UAE company setup for US founders — published scenario prices, no sales calls
American entrepreneurs and remote founders use a UAE free zone for 100% ownership, 0% UAE personal income tax and a credible base between Europe and Asia. Formenzo lets you compare published licence-only and visa scenarios — and we’re upfront that US persons still report worldwide income to the IRS.
Why US founders choose the UAE
For a US founder, the UAE is an efficient place to hold a 100%-owned international company with strong banking and a global travel hub.
Full ownership
Own your UAE free-zone company outright — no local partner. Profits and capital are yours.
No UAE income tax
The UAE charges 0% personal income tax; corporate tax is 9% only above AED 375,000, with free-zone relief.
A global hub
English-friendly, common-law free zones (DIFC, ADGM) and direct flights to the US, Europe and Asia.
Residence visa
Your company sponsors your residence visa and your family’s — a credible second base.
Published scenarios — then a written final breakdown
Compare published licence-only and visa scenarios side by side. Your estimate is a planning tool, not a binding quote: after review, we confirm a written itemisation of authority, setup-service and applicable visa costs, requirements and quote validity before payment.
Published scenario prices are checked regularly. Choose a visa count and activity to build an estimate; availability and final requirements are confirmed in writing.
How a US founder registers a UAE company
Compare and build your estimate
Compare free-zone and visa options, then see an itemised setup estimate online.
Verify your email and add company details
Add the activity, proposed names, shareholders and setup preferences. No passport or identity upload is requested at this initial step.
Review requirements and invoice
We review the setup and show the confirmed estimate validity date, any authority requirements and the invoice before payment.
Track everything online
After payment and any required documents, follow filing, licence and visa progress in your secure portal.
UAE company formation for US founders — what to know
US 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, published scenario prices, 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 the US, read our guide on source-of-funds evidence.
Important for US citizens and green-card holders: the United States taxes its citizens and residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live, with FBAR and FATCA reporting on foreign accounts and companies. A UAE company does not remove your US tax and filing obligations. Formenzo is not a tax or legal adviser — please confirm your position with a US CPA before you proceed.
Questions US founders ask
Can a US citizen own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. In a UAE free zone a US founder owns 100% — no local partner or sponsor. Ownership, profits and capital are fully yours.
How much does UAE company setup cost for a US founder?
Published licence-only scenarios start from AED 4,888 (about $1,330). Add a visa scenario if needed; after review, we provide a written itemisation of authority, setup-service and applicable visa costs, requirements and quote validity before payment.
Do US citizens still pay US tax with a UAE company?
Yes. The US taxes citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income wherever they live, with FBAR/FATCA reporting. The UAE’s 0% personal income tax does not change your US obligations — confirm with a US CPA.
Do I have to travel from the US to register?
The licence is issued remotely. A short visit is usually only needed for the medical and Emirates ID if you take a residence visa.
Build your UAE setup estimate from the USA
Pick your free zone and visa scenario, then build an online estimate — no call required. After review, receive a written itemisation before payment.
Open the cost calculator →US tax on a UAE free-zone company (what American owners must know)
Can a US citizen own a UAE free zone company? Yes — a US citizen owns 100% of a UAE free-zone company, with no Emirati partner or sponsor, in every UAE free zone.
Your UAE company is a Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC). A UAE free-zone company wholly owned by a US citizen is generally a Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) under IRC §957, so you typically file Form 5471 with your US return each year and must consider GILTI and Subpart F income.
Foreign accounts: US owners also file the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and FATCA (Form 8938). The UAE’s 9% corporate tax can generally be claimed as a US Foreign Tax Credit, and a Qualifying Free Zone Person may keep 0% on qualifying income — but your US filing obligations continue regardless.
Formenzo is not a tax adviser — confirm your CFC, Form 5471 and GILTI position with a US CPA. Compare a published licence-only scenario from AED 4,888, then add a visa scenario if needed; final authority and service costs are itemised in writing after review, before payment.
Start with a secure online estimate
Build an itemised estimate online. After review, your secure portal shows the confirmed total, its validity date, any authority requirements and the invoice before payment.