Setting up in the UAE from India.
The treaty position, banking friction, visa pathway, and three recommended zones for Indian nationals incorporating in a UAE free zone.
01Tax treaty
The UAE–India DTAA (in force since 1993, revised 2007) gives clear protection on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. RNOR status during the first two years of UAE residency provides additional tax planning headroom.
02Banking
Indian nationals are the largest cohort at most UAE banks. Emirates NBD, ICICI Bank UAE, ADCB, and Mashreq onboard Indian founders routinely. PAN, Form 26AS, and Indian income tax returns are standard. Wio Bank is increasingly popular for new applicants.
03Visa pathway
Visa-on-arrival for short visits if you hold a US/UK/EU residence. Residency visa through any free zone. Golden Visa is widely used by Indian investors — AED 2M property or fixed-deposit route is the most common entry.
04Recommended for Indian founders
01International Free Zone Authority
Zone profile ↗Lowest-friction setup with a strong Indian founder community, Dubai address.
02Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Zone profile ↗Cheapest scaled zone — popular for trading and manufacturing Indian SMEs.
03Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Zone profile ↗Indian gold, jewellery, and tea trading businesses cluster here; prestige address and FATF clarity.
05Watch-outs
- RNOR status applies for the first ~2 years of UAE residency — plan capital gains realisations accordingly.
- Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) caps at USD 250k/year per Indian resident — coordinate with your CA.
- TCS on outward remittances above INR 7 lakh is now 20% (non-education/medical) — factor into setup capital.
06Next step
Treaty status, banking friction, and visa eligibility set the constraints. Your activity, budget, and team size pick the zone. Take the 90-second wizard to get a personalised match.