The United Arab Emirates has for many years remained one of the most attractive locations in the world for international business. According to the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, the UAE consistently ranks among the Top 10 countries for ease of doing business. In 2025, the Emirates hold 7th place globally in competitiveness among 67 countries and continue to actively attract foreign capital.
Expert SM, an official registered partner of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), assists both small businesses and large industrial enterprises from the CIS and other countries in establishing and operating businesses in the UAE quickly and cost-effectively on a turnkey basis.
This free economic zone offers offices, warehouses, and industrial land plots.
The UAE attracts entrepreneurs and investors with one of the most favorable tax regimes in the world:
personal income, dividends, and capital gains are tax-exempt, while the corporate tax on the mainland is only 9% and applies solely to profits exceeding AED 375,000.
Thanks to double taxation avoidance agreements with Azerbaijan and many other countries, obtaining UAE tax residency allows entrepreneurs to legally minimize taxation on foreign income while retaining Azerbaijani tax residency.
Confidentiality is particularly valuable: once you obtain UAE tax residency, automatic exchange of financial information (CRS) on your accounts ceases, even with balances exceeding USD 250,000. Earned income and dividends may be freely transferred worldwide without any taxes.
Why Thousands of Entrepreneurs Choose the UAE in 2025
Key Advantages – What This Means in Practice
0% corporate tax
Up to the taxable threshold of AED 375,000 (~USD 102,000)
9% corporate tax
Applies only to profits exceeding AED 375,000 (one of the lowest rates globally)
100% foreign ownership
Available in all free zones and most mainland business activities
No currency controls
Free repatriation of dividends and capital to any country
Confidentiality and asset protection
No automatic exchange of financial information upon UAE tax residency
Developed infrastructure
World-class ports, airports, and logistics networks
Three Main Types of Companies in the UAE
Free Zone Company (Onshore)
Special economic zones (approximately 52 in total), each with its own regulatory authority and preferential regime. Each free zone is tailored to specific industries: IT, media, logistics, fintech, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
Advantages:
- 100% foreign ownership without a local partner
- 0% corporate tax and VAT (under certain conditions)
- Full repatriation of profits and capital
- Eligibility for a UAE residence visa
Limitation:
Trading and service provision are permitted only within the free zone or outside the UAE. Direct sales to mainland companies require a local distributor.
Ideal for: online businesses, export operations, IT companies, and holding structures.
Offshore Company
Designed exclusively for holding real estate and assets outside the UAE. Offices, employees, warehouses, and any business activity within the UAE are prohibited. Residence visas and bank accounts are not available.
This is the simplest and most cost-effective option for purchasing and leasing residential or commercial real estate.
Mainland Company
A traditional company structure allowing unrestricted operations throughout the UAE, participation in government tenders, and direct sales to local clients without intermediaries.
Advantages:
- Full access to the UAE market
- No geographical restrictions on activities
- 100% foreign ownership available for most business activities
Taxes:
- 9% corporate tax only if profits exceed AED 375,000 (~USD 102,000)
- 5% VAT only if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Most Popular Option – RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
The most popular choice among our clients is company registration in RAKEZ, one of the fastest-growing and most cost-efficient free zones in the UAE, hosting over 18,000 registered companies.
Why Clients Choose Expert SM for Company Registration in the UAE
- Preferential tax rates and absence of currency transfer restrictions
- Efficient logistics and favorable geographic location
- A wide selection of free zones with tailored conditions for different business models
- Free zone registration as the fastest and most cost-effective way to start a business in the UAE
Key Industries with High Potential:
- Trade – the UAE is a major global trading hub connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
- Real estate and construction – steady demand driven by expatriates
- IT and technology – strong government support and low taxes
- Logistics – a strategically vital sector
- Food products – growing demand for products from CIS countries
- Tourism high demand with strong competition
- Beauty industry – premium services in high demand
- Restaurant business – continuous flow of tourists and expatriates
- Events and entertainment – year-round festivals and shows
- Cryptocurrencies – one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions globally, with clear regulation and tax incentives
Step-by-Step Company Formation with Expert SM
Documents Required for Business Registration in the UAE:
- Application form
- Detailed business plan
- Color copies of passports and signature specimens of all shareholders and the manager
- Copy of an existing business license or registration certificate (if applicable)
- Original and notarized copy of the manager’s personal identification number
- Proof of address or right to use premises
- Articles of Association
- Letter of intent
- Financial statements for the last two years or a bank reference
Simplified Requirements for Free Zone Registration:
- Completed application form
- Board resolution appointing the manager
- Information on share capital
- Photograph and signature specimen of the manager
- Notarized power of attorney
- Notarized Articles and Memorandum of Association
All documents (except photos, application forms, and share capital details) must be notarized and, if required, legalized or apostilled.
UAE Residence Visa for Business Owners
If you are outside the UAE, you must first obtain an entry visa. The most convenient option is a tourist visa (up to 180 days, with a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days), which can be converted into a residence visa after arrival.
Required documents:
- Company registration certificate and license copy
- Company immigration card
- Bank confirmation of share capital deposit
- Passport, 3×4 photo (white background), medical insurance
- Medical test results from an accredited UAE clinic
Upon approval, you receive a 2-3 year residence visa (depending on the free zone or mainland). You will then obtain an Emirates ID, which serves as your primary identification document and significantly simplifies daily life in the UAE.
Business License Issuance
Determine your business activities in advance: one license may include up to 8 activities. Additional licenses are required for more activities. Regulated sectors (medicine, finance, insurance, education) require special approvals and qualification confirmation.
Required documents:
- Passports of shareholders
- Incorporation documents
- Business plan
- Proof of qualifications (if required)
Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Banks do not open accounts without a registered office and legal address.
Standard requirements:
- Passports, residence visas, and Emirates IDs of shareholders and directors
- Memorandum of Association
- Valid trade license
- Business plan and company profile
- Source of funds and beneficiary disclosure
Banks often additionally request bank statements for the past 6-12 months, office lease agreements, and information on clients and partners.
With proper preparation, the entire process (license, visa, Emirates ID, bank account) takes 2-4 weeks.
Start Your Business in the UAE This Month
Expert-SM LTD has been providing comprehensive legal services since 2002, with over 20 years of experience supporting both local and international companies. Our clients include major global corporations such as Novartis, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, Oriflame, Legrand, Vestas, and others.
We work in Russian, English, and Azerbaijani, and support you at every stage – from the initial consultation to obtaining an Emirates ID and opening a bank account.
Expert SM – your official RAKEZ partner in the UAE.
Fast registration. Reliable management. Ongoing support.