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Middle East

Dubai (UAE)

Form a UAE free zone or mainland LLC in about two weeks. We pair you with a licensed local partner for your licence, founder visa, banking introductions, and ongoing compliance.

UAE residency0% personal taxWeb3 / cryptoMENA & Africa gatewayTax-residency founders
Corporate tax
  • 9% on taxable income over AED 375,000
  • 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons on qualifying income
Headline rate · re-verify annually
Setup timeAbout 2 weeksGov. filing via licensed partner
How it works

From signed engagement to operating company.

A licensed local partner runs each step. You sign once and watch it progress.

01
Week 1

Licence & company formation

  • Choose free zone or mainland structure
  • Reserve name and confirm activities
  • Submit documents and issue the trade licence
02
Weeks 1-2

Visa & residency

  • Entry permit and founder visa
  • Medical test and Emirates ID biometrics
  • Emirates ID issuance
03
Week 2 onward

Banking & onboarding

  • Bank account introductions
  • In-person verification with the bank
  • FTA registration and bookkeeping setup
Build your package

Take the full bundle - or just what you need.

Select the complete formation bundle, or mix and match individual services in Dubai (UAE). One checkout, one invoice.

Essentials BundleBundle added
AED 0Year 1
15% off for taking all 0 services together

Saving AED 0. The discount is on the bundle only, so à-la-carte add-ons stay at full price.

What’s included

0/0 kept
    One invoice · one partner
    Charles MartinZakiyah Roojee

    Talk to Charles or Zakiyah

    Charles Martin · Zakiyah Roojee

    15 minutes with a specialist who files in Dubai (UAE) — no pitch.

    We only use it to get back to you. No newsletter.
    Or add individual services à la carte

    Visas & residency

    Banking & finance

    Office & compliance

    The operating reality

    Tax, structure & compliance - the facts you’ll be asked about.

    Corporate tax (headline rate)9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
    Small-profit band0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000
    Qualifying Free Zone Person0% on qualifying income, subject to conditions
    Personal income tax0%
    VAT5% standard rate
    Tax authorityUAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
    Compare

    How Dubai (UAE) stacks up.

    The jurisdictions founders weigh against Dubai (UAE), side by side - tax, speed and all-in cost at a glance.

    You’re viewing
    Dubai, UAEMiddle East
    Corporate tax
    • 9% on taxable income over AED 375,000
    • 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons on qualifying income
    Setup time
    About 2 weeks
    From
    From AED 0
    Current jurisdiction
    SingaporeAsia
    Corporate tax
    • 17% headline
    • ~8.25% effective on first S$200k via partial exemption
    Setup time
    About 10 days
    From
    From S$0

    Stronger banking access and a wide treaty network for cross-border structures.

    View Singapore
    EstoniaEurope
    Corporate tax
    • 0% on retained/reinvested profits
    • 22% on distribution (2025)
    Setup time
    ~2 days, fully online via e-Residency
    From
    From €0

    Fully online setup with no physical office or in-person banking visit required.

    View Estonia
    Hong KongAsia
    Corporate tax
    8.25% on first HK$2M, 16.5% above (two-tier)
    Setup time
    About 1 week
    From
    From HK$0 all-in

    Foreign-sourced income can fall outside the local tax net, subject to conditions.

    View Hong Kong
    Is it right for you?

    Dubai (UAE) fits if…

    The clearest signal you’re in the right jurisdiction - or that another one deserves a look.

    01

    You want UAE residency and 0% personal tax

    A free zone company comes with a founder visa, Emirates ID, and tax residency. The UAE charges 0% personal income tax, so salary and dividends you draw are not taxed at the personal level.

    02

    You run a Web3 or crypto business

    Dubai has a dedicated virtual assets regulator (VARA) and clear licensing paths for crypto and Web3 activity. That regulatory clarity makes it easier to bank, hire, and operate than in less-defined markets.

    03

    You are expanding into MENA and Africa

    Dubai sits at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with world-class logistics and time-zone overlap across both regions. It works well as a regional headquarters or trading hub.

    FAQ

    What founders ask before incorporating in Dubai (UAE).

    Do I really pay 0% personal tax in Dubai?

    Yes. The UAE charges 0% personal income tax, so salary and dividends you draw are not taxed at the personal level. Note that a 9% corporate tax applies to company profits above AED 375,000, and 0% applies below that. Always confirm your position against your home-country rules.

    Does my company qualify for the 0% free zone rate?

    A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, subject to conditions set by the Federal Tax Authority. Whether you qualify depends on your activities and substance. We help you assess this rather than assume it.

    How long does it take to set up?

    Company formation typically takes about two weeks. Your founder visa, medical, and Emirates ID run alongside it. Bank account opening is separate and can take several more weeks depending on your profile.

    Do I need to live in or visit the UAE?

    You do not need a resident director, but a free zone company requires a local office or flexi-desk, and banks require in-person verification. You will need to visit for visa medicals, Emirates ID biometrics, and account opening.

    Can you guarantee a bank account?

    No one can. We make introductions to banks that fit your business, but the decision is the bank's and depends on your profile, activity, and documentation. We prepare you to give the application the best chance.

    Is Dubai a good base for a crypto or Web3 business?

    Dubai has a dedicated virtual assets regulator, VARA, with clear licensing paths for crypto and Web3 activity. That regulatory clarity, plus 0% personal tax, is a major reason founders in the space choose the UAE.

    Let’s get your Dubai (UAE) company Build your package filed, banked and fully compliant.

    A licensed local team handles every step.

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