UAE company for Russian citizens

Can a Russian citizen own a UAE company?

Yes. UAE law does not bar Russian citizens from owning mainland or free zone companies: the procedure, forms and requirements are the same as for other foreigners. The choice of form and jurisdiction depends on the business, not the passport — see legal forms: LLC, FZE, FZCO. The differences arise at the banking stage and in the founder's own compliance with Russian law.

Bank compliance and sanctions screening

UAE banks screen clients against sanctions lists and their own risk policies. Many rely on correspondent banks abroad and therefore take into account international sanctions regimes as well as UAE requirements. For founders holding Russian citizenship this usually means:

• more detailed questions on source of funds and source of wealth;
• checks on counterparties, goods and supply routes;
• longer reviews and possible refusals at particular banks.

We only act for lawful businesses and do not help anyone circumvent sanctions or conceal beneficial owners. Our job is to present your business fully and accurately to a bank that is willing to work with your profile. See corporate bank account in the UAE and bank accounts and compliance.

Russian currency control: the general picture

A Russian citizen is generally a Russian currency resident wherever they live. That brings personal obligations for the founder — not for the UAE company:

• Notifying foreign accounts. Opening, closing or changing the details of a personal account with a foreign bank must be notified to the Russian tax authority, as a rule within one month. There is an exemption for residents who spent more than 183 days outside Russia in the calendar year.
• Reports on account movements for foreign accounts — in certain cases, depending on the bank's country and other conditions.
• Restrictions on transfers out of Russia, in place since 2022 and revised from time to time.

The UAE company's own account belongs to a foreign legal entity, not to the founder, but the founder's personal accounts with UAE banks do fall within these rules.

Tax: CFC rules and interests in foreign companies

Russian tax law requires notifying the tax authority of interests in foreign companies (above 10%) and filing annual controlled foreign company (CFC) notifications. The consequences — including possible Russian tax on CFC profits — depend on the founder's tax residence, shareholding, ownership structure and available exemptions. Russia and the UAE have a double tax treaty, but whether and how it applies depends on the facts.

We do not advise on Russian tax law. For these questions we recommend a Russian tax adviser, and we supply them with everything about the UAE company — constitutional documents, registers, accounts, and Corporate Tax and VAT registrations.

Registering remotely from Russia

Most of the work can be done without travelling to the UAE: you sign a power of attorney before a Russian notary, it is legalised and translated, and we act on your behalf. You will usually need to come in person for the visa (medical test, biometrics) and often for the bank. More on powers of attorney and legalisation.

How we work and what it costs

• Consultation from AED 750 / 60 min: structure, banking prospects and next steps (credited if you sign a contract).
• Turnkey company registration from AED 5,000 plus government fees as per the estimate.
• Ongoing retainer from AED 3,500/month.

We work in Russian and report weekly. We have been helping businesses from Moscow, St Petersburg and the Russian regions since 2012.