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UAE — services for living and doing business

The no-tax jurisdiction of choice for founders and investors

Population:
10.2m
Capital:
Abu Dhabi
Currency:
Dirham (AED)
Time zone:
UTC+4
Languages:
Arabic, English
UAE on the map

About the country

The UAE is the Middle East's business hub: 0% personal income tax, corporate tax of 0% up to AED 375,000 of profit (9% above), 100% foreign ownership and closed beneficial-owner registers. A free zone company is opened remotely in 3-5 days from $1,550. The Emirates ID residence visa is issued for 2-10 years.

Worth knowing

  • !High cost of living and rent
  • !An audit is mandatory in a number of free zones
  • !Emirates ID needs one short trip for biometrics

UAE: scores by area

8.1/ 10 — average scorecompare with all →

An expert estimate to get you oriented — we'll go through the details on the consultation.

Taxes (how favourable)10/10
Cost of living3/10
Safety9/10
Passport strength9/10
Infrastructure10/10
Business prospects9/10
Investment appeal9/10
Healthcare8/10
Environment6/10

Common questions

How can I move to UAE?
The catalogue covers these routes: company formation, residence permit, visa quotas, establishment card, change of visa status, UAE tourist visa. The reference section describes 18 relocation programmes in total, with official conditions and links to government sources. Which route fits depends on whether you have a job, a business, property or relatives in the country - we'll go through it on a free consultation and pick the one that works.
How do I start a business in UAE?
The catalogue has 17 options in this area: company formation, accounting and tax, hiring staff, MOHRE registration, virtual office / registered address, primary accounting documents. A licensed local expert handles the paperwork and files with the register. The steps, the timeline and the tax regime for what you do are covered on a free consultation.
What services can I arrange in UAE?
52 options across 7 areas: company formation, accounting and tax, hiring staff, MOHRE registration, virtual office / registered address, primary accounting documents, payroll (WPS), tax number (TRN) and 21 more. Every option comes with a price, a timeline and the scope of work; the provider is a licensed local expert.
Can services in UAE be arranged remotely, without flying in?
Partly: 34 of 52 options are handled remotely, the rest need you there in person (usually biometrics or a signature at the bank). The format (“Remotely” / “In person”) is on each service card, visible before you send a request.
How long does it take in UAE?
It depends on the service: the fastest take from 1 day, the longest (citizenship, investment programmes) up to 18 months. The exact timeline is on each service card - that's the expert's working time, excluding queues at government bodies.
What does a consultation cost, and is there a markup on top?
The consultation is free on 41 of 52 options and commits you to nothing. You sign the contract directly with the expert and pay their official price list - Pactors adds no markup and takes no commission from you.

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