# White Circle > White Circle is a Dubai-based legal and business consulting firm. It helps companies and private clients with company setup in the UAE mainland and free zones, bank and brokerage accounts, residency visas, tax advisory and accounting, document legalization, labor matters, powers of attorney and wills. It also provides corporate services in Hong Kong. Office: Anantara Business Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE. Phone: +971 55 134 6600. WhatsApp: +971 55 158 3500. Email: info@whitecirclegroup.com. Site language: English. Pages below are all live pages from the sitemap, grouped by section. ## Company - [Legal & Business Consulting in Dubai, UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/): Dubai-based legal and business consulting firm: tax advisory, accounting, visas, banking and legal support for companies and private clients. - [Business Setup Services in the UAE: Licenses, PRO, VAT](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/services): Offshore company setup, business licenses, PRO, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping, audit, HR and business valuation services for companies operating in the UAE. - [Corporate & Private Client Services UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/corporate-services): Company setup, bank accounts, visas, tax, legalization and wills under one roof in Dubai. Advisory for businesses and private clients across the UAE. - [Corporate & Legal Services in Dubai, UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/dubai): Company formation, bank accounts, accounting, visas and legal support in Dubai. We work with all major free zones, banks, notaries and consulates in the UAE. - [Corporate Services in Hong Kong and China](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/hong-kong): Company incorporation, corporate bank accounts, secretarial services, accounting and compliance in Hong Kong. Licensed trust or company service provider. - [Team – White Circle Experts & Advisors](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/team): Meet the White Circle team of experts in UAE business setup, tax, legal, and visa services. Professional advisory tailored to your needs. - [Career at White Circle – Join Our Team](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/career): Career at White Circle offers opportunities to grow with a leading UAE consulting firm. Explore open positions and join our professional team. - [Contact White Circle – Business Bay, Dubai Office](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/contacts): Visit us at Anantara Business Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, call +971 55 134 6600 or email info@whitecirclegroup.com to book a consultation. ## Legal services - [Corporate & Business Lawyers in Dubai](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/legal-services): More than 20 Dubai-based, common law qualified lawyers: corporate and M&A, tax, disputes, real estate, IP, crypto regulation and sanctions advice. - [Legal Services in Dubai, UAE: Corporate, Tax & Disputes](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/legal-services-in-the-uae): Lawyers in Dubai for companies and private clients: corporate and M&A, finance, tax, regulatory, real estate, maritime law, crypto regulation and disputes. ## Corporate setup - [Corporate Setup in the UAE: Companies, Trusts, Funds](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/corporate-setup): Choose and register the right structure: mainland or free zone company, holding, foundation, trust, fund or family office, with full corporate support. - [UAE Company Setup: Mainland & Free Zone Companies](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/company-setup): Mainland or free zone: we help choose the structure, get a license for your activities and register the company in line with UAE rules. - [Mainland Company Setup in Dubai & UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/mainland-companies): Onshore company that can trade across the UAE and abroad, work with local clients and sign government contracts. Licensing and registration support. - [Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/free-zone-companies): Register a company in one of 40+ UAE free zones: choice of zone, licensing and corporate governance, with tax planning benefits and full compliance. - [UAE Free Zones Compared: Meydan, DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, RAKEZ](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/different-free-zones): Over 40 free zones operate in the UAE under their own rules. Compare visa quotas, permitted activities, capital and office requirements in five key zones. - [How to Choose the Best Free Zone in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/selection-of-free-zone): With over 40 free zones in the UAE, start from your business activity, then weigh visa quotas, office needs and location. Get advice on the right zone. - [Holding Company Setup in Dubai & UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/holding-setup): Set up a holding company or SPV in the UAE to protect group assets and simplify subsidiary management. Low corporate tax and no personal income tax. - [Investment Fund Setup in DIFC, ADGM & UAE Mainland](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/fund-setup): Exempt, qualified investor and public funds under DFSA, FSRA or SCA rules. Exempt funds in DIFC and ADGM start at USD 50,000 per investor. - [UAE Foundation Setup in DIFC, ADGM & RAK ICC](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/foundation-setup): Set up a private foundation for asset protection and charity. We choose DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC and design governance for your case. - [Trust Setup in the UAE: DIFC & ADGM Trusts](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/trust-setup): How to set up a trust in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: offshore trusts in DIFC or ADGM and onshore trusts, with a high level of confidentiality. - [Family Office Setup in Dubai & UAE: DIFC, DWTC, DMCC](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/family-office-setup): Single or multi-family office for wealth preservation, succession planning and governance, set up in DWTC, DIFC, DMCC, RAK ICC or IFZA. ## Corporate administration - [Corporate Administration & Governance Services in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/corporate-administration): Licensing, corporate changes, taxpayer registration and regulatory monitoring for UAE companies, with ongoing compliance support from our team. - [Process Agent Services in Dubai, UAE and Hong