company-setup-in-dubai

[company-setup-in-dubai]

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE, 2025

This is not a normal type of blog you’re going to read today.

Many entrepreneurs walk straight into banking nightmares, getting stuck with hidden fees, ridiculous paperwork, and banks that treat them like an afterthought.

Several business owners immediately face banking challenges that include sudden fees and extensive paperwork, along with unchanged banker attitudes toward entrepreneurs.

The stakes are high. Choosing an incorrect business bank account presents intense risks which deteriorate your financial operations and create payment delays as well as transaction complications. This article will explain the major warning signs you should monitor when establishing a business bank account in the UAE. The following information will help you avoid potential problems when opening a business account in the UAE.

1. Slow or Confusing Account Opening Process

You should leave your current bank if they need an eternity to establish new accounts.

A reliable business bank needs to provide a straightforward and efficient account opening process. But some banks? The application process will become a maze of paperwork which requires numerous documents and extends into months of waiting time.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ Vague answers about how long the process takes ❌ Repeatedly asking for more and more documents ❌ Zero communication on your application status

✅ Pro Tip: Ask upfront how long the process takes and what documents you need. If they can’t give a straight answer, move on. AB Capital Services opens business bank account in just 3 business days*.

2. Unclear Fee Structures (AKA Hidden Charges Everywhere)

Banks exist as fee-hungry monsters who charge various fees, including monthly maintenance fees together with transaction fees that apply even to withdrawals and mysterious "service charges.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ No transparency about fees ❌ Small print that changes over time ❌ Extra fees for basic transactions

✅ How to Avoid This Trap:

Get a detailed list of fees upfront

Ask about monthly maintenance costs

Compare different banks before committing

3. Limited Online Banking & Poor Tech Infrastructure

Your bank faces serious problems when its online system appears outdated, like it did in 1999.

To succeed in modern banking, you must have instant transactions combined with mobile accessibility and effortless digital processing. Your business will experience delays when you use banking applications that have technical issues or operate with outdated websites.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ No mobile banking or slow online transactions ❌ Limited features (can’t even do bulk payments? Seriously?) ❌ Poor security measures

✅ What You Want Instead:

✔ A fast, secure online platform ✔ Mobile banking that actually works ✔ 24/7 access to account details ✔ AB Capital offers best business bank account opening services in Dubai, UAE

4. Excessive Minimum Balance Requirements

UAE banks usually require substantial minimum account balances, which become the basis for assessing penalties when the required threshold drops below.

The requirement for high minimum balances from UAE banks can create excessive financial strain on new businesses.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ Minimum balance requirements that make no sense ❌ Hefty fines for going below the threshold ❌ Banks that won’t tell you the penalty amount upfront

✅ The Smart Move:

Go for banks with realistic minimum balance requirements that won’t punish you for running a lean operation.

5. Bad Customer Support = Your Worst Nightmare

Picture this: You urgently need help, but your bank’s customer support ghosts you.

You email—no reply. You call—"Please hold." Forever. You visit in person—"Come back next week."

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ Slow or unhelpful customer service ❌ No dedicated business support ❌ Can’t get a human on the phone when you need one

✅ Pro Tip: Call their support before you sign up. If they don’t care now, they won’t care later.

6. Restrictions on International Transactions

Doing business globally? Some UAE banks will make international transfers a nightmare.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ Expensive FX fees and transaction charges ❌ Daily limits on how much you can transfer ❌ Long delays in processing international payments

✅ The Smart Choice:

Find a bank that understands global business and offers competitive FX rates. AB Capital Dubai, Helps you choose the best bank for you business bank account in Dubai, UAE.

7. High Compliance Barriers for Foreign-Owned Businesses

Certain banks create difficulties for both expats and foreign investors.

They might ask for: 📝 Extra documentation that locals don’t need ⏳ Longer processing times 💰 Higher minimum balances

If it feels like they’re making it harder for you, they probably are.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ No clear policies for expat-owned businesses ❌ Different rules for local vs. foreign investors ❌ No English-speaking support

✅ What You Should Do:

Partner with banks that specialize in international business and understand all banking regulations.

8. The "Too Good to Be True" Trap

Business customers can access free accounts from certain banks that allow unlimited transactions. Sounds amazing, right? The realistic details emerge when you study the written terms and conditions.

After several months of service they begin to introduce hidden fees and feature restrictions and term modifications.

