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

Incorporating a Meydan Free Zone LLC for Vietnamese Freelance Developers

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

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Meydan to access global markets and benefit from the UAE's 9% corporate tax framework. This structure provides a legal entity for international contracting while maintaining tax neutrality for services exported from the UAE.

The process requires registration through an authorized agent like Shuraa and compliance with both UAE corporate tax laws and Vietnamese foreign-source 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 · Vietnamese Freelance 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 services exported outside the UAE.

Home-country rule

Circular 111/2013 on foreign-source income; USD conversion rules

Editorial verdict

Leverage the Meydan Free Zone's digital-first portal via Shuraa to minimize physical travel requirements, ensuring you maintain documented proof of business activity for Vietnamese tax compliance.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Requirement to maintain economic substance in the UAE
  • 02Vietnamese Circular 111/2013 reporting of foreign-sourced income
  • 03Potential for double taxation if tax residency is not clearly established
§ 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 Circular 111/2013, Vietnamese tax residents are required to declare worldwide income. You must report earnings from your UAE LLC to the Vietnamese tax authorities, ensuring you document any taxes paid in the UAE to potentially claim foreign tax credits.
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.