For Singapore startups, fintech and trading firms

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

Compare live UAE setup packages, see how Singapore and UAE tax rates differ, and follow the treaty and apostille 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

Singapore vs UAE: headline tax rates

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

Item	Singapore	UAE
Corporate tax	17% headline rate, with partial exemptions for smaller profits	0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, 9% above; qualifying free zone income may be 0%
Personal income tax	Progressive resident rates up to 24%	No personal income tax on employment income
Indirect tax	GST, 9% standard rate	VAT, 5% standard rate
Tax treaty	Singapore–UAE Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement	Same agreement; claim relief with a tax residency certificate

Attesting Singapore documents: the usual steps

1. Singapore notary public
Certifies copies of your passport, degree or ACRA company documents.
2. Singapore Academy of Law
SAL issues the apostille on notarised documents through its legalisation service.
3. UAE mission check
Ask the UAE Embassy in Singapore or your setup provider whether embassy legalisation is still required for your document type.
4. UAE MOFA
Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs once the documents arrive in the UAE.

Moving from Singapore: residence, treaty and banking

IRAS generally treats individuals present or working in Singapore for 183 days or more in a year as tax resident. Count your days before you move.
A company is tax resident in Singapore where it is controlled and managed, usually where the board meets. Plan board meetings accordingly.
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 Singapore founders usually set up

ADGM

Abu Dhabi's international financial centre, using English common law, for fintech and funds.

DMCC

JLT address for trading, commodities and tech companies.

Meydan Free Zone

Digital setup for SaaS, e-commerce and consulting founders.

Dubai Mainland

Sell directly to UAE customers and supply government buyers.

Get a setup plan for a Singapore founder

Tell us your activity, visas and move date. The BusinessSetup.ae team reviews your setup options and contacts you about next steps. We share your enquiry with your chosen provider, or one matched to your requirements, for a personalised quote.

Questions Singapore founders ask

Can a Singapore company own a UAE company?

Yes. A Singapore company or individual can own 100% of a free zone company, and of most mainland companies. Regulated activities may need extra approvals.

Does a UAE company stop me paying Singapore tax?

Not on its own. IRAS looks at your tax residence and where the company is controlled and managed. Take advice from a Singapore tax adviser before you move.

Is there a tax treaty between Singapore and the UAE?

Yes. Singapore and the UAE have an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. Relief usually requires a certificate of residence from the relevant tax authority.

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.