Kong](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/process-agent-services): Process agent for cross-border transactions: service of process, arbitration and contractual notices for overseas parties via our Dubai and Hong Kong offices. ## Bank and brokerage accounts - [Bank & Brokerage Account Opening in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/bank-brokerage-accounts): Corporate, personal and brokerage accounts in UAE banks: document preparation, compliance review and advice on keeping accounts free of freezes. - [Open a Bank Account in the UAE: Corporate & Personal](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/bank-accounts): Personal and corporate accounts in leading UAE banks: document preparation, preliminary bank approval through our network and compliance support. - [Brokerage Account in the UAE: Open a Trading Account](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/brokerage-accounts): Access DFM, ADX and global markets through a UAE brokerage account. Open to residents, expats and non-residents, with no personal income tax. ## Residency visas - [UAE Residency Visas: Golden, Investor & Work Visa](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/residency-visas): Golden, investor and employee visas compared: residency from 1 to 10 years for you and your family, with access to banking, housing and healthcare. - [UAE Golden Visa: 10-Year Residency Requirements](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/golden-visa): Requirements for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals, from AED 2 million in property to a AED 30,000 salary, plus help with the application. - [UAE Investor Visa via Company Setup](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/investor-visa): Two-year residency for shareholders of a UAE company with AED 50,000 share capital. One visit a year keeps it valid; sponsor your spouse and children. - [Employment Visa in Dubai & UAE: Requirements & Sponsorship](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/employee-visa): Two-year renewable work visa for staff hired by UAE companies: requirements, documents and sponsorship steps, with onboarding support for employers. ## Tax advisory and accounting - [Tax Compliance, Advisory & Accounting in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/tax-advisory-accounting): Corporate tax and VAT registrations, accounting and timely audits for UAE and free zone companies, with advice on efficient tax planning. - [Corporate Tax Advisory Services in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/tax-advisory): VAT and corporate tax consulting, taxpayer registration and filings for UAE businesses and individuals, including the 0% rate for qualifying income. - [Accounting & Bookkeeping Services in Dubai, UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/accounting): Bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax registration, timely tax returns and annual audits for UAE companies, ready for free zone and AML inspections. ## Legalization and consular support - [Document Legalization & Consular Support in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/legalization-consular-support): Since the UAE does not accept apostilles, we legalize personal and corporate documents and handle consular paperwork, saving you queues and delays. - [Document Legalization for the UAE: Consulate & MOFA](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/legalization): Apostilles are not valid in the UAE. We legalize corporate and personal documents step by step, from home-country ministry to UAE consulate and MOFA. - [Consular Support in the UAE: Passports, Visas, Affidavits](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/consular-support): Help with consulate paperwork in the UAE: passports, visas, criminal record extracts, affidavits and powers of attorney, without errors or delays. ## Labor matters - [UAE Labour Law Support: Employment Contracts & ESOP](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/labor-matters-support): Employment and management agreements and share option plans drafted to UAE labour law. Avoid fines from AED 5,000 to 1,000,000 and account freezes. - [Employment Agreements in the UAE: Review & Addendums](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/employment-agreements): Standard free zone contracts rarely fit your terms. We review employment contracts and prepare addendums that comply with UAE labour law. - [Management Agreements in the UAE for Senior Executives](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/management-agreements): Custom agreements for directors and senior managers: duties, liabilities and financial incentives beyond standard free zone employment contracts. - [ESOP in the UAE: Employee Share Option Plan Setup](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/share-option-plans): Design an employee stock ownership plan for a UAE company: vesting, performance terms and share valuation, including DIFC and ADGM ESOP rules. ## Powers of attorney and wills - [Power of Attorney & Will Notarization in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/powers-of-attorney-wills): Preparation, notarization and registration of powers of attorney and wills valid in the UAE, for residents and foreign citizens protecting their assets. - [Power of Attorney in Dubai & UAE: Drafting, Notarization](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/powers-of-attorney): General, specific and company POAs drafted in Arabic or English and notarized by an Emirati notary, remotely by video call if you are abroad. - [Wills in Dubai: DIFC & UAE Notary Will Registration](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/wills): Make a will in the UAE without residency or travel: remote notarization, DIFC or notary route, rules for Muslims and non-Muslims explained. ## Insights - [Insights – White Circle Business & Tax Updates in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights): Insights from White Circle on UAE business, legal, and tax matters. Stay informed with expert articles and industry updates. - [Brokerage & Dealer Licenses in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/brokerage-dealer-licenses-in-the-uae): This alert outlines the key aspects of obtaining a brokerage or dealer license in the UAE and considerations for selecting the most suitable jurisdiction. - [Common Reporting Standard (CRS) Rules in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/the-importance-of-understanding-common-reporting-standard-rules-in-the-uae-the-importance-of-understanding-common-reporting): How the OECD Common Reporting Standard works in the UAE: duties of financial institutions, reporting procedures and penalties for non-compliance. - [Corporate