Topic Summary
What It Means to Set Up a Company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan National
Setting up a company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan national means registering a free zone entity, getting a trade license, attesting your documents and securing residency tied to that license. Foreign ownership is permitted, and the process is largely digital.
Choosing the Right License and Business Activity in Dubai South
Choosing the Right License and Business Activity in Dubai South
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan National
To set up a company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan national: choose your activity, submit passport copies, approve the name, attest documents if required, sign the lease, pay fees, receive the license, then apply for visas and a bank account.
Document Attestation Requirements for Sri Lankan Passport Holders
Sri Lankan nationals typically need a valid passport, proof of address and, for some documents, attestation. Confirm requirements with the hub first.
Tax Treaty, VAT and Corporate Tax for Sri Lankan Founders
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 and 5% VAT. Qualifying free zone persons can access a 0% rate on qualifying income only. A UAE-Sri Lanka double taxation agreement exists, so verify relief with the FTA.
Banking Considerations for Sri Lankan Founders in the UAE
Sri Lankan founders open corporate accounts with the license, incorporation documents, passports, residency status and a business plan. Banks run enhanced due diligence, so prepare a realistic turnover forecast.
Residency Visa Options Tied to Your Company License
A Dubai South license can carry visas for owners, partners and employees, with quota based on space taken. You'll complete entry permit, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID.
To set up a company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan national, you'll register a free zone entity, attest key documents and secure a license-linked visa. A growing community of businesses operate through Dubai South Business Hub [1], and over 90% of UAE free zone applications run digitally [2]. Licenses start from AED 12,500 per year. The UAE charges 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 [3] and 5% VAT [3]. This guide is for Colombo-based founders planning a move.
What It Means to Set Up a Company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan National
Setting up a company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan national means registering a free zone entity, getting a trade license, attesting your documents and securing residency tied to that license. Foreign ownership is permitted, and the process is largely digital.
Why Dubai South Suits Sri Lankan Founders
The hub sits beside Al Maktoum International Airport and major logistics corridors. That suits tea, spice, apparel and services businesses. Picture a Colombo tea exporter creating a Dubai South entity to re-export Ceylon tea to GCC buyers. You can start the application from Colombo without flying out first.
What Foreign Ownership Means in Practice
You can hold 100% of a single-shareholder FZ-LLC (free zone limited liability company).
A free zone license covers activities inside the zone and approved trade.
Selling directly to UAE mainland customers may need a separate arrangement.
Licenses start from AED 12,500 per year.
Founders from other markets follow a similar path, as our guide for a Pakistani national shows.
Choosing the Right License and Business Activity in Dubai South
You choose a license by matching your activity to the approved list: trading, services, logistics or e-commerce. The activity drives license type, cost, space needs and visa quota, so confirm it before applying.
Popular Activities for Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs
Tea, spice, gem and jewellery trading.
Garment and textile sourcing.
IT, BPO and consulting (a Kandy software team would take a technology services license).
Logistics and e-commerce fulfilment.
License Types and Space Options
Trade licenses cover goods, service licenses cover advisory and digital work, and logistics licenses cover storage and freight. You can add a general trading activity to a services license later, subject to approval. Activities follow Ministry of Economy classification.
Service businesses usually pick a flexi-desk. A garment trader, though, would pair a license with warehouse space near the airport. Your space choice also affects your visa quota. Compare notes with our Bangladeshi national guide if you're sourcing apparel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan National
To set up a company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan national: choose your activity, submit passport copies, approve the name, attest documents if required, sign the lease, pay fees, receive the license, then apply for visas and a bank account.
Step 1: Define Activity and Shareholding
Confirm your activity and shareholders (single or multiple are allowed).
Example: two Sri Lankan partners splitting shares 60/40.
Decide how many visas you need.
Step 2: Submit Application and Documents
Upload passport copy, photo, proof of address and form.
Complete KYC checks online from Colombo.
