Who is Diaspora Business Consultancy for?
We work with entrepreneurs and professionals from the African diaspora and beyond. Most of our clients come from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and across Africa. Whether you’re relocating to the UAE, expanding your business internationally, or looking to optimize your tax situation, we handle the setup so you can focus on what you do best.
Why should I set up a company in the UAE?
The UAE has no personal income tax. Corporate tax is 9%, but many businesses qualify for exemptions. You get 100% foreign ownership, can take all your profits out of the country, and become eligible for a UAE residence visa. It’s also a great location if you work with clients in Africa, Europe, or Asia.
What types of companies can I form in the UAE?
Most of our clients set up freezone companies. These give you 100% ownership, simple setup, and tax benefits. We mainly work with IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), but we can advise on other freezones or mainland options depending on what your business does.
Do I need to live in the UAE to set up a company?
No. You can do the whole thing remotely. We handle everything online. But if you want a UAE residence visa, you’ll need to come to Dubai once to do fingerprints and a basic medical check. That takes about 2-3 days.
How long does company formation take?
The trade license is typically issued within 5-7 working days once we have all your documents. If you’re adding visas, allow an additional 2-3 weeks for Emirates ID and medical processing after you arrive in Dubai.
What documents do I need to get started?
For company formation, you’ll need: passport copy (with at least 6 months validity), passport-sized photo with white background, proof of address like a utility bill or bank statement, three proposed company names, and a brief description of your business activities. For visa applications, we’ll also need educational certificates and a CV.
What's the step-by-step process?
First, we have a consultation to understand your needs. You select a package and pay the 70% deposit. We submit your application and reserve your company name. Your trade license is issued within 5-7 working days. You pay the remaining 30%, and we provide all your company documents plus a bank account introduction. If you’re getting a visa, that processing begins after your Dubai visit.
Can I choose my own company name?
Yes. You provide three names in order of preference. Names must be unique, not already registered, and follow UAE naming rules. No offensive terms, no names of existing brands. We confirm availability during the application process.
How much does UAE company formation cost?
Our packages range from AED 19,000 (about USD 5,175) for a trade license only, up to AED 29,000 (about USD 7,900) for licenses with four or more visas. All government fees are included. No hidden costs.
What's included in the price?
All packages include trade license registration, company establishment card, Memorandum of Association, share certificates, immigration establishment card, bank account introduction, dedicated account manager, and all government fees. Visa packages also include Emirates ID and medical for each visa holder.
What are the payment terms?
We require 70% deposit to start your application. The remaining 30% is due when your license is approved. We accept bank transfers in both AED and USD.
Are there ongoing annual costs?
Yes. Your trade license must be renewed every year. Renewal costs are typically similar to the initial license fee, minus the one-time setup costs. We’ll remind you before renewal is due and can handle the process for you.
What visa options are available?
Our packages include investor/partner visas that grant UAE residency for 2-3 years, renewable. You can sponsor family members like your spouse and children on dependent visas. The number of visas you can get depends on your package and office space arrangement.
Do I need to be in Dubai to get my visa?
Yes, you’ll need to visit Dubai once to complete biometrics. That means fingerprinting for your Emirates ID and a basic medical exam. This typically takes 2-3 days. We coordinate your appointments to minimize your time in Dubai.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. Once you have your residence visa, you can sponsor your spouse and children under 18 (or under 25 if they’re studying). Our Growth, Business, and Enterprise packages include multiple visas specifically for family relocation.
How long is the visa valid?
UAE residence visas are valid for 2-3 years and renewable as long as your company stays active. You need to visit the UAE at least once every 180 days to maintain residency, or you can get a multiple-entry permit if you travel frequently.
Will I be able to open a bank account?
Yes. All our packages include a bank account introduction. We work with established UAE banks experienced in serving international clients. Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks after your company is formed.
Can I open the bank account remotely?
Most UAE banks require at least one in-person visit to open a corporate account. Some digital banks offer remote opening, but with limitations. We’ll advise on the best option based on your needs and travel plans.
What currencies can I hold?
UAE corporate bank accounts can hold multiple currencies, most commonly AED (UAE Dirhams) and USD. This is useful for international invoicing and receiving payments from clients around the world.
Is there really no personal income tax in the UAE?
Correct. The UAE has no personal income tax on salary, dividends, or investment income. Corporate tax was introduced in 2023 at 9%, but many freezone companies qualify for exemptions on qualifying income. We recommend consulting a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Do I still need to pay tax in my home country?
This depends on your country of citizenship and tax residency. Some countries like the US tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Others only tax residents. We strongly recommend consulting with a cross-border tax specialist. We can refer you to qualified advisors.
What ongoing compliance is required?
UAE freezone companies have relatively light compliance requirements: annual license renewal, maintaining a registered address, and basic bookkeeping. Depending on your turnover, you may need to register for VAT (5%) and file quarterly returns. We offer accounting packages to handle this for you.
Why should I work with DBC instead of going direct?
Who will I be working with?
You’ll have a dedicated account manager throughout the process. Our senior consultants are available for strategic questions, and our team ensures continuity on every client file. We’re based in Dubai at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre.
How do I get started?
You have three options: book a free consultation directly through our calendar, send us a WhatsApp message, or email us. We’ll discuss your needs, recommend the right package, and answer any questions. There’s no obligation. We want to make sure UAE setup is the right move for you before you commit.
What if I have questions not covered here?
Reach out anytime. WhatsApp: +971 52 277 4830. Email: info@mydiasporabiz.com. We typically respond within a few hours during UAE business hours.