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UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) · via Shuraa Business Setup (UAE BSC)·🇪🇬Founder profile

Incorporating a Meydan Free Zone LLC for Egyptian Freelancers

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

Egyptian freelancers can establish a legal presence in the UAE through the Meydan Free Zone to access international markets. This structure provides a formal business entity while operating under the UAE's federal tax framework.

The process involves registration with the Meydan Free Zone authority, followed by corporate bank account opening and tax registration. Founders must remain compliant with both UAE corporate tax laws and Egyptian foreign income reporting requirements.

§ 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 · Egyptian Freelancers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE corporate income is subject to 9% tax under Federal Decree-Law 47/2022, with a 0% VAT rate applicable to services exported outside the UAE.

Home-country rule

Egyptian Tax Authority Law 91/2005 on foreign income

Editorial verdict

Use Meydan Free Zone for its digital-first setup process, but ensure you maintain a physical office lease if required for specific bank account approvals.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Egyptian Tax Authority Law 91/2005 requires reporting of foreign-sourced income.
  • 02Potential double taxation if no tax residency certificate is obtained.
  • 03UAE Economic Substance Regulations compliance for specific business activities.
§ 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 (MEYDAN) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,306
$102.00
Annual
$1,306
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; 0% VAT for out-of-UAE trade
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Under Egyptian Law 91/2005, residents are taxed on global income. You may be eligible for a foreign tax credit in Egypt for taxes paid in the UAE, provided you maintain proper documentation of your UAE tax residency.
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.