For Saudi founders
Setting up a UAE company from Saudi Arabia
What applies to Saudi founders and investors: the tax treaty position, how you enter the UAE, and how we set the company up for you from our office in Dubai. Every fact below links to the official source we checked.
- In forceTax treaty with the UAE
- No visa (GCC)Entry to the UAE
- 0% to AED 375,000Corporate tax, then 9%
- 100%Foreign ownership on most mainland activities
The facts, with sources
What applies to Saudi founders
Rules change, so each line shows where it comes from and when we last checked it.
| Topic | Position | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Double taxation agreement | In force since 1 January 2020 (signed 2018). | UAE Ministry of Finance, treaties dashboardChecked 21 October 2026 |
| Entering the UAE | As GCC citizens, Saudi nationals enter the UAE with a GCC passport or national ID card, with no entry visa or sponsor needed. | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa informationChecked 21 October 2026 |
| UAE corporate tax | 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000, and 9% above that. A separate rate applies to large multinational groups under the global minimum tax rules. | u.ae, corporate taxChecked 21 October 2026 |
| Owning the company | Since 2021, foreign investors can fully own most mainland (onshore) companies. A short list of strategic activities, such as defence, banking and telecoms, stays restricted. | u.ae, full foreign ownershipChecked 21 October 2026 |
| Personal income tax | The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. | u.ae, other taxesChecked 21 October 2026 |
What it means in practice
The UAE side and the home side are two questions
A double taxation agreement can stop the same income being taxed twice, but whether it helps you depends on where you are tax resident and on your home country’s own rules.
- UAE side
Structure, licence, visas, bank file
We choose the jurisdiction with you, form the company, and handle residence visas, the Emirates ID and the documents banks ask for.
- Home side
Your home-country tax position
Moving abroad or owning a foreign company can have tax consequences at home. Speak to a tax adviser in Saudi Arabia before you commit; we can work alongside them.
- Language
Ask in your own language
Write to us on WhatsApp in your language and we will reply, or arrange a call.
Documents
Documents from Saudi Arabia, and how to legalise them
Most delays come from paperwork. Here is what founders and corporate shareholders usually prepare, and the route Saudi documents take before a UAE authority accepts them.
- Saudi citizen founderPassport copy, Saudi national ID card and a recent photo. Banks may also ask for proof of your Saudi address.
- Expatriate living in Saudi ArabiaPassport copy, a copy of your Iqama (Saudi residence permit) and proof of your Saudi address.
- Saudi company as shareholderCommercial registration (CR) extract and articles of association. Add a board or partners’ resolution approving the UAE company, and an ownership chart down to the individuals.
- Someone signing for youA power of attorney, signed and attested in Saudi Arabia before it is used in the UAE.
| Topic | Position | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille in Saudi Arabia | The Apostille Convention entered into force for Saudi Arabia on 7 December 2022. | HCCH, Saudi Arabia newsChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Apostille in the UAE | The UAE is not listed as a contracting party to the Apostille Convention, so plan for the attestation route below. | HCCH, Apostille Convention status tableChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Saudi-issued documents | They must first be attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE Embassy in Riyadh then attests them through the UAE MoFA digital attestation service. | UAE Embassy in Riyadh, attestation informationChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Powers of attorney | Signed before a notary or legal authority in Saudi Arabia, then attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One with commercial content counts as a commercial document. | UAE Embassy in Riyadh, attestation informationChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Company documents | Memorandum and articles of association must be attested separately. Laminated documents cannot be attested, and the original physical document is needed. | UAE Embassy in Riyadh, attestation informationChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Use in the UAE | Digitally attested documents are legally recognised within the UAE and can be checked online with the attestation reference number. | UAE Embassy in Riyadh, attestation informationChecked 26 October 2026 |
If you live in Saudi Arabia but a document was issued in another country, such as a degree or marriage certificate, it follows that country’s route. The UAE Embassy in Riyadh says documents not issued in Saudi Arabia must be attested by the UAE mission in the issuing country.
