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

Incorporating a Meydan Free Zone LLC for Portuguese Remote Developers

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

Portuguese remote developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Meydan to access the UAE's tax-efficient corporate environment. This structure allows for 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital.

The process involves local registration through Shuraa Business Setup, followed by corporate tax registration and bank account opening.

§ 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 AED 375,000, with 0% VAT applicable to exports of services.

Home-country rule

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

Editorial verdict

Leverage the Meydan Free Zone for a 100% foreign-owned LLC structure; ensure your Portuguese tax residency status is updated given the 2024 NHR phase-out.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE Economic Substance Regulations compliance
  • 02Portuguese CFC rules applicability
  • 03Tax residency tie-breaker rules between UAE and Portugal
§ 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)

Full comparison →
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

Yes, if the services provided to clients outside the UAE are considered 'export of services' under UAE VAT law, the supply is generally zero-rated.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Portuguese Remote 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)