UAE setup for consultants & services.
For solo consultants and small services businesses serving international clients. IFZA is the sweet spot.
IFZA
USD 10,120. 5-day setup. Up to 9 visas. The lean consultant default.
Meydan
USD 10,120. Sheikh Zayed Road address. For consultants where address matters.
ADGM
USD 26,500. English common law. For executive consultants and large engagements.
Why free zone wins for consulting
Consulting income from international clients qualifies for 0% UAE Corporate Tax (QFZP). No VAT on exports of services. No requirement for a physical office beyond a flexi-desk. Up to 9 visas if you plan to hire. The UAE residency visa unlocks Emirates ID and personal banking — useful for relocating consultants.
QFZP — watch the de minimis
If you take UAE-based clients, that revenue is non-qualifying. Stay under 5% of total revenue (or AED 5m) — otherwise the whole company falls into the 9% CT regime for that year. QFZP explainer →
FAQ
Can I take UAE clients as a free-zone consultant?
Yes, but charge them through a UAE-based distributor, or keep this revenue under the QFZP de minimis. We typically advise consultants to either go all-international (free zone) or all-UAE (mainland) — mixed business gets messy under CT.
Will UK / EU clients accept invoices from a UAE entity?
Yes. UAE Free Zone entities issue VAT-compliant invoices (zero-rated for export). No withholding-tax issues for service income from most major jurisdictions.