🚨 Red Flags:

❌ Offers that seem way too generous ❌ No clear written agreement on fees ❌ Changing terms after a few months

✅ Smart Business Owners Do This:

Always read the fine print. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Easy Way to Open a Business Account in the UAE

Want to avoid all this nonsense? Skip the confusion and let experts handle it for you.

Why Work With AB Capital?

✅ We help businesses find the right banking partner ✅ We cut through the red tape and handle the paperwork ✅ We make sure you get an account fast and hassle-free

Opening a business account in the UAE doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Work with AB Capital, and we’ll get you set up with a bank that actually works for your business.

Also Read about the Top Business Bank Accounts to Open in Dubai, UAE in 2025

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for These Traps

The UAE is a fantastic place to start and grow a business, but choosing the wrong bank? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

✔ Watch out for slow processes, hidden fees, and bad tech ✔ Find a bank that supports your business (not just takes your money) ✔ Work with AB Capital to open the right business account—without the stress

👉 Ready to open a business account the right way? Contact AB Capital Services today or visit www.abcapital.ae

And that’s how you avoid banking nightmares. 😎

You can also read this blog on our website: Red Flags to Watch Out for When Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE, 2025

[company-setup-in-dubai]

All Types of Visa in Dubai and Their Benefits in 2025

Many people consider Dubai their dream destination because it offers opportunities for work and settlement, as well as investment possibilities and sightseeing. Before you purchase your flight ticket, you need to understand different types of visa in Dubai. Having knowledge about different visa choices enables precise planning of your stay, as well as selecting the best visa type that matches your requirements.

Below, we have listed 11 different types of visa in Dubai:

1. Tourist Visa

2. Visit Visa

3. Transit Visa

4. Student Visa

5. Employment Visa

6. Freelance Visa

7. Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

8. Retirement Visa

9. Family Visa

10. Mission Visa

11. Remote Work Visa

1. Tourist Visa

The tourist visa serves visitors who want to explore Dubai for recreational purposes or to meet friends and family. Tourist visas in Dubai typically last for 30 or 90 days before they can be extended twice for additional 30-day periods. One major perk? The flexibility! How many times you will visit Dubai depends on whether you request a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Benefits:

Easy application process

Multiple-entry option available

Extension flexibility

2. Visit Visa

Visitors receive a visit visa equivalent to a standard tourist visa for the purpose of family or friend visits. It usually lasts 30, 60, or 90 days.

Benefits:

Extended validity compared to tourist visas

Can be sponsored by a relative or friend in Dubai

Ideal for long-stay visits

3. Transit Visa

A transit visa serves as the ideal choice for travelers who need to explore Dubai during layovers longer than 8 hours. The visa duration extends between 48 and 96 hours based on your planned travel schedule.

Regular travelers should consider obtaining a transit visa (also known as a 96-hour transit) when they need to reach their final destination. The national airlines provide transit visa pickup services to their passengers. The granting of this visa depends on Dubai immigration department approval, which makes it a guaranteed visa. The price for a transit visa starts at AED 50.

Benefits:

No fees for 48-hour visas

Perfect for short Dubai layovers

Hassle-free application through airlines

4. Student Visa

International students are increasingly choosing Dubai as their study destination because of its outstanding universities. Students who study at UAE-based educational institutions can obtain a student visa, which remains valid for one year and allows annual renewals. The student visa exists exclusively for international students who want to study at Dubai educational institutions.  Students need to obtain an admission letter from their university along with passing medical fitness tests and a visa sponsor who can be the university or a parent or relative approved by the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to apply for this visa. The visa's validity is 1 year.

Benefits:

Access to top universities in Dubai

Opportunity to work part-time while studying

Renewable for the duration of your studies

5. Employment Visa

Your employer from UAE will provide an employment visa sponsorship after you secure a job in Dubai, UAE. The employment visa enables legal residence and work opportunities in the UAE for a period of two to three years.

Benefits:

Renewable without leaving the country

Provides a pathway to residency

Allows access to UAE labor benefits

6. Freelance Visa

The freelance visa enables independent professionals to establish their own business in Dubai. This visa proves fundamental for independent professionals seeking employment in educational technology and media sectors and fields related to technology across Dubai. The Freelancer Permit program includes this visa, which remains valid for one year before it can be renewed annually.

The cost of a freelance visa in Dubai ranges from AED 7,500 to AED 20,000. The total price depends on several factors, including the work permit, establishment card, medical test, entry permit, and residency visa. Prices may also vary based on the free zone you choose.

