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UAE Free Zone (IFZA) · via Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)·🇻🇳Founder profile

Incorporating an IFZA Free Zone LLC for Vietnamese Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityConditional
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$7,500

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish an IFZA Free Zone LLC to access the UAE market and benefit from the 9% corporate tax regime. This structure requires compliance with both UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 and Vietnamese regulations regarding foreign-source income.

Shuraa Business Setup facilitates the formation process, which includes license issuance, visa eligibility, and bank account facilitation. Founders must manage local substance requirements to remain in good standing.

§ 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 · 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

Use IFZA for lower entry costs but ensure you maintain actual economic substance in the UAE to satisfy both UAE tax authorities and Vietnamese tax reporting requirements.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Vietnamese Circular 111/2013 foreign-source income reporting requirements
  • 02Requirement for physical presence to maintain tax residency status
  • 03Potential double taxation if tax residency certificate is not obtained
§ 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
01FilingShuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC) 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

Vietnam-resident individuals are subject to personal income tax on worldwide income. You must declare income derived from your UAE entity in your annual Vietnamese tax return, converted to VND at the exchange rate at the time of receipt.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Vietnamese Freelance Developers — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.

Claim on Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)