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UAE Free Zone (IFZA) · via IFZA·🇵🇹Founder profile

Incorporating an IFZA Free Zone LLC for Portuguese Remote Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline14–30days
Year-1 total$12,900

Portuguese remote developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in the UAE through IFZA to access a 9% corporate tax rate on income above AED 375,000. This structure allows for 100% foreign ownership and visa eligibility for the founder.

Founders must manage tax residency obligations in Portugal, particularly as the NHR regime undergoes significant changes. Proper structuring is required to maintain compliance with both UAE and Portuguese tax authorities.

§ 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
$25,800
≈ $1,075/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupIFZA setup
    $12,900
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $12,900
Total$25,800
§ 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.

Home-country rule

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

Editorial verdict

Leverage the IFZA Free Zone LLC structure for 100% foreign ownership, but consult a tax advisor regarding the transition from Portugal's NHR regime to avoid double taxation.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE Economic Substance Regulations compliance
  • 02Portugal CFC rules for controlled foreign entities
  • 03Potential permanent establishment risk in Portugal
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
14–30days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d8
d15
d23
d30
01FilingIFZA submits formation docs
d0–d11
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d9–d23
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d18–d30
§ 04Head-to-head

UAE Free Zone (IFZA) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →
UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,496
$102.00
Annual
$1,469
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; visa-eligible
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Yes, forming an IFZA company allows you to apply for a UAE residency visa, which can be used to obtain a tax residency certificate, provided you meet the physical presence requirements.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Portuguese Remote Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

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