Benefits:

No need for a local sponsor

Ability to work with multiple clients

Eligibility to apply for family sponsorship

7. Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

Potential investors and entrepreneurs planning an operation in Dubai must consider applying for the Dubai Golden Visa. The Golden Visa gives residency rights to entrepreneurs combined with investors and highly qualified professionals and their families. The visa lasts for either five years or ten years. Business owners can obtain an investor visa. 

The application process requires business license validity along with photographs and medical reports and passport documentation. To obtain this visa, the applicant must hold shares worth more than AED 70,000 and provide a refundable deposit of AED 10,000. The refundable amount will be returned to you after your visa cancellation process. Business owners who invest at least AED 500,000 or obtain approval from a business incubator program can obtain a five-year multiple entry visa.

For applicants with less than AED 70,000 shares, the security deposit will be AED 20,000.

You can read in-depth about UAE Golden Visa: https://abcapital.ae/uae-golden-visa-for-entrepreneurs/ 

Benefits:

Long-term residency in the UAE

No need for a local sponsor

Full business ownership rights

8. Retirement Visa

Expats who want to retire in Dubai can obtain a retirement visa if they are 55 years old or older and fulfill financial criteria. The retirement visa maintains validity for five years and provides renewal possibilities.

Benefits:

Residency stability after retirement

Access to UAE healthcare services

Enjoy Dubai’s tax-free benefits

9. Family Visa

Dubai residents and workers can use their family visa to sponsor their spouse and children and parents. The visa remains valid for one to three years before renewal becomes possible.

Benefits:

Keeps families together

Can be extended to include dependents

No employment requirement for spouses

10. Mission Visa

Dubai residents and workers can use their family visa to sponsor their spouse and children and parents. The visa remains valid for one to three years before renewal becomes possible.

Benefits:

Quick processing time

Ideal for project-based work

No long-term commitments required

11. Remote Work Visa

The city of Dubai has established a one-year remote work visa to support professionals who work for international companies outside the UAE.

Benefits:

Live in Dubai while working remotely

No need for UAE employer sponsorship

Access to UAE banking and telecom services

Conclusion

Dubai provides multiple visa choices which accommodate different types of visitors. The city of Dubai provides suitable visa options for every purpose including visiting, working, studying, investing and retiring. Having awareness about Dubai visa categories will enable you to choose wisely for smooth experiences in this vibrant destination. The financial consultancy firm AB Capital Services lead Dubai's market by providing investment strategies and business setup services and financial planning solutions. AB Capital uses its extensive experience to help clients through visa applications and residency planning and investment opportunities in the UAE. AB Capital provides a smooth and stress-free process for entrepreneurs who want Golden Visas and freelancers who need sponsorship and retirees who plan their Dubai future. AB Capital Services serves as your reliable partner to help you establish a Dubai residence or business center.

Research all your visa options before moving to Dubai because different types of visas will match your lifestyle and personal objectives. Happy travels! You can also reach out to AB Capital Services at the below number and email.

FAQs

1. What is the most common type of visa in Dubai?

The tourist visa is the most common type, allowing visitors to explore Dubai for 30 or 90 days. It can be extended without leaving the country.

2. How can I get a work visa in Dubai?

To get an employment visa, you must secure a job in Dubai. Your employer will handle the application process, including medical tests and residency permits.

3. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa?

A tourist visa can be obtained through travel agencies or airlines, while a visit visa is sponsored by a friend or family member residing in Dubai. Both allow short-term stays, but have different sponsorship requirements.

4. Can I apply for a Dubai visa without a sponsor?

Yes, certain visas like the freelancer visa and Golden Visa allow individuals to apply without a sponsor. However, most work and visit visas require sponsorship.

5. How long does it take to process a Dubai visa?

Processing times vary depending on the visa type. Tourist visas take 3–5 days, while employment visas may take a few weeks due to medical and legal formalities. Golden Visas and investor visas can take longer due to verification processes.

[company-setup-in-dubai]

How to Move from Germany to Dubai, UAE and Set Up a Successful Business

A move from Germany to Dubai, UAE appeals to the German business operator because of the country’s first class infrastructure, the growing international population, and door knocking access to the Middle East and Asian markets. The UAE has become a magnet for global entrepreneurs looking for opportunities in a tax friendly, strategically located and dynamic economy.

In this guide, we will explore how you can successfully move from Germany to UAE, set up a business and attract leads in the process. We at AB Capital Services are dedicated to making this journey as simple as possible for you, taking care of every aspect of your move and business setup.

