Company Setup in Dubai Free Zones
Set up your company in Dubai Free Zones and Maximize your business capabilities.
Dubai Free Zones is being viewed as a major international business center for organizations seeking to grow overseas. Setting up your business in Dubai Free Zones provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe.
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Setting up your business in Dubai Free Zones provides the crucial advantage of connecting to emerging markets worldwide.
World-Class Infrastructure
Efficient Business Operations
State-Of-The-Art Logistics Facilities
Investor-Friendly Regulations
Low Corporate Tax
Full Repatriation of Profits
With a variety of business setup options like mainland, free zone, and offshore, Dubai Free Zones are ready to meet the needs and goals of aspiring entrepreneurs. Establishing a presence in Dubai Free Zones presents an opportunity to profit and link with one of the world’s most progressive and stable economies. No matter what local leadership’s focus is or how much international recognition is achieved, initiating a company in Dubai Free Zones is a wise move that opens up significant market opportunities.
Why Setting Up Your Business in Dubai Free Zones is advantageous:
- Easy visa process: Foreign investors find it relatively easy to obtain visas in Dubai Free Zones. This enables the smooth onboarding of the talent needed for business growth.
- Free zones: Dubai Free Zones offer specific benefits to businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
- Highly skilled workforce: Dubai Free Zones have an advanced workforce, largely made up of individuals proficient in multiple languages, especially English.
- Strategic Location: Connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai Free Zones are ideally situated for trade, tourism, and logistics. Their location in emerging markets provides seamless access for businesses to a vast customer base.
- Tax Benefits: In most jurisdictions of Dubai Free Zones, there is a low corporate tax advantage. The ease of repatriating both profits and capital makes it an attractive option for enterprises in terms of taxation.
- Vibrant economy: Dubai Free Zones have a dynamic economy that is progressing rapidly. This creates opportunities for businesses to grow and achieve success.
- Access to Global Markets: As a gateway for international trade, Dubai Free Zones offers companies the chance to expand internationally, providing businesses with the opportunity to explore diverse markets.
- Ease of Doing Business: The government of Dubai Free Zones has implemented several reforms to streamline the company registration process. With efficient and transparent procedures, entrepreneurs can quickly focus on growth.
- Promotion of entrepreneurship: The government of Dubai Free Zones actively promotes entrepreneurship. This includes providing financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.
General Procedures for Company Setup in Dubai Free Zones:
- Choose the Business Activity: Select the type of business activity to carry out. The license you need depends on whether your business is commercial, industrial, or professional.
- Selecting the Company Structure and Jurisdiction: Depending on the regulatory benefits and costs, you can choose to establish your company in the mainland, free zone, or offshore. You can also select the type of company, such as a Limited Liability Company, Sole Establishment, Branch Office, or a Free Zone Entity.
- Register the Trade Name: Obtain a unique trade name for your company from the relevant licensing authorities. The name must be distinct and not similar to any other existing business.
- Apply for Initial Approval: Secure government approval to ensure there are no objections to your business activity or plan.
- Preparation of Legal Documents and Obtaining Trade Licenses: Prepare company incorporation documents like the MOA and AOA, and apply for the necessary license/permit based on your business activity.
- Lease an Office Space: Mainland companies must lease office space, while free zone companies must be located within the specific free zone of interest.
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce: You must register your company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enjoy business services and forums.
- Visa Processing: Apply for visas for yourself, employees, and their dependents. This includes obtaining an Establishment Card, which allows companies to sponsor visas.
Mainland vs. Freezone vs. Offshore: Choosing the Right Business Structure in the UAE
Mainland Companies
Mainland companies are registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah or the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai. These companies can operate freely across the UAE without a local partner, and they are eligible to bid for government contracts. Mainland companies are ideal for businesses wanting direct access to the UAE market.
Freezone Companies
Free zone companies are established in one of over 50 industry-specific free zones, such as DMCC, DIC, and JAFZA. They offer 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays, and no import/export duties. However, free zone companies cannot directly trade in the mainland without involving a distributor. These companies are popular among businesses in import/export, e-commerce, and specialized industries.
Offshore Companies
Offshore companies are legal entities incorporated in specific offshore jurisdictions within Dubai Free Zones. They cannot conduct business within the UAE but can do so outside the country. Offshore companies provide privacy, asset protection, and favorable tax legislation. They are ideal for businesses with minimal physical presence and those engaged in international transactions.
Licenses Available in Dubai Free Zones
- Trade License – For companies involved in buying and selling goods.
- Industrial Licenses – Issued to companies engaged in manufacturing processes.
- Business Licenses – Granted to service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen.
Documents Required for Company Setup in Dubai Free Zones
- Shareholders’ information
- Passport and Visa of the shareholders
- Application form
- PDF of the business plan
- Board resolution documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- ID proofs of the shareholders
No, they cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland unless through local distributorship. They, mainly, trade from either the Free Zone or overseas.
Trade licenses for trading goods, industrial licenses for manufacturing, and business licenses for service providers and professionals are some available licenses.
The documents will include passport copies of the shareholders, visa copies, PDF of the business plan, MOA and AOA, and identification proofs of the shareholders.
Free Zone companies are allowed to apply for a work visa for their employees. Dubai Free Zones also offer a hassle-free process for obtaining visas to on-board foreign talent efficiently.
Setting up in Dubai Free Zones offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax advantages, access to global markets, world-class infrastructure, and streamlined business operations.
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