Amara Commercial Concierge — UAE
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resource centre.
Practical guides on UAE business setup, compliance, visas, banking, and how we work together.
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Our most-read guides — start here.
Mainland vs. Freezone: How to Choose the Right UAE Structure
The most consequential decision in UAE company formation — choosing between a mainland DED licence and a freezone entity. This guide covers trading rights, ownership, costs, banking, and visa eligibility side by side.
Complete Guide to UAE Company Formation
A step-by-step walkthrough of the UAE company formation process — from choosing a jurisdiction and legal form, to selecting activity codes, submitting documentation, and receiving your trade licence.
UAE Corporate Tax: A Practical Guide for SMEs
The UAE introduced a 9% federal Corporate Tax in 2023. This guide covers who is subject, how taxable income is calculated, key exemptions, freezone qualifying conditions, registration deadlines, and how to stay compliant.
Opening a UAE Corporate Bank Account: A Practical Guide
UAE corporate banking is thorough and sometimes slow. This guide explains what banks look for, how to prepare your KYC pack, which banks suit which business types, and how to avoid the most common reasons for rejection.
UAE Residency Visas: A Complete Overview for Business Owners
A comprehensive guide to UAE residency visa options for founders, executives, and their families — covering investor visas, the Golden Visa, employment visas, dependant sponsorship, and the step-by-step process.
AML/CFT Compliance for UAE Businesses: A Practical Guide
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing compliance is mandatory for most UAE businesses. This guide covers who is obligated, what a compliant AML programme looks like, goAML registration, and ongoing requirements.
Client help & resource centre
Practical guides on UAE business setup, compliance, visas, banking, and how we work together.
23 articles
FAQ: UAE Compliance and Regulatory
Answers to common questions about UAE AML/CFT obligations, corporate tax, VAT, UBO registration, and what compliance actually looks like in practice for an SME.
FAQ: UAE Business Setup
Answers to the most common questions about setting up a business in the UAE — covering mainland vs. freezone, ownership, activity codes, costs, timelines, and how Amara helps.
FAQ: UAE Visas and Residency
Common questions about UAE residency visas, the Golden Visa, dependant sponsorship, visa renewals, and what happens when you change employer or dissolve your company.
UAE VAT: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
UAE VAT was introduced at 5% in January 2018. This guide covers registration thresholds, standard-rated and zero-rated supplies, input tax recovery, EmaraTax filing, and common compliance pitfalls.
100% Foreign Ownership on UAE Mainland: What Changed and What It Means
The 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law removed the requirement for a UAE national partner for most mainland activities. Here is what changed, what is still restricted, and how to verify eligibility for your specific activity.
UBO Registration in the UAE: What It Is and Why It Matters
All UAE companies must identify and register their Ultimate Beneficial Owners. This article explains who qualifies as a UBO, the registration process, deadlines, and the penalties for non-compliance.
Comparing UAE Freezones: DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, ADGM, and RAKEZ
Not all UAE freezones are equal. This article compares five of the most popular options across cost, prestige, visa quota, sector fit, banking access, and corporate tax implications.
Ejari Explained: The UAE Rental Registration System
Ejari is Dubai's mandatory tenancy contract registration system. Without a valid Ejari, businesses cannot complete residency visa applications, open bank accounts, or register for DEWA. Here is what it is and how it works.
Emiratisation and Nafis: What UAE SMEs Need to Know
Emiratisation requires private sector employers to meet UAE national hiring targets. The Nafis programme subsidises those hires. This article explains the thresholds, the Nafis wage support, and the penalties for non-compliance.
UAE Economic Substance Regulations: What Your Business Needs to Know
UAE ESR requires certain businesses to demonstrate genuine economic activity in the UAE. This article explains which activities are caught, what "substance" means in practice, and the filing obligations and penalties.
UAE Golden Visa: Eligibility, Categories, and How to Apply
The UAE Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residency without employer sponsorship. This article explains every eligibility category, the application process, and what it means for business owners and families.
UAE Wage Protection System (WPS): What Employers Must Know
The UAE's Wage Protection System requires employers to pay salaries electronically through an approved channel. This article covers how WPS works, who is exempt, deadlines, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Corporate Tax for Freezone Entities: The Qualifying Freezone Person Rules
Freezone companies can access a 0% corporate tax rate — but only if they meet specific conditions. This article explains the Qualifying Freezone Person (QFZP) rules, what counts as qualifying income, and the risks of losing the benefit.
goAML Registration for DNFBPs: A Step-by-Step Guide
goAML is the UAE FIU's platform for suspicious transaction reporting. Registration is mandatory for all DNFBPs. This article walks through who must register, what the process involves, and the ongoing obligations.
Importing Goods into the UAE: MOCCAE Permits and the Clearance Process
Importing certain goods into the UAE — including live animals, plants, food products, and veterinary items — requires permits from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This article explains who needs a permit and what the process involves.
UAE Business and Compliance Glossary
A comprehensive reference glossary of the key terms, abbreviations, and authority names used across UAE company formation, compliance, taxation, and residency visa processes.