UAE Business Setup, Explained.

A report an employer files when an employee stops coming to work without notice, now officially called work abandonment.

A short, structured programme that helps startups grow quickly with mentoring and often investment.

When a bank blocks transactions on an account, often pending KYC updates or compliance checks.

The profit shown in a company's financial statements before any tax adjustments.

Money your business owes suppliers for goods or services already received.

Money customers owe your business for goods or services already delivered.

A Ministry of Finance-approved company that sends and receives your e-invoices and reports their data to the FTA.

Recording income and expenses when they are earned or incurred, not when the cash moves.

One company buying control of another.

A government-assigned code that defines the specific business activities a company is licensed to carry out.

A family of related business activities that can usually be combined on the same licence.

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development: the government body overseeing Abu Dhabi's economy and business sector.

The requirement for a QFZP to have enough staff, assets and spending in the free zone to carry out its core activities.

Abu Dhabi Global Market: Abu Dhabi's financial free zone on Al Maryah Island, with its own common law courts and regulator.

A fine the FTA charges for breaking tax rules, such as late registration, filing or payment.

Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority: the ADDED arm that registers and licenses mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi.

A UAE Media Council permit that content creators need before publishing paid or promotional posts on social media.

Your credit score from the Al Etihad Credit Bureau, which banks use to decide whether to lend to you or your business.

Authorised Economic Operator: a trusted-trader status from customs that brings faster clearance and fewer inspections.

The shipping document for goods sent by air, confirming the airline has received them.

A free zone in Ajman known for low-cost licences for trading, services and light manufacturing.

Extra payments on top of basic salary, such as housing or transport, that make up an employee's total package.

A Dubai service centre where visa and residency applications are submitted on behalf of GDRFA.

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism: rules requiring businesses to spot and report suspicious money.

Spreading the cost of an intangible asset, such as software or a licence, over its useful life.

An individual who invests their own money in early-stage startups.

Paid holiday an employee is entitled to each year, typically 30 days after one year of service.

A yearly filing, required by some free zones, confirming a company's details, owners and activity.

An audit firm approved by a free zone or authority to audit the companies registered there.

The rule that related-party deals must use the same prices and terms that unrelated parties would agree to.

The constitutional document that sets out a company's internal rules, ownership structure and management framework.

An international customs document that lets you take goods such as samples or exhibition items abroad temporarily without paying duty.

Official confirmation that a document is genuine, usually by the issuing country and then the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Sharjah lease registered with the municipality, required there for licensing and visas.

The auditor's conclusion on whether the accounts give a true and fair view; "unqualified" means a clean result.

The annual financial review obligations that apply to UAE-registered entities, depending on their jurisdiction and structure.

Financial statements checked and signed off by an independent registered auditor.

The maximum amount of share capital a company is allowed to issue under its constitutional documents.

A person formally appointed to sign documents and make binding decisions on behalf of a company.

Business-to-Business: selling products or services to other companies.

Business-to-Consumer: selling directly to individual customers.

Business-to-Government: selling products or services to government entities.

Arabic for "municipality", the local authority for permits and inspections.

A snapshot of what a company owns, what it owes and the owners' equity on a given date.

A rough estimate rather than an exact number.

Office slang for how much time or capacity a person or team has for more work.

The process of establishing a corporate bank account after a company has been incorporated.

A bank's promise to pay a third party if your business fails to meet a contract obligation.

A letter from your bank confirming your account relationship and standing, often requested during setup.

A legal process for a business that can't pay its debts, which may lead to restructuring or liquidation.

A federal one-stop online service that lets investors register and license a business through a single application.

The fixed core part of an employee's pay, excluding allowances, used to calculate end-of-service gratuity.

The customs declaration filed to clear goods entering or leaving the country.

A carrier's document confirming it has received goods for sea shipment, which also serves as title to the goods.

The fingerprint and photo scan taken for an Emirates ID during the residence visa process.

A company immigration or labour file that has been frozen, usually over fines or violations, stopping new visas.

The group of directors who make major decisions and supervise how a company is run.

A formal decision made and recorded by a company's board of directors or managers.

A secured storage facility where imported goods can be kept without paying duty until they are released.

Recording a business's daily financial transactions, such as sales, purchases and payments, accurately and in order.

Building a business with your own money and revenue instead of outside investors.

A cheque the bank refuses to pay, usually due to insufficient funds, which can lead to fines and civil claims.

A UAE branch of an overseas company that operates under the parent's name and has no separate legal identity.

An extra location of an existing UAE company, often in another emirate, licensed under the same legal entity.

An extension of a parent company that operates under the same legal identity, rather than as a separate entity.

The level of sales at which income exactly covers costs, so the business makes neither profit nor loss.

The RERA-issued ID that lets a real estate agent legally practise in Dubai.

How much cash a business spends each month beyond what it earns.

The specific work your company is allowed to do, as listed on its licence, such as "IT consultancy" or "general trading".

A building offering ready-to-use offices and shared services that companies can rent short-term.

The official permit that authorises a business to legally operate in the UAE.

A document explaining what a business will do, who it serves, how it will make money and what it needs to grow.

