For US founders, remote operators and tech companies

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

Compare live UAE setup packages, see how US and UAE tax rules interact, and follow the IRS reporting and document authentication 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

USA vs UAE: headline tax rates

The UAE's 9% corporate tax applies only above AED 375,000 of taxable profit. US citizens keep filing US returns wherever they live, so plan the UAE company with US rules in mind.

Item	USA	UAE
Corporate tax	21% federal rate, plus state corporate tax in most states	0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, 9% above; qualifying free zone income may be 0%
Personal income tax	US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live	No personal income tax on employment income
Foreign earned income	Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) up to the annual IRS limit, if you qualify	Not applicable
Tax treaty	No US–UAE income tax treaty	No treaty relief; plan with a US-qualified tax adviser

Authenticating US documents: the usual steps

1. Notary public
Documents are notarised in the US state where they were issued.
2. Secretary of State
The state Secretary of State certifies the notary or issuing official.
3. US Department of State
The Office of Authentications authenticates documents for countries outside the Apostille Convention, such as the UAE.
4. UAE Embassy, then UAE MOFA
The UAE Embassy in Washington attests the document, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes it in the UAE.

Moving from the USA: filing, reporting and banking

To claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion you must meet the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test (330 full days abroad in 12 months).
Owning a UAE company can trigger US reporting such as Form 5471 and controlled foreign corporation rules. Agree the structure with a US tax adviser before you incorporate.
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 US founders usually set up

IFZA

Broad activity list and multi-visa packages for consultants and agencies.

Meydan Free Zone

Dubai address with a fully digital setup for remote founders.

RAKEZ

Lower-cost licences and industrial options for trading and e-commerce.

Dubai Mainland

Trade directly with UAE customers and bid for government contracts.

Get a setup plan for a US 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 US founders ask

Can a US citizen own 100% of a UAE company?

Yes. Free zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now do too.

Does moving to Dubai end my US tax filing?

No. US citizens and green card holders file US returns wherever they live. You may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or foreign tax credits, but you still file.

What US forms apply to a UAE company or bank account?

Common ones are FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) when foreign accounts exceed USD 10,000 in total, and Form 5471 for certain owners of foreign corporations. Ask a US tax adviser which apply to you.

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.