🇦🇪 UAE Residence by Company Formation – FAQ

1. How does this process work?

You’ll open a company in a UAE Free Zone or Mainland jurisdiction under your name. Once your business license is issued, you automatically qualify for a UAE residence visa as the company owner. We handle all paperwork, government coordination, and logistics for you.

2. How long does it take to get my visa?

Most clients receive their residence visa within 10–15 business days after submitting all required documents. The timeline can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction and your nationality.

3. What type of visa will I receive?

You’ll receive a 2-year UAE residence visa linked to your company. It allows you to live, work, and open bank accounts in the UAE, and you can renew it every two years as long as your company remains active.

4. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. Once your visa is approved, you can sponsor your spouse and children under your residence permit. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

5. Do I need to live full-time in the UAE?

No, you don’t have to. You only need to enter the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep your visa active. Many clients use this program mainly for tax residency or international mobility.

6. Do I need a local partner or sponsor?

No. You’ll have 100% foreign ownership of your company in most Free Zones. If you prefer a Mainland setup, we can provide a local service agent (without ownership rights) to comply with local rules.

7. Can I open a UAE bank account?

Yes. We help you set up a personal and business bank account with reputable UAE banks. Some banks may require an in-person visit, while others allow remote onboarding.

8. What documents do I need to start?

Generally, you’ll need:

  • A valid passport

  • Passport-size photo

  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

  • Resume or brief business background

  • Any existing company documents (if applicable)

We’ll review everything together before submission.

9. What are the main benefits of UAE residency?

  • 0% personal and corporate income tax (in most Free Zones)

  • Residency for your family

  • Access to UAE banking and international payment systems

  • Prestigious business address

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries

10. Is this program legal and recognized internationally?

Yes. This is a fully legal government-approved program. Company formation and residence visas are issued directly by UAE authorities. You’ll receive official documents such as your license, Emirates ID, and visa stamp.

11. What happens if my UAE visa application is denied?

In the rare case your visa is denied, we’ll help you understand the reason and, if possible, appeal or reapply after addressing the issue.

Common reasons for rejection include:

  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

  • A previous visa overstay or immigration issue in the UAE or GCC

  • Security background checks

If the denial is final and cannot be appealed, we offer two options:

  1. Full refund of unused government fees (we’ll only deduct actual costs already paid to authorities).

  2. Transfer of credit toward another jurisdiction or service, such as a company setup in a different country.

Our goal is to make sure you’re never left stranded — we handle every step with transparency and support.
The Passport Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers for entrepreneurs and families pursuing second residency, citizenship, and strategic relocation — delivered with world‑class compliance and concierge execution.

1 What is The Passport Guide?

The Passport Guide is a boutique global‑mobility firm helping clients secure residency, second citizenship, and international banking access through compliant, efficient pathways (company formation, investment, descent, and—where lawful—birthright citizenship).

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2 Who do you work with?

Entrepreneurs, investors, remote professionals, and families seeking mobility, asset protection, optimized taxation, and better lifestyle options. We tailor strategies to nationality, timeline, and budget.

3 Is birth tourism legal, and do you support it?

We only operate within the law. In jurisdictions that grant jus soli (citizenship by birth) and explicitly allow non‑resident births, we coordinate compliant, ethical plans with hospital onboarding, local registrations, and post‑natal documentation. We do not assist with misrepresentation at borders or unlawful intent.

4 Which regions do you cover?
  • Latin America: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil
  • Middle East: UAE and select GCC options
  • Europe: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Malta (varies by program)
  • Asia: Thailand, Philippines
5 Do you help with company formation for residency?

Yes. We arrange LLC/LLP incorporation, local directorships (where appropriate), tax IDs, and banking introductions to support residency tracks that require economic activity or investment.

6 What are typical costs?
  • Residency programs: ~US$1,000–US$5,000 in professional & government fees
  • Citizenship by descent/birth: ~US$2,000–US$10,000 (country‑specific)
  • Investment programs: typically start at US$50,000+

We provide a fixed‑fee proposal after your assessment call.

7 How long does it take?

Most residencies complete in 2–6 months. Citizenship by investment averages 6–18 months. Birth citizenship is immediate for the child; parent residency may follow within ~90 days, subject to local rules and your documentation readiness.

8 Do you handle paperwork and translations?

Yes. End‑to‑end support includes document procurement, notarization, apostilles, sworn translations, and local registrations. Concierge options cover school enrollment, housing, and banking appointments.

9 How do I start?

Book an assessment call and complete our confidential intake. We review your goals and eligibility, then deliver a clear, country‑by‑country roadmap with timelines, costs, and compliance steps.

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10 What makes you different?

We blend legal rigor with operator experience. You get boutique attention, vetted local partners, and execution that respects your privacy, time, and regulatory risk profile.

11 Is my data secure?

Yes. We apply strict confidentiality, least‑privilege access, encrypted storage for sensitive records, and NDAs with staff and vendors.

12 Do you provide banking introductions?

Where appropriate, we coordinate bank/KYC appointments, compliance packs, and EMI/fintech options aligned with your country pathway and business model.

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