Corporate Tax & Free Zones — 0% Rules
The qualifying-income rules that keep free zone companies at 0%, what breaks the exemption and the substance and audit requirements to protect it.
Why Corporate Tax & Free Zones — 0% Rules?
Free zones didn't lose their tax advantage under Corporate Tax — but they must now earn it. A 'Qualifying Free Zone Person' pays 0% on 'qualifying income' (broadly: transactions with other free zone entities, and exports/international B2B), while non-qualifying income (e.g. Most mainland-UAE sales) is taxed at 9%. Cross the de-minimis limits on non-qualifying revenue and you can lose 0% status entirely.
Protecting the 0% requires substance and paperwork: adequate physical presence and staff in the zone, audited financial statements, proper transfer-pricing documentation, and — critically — still registering for Corporate Tax and filing annually. 0% is a filed status, not an automatic exemption.
This is where free zone founders most need expert help. GoldenKey confirms your qualifying status, structures income streams to protect it, and — through our accounting desk — maintains the audited books and filings that make the 0% defensible if the FTA ever asks.
At a Glance
- One-Window Service
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Fast-Track Approvals
- Transparent Pricing
Everything Handled. One Golden Key.
One-Window Service
License, visas, bank account, tax and PRO — one dedicated advisor manages everything end-to-end.
100% Foreign Ownership
Structure your company for full ownership and full profit repatriation, with total legal compliance.
Fast-Track Approvals
Direct channels with DED, free zone authorities and immigration mean approvals in days, not weeks.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed, written quotations with zero hidden charges — and instalments via Tabby & Tamara.
Written quotation
Get the exact cost for Corporate Tax & Free Zones — 0% Rules
Every government fee itemised. The number never changes after you say yes.
How It Works — Step by Step
Free Consultation
Share your goals with a GoldenKey advisor. We recommend the ideal jurisdiction, legal structure and activity list — free of charge.
Trade Name & Approvals
We reserve your trade name, obtain initial approvals and prepare the MOA and all legal documentation.
License Issuance
Your business license is issued and your establishment card processed while you focus on your launch.
Visas & Emirates ID
Investor and employee visas, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID — fully handled by our PRO team.
Bank Account & Beyond
Corporate bank account opening, VAT/Corporate Tax registration, accounting and yearly renewals.
Documents Required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Three preferred trade names in order of priority
- Brief description of intended business activities
- UAE entry stamp / visa copy (if inside the UAE)
- NOC from current sponsor (only for some cases)
The GoldenKey Promise
- Fixed written quotations — the number never changes mid-process.
- 20+ Years of expertise — led personally by CEO Mohammad Sajid.
- Inside Ajman Free Zone — same-day submissions, real presence.
- WhatsApp-first updates — every milestone confirmed in writing.
- Instalments accepted — split your cost with Tabby or Tamara.
Who Free Zones — 0% Rules Is Built For
Cheapest verified market entry for this service — your fixed written GoldenKey quotation itemises everything, and instalments are available with Tabby & Tamara.
The Regulatory Picture
UAE Commercial Companies Law + authority-specific regulations, updated through 2026 reforms.
100% foreign ownership available for this route in the vast majority of activity codes.
9% Corporate Tax above AED 375,000 profit; 0% personal income tax; VAT registration at AED 375,000 turnover.
1–2 weeks with a complete document pack — GoldenKey pre-validates files to protect this.
What GoldenKey Handles For You
- Dedicated senior consultant (named, direct WhatsApp)
- All application forms, MOA & legal drafting
- Government submissions & follow-ups by our PRO team
- Fixed written quotation — itemised, binding
- Bank account introduction & KYC file preparation
- Renewal calendar & 12-month compliance reminders
Related Services
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does Corporate Tax & Free Zones — 0% Rules cost in the UAE??
Costs start from approximately AED 950 (registration), depending on your business activity, visa quota, office solution and approvals required. Use our free cost calculator or speak to a GoldenKey advisor for an exact, no-obligation quotation with zero hidden charges.
How long does the process take?
With documents in order, corporate tax & free zones — 0% rules is typically completed in 1–2 weeks. GoldenKey's PRO team handles every government touchpoint, so you never stand in a queue.
Can foreigners own 100% of the company?
Yes. Following the UAE Commercial Companies Law reforms, foreign investors can own 100% of companies in most mainland activities and in all free zones — no local partner required for the vast majority of business activities.
What documents do I need to get started?
Usually just passport copies of shareholders, a passport-size photo, and your preferred trade names. Our consultants prepare the application forms, MOA and every government submission on your behalf.
Do you help after the license is issued?
Absolutely. GoldenKey supports you with corporate bank account opening, visa stamping, Emirates ID, VAT & Corporate Tax registration, accounting and yearly license renewals — a true one-window service.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes — GoldenKey accepts Tabby and Tamara, letting you split your setup cost into easy instalments, alongside cards, bank transfer and cash.
Do I need to be physically present in the UAE for corporate tax & free zones — 0% rules?
In most cases, no — initial steps run on passport copies and, where needed, a notarised power of attorney. Physical presence is generally only required for visa biometrics and certain bank interviews; GoldenKey sequences these into a single short visit.
What is the first step to get started with corporate tax & free zones — 0% rules?
A free consultation. A GoldenKey advisor reviews your goals, confirms the exact requirements for your situation, and issues a fixed written quotation with a step-by-step timeline — no commitment required.
Are there any hidden charges beyond the quoted price?
No. GoldenKey quotations are fixed and itemised — government fees, service fees and any third-party costs are listed line by line before you pay anything. Optional extras are only added with your written approval.
Which emirates do you cover for corporate tax & free zones — 0% rules?
All seven. Our head office sits inside Ajman Free Zone, with daily processing across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain through our PRO network.
How will I receive updates on my application?
Primarily on WhatsApp — every milestone (submission, approval, issuance) is confirmed with documents attached. You can also call your named advisor directly at any point.
What happens if the authority rejects my application?
Rejections are rare because we pre-validate files, but if one occurs we identify the cause, correct the file and resubmit at no additional service fee. Government fees are governed by each authority's refund policy, which we explain upfront.
Get your business licence in just 60 minutes
Written prices, one consultant from first call to bank account, honest advice.