Compare jurisdictions side by side
See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. UAE · Dubai Mainland is a good fit for trading in the UAE market. UAE · RAK ICC is a good fit for holding, property in UAE.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  UAE Dubai Mainland | UAE RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| Year 1 all-in | UAE Dubai MainlandUS$3,490 | UAE RAK ICCUS$1,390Lowest |
| From year 2 | UAE Dubai MainlandUS$2,510 | UAE RAK ICCUS$1,000Lowest |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | UAE Dubai MainlandUS$8,510 | UAE RAK ICCUS$3,390Lowest |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | UAE Dubai Mainland9% above AED 375k | UAE RAK ICC0% / 9%Best |
| Annual audit | UAE Dubai MainlandYes | UAE RAK ICCNoBest |
| Public register | UAE Dubai MainlandLimited | UAE RAK ICCNot public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | UAE Dubai MainlandOnshore | UAE RAK ICCOffshore |
| Entity | UAE Dubai MainlandLLC | UAE RAK ICCInternational Business Company |
| Minimum directors | UAE Dubai Mainland1 | UAE RAK ICC1 |
| Legal system | UAE Dubai MainlandMixed | UAE RAK ICCMixed |
| Time to form | UAE Dubai Mainland3–5 weeks | UAE RAK ICC3–7 days |
| Best for | UAE Dubai MainlandTrading in the UAE market | UAE RAK ICCHolding, property in UAE |
A green tick marks the stronger value in a row. Prices include government fees and, for Singapore, the resident director a non-resident needs. Yearly costs the law requires but that we quote separately are named under the figure; rows with such costs show no tick. Headline tax rates are a summary; your specialist confirms how they apply to you before you pay.
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-upWhich one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
UAE · Dubai Mainland. Banks usually find onshore companies easier to assess, but each bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
UAE · RAK ICC, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
UAE · RAK ICC. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
UAE · RAK ICC, typically 3–7 days after KYC approval.
Need both? Some owners hold one company under another. We quote the whole structure as one package.Get a structure quote
General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.