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UAE Free Zone (IFZA) · via IFZA·🇻🇳Founder profile

Incorporating an IFZA Free Zone LLC for Vietnamese Freelance Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$12,900

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish an IFZA Free Zone LLC to formalize their business operations in the UAE. This structure provides access to the UAE's 9% corporate tax regime for income exceeding AED 375,000.

Founders must evaluate the interaction between UAE business income and Vietnam's Circular 111/2013 regarding foreign-source income. Proper documentation is required to maintain compliance 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
$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 · 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

As a Vietnamese freelancer, use the IFZA Free Zone LLC to obtain a UAE residency visa, which helps establish tax residency to manage Circular 111/2013 obligations.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE economic substance requirements for tax residency
  • 02Vietnamese CFC rules regarding foreign-controlled entities
  • 03Compliance with Circular 111/2013 regarding foreign-source income reporting
§ 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
01FilingIFZA 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 (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

Circular 111/2013 requires Vietnamese tax residents to declare foreign-source income. You must maintain clear records of your UAE-based earnings and tax payments to ensure accurate reporting to the General Department of Taxation in Vietnam.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Vietnamese Freelance Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

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