Understanding the business environment in the UAE is one of the things that precedes relocating to the UAE from Germany. The UAE, however, is noteworthy for its business favorable policies – the country is void of corporate and personal income taxes in most of the emirates, has a very efficient set up procedure and there are free zones galore.

In particular, free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and a hassle-free path to starting your venture. If you combine this all together, the UAE has become a desired destination for the entrepreneur: it has global reach.

The Move from Germany to Dubai, UAE

Moving your life and business from Germany to the UAE requires strategic planning and an understanding of both logistical and legal requirements:

Choose the Right Business Activity: There are opportunities in the UAE in fintech, tourism, healthcare and logistics. The type of license you will need is defined by your business activity.

Select the Right Business Structure: Free zones are preferred by many German entrepreneurs because of their benefits such as full ownership, tax exemptions and access to modern facilities. Or, alternatively, the fast companies are for businesses that are doing business with the local market.

Documentation and Legal Compliance: German business owners need to have their official documents attested and translated into Arabic: these will include educational certificates and financial records. It makes sure that UAE’s regulations are complied with this step.

Visa and Residency Requirements: You should take the vital next step: apply for visas for yourself, your family, and employees. To open a corporate bank account, you also need a residency visa.

Establishing a Business in the UAE

After relocating, the focus shifts to setting up your business. This process requires a thorough understanding of the UAE’s regulations and administrative procedures:

Business Registration: Working with experienced consultants from AB Capital Services, feels, and it is easy registration from acquiring the trade licenses to giving into the regulatory requirements.

Office Setup: There are virtual offices, coworking spaces and the traditional offices, for your operational and budgetary requirements.

Compliance with Regulations: For some types of businesses, you will need other permits; and if you generated more than a certain amount of revenue, you will need to register for VAT. A key part of making sure you don’t run into legal problems is to ensure compliance on every path of the workflow.

Why the UAE Appeals to German Entrepreneurs

The UAE represents an alternative to Germany’s high European taxes for German entrepreneurs. Its strategic location functions as an entry point to the world markets, which make it easier for business to go global. Key advantages include:

Tax-Free Environment: Most emirates have no corporate or personal income taxes.

Modern Infrastructure: There are advanced facilities, as well as connectivity, in the UAE.

Business-Friendly Policies: There are plenty of initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

We have helped many German entrepreneurs set up successful businesses in the UAE at AB Capital Services. It is the perfect setting for doing business, from accessing untapped markets and from the vibrancy of living in such a growing country.

Conclusion

Starting a business in the UAE from Germany is a life-changing decision with opportunities. For entrepreneurs, the UAE has an array of investor friendly policies, strategic location and dynamic infrastructure. At AB Capital Services, we strive to make the process as simple as possible, so you can have a smooth and stress-free journey.

To attract German entrepreneurs, AB Capital Services needs a personalized approach. We can position ourselves as the go-to service provider for German businesses entering the UAE by combining localized content, effective digital marketing and strategic partnerships. The transition is made manageable, and even rewarding, with expert guidance and support.

Also Read:

Benefits of Dubai Investor Visa

Steps for New Business Setup in Dubai, UAE

How to Start an Event Management Business in Dubai?

Minimum Investment to Start Business in Dubai 2025: A Complete Guide

Top 5 Most Profitable Businesses in the UAE & How to Set Up a Successful Business in the UAE?

[company-setup-in-dubai]

15% Minimum Corporate Tax on Multinationals: UAE to Impose New Tax on Large Multinational Companies

A country that is a regional economic powerhouse, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is now on the verge of unveiling a groundbreaking tax reform aimed at the large multinational enterprises. From January 1, 2025, the policy is a new way to tax for the country. UAE will impose a minimum top-up tax (DMTT) of 15% on large multinational companies operating in the country starting in January, the finance ministry said on Monday, 09 December 2024, as the government seeks to boost non-oil revenue. This follows global efforts to make sure multinational corporations pay their due share in the jurisdictions where they make their money, such as the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT).

The development of this has been noted by multinational companies to remind them of the need to revisit tax strategy and remain compliant to new regulations. This blog explores the effects of this tax reform and how AB Capital Services can help businesses navigate this shifting fiscal time!

Overview of the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT)

The DMTT will apply to multinational enterprises with:

At least two of the four preceding financial years, consolidated global revenues of more than €750 million ($793 million).

A minimum tax rate of 15% on profits earned in the UAE.

A corruption of the OECD’s global minimum tax framework aimed at fighting profit shifting and tax base erosion by multinational corporations, this tax reform guarantees compliance.

Why is the UAE Introducing the DMTT?