The full process of creating a legal company in the UAE, from choosing an activity and jurisdiction to getting the licence and visas.

Customer Acquisition Cost: how much you spend on average to win one new customer.

A table showing who owns what percentage of a company's shares.

Recording income and expenses only when cash is received or paid, allowed for tax by businesses with revenue up to AED 3 million.

A report showing how cash came into and went out of a business over a period.

Country-by-Country Reporting: an annual report large multinationals file showing revenue, profit and tax in every country.

Central Bank of the UAE: the regulator of banks, insurers, exchange houses and payment providers in the country.

Customer Due Diligence: the checks a business does to verify a customer's identity and understand their activity and risk.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: a UAE trade deal with another country that cuts tariffs and opens markets.

A document confirming a company is properly registered, active and up to date with its obligations.

The document issued by the registering authority proving that a company has been legally formed.

A document listing a company's current directors, shareholders and officers, often requested by banks abroad.

A document from the chamber of commerce confirming the country where exported goods were made.

A certificate from the chamber of commerce confirming a company's membership, often needed for trade documents.

A membership body that businesses register with, often required for certifying trade documents and attestations.

Converting a company from one type to another, such as a sole establishment to an LLC, without closing it.

Switching an entry permit or visit visa to a residence visa without leaving the country.

The rate at which customers stop buying from you or cancel their subscriptions.

Office slang for returning to a topic later.

A mainland partnership of professionals, such as doctors or engineers, where the partners share liability for the business.

A safety clearance confirming that business premises meet fire and safety rules.

A shared workspace where people from different companies rent desks and share facilities.

An arrangement where a registered local agent distributes or sells a foreign brand's products in the UAE.

The seller's invoice for exported goods, which customs uses to check their value and calculate duty.

A license type issued for trading and general commercial activities, such as import, export, and retail.

The official government record of companies, listing each one's name, owners, activities and registration number.

A zone like DIFC or ADGM where English-style common law applies to civil and commercial matters.

A short document introducing a business, its services, team and credentials to clients or authorities.

An official stamp used to authenticate corporate documents and contracts.

The person responsible for keeping a company's official records, minutes and filings up to date.

The person responsible for making sure a business follows AML and other regulatory rules.

Closing a company by court order, usually because it can't pay its debts.

An owner, director or their relative, whose payments from the business must be at market value for tax purposes.

A professional licence for businesses that sell advice or expertise, such as management, IT or marketing consulting.

A short-term loan from investors that turns into shares later, usually at the next funding round.

Legal protection for original creative work, such as writing, software, music or design, against copying.

The rules and practices that set how a company is directed, controlled and held accountable.

A company, rather than a person, that owns shares in another company.

A UAE federal tax of 9% applied to taxable business profits above AED 375,000.

Registering your business for corporate tax with the FTA through EmaraTax, required even when no tax is due.

The yearly filing that reports a business's profit and tax due, submitted within nine months of its financial year end.

A document issued to reduce or cancel an earlier invoice, for example after a refund or discount.

A licensed agent who prepares customs paperwork and clears goods on a business's behalf.

The registration number a company gets from customs to import or export goods, renewed along with its licence.

The tax charged on imported goods, generally 5% of their value under the GCC common tariff.

Dubai Airport Free Zone: a free zone next to Dubai International Airport, suited to trading, logistics and high-value goods.

Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation: the DET arm that handles business registration and the Dubai Unified Licence.

The cap on non-qualifying revenue (5% of revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) a QFZP can earn and keep its 0% rate.

The former name of Dubai's economic department, now the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which licenses mainland companies in Dubai.

A reserved desk in a shared office that only your company uses, one step up from a flexi-desk.

A specific piece of work or result that must be handed over by a deadline.

A residence visa that allows a UAE resident to sponsor their spouse, children, or other eligible family members.

Spreading the cost of a physical asset, such as equipment, over the years it is used.

A free zone treated as outside the UAE for VAT on certain movements of goods.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism: the government body that licenses and regulates mainland businesses in Dubai.

A Dubai mainland trade licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism.

Dubai Financial Services Authority: the independent regulator of financial services firms operating in DIFC.

Dubai International Financial Centre: Dubai's financial free zone, with its own laws, courts and regulator.

A bank that operates mainly through an app or online, often offering quicker business account opening.

An electronic signature, such as one made through UAE Pass, that is legally recognised on documents.

The drop in each owner's percentage when a company issues new shares.

A person appointed to oversee a company's management and strategy, usually as a member of the board.

A contract that grants a company the rights to distribute another party's products within the UAE.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre: a large Dubai free zone in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, known for commodities, trading and services companies.

Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax: a tax making large multinational groups pay at least 15% on their UAE profits from 2025.

Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions: sectors such as real estate, audit, gold trading and corporate services that have AML duties.

A residence visa for housekeepers, nannies, drivers and similar staff sponsored by a household.

A bank account with no customer activity for a long period, which the bank may restrict.

A company that is still registered but is not currently trading or earning income.

A rule that lets majority owners require minority owners to join in selling the company on the same terms.

An online selling model where a supplier ships products straight to your customers, so you don't hold stock.

