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Start a Business in the UAE from India — Mainland, Free Zone, DMCC, DIFC & Beyond

UAE company formation involves choosing between a mainland LLC (full market access, 9% CIT) or one of 47+ free zones (potential QFZP 0% tax on qualifying income). The UAE is India’s 3rd largest trading partner, home to 3.5 million+ Indians the world’s largest Indian expat community and offers Golden Visa residency for 10 years. Since June 2023, UAE levies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000, ending the zero-tax era. Free zone companies meeting QFZP conditions can maintain 0%. With 7 emirates, 47+ free zones, and complex QFZP rules, expert guidance is essential. Comply Globally has helped 1,080+ Indian entrepreneurs across 45+ countries.

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  • By Dr. Anil Gupta, Global Expansion Advisor
  • Updated April 2026
  • 18 min read

500+

Companies launched

45+

Countries served

4.9

Client rating

+12 today

Founders onboarded

Incorporated in 7 days

Average turnaround time

9%

CIT (>AED 375K)

0%

QFZP Qualifying

10 Yrs

Golden Visa

47+

Free Zones

3.5M+

Indian Community

Our UAE Services

What We Help You With in the UAE

Mainland LLC, free zone setup (DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, RAKEZ), QFZP advisory, Golden Visa,
FEMA compliance, and EXIM — across all 7 emirates.

Most Popular

Mainland LLC Formation

Register a mainland LLC via DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) in Dubai or equivalent authority in other emirates. 100% foreign ownership since 2021 reforms (most activities). Full UAE market access — sell directly to any customer including government. Trade licence types: commercial, professional, industrial. Requires physical office lease. Setup cost: AED 18,500-40,000. Timeline: 2-4 weeks. 9% CIT applies above AED 375,000. UBO registration mandatory within 30 days. Source: DET Dubai.

Free Zone Company Formation

We set up companies across 15+ major free zones. Budget options: RAKEZ (AED 5,000+), IFZA (AED 12,000+), SHAMS (AED 5,750+). Premium: DMCC (AED 18,000-50,000+), JAFZA (AED 15,000-40,000+). Financial centres: DIFC (AED 40,000-100,000+), ADGM (AED 15,000-50,000+). Each free zone has its own regulator, licence structure, visa quotas, and QFZP eligibility. We help you select the right zone based on your activity, budget, visa needs, and tax objectives. Bharat Mart (JAFZA) opened 2026 for Indian SMEs. Source: Free Zone authorities.

Most Popular

Corporate Tax & QFZP Advisory

Critical service: 9% CIT applies above AED 375,000. Free zone companies can maintain 0% only as QFZP — requiring: adequate UAE substance, qualifying income from eligible activities, audited financials, de minimis non-qualifying revenue (lower of 5% or AED 5M), and transfer pricing compliance. We classify your income, assess QFZP eligibility BEFORE incorporation, prepare CT returns, and ensure ongoing compliance. Failure = 9% on ALL income + 4-year cooling-off. Small business relief available for revenue under AED 3M until Dec 2026. India-UAE DTAA: dividends 10%, interest 10-12.5%, royalties 10%. Source: FTA, Ministerial Decision 229/2025.

FEMA & RBI Compliance

Dual-side management: UAE formation AND Indian FEMA compliance. Form ODI filing with AD bank, APR by 31 December, FLA to RBI by 15 July, and FTC under Section 90. With 9% UAE CIT, FTC now has real value (unlike BVI/Cayman at 0%). India-UAE CEPA provides preferential trade. India is UAE's 2nd largest trade partner (USD 85B+ bilateral trade 2024-25). 3.5M+ Indians in UAE = world's largest Indian expat community. Source: RBI, India-UAE CEPA.

Golden Visa & Residence

10-year Golden Visa: AED 2M+ real estate (now mortgage-eligible if equity ≥ AED 1M), investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent. 5-year Green Visa: AED 500K+ investment, freelancers, skilled workers. 2-year Investor Visa: AED 750K+ capital. Employee visas: 2-3 years, employer-sponsored. Health insurance mandatory since Jan 2025 for all Emirates ID holders. We handle visa applications, Emirates ID, medical fitness, and renewals across all emirates. Source: ICP, GDRFA.

