Company formation
Company formation — United Arab Emirates
Corporate taxation
Corporate tax
9%
TVA / VAT
5%
Capital gains
0%
Legal structures
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most common structure for local activities. 100% foreign ownership allowed since 2021.
$3,000-8,0002-4 weeksNo minimum (varies by emirate)
Free Zone Company
0% corporate tax (under conditions), 100% profit repatriation, no currency restrictions. Over 40 specialized free zones.
$5,000-15,0001-2 weeksVaries by free zone
Offshore Company
For international activities only. Cannot trade locally in UAE.
$3,000-5,0003-5 daysNo minimum
Branch Office
Extension of a foreign parent company. Same activities as parent.
$5,000-10,0002-4 weeksNo minimum
Popular free zones
DMCC (matières premières, trading)DIFC (finance, fintech)Dubai Internet City (tech)Dubai Media City (média)JAFZA (logistique, industrie)Abu Dhabi Global Market (finance)
Key steps
1Choose legal structure and zone
2Reserve trade name
3Obtain trade license
4Open corporate bank account
5Obtain director residency visa
6Register for VAT if turnover > AED 375k
Learn more
Information for guidance only. Consult a lawyer or specialist firm before setting up a company abroad.