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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 Vietnamese Developers

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

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Dubai Internet City to access the UAE's tech-focused regulatory environment. This structure requires adherence to both UAE Corporate Tax laws and Vietnamese personal income tax regulations regarding foreign-sourced revenue.

The process involves registration through Shuraa Business Setup, followed by mandatory corporate bank account opening and visa processing for the founder.

§ 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 · Vietnamese Freelance 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.

Home-country rule

Circular 111/2013 on foreign-source income; USD conversion rules

Editorial verdict

Leverage the Dubai Internet City ecosystem for tech-specific incentives, but ensure your Vietnam-based income is reported per Circular 111/2013.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Vietnam CFC and foreign-source income reporting requirements
  • 02Economic substance regulations for UAE tax residency
  • 03High cost of maintaining physical office space in DIC
§ 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)

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

Circular 111/2013 requires Vietnamese tax residents to declare worldwide income. Income earned through your UAE LLC, including dividends or salary, must be reported to the General Department of Taxation in Vietnam to avoid non-compliance penalties.
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.