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UAE Free Zone (Dubai South) · via Dubai South Authority·🇵🇭Founder profile

Incorporating a Dubai South Free Zone LLC for Filipino Remote Professionals

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityConditional
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$5,750

Dubai South offers a specialized Free Zone LLC structure for businesses operating within the aviation and logistics sectors. Filipino remote workers must ensure compliance with both UAE corporate tax regulations and Philippine BIR Revenue Regulation 8-2018 regarding foreign income.

The formation process requires adherence to local substance requirements and the establishment of a physical or virtual office presence within the designated Free Zone area.

§ 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
$11,500
≈ $479.17/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupDubai South Authority setup
    $5,750
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $5,750
Total$11,500
§ 02Tax residency · Filipino Remote Workers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 Article 3 imposes a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.

Home-country rule

BIR Revenue Regulation 8-2018; freelance registration

Editorial verdict

Leverage Dubai South's proximity to DWC for logistics or aviation-related services to maximize operational efficiency and potential tax incentives.

Key compliance risks
  • 01BIR Revenue Regulation 8-2018 requires PH tax reporting on foreign-sourced income
  • 02Physical presence requirements for visa sponsorship
  • 03Economic substance regulations compliance
§ 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
01FilingDubai South Authority 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 South) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →
UAE Free Zone (Dubai South)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,020
$102.00
Annual
$1,020
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; aviation/logistics near DWC airport
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Philippine tax residents are generally subject to tax on worldwide income. Under RR 8-2018, you must report foreign-sourced income to the BIR. Consult a tax professional to determine if your UAE-based income qualifies for foreign tax credits.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (Dubai South)
Filipino Remote Workers — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with Dubai South Authority

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Claim on Dubai South Authority