Dubai Silicon Oasis: a technology park and free zone focused on tech, innovation and startups.

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement: a treaty between the UAE and another country so the same income isn't taxed twice.

An arrangement where a free zone company also gets a Dubai mainland licence so it can trade outside the free zone.

Mandatory registration with Dubai Chambers for most Dubai mainland companies, renewed together with the trade licence.

The organisation representing Dubai's business community, issuing memberships, certificates of origin and other trade documents.

A Dubai free zone dedicated to e-commerce businesses, from online retailers to logistics providers.

The authority that manages imports, exports and customs clearance for goods entering or leaving Dubai.

Dubai's plan to double the size of its economy by 2033, which drives many of its recent business reforms.

The body that coordinates Dubai's free zones and drives shared schemes such as the One Freezone Passport.

The government body that registers property ownership, sales and leases in Dubai.

The local authority responsible for building, health, food safety and environmental approvals in Dubai.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, which supports Emirati entrepreneurs and small businesses.

A large free zone and city district near Al Maktoum International Airport, covering logistics, aviation and e-commerce.

Dubai's online trade portal for customs, port and logistics services, including customs code registration.

A single business identity given to every licensed company in Dubai, linking its records across government services.

A detailed check of a company's finances, legal status and operations before an investment, purchase or partnership.

A license type issued for businesses that sell goods or services exclusively online.

A government payment card and system used to pay fees for federal and local government services.

The UAE system where invoices are sent as structured digital files through approved providers and reported to the FTA, phased in from 2027.

A low-cost Dubai licence that lets UAE residents run a home-based or social media business without an office; it doesn't include visas.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation: a common measure of operating profit.

A MoIAT conformity certificate confirming that regulated products meet UAE standards before they are sold.

Enhanced Due Diligence: deeper checks required for higher-risk customers, such as politically exposed persons.

The Dubai Land Department system used to officially register tenancy contracts, including virtual office leases.

The FTA's online portal for registering, filing returns and paying VAT, corporate tax and excise tax.

The mandatory national identification card issued to all UAE residents and citizens.

The national policy requiring private companies to employ a set share of UAE nationals in skilled roles.

The financial penalty a company pays to MOHRE for each Emirati role it fails to fill against its target.

A third-party company that legally employs staff on your behalf, handling their visas, payroll and compliance.

The written agreement between employer and employee, registered with MOHRE or the free zone, setting pay, role and terms.

A residence visa sponsored by a company for someone it employs, issued together with a work permit.

The lump sum an employer pays a foreign employee when their job ends, based on basic salary and years worked.

A Golden Visa route for founders whose project or startup meets set value or approval criteria.

The first permit that lets a person enter the UAE to complete their residence visa process.

Ownership in a company, usually in the form of shares.

A bank account held by a neutral third party that releases funds only when agreed conditions are met.

Environmental, Social and Governance: standards measuring how responsibly and sustainably a business operates.

Employee Stock Option Plan: a scheme giving employees the right to own company shares.

Economic Substance Regulations: former rules requiring proof of real activity in the UAE, cancelled for financial years after 2022.

A company-level immigration card required before a business can process employee or investor visas.

A tax on harmful products such as tobacco, energy drinks, sweetened drinks and vape products.

Income, such as qualifying dividends, that is excluded from corporate tax.

A body, such as a government entity or qualifying public benefit organisation, that does not pay corporate tax.

A sale with no VAT, such as bare land or most residential rent, where the seller can't reclaim the related input VAT.

When founders or investors sell their stake, through a sale of the company or a stock market listing.

A penalty charged when a company keeps operating past its trade licence expiry date without renewing.

Permission from a separate government body, such as the police or health authority, needed before certain licences are issued.

Hiring Emiratis on paper only, without real jobs, to meet targets: a serious violation with heavy fines.

A company owned and run by members of the same family, often with special rules for ownership and succession.

A permit that lets someone living on a family-sponsored visa work for a company.

Arabic for "invoice".

A free zone with its own financial laws, courts and regulator, such as DIFC in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi.

The 12-month period a company uses for its accounts, which doesn't have to match the calendar year.

A regulator's check on whether a company's owners and managers are honest, competent and financially sound.

Permission from the landlord or authority before you build or redesign the interior of a commercial space.

An office already finished with flooring, ceilings, lighting and sometimes furniture, ready to move into.

A shared workspace option offered by free zones, usually the cheapest way to meet the office requirement for a licence.

An arrangement where working hours or days change based on the employer's needs.

A legal structure, available in places like DIFC and ADGM, used to hold and protect family or business assets for chosen beneficiaries.

A contract giving a business the right to use another brand's name, model and products in return for fees.

A designated economic area that allows 100% foreign ownership, with its own rules and licensing authority separate from the mainland.

The body that licenses, regulates and services the companies registered in a particular free zone.

A free zone company structure owned by a single shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity.

A licence issued by a free zone authority that lets a company operate inside that zone and internationally.

A 2025 Dubai permit that lets eligible free zone companies holding a DUL trade on the mainland without opening a second company.

A bundled offer from a free zone that combines a licence, an office option and a set number of visas for one price.