EXIM & Logistics

UAE is India's 3rd largest trade partner. We handle import/export licensing, UAE customs (FCA), IOR/EOR services, 3PL warehousing, and Bharat Mart JAFZA logistics. India-UAE CEPA (in force since May 2022) eliminates or reduces tariffs on 80%+ of traded goods. JAFZA is the world's largest free trade zone by trade volume. Jebel Ali Port is the region's #1 container port. We facilitate India-UAE-Africa triangular trade routes. Source: Dubai Customs, India-UAE CEPA.

  • 1080+ Clients Served
  • 45+ Countries
  • 4.7★ Trustpilot
  • Avg 4hr Response
  • 100% Compliance Record

Why Partner With Comply Globally for the UAE?

Our 4 Brand Promises Critical in the UAE's Complex Landscape

These are not marketing claims. They are measurable operational standards
tracked and verified across 1,080+ client engagements worldwide.

1080+

Clients Served

45+

Countries

4.7★

Trustpilot Rating

< 4hrs

Avg Response

100%

Compliance Record

Speed of Action

We respond within 4 hours. Free zone setup: 3-7 days. Mainland LLC: 2-4 weeks. QFZP assessment within 48 hours.

RAKEZ setup in 3 business days

Accuracy & Competence

Every UAE structure assessed for QFZP eligibility BEFORE incorporation — not after. Zero compliance failures.

100% compliance · 4.7★ · Zero QFZP failures

Ease of Doing Business

One contact for DET + free zone + FTA + Golden Visa + Indian FEMA. No juggling 4 separate agents.

Single Point of Management · 45+ countries

Cost Competitiveness

We compare 15+ free zones to find the best value for your activity. Transparent pricing.

UAE setup from ₹75,000 (RAKEZ)

Initially I was thinking their brand promises were marketing jargon — but after taking their services, I can say they are better than excellent in Speed of Action, Cost Competitiveness, and Competence.

Deepak Nirwan
UAE

Free Zone Comparison

Which UAE Free Zone Is Best for Indian Companies?

47+ free zones across 7 emirates. Here are the 8 most relevant for Indian
entrepreneurs, compared across 8 factors.

UAE Free Zones Comparison Table

Free ZoneEmirateBest ForSetup Cost (AED)Annual RenewalVisasQFZPBanking
DMCCDubaiCommodities, crypto, fintech18,000 – 50,000+18,000 – 30,0001 – 6Yes ✓Good
JAFZADubaiTrading, logistics, manufacturing15,000 – 40,00012,000 – 30,0002 – 8Yes ✓Good
DIFCDubaiFinancial services, legal40,000 – 100,000+30,000 – 60,000+1 – 6Yes ✓Excellent
ADGMAbu DhabiFintech, family offices, funds15,000 – 50,000+10,000 – 30,0001 – 6Yes ✓Good
IFZADubaiStartups, consulting, fast setup12,000 – 16,00010,000 – 14,0001 – 4Yes ✓Moderate
RAKEZRAKBudget startups, freelancers5,000 – 14,0005,000 – 12,0001 – 3Yes ✓Moderate
Dubai SouthDubaiE-commerce, aviation, logistics12,000 – 25,00010,000 – 20,0001 – 4Yes ✓Moderate
SAIF ZoneSharjahManufacturing, trading8,000 – 20,0008,000 – 15,0001 – 6Yes ✓Moderate

Tax Framework

What Taxes Does a UAE Company Pay?

UAE levies 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 since June 2023

According to the FTA (Federal Tax Authority), UAE corporate tax applies at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on income above that threshold. Free zone companies meeting all QFZP conditions pay 0% on qualifying income. Small businesses with revenue under AED 3 million can elect small business relief (nil taxable income) until 31 December 2026. UAE has 0% domestic withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties. VAT is 5% (AED 375K threshold for mandatory registration). India-UAE DTAA: dividends 10%, interest 10-12.5%, royalties 10%. No personal income tax. Golden Visa holders with mainland/free zone companies can structure tax-efficient residency.
Sources: FTA · India-UAE DTAA · Ministerial Decision 229/2025 · Updated April 2026

