# Dubai Pathway — Full Reference > UAE Residency & Business Set Up — Simplified Dubai Pathway is a UAE-based consultancy that helps individuals and businesses relocate to and set up in the United Arab Emirates. We provide end-to-end support from company formation through to residency visas, banking, and lifestyle services. --- ## Company Formation **Slug:** /services/company-formation We guide clients through setting up a UAE business — structure and activity selection, licence issuance, and compliance — end-to-end from day one. **What we do:** - Free Zone vs Mainland advisory - Activity and structure selection - Trade name reservation and approval - Licence application and issuance - Office or Ejari arrangement - Post-licence compliance and renewals **Key facts:** - Setup time: 1–3 weeks - Free Zones available: 40+ - Ownership: 100% foreign ownership **Good fit for:** - First-time founders setting up in the UAE - International businesses expanding to the region - Consultants and freelancers going formal - Trading companies needing proper licensing **FAQs:** - Q: Free Zone or Mainland — which is right for me? A: It depends on your activity, target market, and visa needs. Free Zones offer simplicity and tax benefits; Mainland allows broader market access. - Q: Do I need a physical office? A: Mainland companies typically need an Ejari. Free Zones often provide flexi-desk or virtual office options. - Q: Can I have 100% ownership? A: Yes — both Free Zone and Mainland now allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities. --- ## UAE Residency & Visas **Slug:** /services/uae-residency-visas We help individuals and families secure UAE residency; coordinating from eligibility assessment to stamping and renewals. **What we do:** - Eligibility assessment and route selection - Entry permit application and coordination - Medical test scheduling and processing - Emirates ID registration and biometrics - Visa stamping and status changes - Renewal management and compliance tracking **Key facts:** - Processing: 2–4 weeks - Visa types: 5+ (Investor, employment, freelancer, Golden Visa, family sponsorship) - Success rate: 99% **Good fit for:** - Individuals relocating to the UAE - Families seeking long-term residency - Business owners needing investor visas - Employees being sponsored by UAE companies **FAQs:** - Q: What visa types are available? A: Investor, employment, freelancer, Golden Visa, family sponsorship, and more — we help you choose the best route. - Q: How long does the process take? A: Typically 2–4 weeks from eligibility assessment to visa stamping, depending on the route and documentation readiness. - Q: Can you help with renewals? A: Yes — we manage the full renewal cycle including compliance tracking and deadline reminders. --- ## Government & PRO Services **Slug:** /services/government-pro-services We coordinate visa applications, Emirates ID processing, medical tests, document attestation, amendments, and renewals. **What we do:** - Visa application coordination - Emirates ID processing - Medical test scheduling - Document attestation and legalisation - Licence and visa amendments - Renewal management across entities **Key facts:** - Services: 20+ - Turnaround: 24–72h - Languages: 3 **Good fit for:** - Companies with multiple employees to process - Businesses needing ongoing PRO support - Individuals with complex document requirements - Anyone navigating government processes for the first time --- ## Banking & Funds Structuring Guidance **Slug:** /services/banking-funds-structuring Guidance on suitable UAE bank and payment accounts, preparation for compliant onboarding, and structuring transfers in line with regulatory requirements. **What we do:** - Bank and payment platform suitability assessment - Document preparation for account opening - Compliance-ready onboarding support - Funds structuring guidance within regulations - Multi-currency account advisory - Ongoing banking relationship support **Key facts:** - Banks covered: 15+ - Prep time: 3–5 days - Currencies: Multi **Compliance note:** No guarantees on account approvals. We focus on readiness and clean onboarding. **Good fit for:** - New businesses needing UAE bank accounts - International operators structuring payments - Individuals setting up personal banking in the UAE - Companies with complex fund flow requirements --- ## Real Estate Introductions **Slug:** /services/real-estate-introductions We connect clients