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United Arab Emirates

UAE Free Zone Company

0% Corporate Tax

Zero corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and world-class infrastructure. The UAE Free Zone is the premier choice for international founders seeking a tax-efficient Middle Eastern base.

0–9%

Corporate Tax

3–7 days

Formation Time

100%

Foreign Ownership

40+

Free Zones

Pros & Cons of a UAE FZCO

Pros

  • 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (under the UAE CT regime)
  • 0% personal income tax for owners and employees
  • 100% foreign ownership — no local partner required
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital
  • World-class infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
  • Access to GCC markets (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman)
  • Multiple free zones catering to specific industries (tech, media, finance)
  • Simple and fast registration process

Cons

  • Free zone companies cannot directly trade on the UAE mainland without a local agent
  • Annual license renewal fees required
  • Physical office or flexi-desk may be required by some free zones
  • 9% corporate tax applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approx. $102k)
  • Visa costs if you need UAE residency for yourself or employees
  • Banking can be more complex for international founders without UAE presence

Step by Step

How to Form a UAE FZCO

01

Choose Your Free Zone

Different free zones cater to different industries. DIFC is best for finance; Dubai Internet City for tech; DMCC for commodities. Suits Finance helps you choose the optimal zone.

We recommend DMCC or IFZA for most founders

02

Select Your Business Activity

Each free zone has a defined list of permitted business activities. You must select activities that match your business and are permitted in your chosen zone.

~ 10 minutes with our guidance

03

Choose Your Office Package

Most free zones require at least a flexi-desk or virtual office. Some require a physical office. Suits Finance secures the most cost-effective option for your needs.

Flexi-desk from ~$1,200/yr

04

Submit Incorporation Documents

We prepare and submit your application including passport copies, business plan (if required), and MOA/AOA to the free zone authority.

~ 3–7 business days

05

Receive Your Trade License

Once approved, you receive your trade license — the official document authorizing your business activities. This is renewed annually.

License valid for 1 year

06

Open a UAE Bank Account

A UAE corporate bank account is essential for operations. We guide you through the banking process, including documentation requirements for remote account opening.

Partner introductions included

Ready to form your UAE FZCO?

Suits Finance handles every step — from filing to compliance.

Pricing

Choose Your UAE FZCO Plan

Formation

Full FZCO setup in your chosen UAE free zone.

$1,497one-time + free zone fees
  • Free zone selection advice
  • Company registration & trade license
  • MOA/AOA preparation
  • Virtual office / flexi-desk setup
  • Email support
Recommended

Tax & Compliance

Annual license renewal, tax registration, and UAE CT compliance.

$2,997/yr
  • Everything in Formation
  • Annual trade license renewal
  • UAE Corporate Tax registration
  • CT return preparation
  • VAT registration (if applicable)
  • Licensed UAE tax advisor

Complete

Full back-office with bookkeeping, payroll, and analytics.

$4,497/yr
  • Everything in Tax & Compliance
  • Monthly bookkeeping (AED & USD)
  • Payroll processing
  • Visa application support
  • E-Commerce Analytics
  • Premium Partner Perks

FAQ

Common Questions About UAE FZCO