From Iran to a
UAE company.
Iranian entrepreneurs requiring non-sanctioning jurisdiction, trading and shipping companies, technology founders, family relocation. Diaspora context: approx 400,000-500,000 Iranian nationals and Iranian-origin residents in the UAE.
Key facts for Iranian founders.
- Iran corporate income tax: 25%
- Iran-UAE DTA: signed 1995, in force; limited practical use due to sanctions
- UAE applies UNSC measures but not unilateral US/EU sanctions
- Sanctions: US OFAC, EU, UK on Iran-origin entities
Entry & residency
Iranian nationals receive 30-day visa-on-arrival. UAE company setup unlocks 2-year Investor Visa, 10-year Golden Visa subject to enhanced security clearance (2-4 weeks).
UAE bank onboarding
Most extensive UAE banking DD. OFAC, EU, UK sanctions screening on shareholders, UBOs, source-of-funds. Mashreq and select Tier-2 banks onboard non-sanctioned Iranians with documentation: second nationality preferred, non-Iranian source-of-funds, distance from sanctioned entities. ENBD, FAB, HSBC, Standard Chartered typically decline Iranian-only. 8-16 week onboarding.
Common questions from Iran.
Iranian founders asking the most common questions on UAE incorporation. Each answer is current to 2026.
Can an Iranian national set up a UAE company?
Yes, subject to extensive DD. UAE does not implement US/EU unilateral sanctions but enforces UNSC measures. Onboarding scrutiny focuses on sanctions-list screening, source-of-funds outside Iranian sanctioned channels, intended business activities not involving sanctioned counterparties. Non-sanctioned Iranian individuals routinely incorporate at IFZA, RAK, Ajman.
Will UAE banks open accounts for Iranian shareholders?
Selectively. Mashreq, RAKBANK and CBI may onboard non-sanctioned Iranians with second nationality, UAE residence visa, and non-Iranian source-of-funds. ENBD, FAB, HSBC typically decline Iranian-only applicants. 8-16 weeks.
Should I use dual nationality?
Yes if available. Canadian, UK, Turkish, Armenian, or Caribbean CBI dual nationals face substantially smoother UAE banking pathways. Many UAE-incorporating Iranians acquire CBI (Saint Kitts, Dominica, Grenada) ahead of UAE setup.
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa as Iranian?
Yes. Golden Visa via AED 2M property/company capital/fund. Security clearance for Iranian applicants 4-12 weeks (vs 1-4 weeks others). Specialised Talent Golden Visas available for technology, healthcare, science professionals.
How long does setup take?
Free-zone 7-14 days (slower due to bank-onboarding screening). Mainland 14-21 days. Iranian documents need MFA + UAE Embassy attestation (3-4 weeks). UAE banking 8-16 weeks. Total: 14-20 weeks. Dual-nationals significantly faster.