GetSmartPromo
Compare jurisdictions
UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) · via MEYDAN Free Zone·🇺🇦Founder profile

Incorporating a Meydan Free Zone LLC for Ukrainian IT Contractors

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline14–30days
Year-1 total$12,500

Ukrainian IT contractors can establish a Meydan Free Zone LLC to formalize international operations while managing cross-border tax obligations. This structure provides a legal entity for invoicing global clients under the UAE's 9% corporate tax regime.

Registration requires adherence to UAE regulatory standards and coordination with Ukrainian tax residency rules under the current war-time displacement framework.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$25,000
≈ $1,042/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupMEYDAN Free Zone setup
    $12,500
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $12,500
Total$25,000
§ 02Tax residency · Ukrainian IT Contractors

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 Article 3 imposes a 9% Corporate Tax on net income exceeding AED 375,000, with 0% VAT applicable to export services.

Home-country rule

Diia City tax regime; war-time residency displacement rules

Editorial verdict

Leverage the Meydan Free Zone for 100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation, while maintaining Diia City status for tax residency compliance.

Key compliance risks
  • 01UAE Economic Substance Regulations compliance
  • 02Potential double taxation if tax residency is not clearly established
  • 03Strict AML/KYC requirements for Ukrainian passport holders
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
14–30days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d8
d15
d23
d30
01FilingMEYDAN Free Zone submits formation docs
d0–d11
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d9–d23
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d18–d30
§ 04Head-to-head

UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →
UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,306
$102.00
Annual
$1,306
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; 0% VAT for out-of-UAE trade
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

The UAE 9% tax applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000. Under the Ukraine-UAE Double Taxation Agreement, you must determine your tax residency based on the 'center of vital interests' test to avoid dual taxation.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Ukrainian IT Contractors — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with MEYDAN Free Zone

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.

Claim on MEYDAN Free Zone