From Syria to a
UAE company.
Syrian diaspora entrepreneurs, post-2024 reconstruction-related businesses, traders with Levant access, technology founders, family wealth preservation. Diaspora context: approx 250,000-300,000 Syrian nationals and Syrian-origin residents in the UAE.
Key facts for Syrian founders.
- Syria corporate income tax: 28% (reforms ongoing)
- Syria-UAE DTA: NOT IN FORCE
- UAE corporate tax: 9% above AED 375,000; 0% QFZP
- Sanctions context: significant evolution following 2024 political transition; OFAC GL 24 (Jan 2025) eased some restrictions
Entry & residency
Pre-approved UAE entry required. Setup unlocks visas with enhanced security clearance (4-8 weeks).
UAE bank onboarding
Second-most-extensive UAE banking DD (after Iranian). Mashreq and select Tier-2 banks (RAKBANK, CBI) onboard non-sanctioned Syrian nationals with second nationality preferred, pre-2011 source-of-funds, distance from Assad-era networks. Post-2024 transition has eased some constraints. 10-20 week onboarding.
Common questions from Syria.
Syrian founders asking the most common questions on UAE incorporation. Each answer is current to 2026.
Can a Syrian national set up a UAE company in 2026?
Yes, subject to extensive DD. Post-2024 political transition has gradually eased some banking constraints. Non-sanctioned Syrian individuals with clear documentation and ideally a second nationality routinely incorporate at IFZA, RAK, Ajman.
How have post-2024 sanctions changes affected setup?
OFAC GL 24 (Jan 2025) eased restrictions on Syrian government transactions and reconstruction. UAE banks have gradually relaxed some Syrian-nexus DD, though Assad-era figures remain sanctioned. New government issuance of passports has improved documentation reliability.
Will UAE banks open accounts for Syrian shareholders?
Selectively. Mashreq, RAKBANK, CBI onboard non-sanctioned Syrian shareholders with second nationality (preferred), UAE long-term residence visa, pre-2011 source-of-funds documentation. ENBD, FAB, HSBC apply tighter policies. 10-20 weeks. Dual-nationals significantly faster.
Should I use dual nationality?
Strongly recommended if available. Canadian, German, Swedish, Turkish or Caribbean CBI dual nationals face substantially smoother pathways. Caribbean CBI accessible to Syrian applicants in 4-8 months.
How long does UAE setup take?
From within Syria: 10-21 working days (free-zone), 21-30 days (mainland). Documents need MFA + UAE Embassy attestation (4-6 weeks). UAE banking 10-20 weeks. From Damascus: 18-26 weeks. From diaspora: 12-16 weeks.