The largest Arab business center with developed infrastructure (Dubai, Abu Dhabi). UAE uses zero tax rate (in most free zones - no corporate or personal tax). Attracts startups and corporations (fintech, real estate, trading), and Golden Visa programs allow obtaining residency through investment. Since 2023, a 9% corporate tax was introduced for large companies, but still 0% for most SMEs. Restrictions: operating outside free zones usually requires a local partner (51% citizens) and there are new substance requirements for economic activity reporting.
Tax rates
Special taxation terms & incentives
• Federal corporate tax of 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and 0% on the first AED 375,000. • Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0% on qualifying income and 9% on non-qualifying income, conditional on adequate substance, transfer pricing compliance, and audited IFRS financial statements. • De minimis rule preserves QFZP status where non-qualifying revenue stays below the lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million per tax period. • No personal income tax on salaries or employment income. • A 15% Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax applies from financial years starting on or after 1 January 2025, only to MNE groups with consolidated revenue of at least EUR 750 million.
Banking
Strong banking center
Usually requires residence visa
Legal & compliance
Office, employees, especially for banks
Medium and growing
Ownership structure
Since 2021, local partner requirement abolished - foreigners can own 100% of Mainland companies in most sectors (except strategic like oil/gas, transport). Free zones always had 100%. Mainland still needs local service agent (UAE citizen) for some business types (legal services, medicine etc.) but no ownership share.
Ideal for
Trading, holding, family office
Good to know
High reputation, actively improving
UAE registration services & pricing
Transparent pricing: each price is the base scope for that service, including its government registration and agent fees. Route-specific authority or ongoing costs, if any, are confirmed in your written quote before you pay.
Incorporation
Additional Services
Visas & Residency
Documents required for UAE incorporation
Personal Documents
- Passport Copy
- Passport-size Photos
What's included in UAE registration
- Full legal registration
- Certificate of incorporation
- Registered address
- Local partner support
- Compliance verification
- Ongoing support
How to register a company in UAE
Submit Application
Upload your documents online
Document Review
We verify everything is in order
Government Filing
We handle all official submissions
Company Ready
We forward the documents issued by the registry
Also available in UAE
Beyond company formation, we offer standalone pathways for UAE.
UAE: common questions
How long does it take to register a company in UAE?
How long does it take to register a company in UAE?
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in UAE?
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in UAE?
Can I register a company in UAE remotely?
Can I register a company in UAE remotely?
Does company registration include a bank account?
Does company registration include a bank account?
Ready to register your company?
Get started today and we'll guide you through every step of the process. Starting from $4,650 for the base registration scope. Your quote confirms any route-specific fees.
No payment required to submit your application
No payment required to apply