Most common business entity in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)
The Free Zone LLC is the standard choice for most small- to mid-size businesses in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone). Like a US LLC, it provides limited liability protection separated from the owners' personal assets. RAKEZ is one of the cheapest free zones. IFZA and SHAMS are similar. CT introduced 2023 at 9%.
The full menu of UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) business structures
| Structure | Liability | Tax | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone LLC | Limited | 9% corporate | Most operating businesses |
| Sole proprietor / self-employed | Unlimited personal | Personal income tax rates | Freelancers, one-person services |
| Partnership | Joint and several | Pass-through to partners | Professional services (law, accounting) |
| Branch of foreign company | Parent company liability | 9% on UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)-source profits | Foreign companies entering UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) market |
| Public limited company | Limited | Same as Free Zone LLC but stricter | Companies preparing for listing |
Which one should you pick?
- Freelance or one-person service in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)? Self-employed structure if simple, Free Zone LLC if you want liability protection.
- Software / e-commerce / agency? Free Zone LLC — standard, scalable.
- Operating an existing foreign company in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)? Branch (simpler) or subsidiary Free Zone LLC (more substance).
- Planning to raise venture capital? Confirm investors accept UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) entities. Many require a US Delaware C-Corp flip — see US company formation.
- Holding company for IP or other companies? Free Zone LLC with minimal substance requirements.
The Free Zone LLC in one paragraph
Free Zone LLC is UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)'s primary limited liability vehicle. Minimum paid-up capital: $0. Headline corporate tax: 9%. 0% on qualifying free zone income up to AED 3M (Small Business Relief). 9% on profits > AED 375k otherwise.. Banking accessibility: 7/10. Privacy: 6/10 (UBO non-public). Remote formation: yes. Processing time: 14 business days.
For US comparison, see UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) vs USA. For non-resident formation specifics, see forming a UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) company as a non-resident.