A licence or permit that lets an individual work for themselves and serve multiple clients without forming a company.

A residence visa linked to a freelance permit, letting an individual live in the UAE and work for themselves.

A company that arranges transport, paperwork and logistics for shipping goods.

A licence temporarily blocked by the authority, usually over unpaid fines or violations, until the issue is fixed.

Financial Services Regulatory Authority: the regulator of financial services firms operating in ADGM.

Federal Tax Authority: the government body that registers businesses for tax and collects VAT, corporate tax and excise tax.

A Fujairah free zone focused on media, creative and consultancy businesses, with remote setup options.

A limited liability company registered in a free zone, used by zones such as Dubai Internet City and RAKEZ.

A free zone company with two or more shareholders, though some free zones also use the name for single-owner companies.

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs: the authority that handles visas and residency in Dubai.

The master record of all of a company's accounts and transactions.

A company formed by two or more partners who share the profits and are personally liable for its debts.

A licence that lets a company trade in a wide range of unrelated products, rather than a single product line.

Your plan for launching a product, reaching customers and making sales.

The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit's online system where regulated businesses register and report suspicious transactions.

The assumption that a business will keep operating for the foreseeable future.

A long-term UAE residence visa (5 or 10 years) available to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

A permit that lets a Golden Visa holder work for a private-sector employer without changing their residency.

The time allowed to stay in the UAE after a visa is cancelled or expires before overstay fines begin.

A 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for skilled employees, freelancers and investors who meet salary or income thresholds.

Revenue minus the direct cost of making or buying what you sold.

Official confirmation that food or products meet Islamic requirements, needed for many products sold in the UAE.

A Sharjah free zone with port access, suited to industrial, oil and gas, and trading businesses.

A company structure created to own shares in other companies, rather than to trade or operate directly.

A licence that allows certain small businesses to be run legally from the owner's home.

Harmonised System code: an international product code used to classify goods and set their customs duty.

Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem that helps startups set up and scale with incentives, investors and partners.

International Bank Account Number: the standard account number format used to send and receive payments in the UAE.

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security: the federal body for residency, Emirates ID and entry permits.

In-Country Value: a certification scoring how much a company spends and invests in the UAE, which helps it win government tenders.

International Financial Reporting Standards: the accounting rules UAE companies use to prepare their financial statements.

A simpler version of IFRS designed for smaller private companies.

International Free Zone Authority: a Dubai free zone at Dubai Silicon Oasis, popular with startups and SMEs for its flexible packages.

An Islamic finance lease where the bank owns an asset and rents it to you, often with the option to buy it.

Involuntary Loss of Employment: the UAE's mandatory unemployment insurance, which pays employees for a limited time if they lose their job.

A Dubai startup incubator that supports early-stage businesses in tech, media, design and science.

The official act of registering a company so that it legally comes into existence.

International rules, such as EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP, that set who pays for shipping and who carries the risk at each stage.

A programme or space that supports early-stage startups with office space, advice and networks.

A person who owns shares in a company in their own personal name.

A license type issued for manufacturing, processing, and assembly activities.

A preliminary confirmation from the licensing authority that allows a business setup application to proceed to the next stage.

The VAT a business pays on its purchases, which it can usually reclaim from the FTA.

When a business can't pay its debts as they fall due, or its debts are greater than its assets.

A visit or review by a government authority to check that a business is following the rules.

A Dubai mainland licence issued online in minutes for eligible activities, with the office lease allowed to follow later.

A Dubai home-business licence for Emirati and GCC nationals, letting them start trading from home at low cost.

Creations of the mind, such as brands, designs, inventions and content, that the law lets you own and protect.

A company's own review of its processes and controls to find risks and improve how it operates.

A common offshore company structure used for holding assets or conducting business outside the UAE.

Dubai's official online platform for setting up, licensing and managing a business, including visa and work permit services.

A residence visa issued to shareholders or partners of a UAE company.

Arabic for "residence", used informally to mean a residence visa.

An international classification code that UAE authorities use to label and group business activities.

Jebel Ali Free Zone: Dubai's major free zone next to Jebel Ali Port, popular with trading, logistics and industrial businesses.

JAFZA's offshore company registry, used mainly for holding companies and owning Dubai property in permitted areas.

A visit visa that lets eligible people enter the UAE to look for work without a sponsor.

Splitting one role's duties and pay between two or more employees.

A business arrangement in which two or more parties combine resources to pursue a specific commercial activity.

The authority and set of rules your company is registered under: the mainland, a specific free zone or an offshore registry.

A permit that lets young people aged 15 to 18 work under strict safety and working-hours rules.

The sponsorship system that links a foreign worker's residency to their employer or sponsor.

Arabic for "sponsor": the person or company legally responsible for someone's visa.

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi: a group of industrial and logistics zones near Khalifa Port.

An Abu Dhabi government fund that supports Emirati entrepreneurs with financing, training and business advice.

Two small government fees added to Dubai licence transactions to fund knowledge and innovation programmes.

Key Performance Indicator: a measurable number that shows whether you are hitting an important goal.

