M&A, corporate strategy and major deals in the region
UAE entrepreneurs and investors can sponsor spouse, children (regardless of age under the Golden Visa), parents, and one domestic worker on their residence visa. The minimum salary requirement is AED 4,000 per month with employer-provided accom
The UAE issues two investor-linked residence permits: the Golden Visa (10-year) for investments of AED 2 million+ and the standard Investor Visa (2- or 3-year) for company owners and shareholders who do not meet the Golden Visa threshold. Bot
The UAE Golden Visa application costs AED 10,400 in government fees, including exceptional-processing charges. Total out-of-pocket cost — including medical test, Emirates ID, health insurance, and professional advisory — ranges from AED 14,000
The UAE Golden Visa is a 5- or 10-year renewable residence permit for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, specialised talents, and outstanding students. It requires no local sponsor, remains valid even if the holder changes employers
Sharjah and its neighbouring Emirates host three of the UAE’s most popular budget-to-mid-tier free zones — IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), and SPC (Sharjah Publishing City). IFZA starts at AED 12,900 with a D
RAKEZ is one of the UAE’s most affordable and versatile free zones, offering SME packages from AED 5,999 with flexible warehouse options in Ras Al Khaimah. RAKEZ supports over 15,000 companies across trading, services, industrial, and consulting
ADGM is Abu Dhabi’s international financial free zone, operating under an independent English common-law framework regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). ADGM offers non-financial licences from USD 5,500 (approximate
DIFC is the UAE’s premier financial free zone under English common law. Non-regulated licence from AED 65,000, Innovation Licence USD 1,500/year.
JAFZA is the UAE’s premier logistics free zone with 9,000+ companies adjacent to Jebel Ali Port. General trading licence AED 30,000/year.
DMCC is the UAE’s largest free zone with 25,000+ companies in JLT Dubai. Trading company setup costs AED 35,000-45,000 year one.
