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Tax Comparison

India Corporate Tax Rate vs UAE — How Much Could You Save?

India companies pay up to 25.17% corporate tax. UAE free zone companies pay 0% on qualifying income. Use our calculator below to see your potential annual saving.

India corp tax: 25.17% UAE free zone: 0% UAE corp tax: 9% (above AED 375K)

India vs UAE Tax Rates

Tax Type India UAE Free Zone UAE Mainland
Corporate Tax 25.17% 0% 9% (above AED 375K)
Personal Income Tax Up to 30% 0% 0%
VAT / GST 18% 5% 5%
Capital Gains Tax Varies 0% 0%
Dividend Withholding Tax Varies 0% 0%

India and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). India and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). UAE-sourced income is generally exempt from Indian tax if you are a UAE tax resident (183+ days/year in UAE). Indian residents must report foreign assets under FEMA and comply with RBI guidelines. Consult a CA for personal tax advice.

Interactive Calculator

Calculate Your Tax Saving

Enter your annual business profit and see how much you could save by operating through a UAE free zone.

Your Details

0113,636,364227,272,727
🇮🇳
India
Corporate tax: 25.17%
₹5,720,455
estimated tax
Best option
🇦🇪
UAE Free Zone
Corporate tax: 0%
0
estimated tax
🏙️
UAE Mainland
9% above AED 375K
₹1,278,409
estimated tax
Annual saving vs India
₹5,720,455
AED 251,700 per year

Estimates based on headline corporate tax rates. Does not account for all surcharges, reliefs, or individual circumstances. Not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional.

Why Indian Entrepreneurs Move to UAE

0% Personal Income Tax

No income tax on your salary, dividends, or capital gains as a UAE resident — compared to 30% top rate in India.

100% Foreign Ownership

Keep full ownership of your company. No local partner required. Full repatriation of profits and capital.

UAE Residency Visa

A free zone trade license entitles you to a 2–3 year UAE residency visa. Sponsor family members on your visa.

No Forex Restrictions

Move money freely. No capital controls. Maintain bank accounts in multiple currencies without restriction.

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Ready to set up from India?

See our step-by-step guide for Indian entrepreneurs — documents, costs, banking, and timeline.

India setup guide →

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Get a free consultation and find out exactly how much your business could save by moving to a UAE free zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the corporate tax rate in India in 2026?
The standard corporate tax rate for domestic Indian companies is 25.17% (inclusive of surcharge and cess). New manufacturing companies can qualify for a 15% concessional rate. UAE free zones pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
Can I avoid Indian corporate tax by setting up a UAE free zone company?
A UAE free zone company is a separate legal entity that pays 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income. If you are a UAE tax resident and your business is genuinely operated from the UAE, UAE income is generally not taxable in India under the India-UAE DTAA. Always consult a CA or tax advisor for your specific situation.
Does India have a tax treaty with the UAE?
Yes. India and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This prevents the same income from being taxed in both countries. If you become a UAE tax resident, UAE-sourced income is generally exempt from Indian income tax.
What is India's GST rate?
India's GST has multiple slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. The standard rate for most goods and services is 18%. The UAE charges 5% VAT, compared to India's 18% GST on most services.
How much could an Indian business save in taxes by moving to a UAE free zone?
An Indian company earning INR 1 crore (approx. AED 440,000) in profit would pay approximately INR 25.17 lakh in corporate tax. A UAE free zone company on the same profit would pay AED 0 in corporate tax on qualifying income — a saving of AED 110,000+ per year.

Tax rates shown are estimates based on representative headline corporate tax rates for the stated tax year. They do not account for all surcharges, slab details, reliefs, or individual circumstances. This is not tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Data last reviewed: .

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