How does BIR Revenue Regulation 8-2018 affect my UAE company?

As a Philippine tax resident, you are subject to tax on your worldwide income. You must report your UAE company's earnings in your annual income tax return (BIR Form 1701A) and may be eligible for foreign tax credits depending on the specific income type.

Is 9% corporate tax applicable to all income?

The 9% corporate tax applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Income below this threshold is subject to a 0% rate, provided the entity meets the 'Qualifying Free Zone Person' criteria under UAE tax law.

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

Incorporating a Dubai Media City Free Zone LLC for Filipino Freelancers

Name: Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC) — UAE Free Zone (Dubai Media City) for Filipino Remote Workers
Brand: Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)
Price: 7500 USD
Availability: InStock

VerifiedJul 2026

EligibilityConditional

Setup timeline21–45days

Year-1 total$7,500

Filipino remote workers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Dubai Media City to formalize media and broadcast operations. This structure requires compliance with both UAE corporate tax regulations and Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reporting standards.

The process involves obtaining a trade license through a registered agent and fulfilling local economic substance requirements. Applicants must manage ongoing tax obligations in both jurisdictions.

§ 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 · Filipino Remote Workers

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

BIR Revenue Regulation 8-2018; freelance registration

Editorial verdict

Utilize Dubai Media City for media-related activities to align with licensing requirements; ensure your Philippine BIR 1701A filing reflects foreign income.

Key compliance risks

01Economic substance requirements for UAE tax residency
02BIR Philippines audit risk on undeclared foreign income
03High minimum balance requirements for UAE corporate banking

§ 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 Media City) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →

UAE Free Zone (Dubai Media 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

Physical presence

Remote OK

Tax regime

9% CT above AED 375k; media/broadcast/publishing focused

0% state tax; federal only on US-source income

§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

While you do not need to be a physical resident to own the company, the UAE requires a valid visa for company directors. If you remain in the Philippines, you must ensure your company maintains economic substance in the UAE to qualify for tax benefits.

More profiles for UAE Free Zone (Dubai Media City)

Filipino Remote Workers — 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)