1. Alignment with Global Tax Standards

DTMT becomes applicable in the UAE due to its adoption of OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative. UAE contributions to a more equitable global taxation system come as it imposes an effective global minimum tax rate of 15%.

2. Revenue Optimization

Taxing large multinationals will enable the UAE to raise its domestic revenues without placing undue reliance on individual or small business taxation.

3. Maintaining Economic Competitiveness

The UAE wants to continue to be an attractive hub for business while meeting international standards.

Key Implications for Multinational Companies

1. Increased Tax Liabilities

If the effective tax rate for multinational corporations operating in the UAE is below 15 percent, it will become mandatory that they pay higher taxes.

Example:Under the DMTT, a company in the UAE with an effective tax rate of 10% would also have to pay 5% of the tax to meet the global minimum tax of 15%.

2. Compliance Challenges

But navigating through the complexities of the new tax regulations will be very demanding for corporations with intricate financial workings.

3. Impact on Profit Margins

It could add to the additional burden that losses impose so that the net costs of the company lower profits, and may cause it to consider strategic adjustment in pricing, cost management, or other operational efficiency.

Steps Multinational Companies Should Take

Assess Current Tax Strategies:To evaluate your company’s current tax framework, assess gaps, and your effective tax rate in the UAE.

Understand New Compliance Requirements: Keep up to date with the DMTT documentation, reporting and payment procedures.

Seek Expert Guidance:Collaborating with tax experts, such as AB Capital Services, can ensure smooth compliance and minimize risks.

How AB Capital Services Can Help

Moving through new tax regulations can leave you feeling overwhelmed, however, AB Capital Services (www.abcapital.ae) makes navigating new tax regulations simple with experienced professionals and custom solutions.

1. Tax Strategy Assessment

AB Capital Services evaluates your current tax structure to determine if your company is ready for the DMTT and where you can optimize.

2. Regulatory Compliance

AB Capital understands their clients’ details when it comes to UAE tax laws and with the help of this understanding it takes care that all the tax laws of the DMTT are followed completely and penalties or liabilities are avoided.

3. Customized Tax Solutions

Every business is unique. AB Capital creates tax strategies that are specific to your company’s needs, and that are aligned with the global minimum tax framework, while maintaining profitability.

4. Ongoing Support

Implementation is not the end of tax compliance. AB Capital offers assistance for making businesses adjust to regulatory changes and run smoothly at every point.

The Broader Impact of the DMTT on the UAE Economy

1. Enhanced Reputation as a Tax-Compliant Nation

Conforming to global tax standards improves the reputation of the UAE that can help create more confidence on the part of international investors that the country is transparent.

2. Attracting Sustainable Investments

Situated as a hub for sustainable and responsible investment, the UAE is the preference for multinationals that are committed with ethical practice as these guidelines are adhered to by the UAE.

3. Revenue Redistribution

By reinvesting tax revenues into infrastructure, innovation and public services, the DMTT allows the UAE to achieve long term economic growth.

Key Challenges of Implementation

While the DMTT is a significant step forward, challenges may arise, such as:

Administrative Complexity: Multinationals may face difficulty adapting to new compliance protocols.

Impact on Small Economies: Free zones and special economic areas might need to reassess their tax advantages to remain competitive.

Conclusion

The UAE’s decision to introduce new tax on large multinational companies marks a dramatic shift in its fiscal policy and brings the nation into line with global tax norms. While this will add more taxation to businesses, at least this brings more transparency and equality in the UAE business atmosphere.

However, it is crucial for multinational enterprises in two respects: firstly to understand this change and secondly to adapt to it to comply and optimize tax strategies. Working with such experienced consultants as AB Capital Services can help businesses deal with these challenges and achieve a smooth transition while maintain a sustainable growth in the UAE market.

FAQs about 15% Minimum Corporate Tax on Multinationals

1. What is the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT)?The DMTT is a new tax, requiring large multinational enterprises with global revenues exceeding €750 million to pay a minimum of 15% tax on UAE profits.

2. When will the DMTT take effect?The tax will be implemented starting January 1, 2025.

3. How does the DMTT align with global tax standards?The DMTT complies with the OECD’s global minimum tax framework, promoting fair taxation across jurisdictions.

4. Who is affected by the DMTT?Multinational companies with annual global revenues above €750 million in two of the last four financial years.

5. How can AB Capital Services assist with DMTT compliance?AB Capital Services provides expert guidance, from assessing tax strategies to ensuring full compliance with DMTT requirements.