Solutions · Consulting
Consulting.
Legal & investment services.
Company formation, banking, wills, residency and international structures — set up correctly from day one by one team, so you never have to coordinate lawyers and agents yourself.
Dubai services
at a glance.
Seven core services for international investors and entrepreneurs in the UAE. Starting prices are shown in USD and are confirmed in your personal quote.
Free zone company
For internationally focused, digital or trading businesses.
- Incorporation from
- $9,550
- Bank account assistance
- $1,400
Mainland company
For physical shops, offices, restaurants and multi-emirate operations.
- Incorporation from
- $13,050
- Bank account assistance
- $1,900
DIFC last will
Protect your UAE assets and decide who inherits them.
- Single will
- $5,750
- Mirror will
- $8,350
Golden Visa
A self-sponsored 10-year residence permit for property investors.
- Golden Visa fee
- $4,650
Blue Visa
A 10-year residency for outstanding environmental and sustainability merit.
- Fee
- On request
Offshore company
RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore holding companies for assets held abroad.
- Fee
- On request
International structuring
Holding, estate, IP and wealth structures — including online-incorporated foreign companies.
- Incorporation from
- $4,850
- Bank account from
- $1,950
01 — Company setup
Free zone or mainland —
the right structure first.
The choice between a free zone and the mainland decides where you can trade, how many visas you can sponsor and what it costs. We define the exact business activity with you before anything is filed.
Free zone
Free zone company
Ideal for internationally focused, digital or trading businesses. Dubai has more than 30 free zones, each established for a specific activity, so defining the precise business activity is essential.
- Company incorporation from
- $9,550
- Corporate bank account opening assistance
- $1,400
Mainland
Mainland company
Ideal if you want to run a physical shop, office, restaurant, or construction and service activity directly, operate across multiple emirates at once and employ local staff.
- Company incorporation from
- $13,050
- Corporate bank account opening assistance
- $1,900
What is a free zone company?
A free zone is a special economic zone with its own regulatory authority. Free zone companies can be established with 100% foreign ownership, are subject to 0% personal income tax and, where Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions are met, 0% corporate tax. They cannot trade directly with the UAE mainland market — this requires a local distributor or prior approval.
Key advantages
- 100% foreign ownership, no local partner required
- 100% repatriation of profits and capital
- Zero import and export duties within the zone
- Simplified incorporation process
- Ability to sponsor investor and employee visas
- 0% personal income tax
Key free zones
DMCC
~AED 20,000–35,000Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Commodities, cryptocurrency and general trading. Premium JLT location with strong banking acceptance.
DIFC
Higher feesDubai International Financial Centre
Financial services, wealth management and fintech. Its own DFSA-regulated common law jurisdiction; higher fees, outstanding prestige.
IFZA
~AED 12,000–18,000International Free Zone Authority (Dubai South)
General-purpose, affordable and flexible activity combinations. Popular for holding companies and digital businesses.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Logistics, warehousing and manufacturing with a direct connection to Jebel Ali Port. Offshore incorporation is also available.
Legal structures in free zones
FZE Free Zone Establishment
Single shareholder — an individual founder or corporate shareholder. Full control and liability rest with the owner.
FZ-LLC Free Zone Limited Liability Company
2–50 shareholders. Limited liability and shared management.
Branch Branch Office
Expansion of an existing foreign or UAE parent company into a free zone. Has no independent legal personality.
How incorporation works
- 1Choose a free zone based on activity, visa needs and expected revenue
- 2Define the business activity and legal structure
- 3Reserve the company name and obtain initial approval from the free zone authority
- 4Submit the required documents
- 5Receive the licence and incorporation documents
- 6Lease an office or flexi-desk, open a bank account and process visas
02 — DIFC will
Decide who inherits
your UAE assets.
A non-Muslim foreign national may dispose of assets located in the UAE upon death by means of a will. Without a valid, registered DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) will, the rules of Sharia law apply to the estate of foreign nationals.
Under Sharia law, assets are distributed according to fixed statutory shares regardless of the deceased’s wishes. A DIFC will avoids this by ensuring the estate is distributed in accordance with the testator’s intentions under a common law framework.
DIFC single will
$5,750
One will for one individual.
DIFC mirror will
$8,350
Two matching wills, typically for spouses or partners.
