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UAE Free Zone (Dubai South) · via Dubai South Authority·🇻🇳Founder profile

Incorporating a Dubai South Free Zone LLC for Vietnamese Developers

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

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Dubai South to access the UAE market and international logistics hubs. This structure requires adherence to UAE Corporate Tax laws and specific physical presence mandates.

Founders must evaluate their tax residency status in Vietnam under Circular 111/2013 before proceeding with incorporation.

§ 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 · Vietnamese Freelance Developers

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

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

Editorial verdict

Leverage the Dubai South Free Zone LLC for logistics or aviation-related software development to align with the zone's strategic focus and maximize operational efficiency.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) compliance
  • 02Vietnamese Circular 111/2013 foreign income reporting requirements
  • 03Mandatory physical office lease requirement for visa issuance
§ 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

Yes, a UAE Free Zone LLC can obtain a Tax Residency Certificate if the company maintains sufficient economic substance and physical presence within the UAE.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (Dubai South)
Vietnamese Freelance Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with Dubai South Authority

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Claim on Dubai South Authority