Choosing a structure
Which UAE structure suits a founder from Saudi Arabia
Your passport changes the options. A Saudi citizen is treated like an Emirati for economic activities, with some exceptions. An expatriate living in Saudi Arabia is treated as a foreign investor. Not sure? Start with our setup assessment or the cost calculator.
- Saudi citizens
Treated as UAE citizens for most activities
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2024, GCC citizens, whether individuals or legal persons, are treated the same as UAE citizens in economic activities and professions. Some activities are excluded or carry conditions set by GCC or Cabinet resolution.
- Selling in the UAE
Mainland for UAE customers
If you will sell to UAE customers, sign local contracts or open premises, a Dubai mainland licence usually fits. Expatriates can also fully own most mainland companies, as the facts table above shows.
- Services and online
Free zone for consulting, digital and regional work
Consultants, agencies and online sellers often choose a free zone such as IFZA or Meydan. DMCC often suits commodity and trading businesses. Compare them on our jurisdictions page.
- Holding
- Property
Owning property in Dubai
Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 lets GCC nationals, and companies fully owned by them, own real property in Dubai. Other foreign nationals can own freehold only in areas the Ruler designates.
Banking
Opening a UAE bank account from Saudi Arabia
Each bank sets its own checklist and makes its own decision. Expect to show where the money comes from and what the company will do. See our bank account opening page.
- Source of funds
Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Recent personal or company statements from your Saudi bank, plus papers that explain the money, such as salary letters, dividend records or a property sale contract.
- Business case
A short plan and your CV
A one-page summary of customers, suppliers and expected volumes, with your CV. If a Saudi company owns the UAE company, banks usually ask for its CR, accounts and ownership chart.
- Expatriates
Residence and home-country papers
If you live in Saudi Arabia on an Iqama, banks may also ask about your tax residence and links to your home country. Keep your Iqama and passport valid.
- Timing
Plan for follow-up questions
Banks often come back with questions. Clear documents and quick answers help keep things moving. We prepare the file; the bank makes the decision.
Home-country rules
Saudi rules to check before you invest abroad
These points come from Saudi official sources, plus one US government guide where noted. Treat them as a checklist to take to your adviser, not as advice on your situation.
| Topic | Position | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays zakat | Zakat applies to a resident Saudi person who practises an activity under a licence within the Kingdom. ZATCA’s definition of “Saudi” includes GCC citizens treated as Saudis. The rate is 2.5% for a Hijri year. | ZATCA, Zakat general guidelineChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Investments outside the Kingdom | ZATCA lists investment in an establishment outside the Kingdom as a deduction from the zakat base, subject to conditions in the regulations. | ZATCA, Zakat general guidelineChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Where the company is managed | A company is resident in the Kingdom if it is formed under the Saudi Companies Law or its central management is in Saudi Arabia. | MISA, tax laws overviewChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Non-Saudi shareholders | Corporate income tax of 20% applies to the shares of foreign partners in a resident company, and to non-residents doing business through a permanent establishment. | MISA, tax laws overviewChecked 26 October 2026 |
| Saudi government tenders | This is a secondary source, not a Saudi authority. The US International Trade Administration reports a December 2023 Saudi Council of Ministers resolution. Under it, from January 2024, RHQ-eligible companies without a Saudi regional headquarters could not take part in Saudi government tenders or contracts. Confirm the current rules with MISA. | US International Trade Administration, Saudi Arabia guide (secondary source)Checked 26 October 2026 |
- If you are a Saudi citizenIf the UAE company will be run from Riyadh or Jeddah, ask a Saudi adviser how the central management test and zakat apply to you.
- If you are an expatriate in Saudi ArabiaThe zakat rows above apply to Saudi and GCC nationals, not to you. The 20% income tax row is the one aimed at foreign shareholders. Your home country’s rules may also apply, so check both before you commit.
- If you plan to bid for Saudi government workCheck the current Regional Headquarters position, including any exceptions, with MISA or a Saudi adviser first.
