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UAE_Business_HUBUnited Arab Emirates

Start Your Business in United Arab Emirates as a Non-Resident

0% corporate tax on qualifying Free Zone income, no personal income tax, and strategic East-West location make UAE attractive for remote founders

  • No local director required
  • 100% remote incorporation possible
  • Strategic timezone for global business
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Dubai_Business_Hub

1-5 days

Setup Time

0% to 9%

Corporate Tax

Min Capital

Varies by activity and Free Zone

UAE Company Formation: Essential Data for Remote Founders

Data from UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA), verified December 2025

Formation Time

Formation Time: 1-5 days (Free Zone) / 2-4 weeks (Mainland)

Free Zone companies can be formed entirely online without physical presence. Mainland requires more documentation and potential visit.
Corporate Tax

Corporate Tax: 0% up to AED 375K / 9% above (Free Zone 0% qualifying)

New corporate tax from 2023. Free Zone companies with qualifying income remain at 0%. Territorial system applies.
VAT/GST

VAT/GST: 5%

Registration mandatory above AED 375,000 revenue. Applies to most B2B services. Zero-rated for exports and international services.
Share Capital

Share Capital: Varies by activity and Free Zone

Most Free Zones require AED 50,000-300,000 minimum. Not always required to be deposited immediately upon formation.
Local Director

Local Director: No (Free Zone) / Varies (Mainland)

Major advantage for remote founders. Free Zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned without local partners or directors.
Registered Address

Registered Address: Yes

Free Zone office or flexi-desk acceptable. Mainland requires physical office. Virtual offices available through registered agents.

Why Remote Entrepreneurs Choose UAE Over Singapore and Qatar

Tax advantages and strategic positioning for global businesses

0% Tax on Free Zone Income

Qualifying Free Zone companies pay zero corporate tax on income derived from qualifying activities. This includes most international consulting, trading, and digital services - perfect for remote businesses.

No Personal Income Tax

UAE residents pay zero personal income tax regardless of salary level. Combined with Free Zone corporate benefits, this creates significant tax efficiency compared to Singapore's 17% or Qatar's complex structures.

Strategic East-West Hub Position

UTC+4 timezone allows overlap with both Asian morning markets and European afternoon business hours. Dubai's infrastructure connects 240+ destinations worldwide, facilitating international business relationships.

100% Foreign Ownership Allowed

Free Zone companies can be entirely foreign-owned without local partners. No nominee directors required, giving remote founders complete control over their business operations and decisions.

Rapid Digital Infrastructure

World-class internet connectivity, 5G networks, and digital government services. Most Free Zone applications processed online within days, supporting truly remote business operations from anywhere.

Established Legal Framework

English common law in Free Zones, international arbitration centers, and strong IP protection. More predictable than emerging jurisdictions while offering better tax treatment than traditional hubs.

Essential Services

Setting Up Your UAE Company: Services You Will Need

From formation to ongoing compliance

Company Formation

Free Zone LLC formation can be completed entirely online for most activities. Mainland LLC requires more documentation and potential visit. Process includes license selection, name reservation, and initial approvals.

  • Online application possible
  • Multiple Free Zone options
  • Activity-specific licensing
Formation Guide

Business Banking

UAE banks increasingly require physical presence for account opening. Some Free Zone banks offer remote processes for certain jurisdictions. Alternative solutions through international banking partners becoming more common.

  • Physical presence often required
  • Free Zone bank options
  • International alternatives available
Banking Guide

Professional Visa

UAE offers multiple visa pathways including investor visas, employment visas tied to your company, and the Golden Visa for qualifying entrepreneurs. Free Zone companies can sponsor their own visas with relatively streamlined processes. Mainland companies require additional steps but offer more flexibility for local market operations.

  • Golden Visa available (10 years)
  • Free Zone visa sponsorship included
  • Mainland requires local sponsor or partner
Visa Guide

Accounting & Compliance

New corporate tax returns mandatory from 2024. VAT registration required above AED 375,000. Most compliance can be managed remotely through qualified accounting firms with UAE presence.

  • Corporate tax filing required
  • VAT registration threshold
  • Remote management possible

Registered Address

Free Zone flexi-desk or shared office acceptable for most activities. Mainland requires dedicated office space. Virtual office solutions available through registered agents for compliance purposes.

  • Flexi-desk options available
  • Mainland needs physical office
  • Coming soon

Payment Solutions

UAE has a mature payment infrastructure with most international gateways available including Stripe and PayPal. Local options like Network International and Telr offer strong regional coverage. Multi-currency processing is standard, and card payments dominate consumer transactions. Crypto payment regulations are evolving, particularly in Dubai's DMCC free zone.

  • Stripe & PayPal fully operational
  • Strong local gateway options
  • Multi-currency processing standard

Your UAE Company: Week-by-Week Setup Roadmap

Realistic timeline for remote founders

Week 1

Research & Preparation

Choose Free Zone vs Mainland, select business activity, prepare required documents (passport, CV, business plan), research banking requirements for your jurisdiction.

