Dubai (UAE) vs Singapore
Dubai (UAE) has the lower headline tax (9%), and Singapore is cheaper to set up (from $2,500).Which is better depends on where you live and where your customers are.
| AEDubai (UAE) | SGSingapore | |
|---|---|---|
| Entity | Free Zone company (FZ-LLC / FZCO) or Mainland LLC | Private limited company (Pte Ltd) |
| Corporate tax | 0–9% (0% up to AED 375k; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone income) | 17% headline, ~8.5% effective on first S$200k for new startups |
| Setup cost from | $3,400 | $2,500 |
| Setup time | 1–3 weeks (+2–4 weeks for visa) | 1–3 business days |
| Minimum capital | None paid-up in most free zones | S$1 |
| Local director | Not required | Required |
| Remote formation | Visit needed | Yes |
| Residency visa | Possible | Possible |
| Banking | Difficult | Moderate |
| Best for | Founders who want to relocate, live tax-free personally and run consulting, trading or holding activities from a stable hub. | Serious Asia-focused businesses, tech startups raising capital and holding structures that need a top-tier reputation. |
Choose Dubai (UAE) if
Founders who want to relocate, live tax-free personally and run consulting, trading or holding activities from a stable hub.
- 0% personal income tax plus a 2-year residence visa through your own company
- 0% corporate tax possible as a Qualifying Free Zone Person
- 100% foreign ownership in free zones — no local sponsor
Choose Singapore if
Serious Asia-focused businesses, tech startups raising capital and holding structures that need a top-tier reputation.
- Incorporation often completed within one day, fully online
- World-class reputation, banking and treaty network
- Startup tax exemption on the first S$200,000 of profit for three years