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Setting up a company in Dubai, UAE?

Find out how to do it compliantly and legally:

0% personal income tax

9%-0% corporate tax

Access to global markets

No local partner required

You can reduce your tax burden legally. We will be happy to advise you in detail and offer you a free initial consultation.

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Estimated Annual Revenue

Please share your Estimated Annual Revenue with us, so we know which jurisdiction is best suited for you (special taxes for certain profits).

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Pros and cons of setting up a company abroad

If you relocate your residence:

0% personal income tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax
Your home country may tax certain assets when you move abroad

Without emigrating:

Free-zone activities require real presence, staff, and ongoing compliance
Bank account opening is possible with genuine UAE substance, we guide you through this
If you remain tax-resident in Europe while operating a Dubai company, your home country may reclassify it as a local entity

What makes Dubai attractive as a business location?

With a population of approximately 4 million, Dubai offers 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000 (approx. EUR 87,000). Above that, 9% applies.

The UAE was removed from FATF grey list in 2024, and since mid-2025 Dubai is off the EU AML high-risk list. However, European tax authorities still scrutinise UAE structures, especially without genuine local substance.

Banking requires Dubai residency, a lease, and proof of real activity. Anonymous structures are no longer accepted and European banks still apply enhanced due diligence.

Legal system is civil law, but free zones like DIFC follow common law. In most zones, 100% foreign ownership allowed.

Contact us to find the right alternative jurisdiction for your personal and corporate structure.

FAQs

Can I set up a Dubai company entirely remotely?

Setting up the company can often be done remotely.

Can I run the company remotely on a permanent basis without local substance?

This is risky, especially if you live in Europe and operate the company as a consulting, holding or IP structure without a team, office, contracts or actual local execution.

Can I simply obtain a VAT number?

VAT registration is mandatory as soon as taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. If there is genuine business activity and the requirements are met, registration can be completed without much difficulty.

Which locations worldwide are best suited to paying as little tax as possible?

	Tax Burden	Banking	Reputation	Bureaucracy	Legal Security	Costs
USA	21-0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Singapore	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,950
Hong Kong	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Cyprus	15%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Malta	5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,500
Ireland	12,5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,950
Trust	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 4,900
England	25-19%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,000

Tax compliance in your country of residence

Your country of residence may impose tax and reporting obligations for foreign business activities and dividend income, in some cases even if profits are not distributed.

Depending on your personal circumstances, a suitable holding structure may be required to comply with tax rules and avoid unnecessary tax risks.

To determine which jurisdiction and structure best meet your requirements, please use the contact form and describe your plans in as much detail as possible.

Our advisers will be happy to review your case and advise you accordingly.

1.

Analyse your needs

We assess your situation to define objectives, risk tolerance, tax exposure and priorities for asset protection.

2.

Carry out a location analysis

We compare potential jurisdictions based on tax law, banking access, compliance requirements and your country of residence.

3.

Incorporate the company and, if needed, establish a foundation

Open bank and brokerage accounts and implement asset management where required