Bank Account Blocked in UAE: How to Unfreeze](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/corporate-bank-account-blocked-in-dubai-reasons-action-plan-and-funds-recovery): Common reasons UAE banks freeze company accounts, the first steps to take and how to recover blocked funds lawfully, with practical legal advice. - [Corporate Loans for UAE Companies: Key Considerations](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/issuance-and-attraction-of-loans-by-uae-companies): Explore the permissibility and key considerations for UAE companies seeking corporate loans, including intragroup loans, from UAE and non-UAE lenders. - [Corporate Tax in the UAE – Key Insights](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/corporate-tax-in-the-uae-white-circle): Rates, tax base, residency rules and filing deadlines under the UAE corporate tax law in force since June 2023, with tips to avoid costly mistakes. - [English Common Law in the UAE: ADGM vs. DIFC](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/application-of-english-law-mt): Understand the key differences in how English Common Law is applied in the ADGM and DIFC financial free zones in the UAE. - [First Corporate Tax Period in the UAE: FTA CTP003](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/first-tax-period-of-a-legal-entity): Understand the FTA’s new clarification (CTP003) on calculating the first tax period for UAE companies under the Corporate Tax Law. - [Foreign Investment in Saudi Arabia: Key Approvals](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/foreign-investments-in-saudi-arabia): Regulatory approvals and permits foreign investors need to do business in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, and common mistakes to avoid. - [Inheritance & Family Law in Saudi Arabia](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/inheritance-and-family-law-in-saudi-arabia): Inheritance and Family Law in Saudi Arabia overview. White Circle explains legal framework, succession planning, and family rights. - [Inheritance & Family Law in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/inheritance-and-family-law-in-the-uae): Inheritance and Family Law in the UAE with White Circle insights on wills, succession planning, and protection of family rights. - [Legal Regulation of Cryptocurrency in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/legal-regulation-of-cryptocurrency-in-the-uae): How crypto businesses are licensed and supervised in UAE mainland and financial free zones, and how to choose the right location for your project. - [Legalizing UAE Documents: A Guide to Consular Legalization](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/legalization-of-the-uae-documents): Learn about the UAE’s requirements for legalizing documents for use within and outside the Emirates, including the consular legalization process. - [Limited Liability Company in Saudi Arabia](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/primary-forms-of-doing-business-in-saudi-arabia---limited-liability-company): Why foreign investors choose a limited liability company in Saudi Arabia: key LLC features, recent reforms and the regulatory landscape. - [New Netting Law in the UAE Effective in 2025](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/new-netting-law-in-the-uae-effective-in-2025): A new federal law on netting has come into effect in the UAE, creating a more predictable legal environment for capital market players. Learn more. - [Off-Plan Property in Dubai: Investor Protection](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/protection-of-investors-rights-in-off-plan-property-transactions-in-dubai): Buying off-plan in Dubai carries risks of delays or suspended construction. Learn which legal mechanisms protect investors and how to use them. - [Opening a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE: Key Steps](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/corporate-bank-account-in-the-uae-key-aspects-of-opening): Learn how to navigate the complex process of opening a corporate bank account in the UAE and increase your chances of success. - [Opening a Foreign Company Branch in Saudi Arabia](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/main-forms-of-doing-business-in-saudi-arabia---branches-of-foreign-companies): Key considerations, legal nuances and practical advice on setting up a branch of a foreign company in Saudi Arabia, a fast route into the market. - [Personal Income Taxation in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/personal-income-taxation-in-the-united-arab-emirates): The UAE has no personal income tax. This guide explains the tax status of individuals, the taxes that do apply and the double tax treaty network. - [Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/trademark-registration-in-saudi-arabia): This alert elaborates on the process of trademark registration in Saudi Arabia: regulation, application forms, timelines and possible restrictions. - [UAE Company Compliance Checklist: Key Annual Actions](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/actions-to-be-taken-in-respect-to-your-uae-company): This compliance schedule covers everything your UAE company needs to stay on track, including license renewals, taxes, and economic substance. - [UAE Golden Visa: Proposed Lower Property Threshold](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/uae-golden-visa): New proposals could make the UAE Golden Visa accessible with a significantly lower initial property investment of just AED 50,000. - [UAE Trademark Law & Registration Guide](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/trademark-registration-in-the-uae): Step-by-step guide to registering a trademark in the UAE: governing law, Ministry of Economy application forms, timelines and possible restrictions. - [UAE-Kazakhstan Double Taxation Treaty: Key Aspects Explained](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/main-aspects-of-the-convention-between-the-uae-and-the-rk-on-avoidance): Understand the key provisions of the UAE-Kazakhstan double taxation treaty, including taxation principles, applicable taxes, rates, and exemptions. - [Why Hire a Certified Accountant in the UAE](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/insights/why-now-is-the-time-to-get-your-finances-in-order): Ensure compliance, submit tax reports accurately, and meet free zone requirements with the help of a certified accountant in the UAE. ## Optional - [Privacy Policy – White Circle Website & Services](https://www.whitecirclegroup.com/privacy-policy): Privacy Policy of White Circle web site: explaining data collection, usage, and protection. Learn how we safeguard your information.