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AE
The wealth and trade hub
United Arab Emirates
A tax-efficient base with first-class infrastructure, deep capital, and a 5-hour flight radius covering 3.5B people. Best for holdings, trade, and family offices.
Entity type
Mainland, Free Zone, DIFC/ADGM, Offshore
Min. capital
Varies; often AED 0
Corporate tax
9% (from June 2023)
VAT
5%
Setup time
1–4 weeks (Free Zone fastest)
Foreign ownership
100% allowed across most activities
Common pitfalls
What goes wrong without a partner.
Choosing the wrong zone (DIFC vs IFZA vs Meydan) costs €10k+ to correct
Economic substance + UBO reporting now strictly enforced
E-invoicing mandate rolling out in 2026 — be ready
Free Zone licenses restrict UAE mainland activity
Ready to land in United Arab Emirates?
Start with a 30-minute strategy call. You'll leave with a tailored roadmap and transparent pricing.