Know Your Customer: checking who your clients are, using IDs and business documents, before doing business with them.

The identity and business papers, such as passports and licences, that banks and providers collect to verify who you are.

An older term for a restriction stopping someone from taking a new job for a set period, now largely relaxed under current law.

An older name for the work permit card confirming an employee can work for a specific employer; it is now issued electronically as the work permit.

A formal complaint filed with MOHRE about issues such as unpaid wages or a breach of contract.

A contract confirming a company's right to occupy a commercial space, often required for licensing and Ejari registration.

A business the law treats as a separate "person", able to sign contracts, own assets and be sued in its own name.

The type of company you register, such as an LLC, sole establishment or branch, which decides ownership and liability.

A certified translation, usually into Arabic, by a licensed translator, required for many government submissions.

A bank's promise to pay a seller once they show proof of shipment, used to reduce risk in international trade.

Any official change to a trade licence, such as adding activities or changing the name, address or shareholders.

Formally closing a trade licence so the company stops existing legally and stops building up fees and fines.

The annual process of renewing a trade license to keep a company legally operational.

The most common UAE company type, owned by up to 50 shareholders whose personal risk is limited to the capital they put in.

A partnership with at least one fully liable partner and others whose liability is limited to what they invested.

The formal, authority-approved process of closing down a company and cancelling its trade license.

A licensed professional appointed to wind up a company, settle its debts and distribute any remaining assets.

A transfer pricing document detailing a UAE company's related-party transactions and how their prices were set.

A UAE national appointed to handle government procedures for certain mainland professional licences, without owning any shares.

An Emirati national who used to be required to own 51% of most mainland companies, a rule largely removed in 2021.

Confirmation that your chosen office or premises is suitable and allowed for your business activity.

Easy wins that take little effort to achieve.

The contract between a company and its Local Service Agent setting out the agent's role and annual fee.

Lifetime Value: the total revenue you expect to earn from one customer over the whole relationship.

Any part of the UAE outside the free zones, where companies are licensed by the emirate's economic department and can trade anywhere in the country.

A trade licence issued by an emirate's economic department that lets a company trade directly across the UAE market.

A traditional sitting room or gathering where people meet, talk and often discuss business.

Internal financial reports, often monthly, that help owners track performance and make decisions.

The person named on the trade licence as responsible for running the company day to day.

The requirement for employers to provide health cover for their staff as part of the residence visa process.

Arabic for "representative": the everyday name for a PRO who handles government paperwork.

A licensed service that provides workers to other companies on a contract basis.

A business that sells through an online marketplace such as Amazon or Noon instead of its own store.

An Abu Dhabi free zone focused on sustainability, clean energy, technology and research companies.

A transfer pricing document describing a large group's global business, structure and pricing policies.

A mandatory health screening required as part of the UAE residence visa application process.

A legal document that defines a company's structure, ownership percentages, and permitted business activities.

A business account that lets you accept card payments from customers.

Two companies combining into one.

A Dubai free zone based at Meydan, known for fully digital setup and a wide range of business activities.

The summer rule that stops outdoor work in direct sun during the hottest hours of the day.

The lowest average amount a bank requires you to keep in a business account to avoid fees.

The federal ministry, renamed from the Ministry of Economy in June 2025, that oversees commerce, companies law and trademarks.

The federal ministry that sets UAE tax policy and issues tax laws and decisions, including the e-invoicing rules.

A federal ministry created in 2025 to lead the UAE's international trade policy and trade agreements.

Dubai Customs' system for submitting customs declarations and clearing goods.

A permit that lets a company bring a worker from abroad to complete a temporary task or project.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: the federal body that issues work permits and regulates private-sector employment.

MOHRE's grading of companies based on compliance and Emiratisation, which affects their work permit fees.

The standard job offer issued through MOHRE that an employee signs before their work permit is processed.

MOHRE's classification of jobs by education and role level, which affects things like Green Visa eligibility.

Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology: the federal ministry for industrial licensing, product standards and the ICV programme.

Memorandum of Understanding: a document recording an agreement in principle between parties, usually not legally binding. Not the same as an MOA.

Arabic for "establishment", as in a sole establishment.

Arabic for "manager", often seen on licences and company documents.

Clearance from the local municipality for premises, signage or activities such as food, health or construction.

An Islamic finance deal where the bank buys an asset and sells it to you at an agreed profit, paid in instalments.

Minimum Viable Product: the simplest version of a product that lets you test your idea with real customers.

A federal programme that supports Emiratis in private-sector jobs with salary support and incentives, now extended to 2040.

A permit for training UAE nationals at a private company in line with their qualifications.

An individual running a business in their own name, who must register for corporate tax once yearly turnover passes AED 1 million.

Non-Disclosure Agreement: a contract that stops the parties from sharing each other's confidential information.

What remains after all expenses, including overheads and tax, are taken from revenue.

A link to the UAE, such as earning income from UAE property, that makes a non-resident liable for corporate tax.

A letter stating that a person or authority has no objection to a specific action, such as changing jobs or opening a business.

A person appointed as a director on paper who acts on the instructions of the person who appointed them.

