Company Incorporation in United Arab Emirates from Canada

Why United Arab Emirates

Incorporating in United Arab Emirates From Canada

Register a Free Zone or Mainland LLC in United Arab Emirates without relocating from Canada
1 Shareholder (100% foreign ownership permitted in free zones & most mainland activities) — no restriction based on your country of residence
Department of Economic Development (DED) / Free Zone Authorities (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.) filings, tax registration & bank account support handled end-to-end
Ongoing compliance coordinated across Canada and United Arab Emirates time zones

United Arab Emirates Incorporation Snapshot

Entity Type Free Zone or Mainland LLC

Regulator Department of Economic Development (DED) / Free Zone Authorities (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.)

Minimum Directors 1 Director/Manager

Minimum Shareholders 1 Shareholder (100% foreign ownership permitted in free zones & most mainland activities)

Formation Timeline 5–10 business days

Minimum Capital No minimum paid-up capital in most free zones

Corporate Tax 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income; 9% standard UAE corporate tax above AED 375,000 mainland profit

Step-by-Step

How We Incorporate Your United Arab Emirates Company From Canada

1

Select jurisdiction: mainland DED or a free zone (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.)

2

Reserve trade name & obtain initial approval

3

Draft Memorandum of Association & lease registered office/flexi-desk

4

Submit licence application & pay government fees

5

Receive Trade Licence, then apply for Establishment Card & visas

Documentation

What You'll Need From Canada

Passport copy & passport-size photo for shareholders/directors

Proof of residential address

Business plan / activity description

No Objection Certificate (if applicable)

Free zone lease agreement / flexi-desk registration

Common Questions

United Arab Emirates Incorporation FAQs for Canada-Based Founders

Can a person or company from Canada own 100% of a Free Zone or Mainland LLC in United Arab Emirates?

In almost all cases, yes — United Arab Emirates permits 1 shareholder (100% foreign ownership permitted in free zones & most mainland activities), with no restriction based on the founder's country of origin, including Canada.

Do I need to travel from Canada to United Arab Emirates to incorporate?

No, the entire process is handled remotely. We prepare, notarise or apostille (where required), and file all documents with the Department of Economic Development (DED) / Free Zone Authorities (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.) on your behalf.

How long does Free Zone or Mainland LLC registration in United Arab Emirates take when applying from Canada?

Typical turnaround is 5–10 business days, though courier time for notarised documents from Canada can add a few extra days depending on your location.

What tax rate will my United Arab Emirates company pay?

United Arab Emirates applies 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income; 9% standard UAE corporate tax above AED 375,000 mainland profit. We review your structure to confirm the exact liability and identify any relief available under a tax treaty between United Arab Emirates and Canada.

Can profits be repatriated from United Arab Emirates back to Canada?

Yes, subject to United Arab Emirates's standard dividend distribution rules. Where a double tax treaty exists between United Arab Emirates and Canada, we structure repatriation to take advantage of any available relief.

Start Your United Arab Emirates Company