Jiwon “Rosie” Jang
P rosie@decentlaw.ioRosie served as a corporate lawyer at Gangnam Lawfirm and Hwaum Lawfirm, and handled corporate affairs for companies such as Naver Corporation, Lotte Home Shopping Co., Ltd., and Continental GmbH.
- Corporate · Startups
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BlogsSetting Up a Company in Dubai: Mainland, Freezone, and Tax Structure Explained
Inquiries about setting up a company in Dubai have increased noticeably in 2026. The ability for foreigners to hold 100% ownership, a relatively streamlined incorporation process, and a wide range of Free Zone options have made Dubai a particularly attractive destination for businesses in IT, fintech, and digital assets. Mainland, Freezone, Offshore — What Is the Difference? Dubai company structures fall into three main categories. A Mainland company is essentially a standard operating entity that can trade directly in the local UAE market. A Free Zone company offers 100% foreign ownership, packaged licensing options, and bundled office and visa arrangements — making it the most popular choice among Korean businesses. An Offshore company is generally used for holding structures, investment vehicles, or asset management purposes rather than local operations, and is typically only considered when the purpose is clearly defined. Type Key Features Best For Mainland Direct access to UAE local market; local sponsor may be required depending on industry Local retail, F&B, service businesses Freezone 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, straightforward visa processing IT, trading, consulting — most popular among Korean companies Offshore No local operations permitted; used for holding and asset management Holding companies, investment vehicles, asset management The 9% Corporate Tax Era — Are Free Zones Still Tax-Efficient? The old assumption that Dubai means zero corporate tax no longer tells the full story. The UAE has introduced a federal corporate tax of 9%, which applies in principle to all Dubai-registered companies. However, Free Zone entities that meet certain conditions may still qualify for a 0% tax rate on specific categories of income. The key point is that Free Zone status does not automatically guarantee a 0% rate. The outcome depends on which Free Zone is selected, where the revenue is generated and from which clients, and where the actual staff and office are located. This is why tax structuring should be part of the incorporation process from the outset, not an afterthought. What to Check Before Choosing a Free Zone Selecting a Free Zone based solely on cost can create serious complications down the line — particularly when it comes to license renewals and opening a corporate bank account. Industry fit: For crypto and Web3 businesses, a Free Zone with a well-developed regulatory sandbox (such as those aligned with VARA) is essential. Operational substance: Consider the office requirements, the number of visas needed, and how demanding ongoing compliance will be in practice. Scalability: Whether the business is service-based or trade-focused will determine which type of license is appropriate — and the right answer varies significantly between the two. Why Crypto and Web3 Projects Choose Dubai Establishing a Dubai entity goes beyond simply setting up an overseas company. It is closer to building a global base of operations — a hub through which to engage international partners, exchanges, and investors. In practice, a common structure involves a Korean entity handling development and operations, while the Dubai entity serves as the contracting and relationship hub for global counterparties. How the token issuance vehicle is structured will significantly affect the regulatory, tax, and governance picture, making early-stage design essential. Decent Law Firm's International Practice Team Decent Law Firm's international practice team provides integrated structural design that accounts for international tax, foreign exchange regulations, and digital asset compliance — drawing on hands-on experience with Dubai Free Zones, local banks, and regulatory authorities. This is not a filing service. We work with clients to design a structure across Korea, the UAE, and other jurisdictions that minimizes risk and maximizes utility. If you are considering a Dubai entity — even at the early idea stage — please reach out, and we will map out the options that fit your situation.
2026-03-23 -
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Haru Management Ltd. (Haru Invest) Bankruptcy Claims Filing Notice
In November 2024, the Seoul Bankruptcy Court declared the bankruptcy of Haru Management Limited, the operator of Haru Invest. Although Haru Management was established in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), its actual operations were conducted in Korea, leading the Korean court to assert jurisdiction over the case. This case involves allegations of virtual asset fraud amounting to KRW 1.4 trillion, significantly impacting numerous investors both domestically and internationally. Claim Filing Deadline and Procedures Filing Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Korean Standard Time) Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025 (Korean Standard Time) * We will announce specific guidelines (attorney fees, engagement letter etc.) in the near future. Important Notes If you do not file your claim by the deadline, you may lose the right to participate in distributions or attend the creditors' meeting, which could affect your ability to recover your losses. To avoid any issues, please ensure that all necessary documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline. Claim Filing Assistance by Decent Law Firm Decent Law Firm will file debt claim application on behalf of Haru Invest creditors. We will communicate important dates to our clients. We will close our submitting system a few days earlier on January 24, 2025 in order to make sure we file on time. - Application Link: https://decentlaw.io/en/haruinvest - Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025 (Korean Standard Time) For any inquiries or assistance, please contact us promptly to ensure a smooth filing process.
2024-12-06