UAE vs Singapore vs UK vs Hong Kong Comparison

Factor🇦🇪UAE (Mainland)🇦🇪UAE (QFZP FZ)🇸🇬Singapore🇬🇧UK🇭🇰Hong Kong
CIT
9% (>AED 375K)0% qualifying17%19–25%8.25 / 16.5%
Dividend WHT
0%0%0%0%0%
VAT / GST
5%5%9%20%0%
DTAA Div WHT
10%10%10–15%10%5%
Personal Tax
0%0%0–22%20–45%2–17%
Golden Visa
10 years10 yearsNoNo (closed)No
Indian Community
3.5M+3.5M+400K+1.8M+60K+

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UAE compliance involves FTA corporate tax, VAT, economic substance, free zone
renewal, UBO registration, AND Indian FEMA/RBI deadlines. We’ll map every one.

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    What Our Clients Say

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    They provided a clear roadmap for global growth, covering the US, UK, and beyond.”

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    From incorporation to compliance, they ensured we stayed on track in every market we entered.”

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    Director EmoryTech Inc.

    Initially I was thinking their brand promises as marketing jargon but after taking their services, I can say that they are better than excellent in their brand promises like Speed of action, Cost Competitiveness , Competence etc”

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    How to Register a Company in Singapore from India Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

    Registering a company in Singapore from India means incorporating a legal business entity most commonly a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore, without needing to

    Read Full Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions Expanded for UAE Complexity