to trusted real estate professionals for renting or purchasing property in Dubai — without pressure. **What we do:** - Needs assessment: rent vs buy - Area and budget matching - Introduction to vetted agents - Timeline coordination - No-pressure, no-commission introductions **Key facts:** - Agents vetted: 50+ - Commission: Zero - Areas covered: All Dubai --- ## White-Glove & Lifestyle Support **Slug:** /services/white-glove-lifestyle-support For select clients — introductions, planning assistance, relocation logistics, and curated lifestyle support. **What we do:** - Relocation planning and logistics - School and education introductions - Healthcare provider introductions - Lifestyle and concierge coordination - Cultural orientation and settling-in support **Key facts:** - Availability: By invite - Support: 24/7 - Tailored: 100% --- ## Three Pathways Dubai Pathway offers three setup routes: 1. **Value Pathway** — Cost-optimised Free Zone setup for residency-led needs. 1–2 weeks. 1–6+ visas. 2. **Dubai Freezone Pathway** — Dubai-based Free Zone with premium positioning. 1–3 weeks. 1–6+ visas. 3. **Mainland Dubai Pathway** — Full UAE market access for local trading and government contracts. 2–4 weeks. Unlimited visas. All three pathways allow 100% foreign ownership. --- ## Common Use Cases Here are 12 typical business scenarios and the recommended setup route for each: 1. **Agency / Consulting** — Freelancers and consultants seeking a professional UAE entity, single or dual visa, and banking setup. Route: Dubai Freezone. Complexity: Low. Visas: 1–2. 2. **E-commerce** — Online sellers needing a licence for international operations, payment gateway access, and shipping logistics. Route: Dubai Freezone. Complexity: Low–Medium. Visas: 1–3. 3. **Trading Company** — Import/export or local trading requiring a Mainland licence, office, and multi-visa setup. Route: Mainland Dubai. Complexity: Medium–High. Visas: 3–6+. 4. **Solo Founder** — Individuals seeking UAE residency through a cost-effective business setup with minimal requirements. Route: Value Pathway. Complexity: Low. Visas: 1. 5. **Tech Startup** — SaaS, fintech, or app-based companies looking for investor-friendly structures, IP protection, and access to accelerator ecosystems. Route: Dubai Freezone. Complexity: Medium. Visas: 2–5. 6. **Real Estate Investment** — Property investors setting up a holding company for asset management, rental income, and Golden Visa eligibility. Route: Mainland Dubai. Complexity: Medium. Visas: 1–3. 7. **Restaurant / F&B** — Food and beverage entrepreneurs needing trade licences, municipality permits, and staff visa allocations. Route: Mainland Dubai. Complexity: High. Visas: 5–15+. 8. **Influencer / Content Creator** — Social media professionals seeking a media licence, personal branding entity, and UAE residency benefits. Route: Dubai Freezone. Complexity: Low. Visas: 1–2. 9. **Holding Company** — Entrepreneurs and family offices structuring assets offshore with zero tax, full privacy, and no physical presence required. Route: Offshore. Complexity: Low. Visas: 0. 10. **Healthcare / Clinic** — Medical practitioners or clinics requiring DHA approvals, professional licences, and specialised facility setups. Route: Mainland Dubai. Complexity: High. Visas: 3–10+. 11. **Crypto / Web3** — Blockchain and virtual asset businesses seeking VARA-regulated licences and compliant operational frameworks. Route: Dubai Freezone. Complexity: High. Visas: 2–5. 12. **Remote Worker / Digital Nomad** — Location-independent professionals wanting UAE residency, tax optimisation, and a lightweight company structure. Route: Value Pathway. Complexity: Low. Visas: 1. --- ## General FAQs - Q: What does setup cost? A: Costs depend on your pathway, visa count, and activity type. The setup quiz gives you a transparent range matched to your specific needs. - Q: Can I do this remotely? A: Most of the process can be handled remotely. You may need to visit for biometrics and visa stamping. - Q: What is your refund policy? A: Service fees are refundable before licence application submission. Government fees are non-refundable once paid. - Q: What happens after setup? A: We handle visa processing, banking introduction, and handover. Annual support packages are available for renewals. --- ## Contact - Email: info@dubaipathway.com - WhatsApp: +971 58 577 4955 - Website: https://www.dubaipathway.com - Setup Quiz: https://www.dubaipathway.com/quiz