Ideal for international companies, tech, trading and consulting. 100% foreign ownership with no UAE sponsor required.
check_circle 100% foreign ownership
check_circle Income tax exemption up to 50 years
check_circle Free repatriation of profits
check_circle Fast setup (3–7 days)
warning Direct trade with UAE market is limited
Popular Free Zones:
DMCC
DIFC
DAFZA
Dubai Silicon Oasis
JAFZA
Dubai Media City
payments
From AED 8,000
Annual cost (varies by zone)
Ideal for restaurants, retail, construction and government contracts. Can operate throughout the UAE.
check_circle Operate across entire UAE (no limits)
check_circle Government contracts & large projects
check_circle 100% foreign ownership (since 2021)
check_circle Residence visa for owner & employees
warning 9% corporate tax (profit above AED 375k)
Licensing authorities:
DED Dubai
Dubai Economy
DED Abu Dhabi
payments
From AED 15,000
Registration + annual license fee
Ideal for asset holding, international trading and tax optimization structures. No physical presence in UAE required.
check_circle Full tax exemption
check_circle Shareholder privacy
check_circle Low maintenance cost
check_circle Ideal for holding & investment
warning Cannot trade within UAE
Offshore jurisdictions:
JAFZA Offshore
RAK ICC
Ajman Offshore
payments
From AED 3,500
Most affordable company setup
Foreign companies can have a fully independent branch in UAE. Full ownership remains with the parent company.
check_circle 100% owned by parent company
check_circle Same activities as parent company
check_circle Suitable for international expansion
warning Requires a local UAE agent
warning More complex registration process
payments
From AED 25,000
Including local agent fees
Ideal structure for managing multiple subsidiaries, investing in various markets and international tax planning.
check_circle Control multiple companies from one structure
check_circle Group-level tax optimization
check_circle Suitable for large investors
check_circle Asset protection against risk
warning Requires specialized legal advice
Most used jurisdictions:
DIFC
ADGM
JAFZA Offshore
RAK ICC
payments
From AED 20,000
Varies by structure and number of subsidiaries