03 — Residency
Residency for investors —
Golden Visa and Blue Visa.
UAE Golden Visa
A 5-year or 10-year renewable residency permit granted by the UAE government to investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers and outstanding students — without the need for a local sponsor. For property investors it starts at a minimum real estate investment of AED 2,000,000 and can be extended to family members.
Key benefits
- Self-sponsored residency — no employer sponsor required
- Exemption from the 183-day absence rule
- Visa validity retained even during extended stays abroad
- Ability to sponsor dependents (spouse, children, parents)
- Unlimited sponsorship of domestic staff
- Golden Visa fee
- $4,650
Eligibility categories
10 years
Real estate / investor
At least AED 2,000,000 invested, unencumbered, in UAE real estate or an approved fund. For mortgaged property, the amount repaid must reach AED 2,000,000.
5 years
Entrepreneur
A registered UAE startup valued at least AED 500,000, or with proven annual revenue of at least AED 1,000,000.
10 years
Professional / skilled employee
Minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 and at least a bachelor’s degree. A MOHRE Level 1 or 2 occupation and an employment contract of at least 24 months are required.
10 years
Researchers, inventors and scientists
Nomination by the Emirates Scientists Council and a proven track record of scientific or technological contribution.
5 years
Outstanding students
Graduates of global top-100 universities with a GPA above 3.8. For students at UAE universities, an annual GPA of 3.75 or higher applies.
10 years
Humanitarian and frontline heroes
For healthcare workers with at least 15 years of public service in Dubai, such as with Dubai Health.
Since 2025 the Golden Visa is also open to content creators, e-sports professionals, educators and luxury yacht owners.
UAE Blue Visa
A 10-year, self-sponsored UAE residency permit for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding merit in environmental protection, sustainability, climate action or renewable energy. No capital investment, employer sponsorship or age limit is required, and the spouse and children can be sponsored.
Who is it for?
- Climate researchers and environmental scientists with a proven research track record
- Renewable energy and circular economy innovators, green startup founders
- Members of international environmental organizations
- Winners of global, regional or national environmental awards
- MSc or PhD holders in environmental science, energy or sustainability
- Professionals protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems
- Financiers of a UAE-approved environmental project worth at least AED 1 million
- Patent holders whose patents serve the UAE’s environmental objectives
Blue Visa process
- 1Submit the nomination via the ICP Smart Services portal
- 2Review and approval by MOCCAE
- 3Entry permit application for applicants residing abroad
- 4Medical fitness test and biometric enrollment for Emirates ID issuance
- 5Residency card issuance
Eligibility categories (MOCCAE and ICP)
Prominent organization members
Members of international, regional or national environmental organizations, with proof of membership and a documented role.
Researchers and postgraduate degree holders
Researchers, or holders of a master’s or doctoral degree in environmental science, energy, sustainability or climate change, supported by publications and proof of institutional affiliation.
Patent holders
Owners of patents serving the UAE’s environmental objectives, approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or the relevant authority.
Award recipients
Recipients of recognized global, regional or national environmental awards, supported by official certification and confirmation from the awarding body.
Financiers
A contribution of at least AED 1,000,000 to an environmental project approved by a competent UAE authority, with proof of the financial transaction.
Elite specialists
Senior professionals in public or private institutions (such as directors and chief experts); a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and employer nomination are required.
04 — Offshore company
UAE offshore company —
for assets held abroad.
A UAE offshore company is a legal entity registered in a designated offshore jurisdiction — such as RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah) or JAFZA Offshore (Dubai) — that is authorized to conduct business exclusively outside the UAE. It may not maintain a physical UAE office or conduct domestic trade, but it can open a multi-currency bank account and, depending on the jurisdiction, hold UAE-based assets.
An offshore company is not the same as a free zone company: it is not entitled to sponsor visas, and domestic trade within the UAE is prohibited.
What can it be used for?
- International asset protection and holding structures
- Holding foreign shares, investments and IP rights
- Cross-border trade and international invoicing
- Holding Dubai real estate assets (JAFZA Offshore)
- Tax-efficient structure: 0% personal income tax, 0% capital gains tax
- Estate planning and corporate succession arrangements
Eligibility requirements and restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership permitted, no local partner required
- No minimum share capital requirement
- No age limit for shareholders or directors
- No physical UAE office permitted — only a registered agent address
- Resident employees and visa sponsorship are not possible
- Trading with the UAE mainland is prohibited
UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) registration is mandatory: the details of individuals holding 25%+ ownership or exercising actual control must be recorded in the RAK ICC or JAFZA register. Since 2023, offshore companies have also been required to register for corporate tax with the FTA.
