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Tax Comparison

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

Pakistan companies pay up to 29% corporate tax. UAE free zone companies pay 0% on qualifying income. Use our calculator below to see your potential annual saving.

Pakistan corp tax: 29% UAE free zone: 0% UAE corp tax: 9% (above AED 375K)

Pakistan vs UAE Tax Rates

Tax Type Pakistan UAE Free Zone UAE Mainland
Corporate Tax 29% 0% 9% (above AED 375K)
Personal Income Tax Up to 35% 0% 0%
VAT / GST 17% 5% 5%
Capital Gains Tax Varies 0% 0%
Dividend Withholding Tax Varies 0% 0%

Pakistan and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Pakistan and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. UAE-sourced income is generally not taxable in Pakistan for UAE tax residents. Pakistani nationals must comply with FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) disclosure requirements for foreign assets and income. Consult a tax advisor for personal advice.

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

Your Details

0384,615,385769,230,769
🇵🇰
Pakistan
Corporate tax: 20%
₨15,384,615
estimated tax
Best option
🇦🇪
UAE Free Zone
Corporate tax: 0%
0
estimated tax
🏙️
UAE Mainland
9% above AED 375K
₨4,326,923
estimated tax
Annual saving vs Pakistan
₨15,384,615
AED 200,000 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 Pakistani Entrepreneurs Move to UAE

0% Personal Income Tax

No income tax on your salary, dividends, or capital gains as a UAE resident — compared to 35% top rate in Pakistan.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the corporate tax rate in Pakistan in 2026?
The standard corporate tax rate in Pakistan is 29%. Small companies with turnover up to PKR 100 million pay 20%. Banking companies face a 39% rate. UAE free zones pay 0% on qualifying income.
Can a Pakistani entrepreneur reduce taxes by using a UAE free zone company?
Yes. A UAE free zone company is a separate legal entity taxed at 0% on qualifying income. Under the Pakistan-UAE DTAA, UAE-sourced income is generally not taxable in Pakistan if you are a UAE tax resident. Always consult a tax advisor regarding your personal circumstances.
Does Pakistan have a tax treaty with the UAE?
Yes. Pakistan and the UAE have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. This prevents double taxation on the same income in both countries. UAE tax residents with UAE-sourced income are generally not liable for Pakistani tax on that income.
What is Pakistan's GST/VAT rate?
Pakistan's General Sales Tax (GST) standard rate is 17%, compared to the UAE's 5% VAT. This represents a significant cost difference for businesses selling goods and services.
How much could a Pakistani business save by moving to a UAE free zone?
A Pakistani company earning PKR 10 million in profit would pay PKR 2.9 million (approx. AED 37,700) in corporate tax at 29%. The same profit in a UAE free zone would attract 0% corporate tax — saving AED 37,700 or more 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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