A person or firm holding shares in their name on behalf of the real owner, who must still be declared under UBO rules.

A contract term that stops an employee from joining a competitor or starting a rival business for a set time after leaving.

A company type introduced in 2025 that must reinvest all its profits into its stated goals instead of paying them to owners.

Income of a free zone company that doesn't qualify for 0% and can cost it QFZP status if it goes over the limit.

A foreign business taxed in the UAE only on income linked to the UAE, such as through a permanent establishment.

Having a notary public verify the signatures on a document so it is legally accepted.

An authorised official who verifies identities and signatures on legal documents such as POAs and MOAs.

The time an employer or employee must give before ending an employment contract, usually 30 to 90 days.

The section of a company's constitutional documents that lists its permitted business activities.

The rule linking how many visas a company can sponsor to the size of its office or workspace.

A UAE-registered company used for international business or holding assets, which cannot trade within the UAE market.

An authority that registers offshore companies, such as RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore, which cannot trade in the UAE market.

Objectives and Key Results: a goal-setting method that pairs a clear objective with measurable results.

A 2025 Dubai scheme that lets a company licensed in one free zone expand into other Dubai free zones without new licences.

An LLC owned by a single individual or corporate shareholder, giving one owner limited liability protection.

Dubai's registration system for off-plan property sales before a title deed is issued.

The VAT a business charges customers on its sales and must pay to the FTA.

A credit facility that lets a business spend more than its account balance, up to an agreed limit.

A daily penalty charged when someone remains in the UAE after their visa or grace period has ended.

Work done beyond normal working hours, which must be paid at a higher rate under UAE law.

A document listing the contents, weight and packaging of each package in a shipment.

The part of a company's share capital that shareholders have actually paid in.

A company that owns or controls one or more other companies, known as its subsidiaries.

Working for one or more employers for fewer hours or days than a full-time role, with MOHRE approval.

A MOHRE permit that lets a company hire someone on reduced hours, and lets that person work for more than one employer.

A rule that exempts dividends and gains from qualifying shareholdings, generally 5% or more, from corporate tax.

The process of a shareholder leaving a company and transferring their shares to others.

A residence visa for a shareholder of a mainland company, often used interchangeably with the investor visa.

Legal protection that gives an inventor the exclusive right to use and sell their invention for a set time.

The online service that processes card and digital payments on a website or app.

The process of calculating and paying employees' salaries, allowances and deductions each month.

Personal Data Protection Law: the UAE federal law on how businesses collect, use and protect people's personal data.

An FTA scheme that cancels the AED 10,000 late corporate tax registration fine if the first return is filed within seven months of the period end.

Retirement contributions that employers and Emirati employees pay into the national or emirate pension fund.

Politically Exposed Person: someone in a prominent public role, or their close family, who needs extra checks.

The international network UAE e-invoicing uses to exchange e-invoices securely between businesses.

A fixed place of business or a dependent agent in the UAE that makes a foreign company taxable here.

A small amount of cash kept on hand for minor everyday expenses.

The UAE's standard digital format for e-invoices on the Peppol network.

The list of potential deals or customers a business is currently working on.

Changing your business direction or model based on what you've learned.

The rules that decide which country's VAT applies to a sale.

A cheque dated for the future, commonly used in the UAE for rent and instalment payments.

A company's value right after new investment, equal to the pre-money value plus the new money.

A legal document authorising one person to act on behalf of another in specific business or legal matters.

A company's value before new investment comes in.

A company whose capital is split into shares held by a limited group of investors and not offered to the public.

A MOHRE permit that allows qualified people to give private tutoring legally.

Public Relations Officer: the person who handles a company's government paperwork, such as visas, licences and approvals.

A preliminary bill sent before a sale is final, showing expected costs; it is not a tax invoice.

A trial period of up to six months at the start of a job, when either side can end employment with shorter notice.

When your product clearly meets a real need and customers are buying it and recommending it.

A license type issued for service-based and consultancy businesses that rely on specialised skills rather than physical trading.

A report showing a company's revenue, expenses and profit or loss over a period.

A document, such as a utility bill or tenancy contract, confirming where a person or company is located.

A company whose shares are offered to the public and can be listed on a stock exchange such as DFM or ADX.

A free zone company that meets specific conditions allowing it to benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.

Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person that is taxed at 0%, such as income from qualifying activities.

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre: the registry for RAK offshore companies and other international structures.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone: a free zone authority offering cost-effective licences for trading, services and industry.

Moving a company's registration to another jurisdiction, such as from a free zone to the mainland, while keeping the same company.

Importing goods into the UAE and then shipping them on to another country.

Matching your records against another source, such as bank statements, to find and fix differences.

A formal request asking the FTA to review and change a tax decision or penalty you disagree with.

The legal duty to keep business, accounting and tax records for a set number of years.

A company's official record of who its directors and managers are and when they were appointed.

A company's official list of its shareholders and how many shares each one holds.

A licensed intermediary required to represent an offshore company in its jurisdiction of registration.

A business activity that needs approval from an extra authority, such as a health, education or finance regulator, before licensing.

A controlled setting where companies can test new products, such as fintech, under relaxed rules.

