Dubai UAE Company Incorporation from India
Zero personal income tax, 0% corporate tax for many freezone businesses, and one of the world's top business addresses. We advise on Mainland vs Freezone vs Offshore and handle the full setup.
Set up your UAE company
Tell us your business activity and visa needs. We will advise on the right structure.
Talk to a CS →Dubai company setup — structure to trade licence and visa
Structure Advisory
Mainland vs Freezone vs Offshore — correct structure based on activity, visa needs and tax goals.
Trade Licence Filing
UAE trade licence application filed with the relevant authority (DED, DMCC, JAFZA etc.).
Visa Eligibility Advisory
Investor visa, employment visa and dependent visa eligibility based on company structure.
UAE Bank Account Advisory
Bank account options — Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAK Bank, Wise — and documentation required.
India-UAE FEMA Advisory
ODI compliance and FEMA reporting for Indian residents investing in a UAE entity.
Annual Licence Renewal
UAE trade licences must be renewed annually — we track and file.
Mainland vs Freezone vs Offshore — the key differences
Mainland
Can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Requires a local office and UAE trade licence from DED.
Freezone
100% foreign ownership. Can trade internationally and within the freezone. Cannot trade directly in UAE mainland without a distributor.
Offshore
No physical office or UAE visa. Used for holding companies, IP ownership and international trading. Cannot trade in UAE.
0% Corporate Tax (Freezone)
Qualifying freezone persons may pay 0% UAE corporate tax if they meet the qualifying income conditions.
9% UAE Corporate Tax
UAE mainland companies (and non-qualifying freezones) pay 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000.
No Personal Income Tax
UAE has no personal income tax on individuals — applicable to residents.
Indian residents setting up a UAE company must comply with FEMA ODI rules. Investment from India into the UAE entity and remittances to fund UAE operations must be reported to the RBI as Overseas Direct Investment. Annual ODI returns are also required. Non-compliance attracts FEMA penalties.
Common mistakes when setting up a UAE company from India
Simple steps, no surprises
Activity & structure advisory
Business activity, visa needs and tax goals assessed; Mainland vs Freezone vs Offshore advised.
Trade licence application
Freezone or DED application filed; company name reserved and approved.
Visa & bank account
Investor visa application initiated; UAE bank account documentation prepared.
India FEMA compliance
ODI filing with RBI; ongoing FEMA annual returns managed from India.
Other services you may need
Frequently asked questions
A Mainland company (licensed by DED) can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally. A Freezone company can trade internationally and within its freezone but needs a distributor for UAE mainland trade. Offshore companies cannot trade in the UAE or have a physical office.
Yes. UAE Freezones allow 100% foreign ownership. Since 2021, most UAE Mainland sectors also allow 100% foreign ownership under the amended Commercial Companies Law.
UAE introduced a 9% federal corporate tax in 2023 on taxable income above AED 375,000. Qualifying freezone persons may pay 0% if they meet specific conditions. There is no personal income tax in the UAE.
It depends on the freezone. Most freezones offer investor visas with the company licence. The number of visas depends on the office package chosen. Offshore companies generally do not provide UAE residency visas.
Investment from India into the UAE entity is an Overseas Direct Investment under FEMA and must be reported to the RBI. Annual ODI returns are also required. Failure to comply attracts FEMA compounding penalties.
UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAK Bank) have strict KYC requirements. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks and requires company documents, passport, visa and proof of business activity. Fintech options like Wise and Payoneer are faster for international payments.
Freezone setup costs vary by freezone and office package. Entry-level freezones (like Sharjah Media City, IFZA) start from AED 12,000-15,000 per year. Premium freezones (DIFC, ADGM) cost significantly more. We provide a full comparison before you decide.
Set up your Dubai or UAE company from India
Tell us your business activity, visa needs and tax goals. We will advise on the right structure and handle the full setup.