The number of shareholders depends on the jurisdiction:

In mainland companies, you can add up to 49 shareholders.
In most free zones, the limit ranges from 1 to 5 shareholders, but some allow more. Always check the specific free zone or authority requirements.

You can obtain an investor visa in Dubai through several methods:

Company formation – Set up your own company to apply for a 2-year investor visa.
Property investment – Purchase property worth AED 2 million or more to qualify for a Golden Visa (valid for 10 years).
Partnership or business investment in an existing UAE company.

Yes, you can sponsor your spouse and children through:

An employment visa, provided your salary is more than AED 4,000 per month.
An investor visa, which also qualifies you to sponsor dependents.

To appoint a qualified nominee, you should work with a professional corporate service provider (CSP). A CSP will:

Connect you with reliable and experienced nominees.
Draft a nominee agreement in compliance with UAE law.
Ensure your structure is secure, confidential, and legally protected.

Mainland companies in the UAE are allowed to operate anywhere within the country and are eligible to work directly with government entities and bid for local tenders. They require a physical office space, and there is no restriction on the number of visas that can be obtained, provided the office size justifies the quota. While 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in many sectors, some activities may still require a local service agent.

On the other hand, Free Zone companies are typically restricted to operating within their specific free zone or outside the UAE. They offer 100% foreign ownership with no need for a local partner, and are ideal for businesses focused on international trade or services. Free zones also offer cost-effective setup options like flexi-desks or virtual offices. However, these companies are not eligible for government contracts, and visa quotas are usually limited based on the license package selected.