Open and run a business in the UAE.
The UAE is a strategic hub with a 9% corporate tax, Free Zone relief on qualifying income, and residency tied to the company structure. We work with every key zone, know the real banking onboarding timeline, and know how to avoid getting stuck on KYC requests.
- Region
- Middle East & North Africa
- Class
- Midshore
- CIT
- 9% (0% для квалифицированных доходов Free Zone)
- VAT
- 5%
- Desk
- Dubai · since 2018
Available registration forms
Banking & operations
- Banking
- Tier-1 banks (ADIB, FAB, Emirates NBD, HSBC ME, Mashreq) can be opened with the right KYC documentation. Realistic timeline: 2–6 weeks. An account without the "right" document pack means another 3 months of correspondence.
- Operations
- Residency comes together with the legal entity. Corporate tax (CT) compliance is now a serious operational matter, not a formality.
- INNOVA desk
- Dubai · since 2018
Packages & pricing in the UAE
Services in the UAE
Industries in the UAE
Tools & comparisons
Frequently asked questions — business in the UAE
The UAE combines zero personal income tax, a 0% corporate tax rate for qualifying free zone entities, and world-class logistics infrastructure. Dubai ranked 16th in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and single-window licensing. INNOVA's Dubai desk, active since 2018, covers all seven emirates and all major free zones.
A free zone company (FZE/FZCO) operates within a designated zone, trades internationally, and enjoys 0% corporate tax on qualifying income with 100% foreign ownership. A mainland LLC — licensed by the Department of Economic Development — can trade anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts. Since 2021 mainland LLCs also allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. The right choice depends on trading scope and banking needs.
Free zone incorporation typically completes in 3–7 business days once documents are submitted. DMCC and RAKEZ are among the fastest, often issuing trade licences within 5 days. Mainland DED licensing takes 7–15 business days. The full setup — including Emirates ID, visa issuance, and corporate bank account — normally takes 4–8 weeks. INNOVA manages the entire process end-to-end from its Dubai office.
The UAE Federal Corporate Tax (CT) at 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 from financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Businesses earning below AED 375,000 pay 0%. Qualifying free zone persons who meet substance requirements and earn only qualifying income continue to benefit from a 0% CT rate. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) administers CT; annual returns are due within 9 months of the financial year-end.
Yes. Since the Federal Law No. 26 of 2020 amendment, mainland LLCs in over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a UAE national partner. All free zone companies have always permitted 100% foreign ownership. A small number of strategic sectors — oil, gas, defence, utilities — retain local ownership requirements. INNOVA structures ownership to maximise flexibility and tax efficiency.