How to close a UAE company: liquidation, deregistration, and exit guide

Closing a UAE company requires four sequential processes: employee termination and visa cancellation, FTA tax deregistration, trade licence cancellation with the DED or free zone authority, and corporate bank account closure. The full process tak

UAE company annual audit: when it’s required and what it costs

A UAE company audit is mandatory for Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs), DIFC entities, ADGM entities, and mainland companies with revenue exceeding AED 50 million. For all other entities, an audit is optional but increasingly expected by banks

How to hire your first employee in the UAE: visa, contract, and payroll guide

Hiring your first employee in the UAE requires seven sequential steps: MOHRE registration, offer letter, labour contract, visa application, medical test, Emirates ID, and WPS payroll setup. The process takes 3 to 6 weeks from offer acceptance

UAE e-invoicing: what businesses need to know about the 2027 mandate

The UAE is implementing mandatory electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) starting 1 January 2027 for businesses with annual revenue exceeding AED 50 million. All B2B and B2G invoices must be issued, transmitted, and stored electronically through an

How to choose the right UAE free zone for your business

The UAE’s 45+ free zones serve different business models, and choosing the wrong one costs AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 in re-incorporation fees and 2 to 3 months of lost operational time. The right free zone depends on four factors: what your busine

GCC work permits and employment visas compared

Every GCC country requires foreign workers to hold a work permit (or labour card) and a residence visa — two separate documents issued by different authorities. The work permit authorises employment; the residence visa authorises physical presenc

Saudi Premium Residency: how to qualify and what it costs

Saudi Premium Residency is a permanent or annual renewable residence permit for high-net-worth individuals who want to live, work, own property, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a Saudi sponsor. Two tiers exist: Permanent Premium Residency at

UAE Green Visa: the 5-year self-sponsored work permit explained

The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit that allows skilled employees, freelancers, and investors to stay in the UAE independently of their employer. Unlike the standard 2-year employment visa — which is cancelled when the