United Arab Emirates vs Seychelles: which jurisdiction wins?

United Arab Emirates vs Seychelles — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	United Arab Emirates	Seychelles
Tax headline	9% corporate tax above AED 375k (free zones 0% on qualifying)	0% on foreign-sourced income (IBC)
Formation days	10	3
First-year cost	$6,500	$1,500
Treaties	140+	28+
Substance	Free zone QFZP requires adequate substance	Light substance for IBCs
Banking	Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, plus Wio and crypto-friendly EMIs	Limited; rely on EMIs and intros

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