Aizaa works alongside your home-country adviser; we do not give home-country tax or legal advice.
Visas and family
Residence for you and your family
The route depends on your passport, not only on where you live. Saudi citizens and expatriates in Saudi Arabia follow different rules.
- Saudi citizens
Enter on your ID, no residence visa for a private-sector job
You can enter with your GCC passport or national ID card. GCC nationals employed in the UAE private sector need a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, but no residence visa.
- Expatriates
Entering from Saudi Arabia
An Iqama does not give you the visa-free entry that Saudi citizens have. The UAE fee schedule in Cabinet Resolution No. 88 of 2022 lists a single entry visa for GCC residents and their companions. Your own passport may also be on the UAE visa exemption list. We confirm the current route with you before you travel.
- Expatriates
Residence through your company
Once the company is formed, you can apply for an investor or partner visa. Qualifying investors can look at the Golden Visa, a renewable 5 or 10-year residence that lets you sponsor your spouse and children.
How we set you up
Four steps, one named contact
- Step 1
Choose the right structure
Mainland, free zone or offshore, chosen for how you will trade. Start with our free setup assessment.
- Step 2
Form the company
Licence, documents and approvals, done for you. See company formation.
- Step 3
Visas and Emirates ID
Residence visas for you, your team and family. See PRO services.
- Step 4
Bank account and compliance
The bank file, then UBO records, licence renewals and visa dates kept on track. See business compliance.
An illustrative example
A typical setup for a founder from Saudi Arabia
This is an illustrative example, not a real client. Your own case may differ.
- The founder
A Saudi citizen consultant based in Riyadh
She runs a small advisory practice and wants a UAE company to serve Gulf clients. She chooses a free zone licence for consulting, owned in her own name.
- The paperwork
Documents prepared at home
She gathers her passport, national ID and a short business plan. She signs a power of attorney before a Saudi notary. It is attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then digitally by the UAE Embassy in Riyadh.
- The result
Licence, then the bank file
She enters the UAE on her national ID for the bank meeting. She keeps a Saudi adviser to confirm her zakat position at home.
FAQs
Questions founders from Saudi Arabia ask
Short answers based on the sources above. For your own case, book a free call.
How much does a UAE company cost for a Saudi founder?
It depends on the jurisdiction, the activity, the number of visas and whether you need an office. A free zone consulting licence and a mainland trading company can differ a lot in cost. Use our cost calculator for an estimate, then book a call so we can confirm the figures for your plan.
Can I set up the company while living in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, much of the work can be done from Saudi Arabia. Documents issued in the Kingdom are first attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE Embassy in Riyadh then attests them through the UAE MoFA digital service. A power of attorney must be signed before a Saudi notary first. If you are an expatriate, documents from your home country are attested in the country that issued them.
Do I need to travel to the UAE?
Some steps can be handled remotely, but you should expect at least one visit, for example for a bank meeting or your residence formalities. Saudi citizens can enter with a GCC passport or national ID card and need no visa. Expatriates living in Saudi Arabia do not share that right. There is a UAE entry visa for GCC residents, and some passports are visa free.
Will I pay zakat or tax in Saudi Arabia on my UAE company?
It depends on your status and how the company is run. ZATCA applies zakat to resident Saudi and GCC nationals who practise a licensed activity in the Kingdom. Expatriates fall under different rules. A company can be treated as resident if its central management is in Saudi Arabia. Ask a Saudi tax adviser before you invest. We do not give Saudi tax or legal advice.
Can my family live with me in the UAE?
If your family are Saudi citizens, they can enter the UAE with a GCC passport or national ID card and need no visa. If you are an expatriate, your family's route depends on your own residence. A Golden Visa holder can sponsor a spouse and children. For an expatriate family, we can prepare the visa and Emirates ID applications.
Talk to us before you pay for a licence
A free call to check the structure, the costs and the visas for your situation. No obligation.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Sources checked 21 October 2026.