Document and Process Checklist for Sri Lankan Founders
Feature | Requirement | What Sri Lankan Founders Should Prepare |
|---|---|---|
Passport copy and photo | Valid passport for every shareholder | Colour scan of the data page and a white-background photo |
Proof of address | Recent residential evidence | A utility bill or bank statement from Sri Lanka |
Attestation of POA or degrees | Needed only for certain documents | Notarised originals ready for the attestation chain |
Bank KYC and source of funds | Enhanced due diligence by UAE banks | License, MOA, business plan and proof of funds |
Visa steps: medical, biometrics, Emirates ID | Completed in the UAE after entry permit | Travel plan allowing time for each appointment |
Step 3: Sign, Pay and Receive the License
Sign the articles and the lease or flexi-desk agreement.
Pay fees (first-year packages begin at AED 12,500).
Receive your license and incorporation certificate.
Step 4: Apply for Visas and Open a Bank Account
Entry permit, medical test, biometrics, Emirates ID.
Register for VAT or corporate tax if required.
Filipino founders follow near-identical steps, detailed in our Filipino national guide.
Document Attestation Requirements for Sri Lankan Passport Holders
Sri Lankan nationals typically need a valid passport, proof of address and, for some documents, attestation. Confirm requirements with the hub first.
Which Documents Need Attestation
Passport copies usually suffice for basic formation.
Powers of attorney and degrees may need attestation.
A Sri Lankan parent company as shareholder needs attested incorporation papers.
The Attestation Chain From Colombo to the UAE
The chain usually runs from notarisation to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the UAE Embassy in Colombo, then UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation. Arabic translation may be required. Allow extra time for each authority. A degree certificate for a manager visa is the classic example.
Tax Treaty, VAT and Corporate Tax for Sri Lankan Founders
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 and 5% VAT. Qualifying free zone persons can access a 0% rate on qualifying income only. A UAE-Sri Lanka double taxation agreement exists, so verify relief with the FTA.
UAE-Sri Lanka Double Taxation Agreement
These treaties stop the same income being taxed twice, which matters for dividends, royalties and service fees. Check the current agreement on the Ministry of Finance list and with Sri Lanka's Inland Revenue Department. A tax residency certificate may be needed.
Corporate Tax, VAT and Your Sri Lankan Obligations
Qualifying income rules and substance apply; it isn't blanket tax-free.
Register with the Federal Tax Authority.
VAT registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 in taxable supplies.
Founders splitting time between Colombo and Dubai may stay Sri Lankan tax resident.
Take professional advice in both countries. Our Kenyan national guide covers the same UAE tax basics.
Banking Considerations for Sri Lankan Founders in the UAE
Sri Lankan founders open corporate accounts with the license, incorporation documents, passports, residency status and a business plan. Banks run enhanced due diligence, so prepare a realistic turnover forecast.
What Banks Ask For
License, MOA, shareholder IDs and proof of address.
Contracts, such as purchase orders from GCC buyers.
Source of funds, in line with Central Bank AML expectations.
Moving Funds Between Sri Lanka and the UAE
Check Central Bank of Sri Lanka exchange control rules before remitting share capital. Keep invoices and approvals for every transfer.
Residency Visa Options Tied to Your Company License
A Dubai South license can carry visas for owners, partners and employees, with quota based on space taken. You'll complete entry permit, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID.
Investor, Partner and Employee Visas
Visa packages are tied to your license.
Once approved, you can sponsor a spouse and children.
Relocating Your Family
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. Enrol children in school once Emirates IDs arrive. Japanese founders face similar steps, covered in our Japanese national guide.
Next Steps to Set Up a Company in Dubai South as a Sri Lankan National
Match your activity to a license, attest documents correctly, confirm your tax position, prepare bank KYC and secure license-linked visas. Then contact Dubai South Business Hub for a free consultation to map your license, visa and timeline.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