A person or company linked to a business through ownership, control or family ties, whose deals face transfer pricing rules.

Doing your job from outside the employer's office, fully or partly, under an agreed arrangement.

A visa that lets people employed by a company outside the UAE live here while working remotely.

A presence that lets a foreign company promote its brand and research the UAE market without selling or earning income here.

Real Estate Regulatory Agency: the DLD arm that licenses brokers and regulates real estate activity in Dubai.

The permit that lets a foreign national live in the UAE legally for a set period, linked to a sponsor or to self-sponsorship.

For tax purposes, a business incorporated in the UAE or managed from here, taxed on its worldwide income.

Reorganising a company's debts, ownership or operations to keep it viable.

Selling goods directly to end consumers, in a shop or online.

The total money a business earns from its sales before any costs are deducted.

A rule where the buyer rather than the seller accounts for VAT, often on imports and services bought from abroad.

Request for Proposal: a document asking suppliers how they would deliver a project and at what cost.

Request for Quotation: a request asking suppliers for prices on specific goods or services.

Return on Investment: how much you gain compared to what you spent.

Arabic for "trade licence".

How many months a business can keep going before its cash runs out.

Simple Agreement for Future Equity: an investment that converts into shares later without being a loan.

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone: a free zone beside Sharjah Airport, popular for trading and light industry.

A letter from the employer confirming an employee's job and salary, often needed for banks, visas and loans.

Checking customers and partners against official sanctions lists before doing business with them.

An optional alternative to gratuity where employers pay monthly into approved investment funds for their staff.

A company past the startup stage that is growing fast in customers, revenue or staff.

Sharjah Economic Development Department: the authority that issues mainland trade licences in Sharjah.

One of the first funding rounds, used to build the product and find early customers.

The first major round of venture capital funding, usually used to grow a proven business.

Annual fees paid for maintaining a building's shared areas and facilities.

A fully furnished office rented with services such as internet, reception and cleaning included.

Sharjah Media City: a Sharjah free zone aimed at media, creative and freelance businesses at low cost.

The total value of money or assets the owners have put into a company in exchange for shares.

A document that serves as formal proof of ownership of shares in a company.

Different types of shares in the same company that carry different voting, dividend or exit rights, now allowed for LLCs.

Arabic for "partner", as in a business partner or shareholder.

An individual or entity that owns shares in a company and holds a stake in its ownership.

A formal decision approved by a company's shareholders, such as changing its capital or appointing a manager.

A private contract between owners setting out how the company is run, how decisions are made and how shares are transferred.

Arabic for "company".

A bare office unit with no interior finishing, which the tenant fits out themselves.

Arabic for "commercial register", the official record of a company's registration.

A shorter VAT invoice allowed for smaller sales or when the buyer isn't VAT registered.

Service Level Agreement: a contract setting the standard of service a provider promises to deliver.

An option that lets businesses with revenue up to AED 3 million pay no corporate tax, now extended to tax periods ending by 31 December 2029.

Small and Medium Enterprise: a business below set limits on staff and revenue, often eligible for support programmes.

A business loan designed for small and medium enterprises, often with simpler requirements.

A mainland business structure owned entirely by one individual, with no separate legal personality from its owner.

Where the money in a specific transaction or account came from, which banks may ask you to prove.

How a person built up their overall wealth, which banks may check for higher-risk clients.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone: a Sharjah free zone known for affordable licences and activities well beyond publishing.

A company created for one specific purpose, such as holding an asset or ring-fencing a single investment or project.

A sample of an authorised person's signature kept on record by banks or authorities to check future documents.

The person or company legally responsible for someone's UAE residence visa.

Anyone with an interest in a business or project, such as owners, staff, customers or regulators.

A young company built to grow quickly by offering a new product, service or business model.

Suspicious Transaction Report: a report filed through goAML when a business suspects money laundering or terrorist financing.

A short list of sensitive mainland activities, such as defence or banking, where foreign ownership is restricted or needs special approval.

Removing a company from the register, often after it fails to renew or file, which ends its legal existence.

A permit that lets students gain work experience with a registered company.

A separate company that is owned or controlled by another company, called its parent.

Islamic bonds that give investors a share in an asset's income instead of interest.

A bank's international identifier code used for cross-border transfers.

Government-licensed centres that handle the recruitment and visas of domestic workers.

A rule that lets minority owners join a sale on the same terms when the majority owners sell their shares.

An Abu Dhabi licence that lets entrepreneurs start certain businesses without physical premises for up to three years.

Islamic insurance where members pool their contributions to protect each other against loss.

Arabic for "attestation", the official verification of a document.

MOHRE-approved service centres where companies process work permits, contracts and other labour transactions.

Arabic for "permit", as in a work or entry permit.

MOHRE centres that run orientation sessions explaining workers' and employers' rights and duties under labour law.

Abu Dhabi's official system for registering tenancy contracts, similar to Ejari in Dubai.

A person or firm registered with the FTA to handle tax registration, filings and audits on a business's behalf.

A review by the FTA of a business's records and returns to check that the right tax has been paid.

Two or more UAE companies under at least 95% common ownership that file one corporate tax return together.

