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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.

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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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Value Added Tax (VAT)

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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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Corporate 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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Excise Tax

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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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Customs Duties

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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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Personal Income Tax

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<li>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.</li>
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Local Taxes and Fees

The free zone is recognized as a leading global financial center, making it highly attractive to international companies and investors. Registering a business in the free zone ensures a high level of trust from government authorities, banks, and international partners due to its strict regulatory standards, compliance requirements, and transparency in business processes.

Global Recognition

Companies registered in the free zone can conduct business within the free zone and beyond the UAE. This helps to expand business, create and strengthen partnerships and enables interaction with clients and partners worldwide.

Access to Local and Global Markets

The free zone is located in the heart of Dubai, a key financial and business hub in the Middle East. Its proximity to major business centers and state-of-the-art infrastructure creates ideal conditions for business meetings and events, fostering a comfortable and productive professional environment.

Strategic Location

The free zone enables entrepreneurs to establish their business remotely, without the need for physical presence in the UAE, providing convenient access to the registration process from anywhere in the world.

Remote Company Registration

The free zone enables foreign entrepreneurs to retain 100% ownership of their company, granting full control over profits and unrestricted capital repatriation outside the UAE. This fosters an optimal environment for strategic financial planning and efficient business management, free from limitations on economic activities.

Full Profit Control

The free zone offers innovation licenses for more than 1,200 types of business activities, covering a broad range of technology-driven and financially focused sectors. This enables entrepreneurs to develop projects across areas such as fintech, insurance, regulatory technologies, Islamic finance, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, investment and professional services, as well as education and talent development.

Wide Range of Business Activities

The free zone operates under an English common law system and has independent courts (DIFC Courts) for resolving commercial and civil disputes. This ensures reliable legal protection and clear dispute resolution mechanisms based on international standards. Arbitration and mediation within the DIFC Courts enable efficient and swift conflict resolution, minimizing operational risks.

English Common Law-based Legal System

The free zone provides licenses for a wide range of financial services, including banks, insurance companies, investment funds, and other financial institutions. All financial entities are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), an independent regulator that ensures strict oversight and adherence to international standards.

Financial Regulation

The free zone offers a modern ecosystem focused on supporting startups, professional communities, and sustainable development. The DIFC Innovation Hub enables FinTech, InsurTech, and RegTech projects to scale through acceleration programs and access to investment. DIFC Academy builds professional talent in law, finance, and management, while the Family Wealth Centre offers long-term solutions for legacy, asset, and wealth management.

Business Ecosystem

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 infringe any third party's intellectual property rights

Must not be identical or similar to local/global brands or registered trademarks

Must not contain geographical names, such as the names of emirates, cities, countries and other landmarks

Must not contain the names of local/international religious, political or governmental organizations

May contain words indicating the provision of medical, legal, educational or other regulated professional services, subject to appropriate permission from regulatory authorities

Must correspond to the company’s business activities

DIFC Innovation Hub is a leading innovation center located within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the largest financial hubs in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.&nbsp;DIFC Innovation Hub attracts startups, technology companies, and investors from around the globe, offering unique opportunities for business development and the implementation of cutting-edge solutions in the industry.
DIFC Innovation Hub provides an advanced business ecosystem for startups and companies in the fields of FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, and Islamic FinTech. The center not only supports innovation through acceleration programs, venture capital, and access to investments but also fosters the development of future technologies and breakthrough solutions. As the largest innovation center in the region,&nbsp;DIFC Innovation Hub offers support at every stage of startup growth &mdash; from the initial idea to scaling and entering international markets. Furthermore, the center actively collaborates with global corporations and financial institutions, giving startups access to strategic partnerships and expansion opportunities.&nbsp;Companies registered within DIFC Innovation Hub are permitted to conduct business within the DIFC and beyond the UAE.
DIFC Innovation Hub issues the following types of business licenses:
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<li>AI License</li>
<li>Innovation License</li>
<li>Innovation Holding Structure License</li>
<li>Innovation Testing License</li>
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With strong support for startups, international status, and cutting-edge technologies, DIFC Innovation Hub creates ideal conditions for innovative and technology-driven companies looking to achieve rapid growth, scale their operations, and successfully expand into global markets.

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Download the company formation guide

Cost Calculation

Registering on the DIFC Portal

Applying for Initial Approval

Selecting Office Space

Submitting Company Registration Application

Receiving Incorporation Documents

Obtaining Establishment Card

Concluding Employment Contract

Applying for Entry Permit/E-visa

Applying for Status Change

Scheduling Medical Fitness Test

Undergoing Medical Fitness Test

Applying for Emirates ID

Submitting Biometric Data

Receiving Resident Visa

Receiving Emirates ID

Receiving Employee Card

Submission and review of documents for opening a corporate bank account

Tariffs

Guide

Self-service company registration with no extra fees

Сhat Support

Assistance with document review and submission

Expert

An UPPERSETUP expert manages the entire process

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