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After setup

From licence to first invoice

A corporate bank account, corporate tax and VAT registration, bookkeeping, and the PRO work that keeps your licence and visas current.

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Facts checked October and November 2026 against the official sources listed below.

01 After setup guides

3 guides, each with its timeline and official sources

The licence is the start. Banks, the Federal Tax Authority and immigration all have their own steps and deadlines, and a setup partner can run them in one plan.

Banking

Corporate bank account

Open the account once the licence is issued. The Central Bank expects banks to open an SME account within 3 business days when the applicant is low risk and the documents...

3 days
Business days to open a low-risk SME account, Central Bank standard
30 days
Pending period banks must track and report internally
Read the guide
After setup

Accounting and tax

Corporate tax applies to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. VAT at 5% becomes compulsory once taxable...

9%
Corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000
AED 3m
Revenue ceiling for small business relief, to periods ending 31 December 2029
Read the guide
Government services

PRO services

Before a company can sponsor anyone it needs an establishment card from the ICP and an establishment file with MOHRE. A PRO handles these and the visa and permit applicat...

AED 2,000
ICP electronic system subscription for establishments
2 days
Working days for MOHRE to issue an establishment card
Read the guide
02 Key facts

The numbers that matter

Each figure links to the official source it comes from.

GuideFigureWhat it means
Corporate bank account 3 days Business days to open a low-risk SME account, Central Bank standard1
30 days Pending period banks must track and report internally1
10% Ownership above which ADIB asks for owner ID3
AED 25,000 Minimum monthly average balance on an NBF business account5
Accounting and tax 9% Corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,0006
AED 3m Revenue ceiling for small business relief, to periods ending 31 December 20297
9 months To file the corporate tax return after the period ends9
5% Standard VAT rate since 1 January 201810
PRO services AED 2,000 ICP electronic system subscription for establishments17
2 days Working days for MOHRE to issue an establishment card19
AED 250+ To issue or renew a work permit, up to AED 3,45020
AED 1,000 Fine for changing establishment details without telling the ICP18
03 Timelines

Step by step, with published timeframes

Green steps are handled by a government authority. Plan your own dates with the setup timeline planner.

Corporate bank account

  1. Licence and Emirates ID readyBefore you apply3
  2. Application and due diligenceDepends on your documents1
  3. Account opened3 business days1
  4. If it takes longerTracked after 30 days1

Accounting and tax

  1. Corporate tax registration20 business days13
  2. VAT registration, if required20 business days15
  3. Bookkeeping from day oneOngoing6
  4. Tax residency certificate10 business days16

PRO services

  1. Establishment card2 working days19
  2. Work permitBefore the entry permit22
  3. Entry permit, medical and Emirates ID40 minutes medical, result in 1 to 2 days22,23
  4. Labour card and residenceWithin 60 days of entry22
  5. AmendmentsWhen something changes18
04 Questions

Common questions about after setup

Do I need to be in the UAE to open the account?

It depends on the bank. Some require a physical presence or a meeting with the signatories; NBF lists a physical presence in the UAE as a requirement for its business account.5 Corporate bank account guide

Can a setup provider guarantee a bank account?

No. Each bank decides after its own compliance checks. A provider can prepare the file and introduce you, but the decision is the bank's.1 Corporate bank account guide

Do I have to register for corporate tax if I earn nothing yet?

Yes. Registration is required for companies whether or not they have taxable income, and late registration carries a penalty.6,13 Accounting and tax guide

Is there personal income tax in the UAE?

No. Individuals pay corporate tax only on business turnover above AED 1 million from activities they run themselves.14 Accounting and tax guide

Can I do these steps myself?

Some, yes. The MOHRE establishment card is free on the MOHRE website and app. The ICP initial approval and establishment card must go through authorised service providers.17,19 PRO services guide

Sources, checked October and November 2026

  1. Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook: SME account opening
  2. UAE Government Portal: Banking
  3. ADIB: Business banking documents checklist (PDF)
  4. Emirates Islamic: Company account opening form (PDF)
  5. National Bank of Fujairah: Business account
  6. UAE Government Portal: Corporate tax
  7. UAE Ministry of Finance: Small Business Relief extended to 31 December 2029 (7 August 2026)
  8. Federal Tax Authority: Free Zone Person bulletin (PDF)
  9. Federal Tax Authority: Waiver of the late registration penalty (CTP006, PDF)
  10. UAE Ministry of Finance: Value Added Tax
  11. Federal Tax Authority: Registration for VAT
  12. Dubai Media Office: Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit (8 October 2025)
  13. Federal Tax Authority: Corporate Tax Registration
  14. Federal Tax Authority: Basis of taxation for natural persons
  15. Federal Tax Authority: E-Services FAQ, VAT registration
  16. Federal Tax Authority: Issuance of tax certificates
  17. ICP: Issuing an establishment card
  18. ICP: Amend or add to an establishment card
  19. MOHRE: Issuance of an establishment card
  20. UAE Government Portal: Work permits
  21. GDRFA Dubai: Entry visa for family sponsorship
  22. UAE Government Portal: Recruiting on the mainland
  23. UAE Government Portal: Medical fitness test for residence, MOHAP (PDF)

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