Why Pakistanis Set Up UAE Companies
Zero Corporate Tax
UAE businesses pay 0% corporate tax below AED 375,000 annual profit (Small Business Relief). Above that threshold: only 9% — highly competitive globally.
100% Foreign Ownership
All UAE freezones and most mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership since 2021 reforms. No local sponsor required for most activities.
UAE Residency Visa
Company formation typically qualifies the owner for a 3-year UAE investor residency visa — enabling full UAE banking and residency.
Gulf Market Access
A UAE entity provides credible presence for contracting with Gulf governments, corporates, and international businesses operating in the region.
Pakistan-UAE timezone: UAE is only 1 hour behind Pakistan — the closest major international business jurisdiction in terms of working hours overlap and cultural familiarity for Pakistani founders.
Freezone vs Mainland
UAE Freezone
Best for: international business, IT companies, consultancies, import/export. 100% ownership guaranteed. Cannot trade directly in UAE market without a mainland agent.
UAE Mainland (DED)
Best for: UAE local market, retail, restaurants, real estate. Can trade directly anywhere in UAE. 100% ownership available for most activities since 2021 reforms.
Popular freezones for Pakistanis: IFZA — most affordable. Meydan — central Dubai. JAFZA — logistics and trading. DMCC — commodities. Adeem Consultant recommends the optimal freezone for your specific activity and budget.
Our UAE Formation Process
Activity & Structure Decision
We identify the correct business activities, recommend the optimal freezone or mainland structure, and provide a complete cost comparison.
Document Preparation
We prepare all required documents — passport copies, NOC letters, MOA, shareholder declarations — and coordinate any notarisation or attestation required.
License Application & Payment
We submit the application to the relevant authority (freezone or DED), manage the review process, and confirm payment of government fees.
License Issuance & Banking
On license issuance we guide you through UAE business banking (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB) and visa application where applicable.
UAE Tax for Pakistani Owners
- 0% UAE corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000 annually (Small Business Relief)
- 9% UAE corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 — very competitive
- UAE VAT at 5% applies if annual UAE revenue exceeds AED 375,000
- Pakistan tax: Pakistan residents must declare UAE business income in FBR returns. Pakistan-UAE DTAA may provide double taxation relief
UAE Company Formation — FAQs
Questions about UAE company setup? WhatsApp us on +923222422347
Yes. Since the 2021 UAE Commercial Companies Law reforms, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most business activities in both mainland and freezones. A local UAE sponsor is no longer required for most sectors.
IFZA and Meydan Free Zone are among the most cost-effective — with packages starting from AED 5,750-12,000/year including license, visa eligibility, and registered address. Adeem Consultant provides updated pricing for each freezone.
For many freezones the process can be completed remotely with notarised/attested documents. However, UAE residency visa processing and Emirates ID require a physical visit.
Typically: passport copy (6 months validity), passport-sized photo, UAE entry stamp if applicable, and bank statement. Additional documents may be required depending on the freezone and activity.
Company formation in most UAE freezones entitles the owner to apply for a 3-year investor residency visa. This requires a physical visit to UAE for biometrics and Emirates ID processing.
A UAE company can provide services to Pakistani clients and invest in Pakistan under FDI regulations. Income earned in Pakistan may be subject to Pakistan withholding tax.
Annual license renewal: AED 3,000-8,000 depending on freezone. Registered office: included in most freezone packages. UAE audit: required for some freezones. Adeem Consultant provides a complete annual cost projection.
Yes. A UAE company with a UAE bank account enables UAE PayPal and Stripe accounts. Combined with a UAE residency this is often easier to set up than a US entity for some Pakistani founders.
Both offer competitive pricing and 100% ownership. IFZA is based in Dubai Industrial City. Meydan is centrally located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Activity restrictions and pricing vary slightly.
Yes. Pakistan resident individuals must declare their worldwide income including UAE business income in their Pakistan FBR returns. The Pakistan-UAE DTAA may reduce double taxation. Adeem Consultant advises on the correct Pakistan tax treatment.
Set Up Your UAE Company Today
Complete UAE company formation including freezone or mainland license, registered address, and banking guidance — managed from Pakistan.
Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM PKT | adeem@adeemconsultant.com | Lahore, Pakistan