE trade license renewal typically costs 80–90% of the original setup fee, payable annually to the relevant free zone authority or DED. Renewal is mandatory to maintain legal status, active visas, and corporate bank account standing. Sarsan manages the annual renewal process on behalf of clients to avoid lapses in legal compliance.
UAE Corporate Tax
Does a UAE Free Zone company pay Corporate Tax?
Yes — UAE Free Zone companies are subject to 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 per financial year. Free Zone entities may qualify for a 0% rate on “qualifying income” if they meet specific economic substance and activity conditions set by the Ministry of Finance. All UAE entities must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regardless of income level.
Who needs to register for UAE Corporate Tax?
Every UAE-incorporated entity — Free Zone, Mainland, Branch, or Offshore — must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority, even if their taxable income is zero. Failure to register carries FTA penalties. Corporate Tax registration is a mandatory step Sarsan handles during the company formation process.
What is UAE Corporate Tax and when did it start?
UAE Corporate Tax is a 9% federal tax on business profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year, introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023. It applies to all businesses operating in the UAE, making proper accounting and financial records mandatory for the first time for most UAE companies.
Do I need to register for VAT in UAE?
VAT registration in UAE is mandatory if your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. The standard VAT rate is 5%. Sarsan handles VAT registration, quarterly filing, and FTA correspondence as part of our ongoing compliance packages.
Working With Sarsan
Does a UAE Free Zone company pay Corporate Tax?
Yes — UAE Free Zone companies are subject to 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 per financial year. Free Zone entities may qualify for a 0% rate on “qualifying income” if they meet specific economic substance and activity conditions set by the Ministry of Finance. All UAE entities must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regardless of income level.
Who needs to register for UAE Corporate Tax?
Every UAE-incorporated entity — Free Zone, Mainland, Branch, or Offshore — must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority, even if their taxable income is zero. Failure to register carries FTA penalties. Corporate Tax registration is a mandatory step Sarsan handles during the company formation process.
What is UAE Corporate Tax and when did it start?
UAE Corporate Tax is a 9% federal tax on business profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year, introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023. It applies to all businesses operating in the UAE, making proper accounting and financial records mandatory for the first time for most UAE companies.
Do I need to register for VAT in UAE?
VAT registration in UAE is mandatory if your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. The standard VAT rate is 5%. Sarsan handles VAT registration, quarterly filing, and FTA correspondence as part of our ongoing compliance packages.
