UAE
DIFC (Private Company)
Top-tier private company in a globally recognised financial centre with strong governance.
2 weeks
0-9% tax
Operational CompaniesConsultingInternational TradeInvestment FundsIP Holding
Key Benefits
Why form in UAE?
Top-tier reputation
A globally recognised financial centre that can strengthen credibility with banks and counterparties.
Strong governance
A well-developed corporate framework supports robust documentation and clear corporate actions.
Counterparty confidence
Often preferred by institutional counterparties and professional service providers, subject to onboarding policies.
Operational flexibility
Supports a range of business models subject to licensing, approvals, and substance expectations.
Investor-ready docs
Suitable for businesses that expect diligence and require clean registers and governance records.
Scales with growth
A strong base for companies aiming for institutional capital, regulated partners, or complex group structures.
Tax Overview
UAE taxation at a glance
UAE Corporate Tax
0% may apply to Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) on qualifying income; otherwise 9% may apply. The AED 375,000 0% band generally applies to non-QFZPs; QFZPs instead follow the qualifying/non-qualifying income rules.
0-9%
VAT
Applies where the company registers for VAT and makes taxable supplies in the UAE.
5%
Withholding Tax
The UAE does not currently levy withholding tax on outbound payments under the federal Corporate Tax regime.
0%
Transfer Pricing
May apply to related-party transactions; maintain appropriate documentation and policies where required.
N/A
Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT)
May apply to UAE entities that are part of large multinational groups (Pillar Two threshold) to ensure a 15% minimum effective tax rate in the UAE.
up to 15%
Formation Process
How we incorporate your DIFC (Private Company)
1
Day 1–5
KYC, Activity & Office Scoping
Collect KYC, select licence category/activities, and confirm office/flexi-desk arrangements.
2
Day 6–7
Name Reservation
Reserve company name and confirm naming compliance.
3
Day 8–11
Incorporation & Licence Submission
Submit incorporation and licence applications; respond to clarifications if requested.
4
Day 12–13
Review & Approvals
DIFC review cycle, approvals, and fee settlement.
5
Day 14
Issuance & Corporate Pack
Receive documents and deliver the digital corporate pack.
Pricing
What's included in your DIFC (Private Company)
Formation Package
$8,000
- Incorporation application preparation and filing (DIFC private company)
- License application preparation and submission
- Completion of standard incorporation documents required by DIFC
- Establishment card application preparation (if visas are required)
- Coordination of confirmation statement baseline setup (as applicable)
- Coordination of DIFC portal steps and fee payments
- Digital corporate document pack (formation set)
Annual Maintenance
$24,389/year
- License renewal application
- Confirmation statement completion and submission
- Establishment card renewal support (if visas are maintained)
- Annual compliance reminders and renewal coordination
Add-ons
Enhance your DIFC (Private Company)
Bank Accounts & Payments
- International Fiat Bank Account OpeningOpen a secure international fiat bank account to manage global payments, receive client funds, and hold multi-currency balances with reputable banking partners.
Nominee Services
- Nominee Corporate DirectorAppoint a professional third-party director to protect your privacy and meet local residency or compliance requirements.
- Nominee ShareholderNominee shareholding to separate legal title from beneficial ownership
Ready to get started?
Form your DIFC (Private Company) in UAE and have your entity ready in 2 weeks.
EntityEngine is a private facilitation platform, not a government agency or law firm. Information is general only (not legal/tax advice). Filings are completed by regulated third-party partners. Terms.