RAK ICC vs. JAFZA Offshore
Lower fees · 2–4 business days
RAK ICC
Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
Lower fees and faster incorporation (2–4 business days). No mandatory annual financial statement filing (7-year record retention required). Ideal for holding, IP-holding and cross-border trading structures. Visa sponsorship is not possible.
Higher prestige · mandatory audit
JAFZA Offshore
Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore
Higher prestige and banking acceptance. Option to directly own Dubai real estate. Mandatory annual audit. Ideal for multinational holding and real estate holding structures.
Incorporation process
- 1Choose the jurisdiction: RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore
- 2Appoint a registered agent
- 3Submit the required documents
- 4Reserve the company name and pay the registration fee
- 5Receive the incorporation documents
- 6Open a multi-currency bank account
Offshore incorporation fees are confirmed in an individual quotation.
05 — International structuring
Corporate structuring
and wealth management.
An international corporate structure is a planned system of interconnected legal entities — holding companies, operating subsidiaries and foundations. Its purpose is to hold global wealth within a legally protected, tax-efficient framework.
140+
Double taxation agreements
0%
Personal income tax
0%
Capital gains tax
By 2025, the UAE had become a leading jurisdiction for holding and structuring.
Key objectives of the structure
01
Wealth protection
Separating operational risks from asset-holding entities.
02
Tax efficiency
Optimizing withholding tax through the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) network.
03
Estate planning
Structured intergenerational wealth transfer within a robust legal framework.
04
Intellectual property holding
Centralization and protection of intellectual property assets, including trademarks, patents and software.
05
Banking access and investment credibility
Enhanced banking access and increased credibility with financial institutions and investors.
Hong Kong · Labuan
Online-incorporated companies
Tailored corporate and asset structures that separate business and asset risks — including 100% foreign-owned companies that can be incorporated online (for example in Hong Kong or Malaysia – Labuan), with support for the related bank account opening.
- Company incorporation from
- $4,850
- Corporate bank account opening assistance from
- $1,950
Fees are determined by an individual quotation in every case.
Thailand —
legal & investment services.
Due diligence before you buy, tax compliance, a Thai will and the right visa — the legal side of owning property in Thailand, handled in one place.
Thailand · 01 — Due diligence
Due diligence —
before you sign anything.
A comprehensive legal, financial, physical and regulatory review before the transaction: title deed, quotas, zoning, the seller’s legal standing and — for off-plan property — the developer’s background. It uncovers transactional risks and the chain of title.
- Due diligence fee
- $7,950
Legal structures for foreign ownership
The Land Code Act prohibits direct land ownership by foreigners, with criminal penalties for violations. These are the lawful alternatives:
Full freehold
Condominium unit
The only full freehold option: ownership based on a chanote (title deed), subject to the building’s 49% foreign ownership quota.
Up to 30 years
Long-term leasehold
The most common structure for foreigners acquiring villas and land. Registration with the Land Department is mandatory.
The 10 key areas we check
- 01Type and authenticity of the title deed (chanote)
- 02Encumbrances: mortgages, leases, seizures
- 03Foreign ownership quota (condominiums)
- 04FET certification (Foreign Exchange Transaction)
- 05Zoning classification and permits
- 06Seller identity and authority
- 07Lease agreement review (leasehold)
- 08Physical and technical inspection
- 09Developer due diligence (off-plan)
- 10Taxes and transaction costs
Thailand · 02 — Tax & accounting
Thai tax number &
annual tax filing.
A Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the first step to compliant accounting and tax filing. You need one if you earn taxable income in Thailand (rental income, business income, dividends), take part in property transactions, or become a Thai tax resident after staying more than 180 days in a year.
- TIN assistance
- $950
- Annual tax return
- $950
Thailand · 03 — Thai will
Thai last will —
for your Thailand-based assets.
A bilingual Thai will determines who inherits your Thailand-based assets — condominium units, bank accounts, vehicles, company shares — under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. Without one, Thai statutory inheritance rules apply, with a longer and costlier probate and local representation.
