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Investor guides
Short, sourced briefings on doing business in the UAE, updated for October 2026. Read them here or download any sheet as a PDF.
Economy
GDP and non-oil growth in 2025, foreign direct investment, trade agreements, the largest sectors and the main rules on foreign ownership.
AED 1.9tn Real GDP, 2025
Read the fact sheetTax
Corporate tax, the free zone 0% regime, VAT, excise, customs duty, the 15% top-up tax, double tax agreements and the main deadlines for 2026.
9% Corporate tax above AED 375,000
Read the fact sheetBusiness
Mainland, free zone or offshore, the main legal forms, the licensing steps and what to do after the licence: beneficial owners, tax registration and visas.
100% Foreign ownership of most mainland companies
Read the fact sheetFree zones
How free zones work, the main zones in each emirate, the 0% tax conditions, customs, visas and the rules for selling on the mainland.
40+ Free zones in the UAE
Read the fact sheetResidency
The Golden Visa, the Green Visa, work visas and family sponsorship: who qualifies, how long they last, the salary thresholds and the Dubai fees.
AED 2m Investment or property for a Golden Visa
Read the fact sheetReal estate
Who can buy, registration fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mortgage limits for expatriates, off-plan escrow protection and the property route to the Golden Visa.
4% Dubai Land Department registration fee
Read the fact sheet