Canadian entrepreneurs and remote founders use a UAE free zone for 100% ownership, 0% UAE personal income tax and a credible base between continents. Formenzo gives you the honest all-in price for every free zone — and we’re clear about how Canadian tax residency works.
For a Canadian founder, the UAE is an efficient place to hold a 100%-owned international company with strong banking and a global travel hub.
Own your UAE free-zone company outright — no local partner. Profits and capital are yours.
The UAE charges 0% personal income tax; corporate tax is 9% only above AED 375,000, with free-zone relief.
English-friendly, common-law free zones (DIFC, ADGM) and direct flights to North America, Europe and Asia.
Your company sponsors your residence visa and your family’s — a credible second base.
No “from AED X” teasers. Every Formenzo price already includes the free-zone authority fee, our service fee and the full visa block. We confirm it in writing before any filing and lock it for 14 days.
Live prices, updated from our database. See your exact figure by visa count in the calculator.
Use the calculator to see the all-in cost for your activity and visas — trading, e-commerce, consulting or holding.
Send your passport copy and proposed company names. We file the licence — no cold calls, ever. Track everything in a secure portal.
Your free-zone licence is typically issued in 3–8 working days. We then process your establishment card and residence visa.
A short UAE visit completes your medical and Emirates ID. We prepare your file and introduce you to suitable banks.
Canadian entrepreneurs looking at UAE company setup are usually weighing a free zone against the mainland. For most — in consulting, digital, e-commerce and holding structures — a free zone fits best: 100% ownership, a clean all-in cost, and a straightforward residence visa.
The decisions are which free zone, how many visas, and your activity — which our cost calculator makes transparent. After the licence, the practical next steps are your UAE corporate bank account and residence visa; if you’re moving funds from Canada, read our guide on source-of-funds evidence.
Important for Canadian residents: Canada taxes residents on worldwide income, and leaving may trigger a departure (exit) tax on certain assets; whether you remain a tax resident depends on your residential ties. A UAE company does not by itself remove Canadian tax. Formenzo is not a tax or legal adviser — please confirm your position with a Canadian accountant before you proceed.
Yes. In a UAE free zone a Canadian founder owns 100% — no local partner or sponsor. Ownership, profits and capital are fully yours.
Real all-in prices start from AED 4,888 (about C$1,800) for a licence-only setup, rising by visa count — one all-in figure per free zone, with no hidden charges.
If you remain a Canadian tax resident, generally yes — on worldwide income; leaving can trigger a departure tax. A UAE company doesn’t change that by itself. Confirm with a Canadian accountant.
The licence is issued remotely. A short visit is usually only needed for the medical and Emirates ID if you take a residence visa.
Pick your free zone and visas, get the honest all-in price, and start online — no call required.
Open the cost calculator →Can a Canadian own a UAE free zone company? Yes — 100% ownership in every UAE free zone.
Canadian tax residency is the deciding factor. If you stay a Canadian tax resident you are taxed on worldwide income, must report foreign property over CAD 100,000 on Form T1135, and a UAE company can be a Foreign Affiliate / Controlled Foreign Affiliate with FAPI rules. Becoming non-resident can trigger a departure (exit) tax on certain assets.
The UAE side is 0% personal income tax and 100% ownership, but confirm your residency, T1135, FAPI and departure-tax position with a Canadian accountant. We pair this with a verified all-in price from AED 4,888 and no sales call.
