Free Zone or Mainland: Which UAE Company Structure Fits Your Business?
Key highlights Free zone IT companies get 0 percent Corporate Tax only if they qualify as a qualifying free zone person; it is not automatic for every free zone entity The new UAE R&D Tax Credit offers 15 to 50 percent back on qualifying research expenditure starting tax periods from 1 January 2026 Standalone Economic […]
How to Get an Industrial License for EV Manufacturing in UAE
Key Highlights EV and auto-component manufacturers in the UAE need two separate approvals. A mainland industrial trade license and a federal MoIAT Industrial Production License are both required before legally operating a factory. The MoIAT Industrial Registry was established under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2022. It unlocks customs duty exemptions on machinery, equipment, and […]
Tax Benefits for IT Companies in UAE Free Zones: 0% Corporate Tax, R&D Credits and Substance Rules
Key highlights Free zone IT companies get 0 percent Corporate Tax only if they qualify as a qualifying free zone person; it is not automatic for every free zone entity The new UAE R&D Tax Credit offers 15 to 50 percent back on qualifying research expenditure starting tax periods from 1 January 2026 Standalone Economic […]
Best Free Zone for EV Business Setup in Dubai: JAFZA vs Dubai South vs IFZA Compared
Key Highlights JAFZA suits EV manufacturing and export businesses through direct Jebel Ali Port access and DP World ownership. Dubai South offers a documented 5 to 15 working day setup path for EV trading and showroom licenses. IFZA fits lean EV trading or consultancy setups with tiered, lower-cost visa packages. Every free zone requires a […]
Documents Foreign Founders Need Before Registering a Company in Dubai (2026)
Key Highlights Individual shareholders need five core documents to start: passport, photo, address proof, business plan, and visa copy. Corporate shareholders face extra requirements, including incorporation certificates, board resolutions, and audited financials. Foreign corporate documents must pass through a four-step attestation chain before UAE authorities accept them. A 2026 Commercial Companies Law amendment now allows […]
Best Payment Gateway for SaaS Companies in Dubai in 2026: Stripe Alternatives Compared
Key Highlights Stripe requires a UAE trade license or freelancer permit for every business type before it will activate your account. CBUAE-licensed gateways like Ziina, Telr, and Network International offer regulated alternatives for UAE SaaS billing. Stripe’s fund freeze typically comes from internal risk scoring, not a UAE regulatory requirement. A merchant of record model […]