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UAE Free Zone (Dubai Internet City) · via Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)·🇵🇹Founder profile

Incorporating a Dubai Internet City Free Zone LLC for Portuguese Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityConditional
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$7,500

Portuguese remote developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Dubai Internet City to access the UAE's technology-focused business environment. This structure requires adherence to local corporate tax regulations and substance requirements.

Shuraa Business Setup manages the formation process, which involves licensing, visa processing, and corporate banking integration within the TECOM Group ecosystem.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$12,000
≈ $500.00/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupShuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC) setup
    $7,500
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $4,500
Total$12,000
§ 02Tax residency · Portuguese Remote Developers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 imposes a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 for Free Zone entities.

Home-country rule

NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime — being phased out 2024

Editorial verdict

Leverage Dubai Internet City for tech-specific ecosystem benefits, but ensure your Portuguese tax residency status is updated to avoid double taxation under the DTA.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE Economic Substance Regulations compliance
  • 02Portuguese CFC rules for controlled foreign entities
  • 03Potential loss of NHR benefits for Portuguese tax residents
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingShuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC) submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

UAE Free Zone (Dubai Internet City) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →
UAE Free Zone (Dubai Internet City)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,686
$102.00
Annual
$1,686
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; ICT and tech-focused; TECOM Group
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Yes, under UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022, Free Zone entities are generally subject to a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000, provided they meet the 'Qualifying Income' criteria.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (Dubai Internet City)
Portuguese Remote Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.

Claim on Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)