Free Zone Business Setup in UAE

UAE offers more than 40 free zones for establishing business with unique incentives including tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership and smooth procedures.
Express Dubai is your one-stop solution for free zone business setup in UAE.

Understanding Free Zone Company Formation in UAE

Free zones are well-defined areas in UAE that offers business unique benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, with affordable and hassle-free regulatory processes.

Moreover, these free zones become the major trading hub of the region as they are located near to airports and port which facilitate the global trading.

Many investors choose UAE for setting up their business because of secured life, efficient law and order, tax heaven, stable political conditions etc.

Therefore, combining all these benefits increase the business freedom help making UAE a ideal spot to set up companies.

Understanding Freezone Company Formation in UAE

Benefits of Free Zone Company Formation in UAE

There are multiple benefits of Free Zone Company setup in UAE and few of them are highlighted below.

Affordable Setup: There is no minimum capital needed to set up Free zone companies and it offers flexible office solution with competitive fees.
Tax Advantages: Free Zone companies can enjoy 0% corporate tax within the zone and standard UAE general tax applies outside the zone.
Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor is needed and expats are allowed for 100% ownership.
Flexible Licensing: Unlike the UAE Mainland free zones offer combining multiple business activities under single license.
Operational Ease: Offer simplified company formation process along with broad range of activities.
Strategic Location: It provides ideal regional and international connectivity because of the excellent location near to key ports and airports.
Supportive Infrastructure: Dedicated business support, advance IT system and world-class facilities.
Business-Friendly Ecosystem: Government support, a multicultural community with innovation driven policies help in developing pro-business environment.

Best Free Zones in UAE

IFZA

International Free Zone Authority

Location: Dubai

DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre

Location: Dubai

DMCC

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

Location: Dubai

AFZA

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Location: Ajman

SHAMS

Sharjah Media City

Location: Sharjah

RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

SPC

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

Location: Sharjah

MEYDAN

Meydan Free Zone

Location: Dubai (Meydan Area)

JAFZA

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority

Location: Dubai (Jebel Ali)

Types of Business Licenses Available in UAE Free Zone

Below are some common license types that you can get in UAE free zone company formation.

Trading

If you are a retailer or wholesaler dealing in exchanging, buying and selling of goods then trading license would be the best choice for you.

E-commerce

Those business that are selling there goods and products online can consider this license.

Media

If your company involve in broadcasting, advertising, publishing and media then you need this license to operate legally within free zone.

Consultancy

Any firm that is offering professional advisory solutions like financial, legal or business consulting can apply for this license.

Freelance

This license supports those individual professionals (Freelancers) who offer services such as web development, writing, graphic design, consultancy etc.

Manufacturing

It is ideal for those business who are involved in manufacturing and producing goods within the free zone.

General Trading

Suited for those companies involved in import, export, storage and distribution of multiple products.

Training Institute

It is required for those companies who are providing professional training service or offers education to open training institute, schools, colleges legally within the free zone.

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Key Steps to Set Up a Business in a UAE Free Zone

Setting up a free zone business in UAE involves multiple steps however the process is quick, clear and straightforward. The documentation is simple and easy to manage. Express Dubai make sure that every step is completed smoothly and error free.

1. Choose Your Business Type

Out of 1000 activities listed by (DED) Department of Economic Development you have to select your business activity that align with your company’s goals and objectives.

2. Pick a Company Name

Select a special company name and ensure it follows the UAE naming rules, availability and fits your business identity.

3. Decide Your Legal Entity

To peruse your dreams into right direction you have to figure out whether your company will operate as FZC (Free Zone Company), FZE (Free Zone Establishment) or as a branch of existing company based on shareholder structure.

4. Apply for a Business License

Prepare all necessary documents like passport, business plan, license application form and submit to Free zone authority for initial approval. Express Dubai will help you on this regard.

5. Get an Office

Select a workspace that fits your business needs. It can be a private office, co-working spaces or even a warehouse.

6. Start Your Business

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to get final license approval. After that you can run your business within UAE free zone officially. Express Dubai can help you figure this out.

Why Express Dubai?

Industry Experience

Customer-Oriented

Open Communication

One-Stop Solution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Registering a business in special economic zones in UAE are known as free zone. There are multiple benefits of setting up companies in free zones like tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor, simplified setup process etc.

Yes, many UAE free zones offer 100% ownership for a single owner. However, some free zones required multiple owners/shareholders. It is recommended to consult a business setup expert like Express Dubai for best advice and expert opinion.

Setting up a business in Dubai Free Zone normally takes from few days to few weeks. It depends upon different factors such as selected free zone, documentation and license type. You can also check offshore company formation if privacy and international operations are priorities.

No, you can import and export goods smoothly without custom duties expect some prohibited or restricted items.

No, there is no direct conversion process of converting existing free zone company to Dubai mainland. Therefore, you have to cancel your free zone license and apply for mainland company by submitting application along with all formalities like, completing VAT registration, visa application to the Department of Economic Development (DED). Expert guidance is highly recommended so you can consider Express Dubai.

AFZ (Ajman Free Zone) is considered as the most affordable free zone available in UAE. The company setup charges are starting from AED 5,555 that make it a cheapest option available (without a visa).

The IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is the most budget friendly free zone option available in Dubai.

In Dubai (UAE), International Freezone License Authority (IFZA) is the cheapest freezone license authority. It cost approximately AED 21,900 including an investor visa and around AED 12,900 without a visa.