Services needed: None yet

Week 1-2

Company Registration

Submit online application, pay government fees, obtain initial approval, reserve company name, receive license and establishment card from chosen Free Zone authority.

Services needed: Company Formation

Week 2-3

Post-Incorporation Setup

Obtain UAE residence visa (if required), open business bank account, set up registered office address, apply for additional permits if needed.

Services needed: Virtual Office, Banking

Week 3-4

Banking & Operations

Complete bank account opening process, set up online banking, establish accounting systems, register for VAT if revenue exceeds AED 375,000 annually.

Services needed: Business Banking

Ongoing

Compliance & Growth

File annual corporate tax returns, maintain VAT compliance, renew business license annually, file audit reports if required by Free Zone regulations.

Services needed: Accounting

Real Costs of Running a UAE Company

Transparent breakdown for budget planning

Formation Costs (One-Time) Costs

Government registration fees

AED 5,000-15,000

Registered agent (first year)

AED 3,000-8,000

Legal/formation service

AED 2,000-10,000

Banking fees, visa costs, and office space can add AED 10,000-30,000 annually. Many Free Zones have hidden renewal fees not disclosed upfront.

Check our UEA Business Insights

UAE vs Qatar vs Singapore: Which Fits Your Business?

Objective comparison for remote entrepreneurs

MetricUnited Arab EmiratesQatarSingapore
Formation Time1-5 days (Free Zone) / 2-4 weeks (Mainland)2-4 weeks1-3 days
Corporate Tax0% up to AED 375K / 9% above (Free Zone 0% qualifying)10% flat rate17% above SGD 200K
Local Director RequiredNo (Free Zone) / Varies (Mainland)No (Free Zone)Yes (resident)
Banking Difficulty (Non-Resident)ModerateDifficultEasy
Timezone (from EU/US)UTC+4UTC+3UTC+8
Best ForTax optimization and Middle East accessEnergy/infrastructure businessesAsian market entry and banking

UAE Business Landscape: Key Facts

Official data from UAE government sources, CBUAE, and Free Zone authorities

New Central Bank Law (September 2025)

  • Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 effective September 16, 2025
  • Consolidates banking, insurance, and payments under single framework
  • Crypto assets, DeFi, and fintech providers now under CBUAE supervision
  • Fines up to AED 500 million for unlicensed financial activities
Source:Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE)

Free Zone Mainland Permit (2025)

  • Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 now in effect
  • Free Zone companies can open mainland branches without local sponsor
  • 150,000+ companies operating across UAE's 46+ free zones
  • One Free Zone Passport allows multi-zone operations with single license
Source:Dubai Executive Council / DET

📊 Data Transparency: All statistics are sourced from publicly available industry reports, government data, and verified market research. Sources are cited for verification.

Ready to Launch Your UAE Company?

Your next moves

Compare Formation Services

Find verified UAE formation providers with transparent pricing and remote-friendly processes.

  • •Verified providers
  • •Price comparison
Compare Company Providers

Explore Banking Options

Discover UAE banking solutions that work for non-residents and remote businesses.

  • •Non-resident friendly
  • •Remote opening
Business Account Set Up

Explore UAE Visa Pathways

Discover visa options for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to establish themselves in the UAE.

  • •Golden Visa available
  • •Free Zone sponsorship
UAE Visa Solutions

UAE Business Guides & Insights

Practical guides to help you navigate company setup, banking, and business operations in the UAE. From mainland vs free zone decisions to visa requirements.

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UAE Company Setup: What Remote Founders Ask Us

Free Zone vs Mainland and tax complexity answers

Company Formation

Free Zone companies with qualifying income remain at 0% corporate tax. However, income from mainland UAE activities or non-qualifying activities faces 9% tax above AED 375,000. The qualification criteria are complex and require careful structuring.

Yes, if all income derives from qualifying Free Zone activities like international trading, consulting, or services to non-UAE clients. Any mainland UAE business or local sales may trigger the 9% rate.

Income above AED 375,000 faces 9% corporate tax for mainland companies. Free Zone companies remain at 0% if income qualifies. You must also register for VAT at 5% once revenue exceeds this threshold.

Free Zone companies face restrictions on mainland trading and may need additional permits. Direct mainland sales often require a mainland license or distributor, limiting the Free Zone tax benefits.

No physical residence requirement exists for Free Zone companies. However, banking relationships and some compliance activities may require periodic visits or UAE-based representation.

DMCC, DIFC, and ADGM are popular for international businesses. Choice depends on your specific activities, banking preferences, and whether you need financial services licensing.

Most Free Zones accept flexi-desk or shared office arrangements. A physical office isn't required for many activities, but you need a registered address within the specific Free Zone.

International payment platforms and multi-currency accounts work for many UAE companies. However, ensure compliance with UAE exchange control regulations and maintain proper documentation for tax purposes.

Business Banking

Several Free Zone banks accept remote applications from certain countries, but requirements change frequently. Most traditional UAE banks require physical presence for account opening and ongoing relationship management.

Yes, many UAE companies use international banking solutions. However, local banking may be required for certain activities, VAT payments, and maintaining good standing with authorities.

Legal & Compliance