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UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) · via MEYDAN Free Zone·🇻🇳Founder profile

Incorporating a Meydan Free Zone LLC for Vietnamese Freelance Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$12,500

Vietnamese freelance developers can establish a Free Zone LLC in Meydan to access global markets while operating under the UAE's corporate tax framework. This structure allows for 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital.

Registration requires adherence to UAE federal regulations and compliance with Vietnamese tax reporting standards regarding foreign-sourced income.

§ 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 · Vietnamese Freelance Developers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

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

Home-country rule

Circular 111/2013 on foreign-source income; USD conversion rules

Editorial verdict

Utilize the Meydan Free Zone LLC structure to maintain 100% foreign ownership while benefiting from the UAE's extensive Double Taxation Agreement network.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Economic substance requirements for tax residency
  • 02Vietnamese Circular 111/2013 foreign-source income reporting
  • 03Strict UAE Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) compliance
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingMEYDAN Free Zone submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

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

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

Under Circular 111/2013, Vietnamese tax residents are required to declare worldwide income. You must report dividends or salary drawn from your UAE entity to the Vietnamese General Department of Taxation.
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.