A VAT invoice that must include set details, such as the TRN and VAT amount, so the buyer can reclaim input VAT.

Using losses from earlier years to reduce taxable profit in later years, within set limits.

The 12-month period, usually your financial year, for which corporate tax is calculated and filed.

An official document confirming that a company or individual is a tax resident of the UAE.

The profit a business pays corporate tax on, after adjusting its accounting profit under the tax rules.

Any person or business that is subject to UAE corporate tax and must register with the FTA.

A group of Dubai free zones, including Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, focused on tech, media and education.

Employment for a specific task or project that ends once the work is complete.

A MOHRE permit for hiring someone for a short-term job or project.

A formal invitation, often from government, asking companies to submit bids to supply goods or services.

A short, mostly non-binding document setting the main terms of an investment before the final contracts.

The official document proving who owns a property.

Office slang for briefly checking in with someone.

A form filed with the corporate tax return listing related-party transactions above set thresholds.

Bank financing that helps businesses pay for imports and exports, such as letters of credit and supplier loans.

The official permit authorising a business to operate legally in the UAE, tied to a specific set of approved activities.

The registered legal and commercial name under which a business operates.

Booking your chosen company name with the licensing authority so no one else can register it while you set up.

Registering your brand name or logo with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism so others can't legally use it in the UAE.

The DLD's permit system for real estate advertising and other property-related permits in Dubai.

Rules making sure deals between related companies or people are priced as if they were between independent parties.

Goods passing through the UAE on their way to another country, usually without paying local duty.

A list of all ledger balances used to check that total debits equal total credits.

Tax Registration Number: the unique number the FTA gives each business registered for VAT or corporate tax.

Abu Dhabi's media and gaming free zone, offering licences and production support for creative businesses.

A private service office that fills in and submits government applications, such as visa or labour forms, for a fee.

Financial Intelligence Unit: the body that receives suspicious transaction reports from businesses through the goAML system.

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021: the main law setting employer and employee rights in the private sector.

The UAE's national digital identity app, used to log in to government services and sign documents digitally.

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone: a budget-friendly free zone popular with small businesses and e-commerce startups.

The record every company must keep and file showing who its ultimate beneficial owners are.

The individual (or individuals) who ultimately owns or controls a company, even if their name isn't on the license.

A signed statement in which a person or company formally promises to do, or not do, something.

A privately held startup valued at USD 1 billion or more.

The revenue and cost of a single customer or sale, showing whether each one is profitable.

An older open-ended contract type phased out under the 2021 labour law; contracts now have a set, renewable term.

Unique Selling Proposition: what makes your offer different from, and better than, your competitors'.

How much a business is considered to be worth, often set during fundraising or a sale.

A clear statement of the benefit customers get from choosing your product or service.

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority: Dubai's regulator for crypto and other virtual asset businesses outside DIFC.

A 5% consumption tax applied to most goods and services in the UAE.

Related companies registered together for VAT under one TRN and filing one return.

Registering with the FTA for VAT, mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 a year.

The regular filing, usually quarterly, reporting VAT charged and paid and the amount owed or refundable.

Registering your company as an approved supplier with a government entity or large company so you can bid for work.

Professional investment funds that back high-growth startups in exchange for equity.

Earning ownership of shares or options gradually over time, often over several years.

An outsourced finance expert who provides CFO-level advice on a part-time basis.

A business address and services without a physical desk, used with some licences to meet office requirements.

The formal ending of a residence visa when someone leaves a job, closes a company or leaves the UAE.

A refundable security amount some free zones or sponsors require for each visa, returned when the visa is cancelled.

The number of employee or investor visas a company can sponsor, usually based on its office size or facility type.

The old step of placing a residence sticker in the passport, now replaced by the Emirates ID as proof of residency.

A correction a business submits to the FTA after spotting an error in a filed return, usually reducing penalties.

Closing a solvent company by its owners' choice, with assets used to pay debts before deregistration.

Choosing to register for VAT once supplies or expenses pass AED 187,500, before it becomes mandatory.

Arabic for "agency" or power of attorney: authorising someone to act on your behalf.

A commercial storage facility used to hold stock, often required for trading or logistics licences.

Arabic for connections or influence: using personal networks to get things done.

A product made by one company and sold under another company's brand.

Selling goods in bulk to other businesses rather than directly to consumers.

Tax deducted at source on certain payments to non-residents, currently set at 0% in the UAE.

A unified government platform that combines work permit, residency, medical test and Emirates ID steps into one application.

Official authorisation for a foreign national to work for a specific employer in the UAE.

The cash available for day-to-day operations: current assets minus current liabilities.

Wage Protection System: the electronic system that tracks salary payments to make sure employees are paid on time.

A sale charged VAT at 0%, such as most exports, where the seller can still reclaim its input VAT.

The first AED 375,000 of taxable profit, which is taxed at 0% under UAE corporate tax.

The UAE e-invoicing flow: seller, seller's ASP, buyer's ASP and buyer, with tax data reported to the FTA as the fifth corner.

The right for non-UAE nationals to fully own a company, now allowed for most mainland activities and in all free zones.