From Sri Lanka to a
UAE company.
Sri Lankan exporters (tea, apparel, IT services), professionals seeking USD-stability, diaspora wealth diversification. Diaspora context: approx 300,000 Sri Lankan nationals and residents in the UAE.
Key facts for Sri Lankan founders.
- Sri Lanka corporate income tax: 30% general; 15% exports
- Sri Lanka-UAE DTA: in force since 2003; 10% dividend WHT cap
- UAE corporate tax: 9% above AED 375,000; 0% QFZP
- CBSL FX: outbound investment requires Central Bank approval; eased post-IMF
Entry & residency
Pre-approved UAE entry. Setup unlocks Investor Visa, Golden Visa, Employment Visas (5-10 days). Direct Colombo-Dubai daily on Emirates and SriLankan.
UAE bank onboarding
Moderate KYC. Mashreq, ENBD, ADCB, FAB, Wio onboard Sri Lankan applicants with passport, IRD tax clearance, CBSL Foreign Investment Permission, Sri Lankan-bank reference (Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath, Standard Chartered). 4-6 week onboarding.
Common questions from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan founders asking the most common questions on UAE incorporation. Each answer is current to 2026.
Can a Sri Lankan national own a UAE company?
Yes. 100% ownership of UAE free-zone and mainland LLCs. CBSL approval required for outbound capital but not for UAE incorporation itself.
Do I need CBSL approval for UAE company capital?
Yes, beyond OIA limits. Sri Lankan residents can invest up to USD 200k/year through Outward Investment Account facility without specific approval. Above USD 200k requires CBSL approval (4-6 weeks). Many founders structure under OIA threshold.
Is the Sri Lanka-UAE DTA in force?
Yes since 2003. Caps dividend WHT at 10%, interest at 10%, royalties at 10%. UAE TRCs recognised by IRD for treaty relief.
Will Sri Lanka tax my UAE company income?
Yes if Sri Lankan tax resident. IRD taxes worldwide income at progressive rates (up to 36%). UAE CT (9% or 0% QFZP) creditable under DTA. Becoming UAE tax resident shifts taxation.
Can I move my Colombo IT business to UAE?
Yes. Many Sri Lankan IT and BPO companies have established UAE entities since 2020 for international invoicing and FX-stability. Typical: Sri Lankan operating entity retains local tech team; UAE entity (IFZA, DMCC, Dubai Internet City) handles international USD/AED contracts.