Article: 231
Development and founding of real estate projects
Company setup in DET (Dubai), Dubai
This company can engage in the development of projects for residential and commercial complexes, tourism projects, as well as related infrastructure and leisure facilities, including the sale of real estate or projects in accordance with the law on the free hold ownership of property.
About the company's activities
For setup of a local company in Dubai in the field of development and founding of real estate projects, the following business activity has been chosen:
- Real Estate Development (6499004). This refers to companies established for the development and founding of real estate projects which include housing and commercial complexes, tourism projects, and the development of the infrastructure and leisure facilities for such projects. It also covers the selling of the property or projects per the free hold ownership law of property whether owned by the license holders or another party through a contract signed between the developer and the land owner and registration of the contract in the Escrow Accounts Department ahead of the commencement of the project.
The company can choose up to 10 types of business activities from the "Real estate" activity group within a single Commercial license.
As part of the company registration process with this business activity, the additional approval is required from Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
There is no requirement for a minimum share capital for local companies in Dubai with this business activity, its contribution is optional.
If the shareholder plans to obtain an investor visa, the shareholder's share in the share capital should be at least AED 48,000.
- May contain the name of a shareholder
- Must not violate the country laws or contain words that are obscene, indecent or generally offensive
- Must not contain the names of Allah, Buddha or God, or any other religious terminology
- Must not be identical or similar to local/global brands or registered trademarks
- Must not contain the names of local/international religious, political or governmental organizations
- Must correspond to the company’s business activities
Entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts in traditional banks with physical branches, as well as in digital banks and payment systems.
When choosing a bank to open a corporate account, consider the following: service level, fees, available currencies, online banking performance, bank reputation, as well as other conditions that may be important for your business.
Successfully opening a corporate bank account requires a well-prepared documentation package, which may vary depending on the specific requirements of each bank. Documents submitted incorrectly or incompletely may negatively affect the bank's final decision in processing the application.
About Jurisdiction
- Title: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Description:
DED Dubai (Department of Economy and Tourism) is a government regulator responsible for registration and licensing, monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements, support of business activity, and the strategic development of the commercial and tourism environment of Mainland Dubai, UAE.
Mainland in the UAE refers to the main land territory of the country, encompassing all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. All business activities in this territory are governed by federal and local laws, ensuring transparent and stable conditions for conducting business. A company registered on the Mainland in any of the emirates gains local company status, enabling it to operate both within the UAE and internationally, collaborate with local and foreign partners, and participate in government tenders and projects. Combined with Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and strategic geographic location, the Mainland becomes an ideal platform for companies aiming to grow and strengthen their positions in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
DED issues the following types of business licenses:
- Commercial (wholesale and retail trade)
- Professional (provision of services)
- Industrial (manufacturing)
The combination of DED’s transparent legal regulations, a strategically advantageous location, and advanced infrastructure makes the Mainland an ideal environment for businesses striving for long-term success and a strong market presence. These advantages allow companies to collaborate effectively with partners, expand their client base, and leverage access to key economic centers in the region, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing competitiveness on the international stage.
The UAE has several taxes and fees that regulate the financial activities of both legal entities and individuals. Below are the main ones.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
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Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented a VAT rate of 5%, which applies to most goods and services and is charged to companies operating within the country, except for those registered in designated zones.
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A Designated Zone is a territory within a free zone that is treated as outside the UAE for tax purposes, allowing goods to be exempt from taxation, provided certain criteria are met. The main taxation rules in Designated Zones are as follows:
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The Designated Zones are listed in the Cabinet Decision to Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).
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Goods moved between or within Designated Zones are not subject to tax.
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The export and import of goods between a Designated Zone and a foreign company are also not subject to tax.
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For local companies and those registered in Non-Designated Zones (free zones not included in the Designated Zones list), the standard tax rules set forth in the Federal Decree-Law on VAT apply.
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Companies with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as VAT taxpayers.
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Companies with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may register on a voluntary basis.
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Companies can offset VAT paid on purchases of goods and services (input VAT) against the VAT they collect on sales (output VAT), shifting the tax burden to the final consumer.
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Some goods and services may be exempt from VAT or taxed at a 0% rate, such as international transportation, educational, and medical services.
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Corporate Tax
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As of June 1, 2023, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax at a rate of 9%, levied on the taxable net profit of companies with income exceeding AED 375,000.
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A 0% rate is applied to taxable income not exceeding AED 375,000.
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Charitable, non-profit organizations and medical institutions are fully exempt from corporate tax.
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Excise Tax
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Since October 1, 2017, the UAE has introduced an excise tax aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful products and funding healthcare initiatives. The tax applies to alcohol, tobacco products, and beverages containing added sugar, including energy drinks and carbonated beverages.Excise tax rates vary depending on the product category:
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50% on carbonated drinks (excluding mineral water)
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100% on tobacco products
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100% on energy drinks
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100% on electronic smoking devices and liquids used for them
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50% on products containing added sugar or sweeteners.
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Companies dealing with excise goods must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), submit monthly declarations, and maintain records. Excise tax is paid upon the import, production, or release of goods for consumption in the UAE.
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Customs Duties
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Custom duties in the UAE are applied to most imported goods at a standard rate of 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Exceptions include certain categories of goods, such as medicines and food products, which may be exempt from duties or subject to a reduced rate.
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Goods imported into UAE free zones are generally not subject to customs duties as long as they remain within these zones. However, when such goods are transferred to the UAE mainland, standard duties apply.
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Personal Income Tax
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In the UAE, personal income is not subject to taxation.
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UAE citizens and residents are exempt from paying taxes on their personal income, including salaries, interest, dividends, inheritances, gifts, luxury goods, and capital gains.
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Local Taxes and Fees
- Individual emirates may impose specific local taxes and fees in line with their economic and social needs. These taxes and fees are aimed at supporting public services and implementing infrastructure projects.
Information verified with the provider on November 3, 2026
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