Guides to living & doing business in the UAE
Durable, dated, plain-language guides to living and doing business in the UAE — each sourced to the official authority. Overviews, not legal advice. More are on the way; in-progress guides are marked.
Setting up
- Free zone vs mainland Coming soon Where to incorporate, and what each choice means for ownership, visas, and tax.
- Getting a trade licence Coming soon The steps to a UAE commercial licence, and which authority issues yours.
- Hiring your first employee Coming soon Contracts, work permits, and WPS — what an employer must set up first.
Visas & residency
- Visas & residency in the UAE, explained The main routes to live and work in the UAE, who governs them, and where to apply. Reviewed 29 Jun 2026
- The Golden Visa, explained Coming soon Who qualifies for long-term residency, and how to apply.
- Sponsoring your family Coming soon Income thresholds, documents, and the authority for dependant visas.
Money & banking
- UAE corporate tax, in one page Who pays, the headline rate, and what to do — the plain-language overview, with the FTA as your source of truth. Reviewed 29 Jun 2026
- VAT basics for UAE business Draft Registration thresholds, returns, and what the FTA expects.
- Opening a bank account Coming soon Personal and business accounts — documents, timelines, and common snags.
Housing & tenancy
- Renting in the UAE Contracts, registration, and your rights as a tenant — and the authority that arbitrates disputes. Reviewed 29 Jun 2026
- Ejari & tenancy disputes Draft Registering a lease and the route if a dispute arises.
- Buying property as an expat Coming soon Freehold areas, the buying process, and the registering authority.
Daily life
- Employee rights in the UAE, at a glance Contracts, leave, and end-of-service — the basics, governed by MoHRE. Reviewed 29 Jun 2026
- Driving licence & the RTA Coming soon Converting or obtaining a UAE licence, and Salik/RTA essentials.
- Healthcare & insurance Coming soon Mandatory cover, how the system works, and who regulates it.
- Schools & nurseries Coming soon Choosing a school, KHDA/ADEK ratings, and the admissions calendar.
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