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UAE Free Zone (IFZA) · via Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)·🇵🇹Founder profile

Incorporating an IFZA Free Zone LLC for Portuguese Remote Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline14–30days
Year-1 total$7,500

Portuguese remote developers can establish an IFZA Free Zone LLC to access the UAE business environment. This structure provides 100% foreign ownership and eligibility for UAE residency visas.

The entity is subject to the UAE federal corporate tax regime, which applies a 9% rate on annual profits exceeding AED 375,000. Founders must evaluate the impact of this structure on their personal tax obligations in Portugal.

§ 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 · 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 the AED 375,000 threshold.

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 and visa eligibility, but ensure you maintain tax residency documentation for Portuguese authorities.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Economic substance requirements for tax residency
  • 02Potential double taxation if NHR status is unavailable
  • 03Corporate tax compliance for income exceeding AED 375k
§ 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
01FilingShuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC) 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, incorporating an IFZA company allows you to apply for a UAE residency visa. However, tax residency is determined by the UAE's domestic laws and applicable Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) between the UAE and Portugal.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Portuguese Remote Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

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