    UAE Business Setup 10 Expert Answers for Indian Entrepreneurs

    Is the UAE still tax free for companies?
    No. Since June 2023, UAE levies 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 (~USD 102K). The first AED 375,000 remains at 0%. Free zone companies meeting all Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions can maintain 0% on qualifying income — but this is NOT automatic and requires strict compliance. Small businesses with revenue under AED 3M can elect small business relief (nil taxable income) until 31 December 2026. There is still 0% personal income tax, making UAE attractive for individual residents. Source: FTA.
    What is QFZP and how do I get 0% corporate tax?
    QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) is a free zone entity meeting all these conditions simultaneously: (1) registered in a qualifying free zone (Cabinet-designated — includes DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.); (2) adequate substance in UAE (employees, premises, expenditure); (3) earns qualifying income from eligible activities; (4) non-qualifying revenue below the de minimis threshold (lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million); (5) audited financial statements; (6) transfer pricing compliance. Loss of QFZP status results in 9% on ALL income retroactively plus a 4-year cooling-off period before you can reapply. Pre-incorporation QFZP assessment is essential. Source: FTA, Ministerial Decision 229/2025.
    Should I set up on the mainland or in a free zone?
    Choose MAINLAND if: you sell products or services directly to UAE customers (B2C or B2B within UAE), you need government contracts, or you want unrestricted market access across all 7 emirates. Mainland companies pay 9% CIT above AED 375K. 100% foreign ownership since 2021 for most activities. Choose FREE ZONE if: you trade internationally (export/re-export), want potential QFZP 0% tax on qualifying income, need lower setup costs, or want a specialised ecosystem (DMCC for commodities, JAFZA for logistics, DIFC for finance). Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland UAE customers without a local agent or dual licence. Comply Globally assesses your business model and recommends the optimal structure. Source: DET, Free Zone authorities.
    Which free zone is best for Indian companies?
    Depends on your activity: JAFZA for trading, logistics, manufacturing; Bharat Mart (2.7M sqft, opened 2026) is purpose-built for Indian SMEs. DMCC for commodities, precious metals, crypto, fintech. IFZA/RAKEZ for budget-conscious startups and consulting (AED 5,000-14,000). DIFC for financial services, legal, insurance (English common law courts). ADGM for fintech, family offices, asset management. Dubai South for e-commerce, aviation. Dubai Internet City — for tech/IT companies. Key factors: your specific business activity, budget (costs range from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000+), required visa allocation, QFZP eligibility for your activity type, and banking track record of the zone. Source: Free Zone authorities.
    Does the UAE have a DTAA with India?
    Yes. India and the UAE have a comprehensive DTAA providing: dividends 10%, interest 10-12.5%, royalties 10%. Additionally, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since May 2022, eliminates or reduces tariffs on 80%+ of traded goods. With 9% UAE CIT now in effect, Foreign Tax Credit under Section 90 has real value — Indian companies can credit the 9% UAE tax paid against their Indian tax liability on the same income. This makes the India-UAE DTAA significantly more useful than zero-tax jurisdictions (BVI/Cayman where FTC = 0). India-UAE bilateral trade exceeded USD 85 billion in FY2024-25. Source: CBDT, India-UAE CEPA.
    What is the Golden Visa and can Indian entrepreneurs get it?
    Yes. The UAE Golden Visa provides 10-year renewable residency. Indian entrepreneurs can qualify through: (1) Real estate investment of AED 2M+ (since 2024, mortgage-eligible if equity portion meets AED 1M+ for 10-year visa); (2) Investor route — AED 2M+ public investment or approved fund; (3) Entrepreneur route — innovative business with minimum capital requirements; (4) Specialised talent — scientists, doctors, engineers, creatives. The Green Visa (5 years) requires AED 500K+ investment. Standard Investor Visa (2 years) requires AED 750K+ capital. All visa holders must have health insurance (mandatory since January 2025) and Emirates ID. Source: ICP, GDRFA.
    How much does it cost to set up a UAE company?
    Mainland LLC (Dubai): AED 18,500-40,000 setup + physical office lease. Free zone: ranges dramatically RAKEZ from AED 5,000; IFZA from AED 12,000; DMCC from AED 18,000; JAFZA from AED 15,000; DIFC from AED 40,000; ADGM from AED 15,000. Add per-visa costs: AED 3,000-5,000 each (includes Emirates ID, medical, stamp). Health insurance: AED 500-3,000/year per person. Annual renewal: typically 80-90% of initial setup cost. Budget additional 30-40% above base licence cost for a realistic total. Comply Globally’s UAE packages start from ₹75,000 (RAKEZ) to ₹2,50,000+ (DIFC). Source: DET, Free Zone authorities.
    What FEMA approvals do I need to invest in the UAE from India?
    Under RBI’s Master Direction on ODI, file Form ODI with your Authorised Dealer bank. Automatic route applies within 400% of net worth. Annual compliance: APR by 31 December, FLA to RBI by 15 July, Schedule FA in Indian tax return. Key advantage vs BVI/Cayman: the India-UAE DTAA exists (unlike TIEA-only jurisdictions), and with 9% UAE CIT, FTC under Section 90 now has real value. India-UAE bilateral trade is USD 85B+ the relationship is deep and the regulatory environment is supportive. 3.5M+ Indians in UAE means strong institutional familiarity. Source: RBI.
    What happens if I lose QFZP status?
    Losing QFZP status is one of the most severe consequences in the UAE tax system. If you fail to meet any QFZP condition in a given year: (1) ALL income for that year is taxed at 9% — not just the non-qualifying portion; (2) a 4-year cooling-off period applies before you can re-qualify as QFZP; (3) during the cooling-off, you pay 9% on all income regardless of activity type. Common triggers for losing QFZP: non-qualifying revenue exceeding the de minimis threshold (5% of total or AED 5M), insufficient substance, missing audited financial statements, or transfer pricing non-compliance. Pre-incorporation QFZP assessment and ongoing monitoring are essential. Source: FTA, Article 18 CT Law.
    UAE vs Singapore which is better for Indian businesses?
    For GCC/MENA/Africa access: UAE wins strategic hub for Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa markets. For ASEAN/Asia-Pacific: Singapore wins. For personal tax: UAE wins (0% PIT vs Singapore 0-22%). For corporate tax: UAE QFZP 0% vs Singapore 17% (but QFZP is conditional). For residency: UAE Golden Visa (10 years) is more accessible than Singapore EP. For Indian community: UAE’s 3.5M+ is larger than Singapore’s 400K+. For rule of law/IP protection: Singapore ranks higher globally. For lifestyle: UAE offers no income tax; Singapore offers political stability. Both have strong DTAAs with India. Comply Globally operates in both and recommends based on your target market, personal residency goals, and business model.

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    The UAE is complex 7 emirates, 47+ free zones, QFZP rules, Golden Visa.
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