First Step Group

About First Step Group

Listed on the Maps directory in Abu Dhabi but marketing itself around Dubai and the wider Emirates, this consultancy says it has registered more than 1,500 companies. It presents itself as a single point of contact for individuals and businesses starting up in the UAE, and its pages discuss the choice between mainland, free zone and international holding structures, the role of a local sponsor or agent, and how to obtain licences. A separate accounting and audit practice area complements the formation work, together with visa, attestation and translation services, ISO certification support and a group of affiliated companies. The text suggests a small team of consultants rather than a large firm, and no staff numbers, founding date or languages spoken are given. Material is written in English and is aimed at newcomers who may have limited local contacts. No price list is published and quotes are requested through the contact form.

Services

Incorporation help spans mainland, free zone and holding companies, shelf companies, trade licences, local sponsor or agent arrangements, directorship, corporate shareholder and company secretary services, liquidations and strike-offs. On the finance side it offers VAT and corporate tax registration, VAT filing, AML work and internal, external and compliance audits. Other items include corporate and personal bank account introductions, residence, family and Golden Visas, PRO services, shared or virtual office arrangements, trademark registration, business valuation and feasibility studies.

• ✓ Company formation: offered
• ✓ Accounting and bookkeeping: offered
• ✓ Tax compliance: offered
• ✓ VAT: offered
• ✕ Payroll: not listed
• ✓ Audit: offered
• ✓ Bank account assistance: offered
• ✓ Residency and visas: offered
• ✓ Corporate secretarial: offered
• ✓ Virtual office: offered