Free Zones in Dubai
In the United Arab Emirates, there are about 40 free zones operating and more are being built. Each Free Zone is organized around at least one business class and only grants permits to businesses that fall under those categories.We offer Free Zone business setup services in Dubai, UAE.
The main benefits of setting up shop in one of the UAE’s Free Zones are that there are no restrictions on outside ownership and businesses are governed by an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA), which is in charge of issuing business licenses and overseeing operations of businesses inside the Free Zone.
There are currently more than 40 different “Unhindered commerce Zones” in the UAE, making it a great place to start a business or a representative office. However, choosing the ideal Free Zone through which to run your business in the area can be a tedious task. Despite their similarities, it is also a common misconception that a Free Zone Company is a maritime organization; they actually have completely different characteristics. We can guarantee you the best legal services for the establishment of a free zone firm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
List of Free Zones We Serve
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Dubai Academic City
- Dubai Design District
- Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Internet City (DIC)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre or Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Free Zone
- Hamriyah Free Zone
Requirements for Free Zone business Setup in Dubai
An investor may register a new company as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC)—an FZE has one shareholder, whereas a FZC has two or more—or they may merely set up a branch or representative office of their current or parent company, whether that company is based in the UAE or elsewhere. A limited liability company known as a FZE or FZC is governed by the laws and ordinances of the Free Zone in which it was founded. The Commercial Companies Law (CCL) of the UAE does not apply.
In order to begin the process of a Free Zone Business setup in Dubai, we will require the following documentation and due diligence from all shareholders/directors of the proposed new company:
- Certified Passport Copy and UAE Visa/UAE entry stamp (if non-resident)
- 2 x Proofs of Address (dated within 3 months)
- Bank or Professional Reference Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (summary of professional history)
- Company Application Form (which we will provide
Please note that based on the proposed new company’s projected business activity, some Free Zones may require a thorough business plan. To help you, Sovereign offers a number of templates. The company must lease space or buy land in order to establish its legal presence in a free zone.
an operational permit issued by the FZA. Different license kinds are required for various free zones. Only businesses operating under trade and industrial permits are permitted to operate outside of the Free Zone. A joint venture must be established in order to sell goods in the UAE and a UAE official agent is necessary.
The benefits of a Free Zone include:
- 100% foreign ownership (no requirement for a local partner/sponsor)
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 100% corporate and personal income tax exemption
- Absence of currency restrictions
- Wide variety of licensable activities
- Abundant and inexpensive energy
- Modern, efficient communications
- Logistic efficiencies due to business cluster effect
- Serviced desks and offices for SMEs and start-ups
- Excellent support services
The type of business activity you plan to conduct will have a significant impact on the Free Zone you choose to fit your needs. The main free zones and the activities associated with their licenses for free zone business setup are as follows:
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Commodities Trade and Exchanges;
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – Trading, General Trading, Service, Logistics and Industrial;
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Banking, Financial Services, and Legal;
- Dubai World Central (DWC) – Aviation, Logistics, Light industry, and Ancillary Services;
- Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) – Human Resources Management, Training, and Personal Development;
- Dubai Internet City (DIC) – Internet and Communications Technology;
- Dubai Media City (DMC) – Media related activities;
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – Information Technology, Telecom, Electronic, and Engineering;
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – Healthcare, Medical Education and Research, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment;
- Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) – Trading, General Trading, Service, Industrial and Educational;
- Fujairah Creative City (FCC) – Media, Consulting, Communications, Design and Technology
Please note that based on the proposed new company’s projected business activity, some Free Zones may require a thorough business plan. To help you, Sovereign offers a number of templates. The company must lease space or buy land in order to establish its legal presence in a free zone.
an operational permit issued by the FZA. Different license kinds are required for various free zones. Only businesses operating under trade and industrial permits are permitted to operate outside of the Free Zone. A joint venture must be established in order to sell goods in the UAE and a UAE official agent is necessary.
