For Indian founders, exporters and IT firms

Set Up Your UAE Business from India: Costs, Tax and Compliance

Compare live UAE setup packages, see how Indian and UAE tax rates differ, and follow the RBI overseas investment and attestation steps in the right order — before you pay anyone.

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AED 4,888
Lowest listed free zone package, starting from
0%
UAE personal income tax on salary
100%
Foreign ownership in free zones

India vs UAE: headline tax rates

The UAE's 9% corporate tax applies only above AED 375,000 of taxable profit. Whether you still owe Indian tax depends on your residential status, not on where the company is registered.

Item	India	UAE
Corporate tax	22% plus surcharge and cess under the concessional regime (about 25.17%)	0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, 9% above; qualifying free zone income may be 0%
Personal income tax	Slab rates up to 30% plus surcharge and cess	No personal income tax on employment income
Indirect tax	GST, 18% on most services	VAT, 5% standard rate
Tax treaty	India–UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement	Same DTAA; claim relief with a tax residency certificate

Attesting Indian documents: the usual steps

1. Notary or state authority
Certificates are verified by a notary or the issuing state's Home / Education department.
2. Ministry of External Affairs
MEA attests the verified documents in India.
3. UAE Embassy or Consulate in India
Attests the MEA-attested documents for use in the UAE.
4. UAE MOFA
Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs once the documents arrive in the UAE.

Moving from India: residence, ODI and banking

Under the Income-tax Act you are usually resident if you spend 182 days or more in India in a year; lower thresholds can apply if your Indian income is high. Count your days before you move.
Funding the UAE company from India follows the RBI Overseas Direct Investment rules. Your Indian bank (authorised dealer) files the reporting.
UAE banks ask for your trade licence, proof of address, source of funds and a business plan. Our bank account guide explains what helps approval.

Read the UAE business bank account guide and the UAE Golden Visa guide.

Where Indian founders usually set up

IFZA

Broad activity list and multi-visa packages for growing teams.

Meydan Free Zone

Dubai address, digital setup, popular with IT and consulting firms.

RAKEZ

Lower-cost licences plus industrial land for manufacturers and exporters.

Dubai Mainland

Trade directly with UAE customers and supply government buyers.

Get a setup plan for an Indian founder

Tell us your activity, visas and move date. Verified consultants send matched quotes. Your enquiry is shared only with verified providers matched to your activity.

Questions Indian founders ask

Can an Indian resident own a UAE company?

Yes, but investment from India is an Overseas Direct Investment under FEMA. Resident individuals and Indian companies must follow the RBI ODI rules and report through an authorised bank.

Does a UAE company stop me paying tax in India?

Not on its own. Your residential status under the Income-tax Act, and where the company is controlled from, decide this. Take advice from an Indian chartered accountant before you move.

Does CEPA help Indian exporters set up in the UAE?

The India–UAE CEPA cuts customs duty on many goods traded between the two countries. It does not replace UAE licensing; you still need a licence for your activity.

How much does a UAE free zone licence cost?

Live packages on Business Setup AE start from AED 4,888. Your final price depends on activity, visas and office space.

Official sources

General information, not tax or legal advice. Rates checked October 2026.