- Bilingual last will
- $2,250
Why a separate Thai will?
- Enforcing a foreign will (translation, certification, legalization, court recognition) can take 6–12 months
- A Thai court must appoint an estate administrator even when a will exists
- Unmarried partners are not each other’s heirs under Thai law
- A jurisdiction clause limits the will to Thai assets, so it does not conflict with your other wills
- Executor: at least 20 years old, legally competent, appears in person before the Thai court (Thai resident recommended)
- Validity: testator at least 15 years old with legal capacity
Without a will: statutory heirs
- 1Descendants (children, grandchildren)
- 2Parents
- 3Siblings
- 4Half-siblings
- 5Grandparents
- 6Uncles and aunts
A higher class excludes a lower one; the surviving spouse inherits alongside Class 1 under separate rules. A minor child’s inheritance is managed by a court-appointed guardian. Inheritance tax: 0% below THB 100 million per heir; above that 5% for direct-line relatives and 10% for others; spouses are exempt.
Thailand · 04 — Visas
Residence permits
for investors and families.
Non-B Visa
$950 – 1,750
For foreign employees and investors, applied for in Thailand or before entry.
Investment Visa
$13,950
10-year, renewable visa for real estate investments of at least USD 500,000 — can be extended to family members.
Dependent Visa
$2,750
Residence permit for eligible dependants, aligned with the validity of the primary visa.
Thailand · 05 — International structuring
Company & asset structures
tailored to you.
Corporate and asset structures that separate business and asset risks — including 100% foreign-owned companies incorporated online (e.g. Hong Kong, Malaysia – Labuan) and support with the related bank account opening. Fees are set by individual quotation.
- Company incorporation from
- $4,850
- Corporate bank account opening from
- $1,950
Questions
Common questions
What is the difference between a Dubai free zone and a mainland company?+
A free zone company suits internationally focused, digital or trading businesses and allows 100% foreign ownership, but it cannot trade directly with the UAE mainland without a local distributor or prior approval. A mainland company can operate a physical shop, office or restaurant, work across multiple emirates and employ local staff.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?+
Our free zone company incorporation starts from $9,550 and mainland incorporation from $13,050. Corporate bank account opening assistance is $1,400 for free zone and $1,900 for mainland companies. Free zone licence costs vary by zone, for example roughly AED 12,000–18,000 at IFZA and AED 20,000–35,000 at DMCC.
What happens to my UAE assets without a DIFC will?+
Without a valid, registered DIFC will, Sharia law applies to the estate of a foreign national, and assets are distributed according to fixed statutory shares regardless of your wishes. A DIFC will lets you distribute the estate as you intend, under a common law framework.
How much do I need to invest in property to qualify for the Golden Visa?+
The real estate category requires a minimum of AED 2,000,000 invested, unencumbered, in UAE real estate or an approved fund. For mortgaged property, the amount repaid must reach AED 2,000,000. The visa is valid for 10 years and can be extended to family members.
Who can apply for the Blue Visa?+
The Blue Visa is for people with proven merit in environmental protection, sustainability, climate action or renewable energy — for example researchers, award winners, patent holders, members of environmental organizations or financiers of an approved environmental project worth at least AED 1 million. No capital investment, employer sponsorship or age limit is required.
What is the difference between an offshore company and a free zone company in the UAE?+
An offshore company (for example RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore) may conduct business only outside the UAE, cannot sponsor visas, cannot maintain a physical UAE office and cannot trade with the UAE mainland. A free zone company can have an office, employees and visas within its zone. Offshore structures are mainly used for holding assets, investments and intellectual property.
Can a foreigner own land in Thailand?+
No. The Land Code Act prohibits direct land ownership by foreigners. The lawful options are a freehold condominium unit (within the building’s 49% foreign quota) or a registered long-term leasehold of up to 30 years, typically used for villas and land.
Do I need a separate Thai will if I already have a will at home?+
It is strongly recommended. Enforcing a foreign will in Thailand can take 6–12 months of translation, legalization and court recognition. A bilingual Thai will limited to Thai assets avoids this and does not conflict with your other wills.
Which visa can I get by buying property in Thailand?+
With a real estate investment of at least USD 500,000 you can apply for a 10-year, renewable Investment Visa, which can be extended to family members.
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