CORPORATE TAX
Corporate Tax is generally 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, subject to UAE rules.
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BUSINESS IN
WITHIN 24 HOURS!
WHY DUBAI
WHY DUBAI WORKS FOR GLOBAL FOUNDERS
ONLY 5% VAT
UAE VAT is 5%, with eligible businesses able to claim input tax credits.
NO PERSONAL INCOME TAX
Individuals generally do not pay personal income tax on salaries or personal income.
100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP
Full foreign ownership is permitted for many mainland and free-zone business activities.
FREE ZONE BENEFITS
Eligible businesses may benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, subject to conditions.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Dubai provides easy access to the GCC, Middle East, India, Europe and Africa.
EASY BUSINESS SETUP
Efficient licensing, visa and company incorporation processes with clear guidance.
PROFIT REPATRIATION
Businesses can generally repatriate capital and profits, subject to applicable laws and banking requirements.
WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE
Excellent airports, ports, logistics, banking and digital infrastructure.
GLOBAL REPUTATION
Dubai offers a strong platform for building an international brand and expanding globally.
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
MAINLAND OR FREE ZONE?
MAINLAND
Direct UAE market access for local operations and wider expansion.
WHAT IS A MAINLAND COMPANY?
A mainland company is suited for businesses that want to operate directly across the UAE market, serve local customers and build a wider on-ground presence.
FREE ZONES
Focused ecosystems for international, startup and specialised activities.
WHAT IS A FREE ZONE COMPANY?
A free zone company is suited for international trade, consulting, ecommerce, sector-specific activities and businesses that fit a dedicated free zone ecosystem.
KEY DECISION FACTORS
MAINLAND VS FREE ZONE COMPARISON
Review the full comparison at once, then choose the structure that fits your market, tax position and growth plan.
KEY FACTOR
MAINLAND COMPANY
FREE ZONE COMPANY
01
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP
100% foreign ownership is available for most activities.
100% foreign ownership.
02
UAE MARKET
Generally the better option for directly conducting business across the UAE, subject to licensing requirements.
Direct mainland business may require compliance with applicable rules, approvals or arrangements.
03
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Broad range of commercial, professional and other permitted activities.
Activities depend on the chosen Free Zone.
04
OFFICE
Requirements depend on the activity and licence.
Flexible office solutions may be available, depending on the Free Zone.
05
CORPORATE TAX
Standard UAE Corporate Tax rules apply.
0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person; non-qualifying income may be subject to 9%.
06
VAT
UAE VAT rules apply where applicable.
UAE VAT rules apply where applicable.
07
BEST FOR
Businesses targeting UAE customers, local operations and wider UAE expansion.
International businesses, startups, traders and businesses suited to a specific Free Zone.
08
SETUP OPTIONS
Licence and office requirements depend on the business activity.
Multiple licence and package options may be available.
09
GROWTH POTENTIAL
Strong choice for businesses planning significant UAE market presence.
Strong choice where the Free Zone model aligns with the business and its target markets.
FREE ZONES
UAE FREE ZONES WE WORK WITH
OUR PRICING
STARTING FROM
AED 14,999
Final pricing depends on business activity, jurisdiction, visa needs, office requirement and approvals.
BUSINESS SETUP PROCESS
Launch Your UAE Business in 4 Simple Steps
CONSULTATION
We assess your activity and recommend the right UAE setup.
DOCUMENTS
We prepare documents, reserve the name and submit the application.
LICENCE
We coordinate approvals and track the licence until issuance.
LAUNCH
We guide visas, Emirates ID and banking after licence issuance.
READY TO SET UP YOUR BUSINESS IN DUBAI?
GET STARTED NOW
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I start a business in Dubai as a foreigner?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for many mainland and free-zone business activities, subject to the selected activity and authority rules.
Which is better: Mainland or Free Zone?
Neither is universally better. Mainland usually fits UAE-facing operations, while Free Zone can suit international trade, consulting, ecommerce and sector-specific ecosystems.
What is the starting price for Dubai business setup?
Our starting price is AED 14,999. Final pricing depends on activity, jurisdiction, visa needs, office requirement and approvals.
Can I get a Dubai business licence within 24 hours?
Some setups can move very quickly when the activity, documents and authority requirements are straightforward. Timelines depend on approvals and completeness of documents.
Do I need an office in Dubai?
Office requirements depend on your licence, activity and jurisdiction. Some Free Zones offer flexible office solutions.
Is Corporate Tax always 9% in the UAE?
UAE Corporate Tax is generally 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.
Can a Free Zone company get 0% Corporate Tax?
Eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, subject to meeting the required conditions.
Do I need a UAE partner?
For many activities, 100% foreign ownership is available. Some regulated activities may still have specific requirements.
Can I open a UAE corporate bank account?
Yes, but bank approval depends on business activity, documents, profile, compliance checks and bank requirements.
Can Remind Legal help after licence issuance?
Yes. We can assist with visa, Emirates ID and corporate banking guidance as required.