United States (LLC) vs Dubai (UAE)
United States (LLC) has the lower headline tax (0%), and United States (LLC) is cheaper to set up (from $300). Only Dubai (UAE) can give you a residence visa through your company.Which is better depends on where you live and where your customers are.
| USUnited States (LLC) | AEDubai (UAE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entity | Single-member LLC (foreign-owned, disregarded entity) | Free Zone company (FZ-LLC / FZCO) or Mainland LLC |
| Corporate tax | 0% federal on non-US-source income (pass-through) | 0–9% (0% up to AED 375k; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone income) |
| Setup cost from | $300 | $3,400 |
| Setup time | 1–5 business days | 1–3 weeks (+2–4 weeks for visa) |
| Minimum capital | None | None paid-up in most free zones |
| Local director | Not required | Not required |
| Remote formation | Yes | Visit needed |
| Residency visa | No | Possible |
| Banking | Easy | Difficult |
| Best for | Online businesses, SaaS, e-commerce and freelancers selling worldwide who want USD banking and Stripe. | Founders who want to relocate, live tax-free personally and run consulting, trading or holding activities from a stable hub. |
Choose United States (LLC) if
Online businesses, SaaS, e-commerce and freelancers selling worldwide who want USD banking and Stripe.
- Formed 100% online in a few days — no US visit required
- Easy fintech banking (Mercury, Relay, Wise) and Stripe/PayPal access
- No BOI report needed for US-formed LLCs since 2025/26
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