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Freezone Business Setup UAE
100% Foreign Ownership - Fast and Affordable Setup - 0% Corporate Tax
The UAE is an economic leader in the Middle East. It is home to designated areas where trade can occur freely. Freezone companies in the UAE refer to legal entities that operate within these designated economic areas. Free zone companies enjoy 100% business ownership, 100% profit repatriation and are also exempt from paying the 9% corporate tax levied in the UAE.
Instead of being under the jurisdiction of the Department of Economic Development, which regulates mainland trade, these companies are regulated by free zones themselves as independent authorities. This makes free zones in UAE ideal for international trade, import/export activities, and service-based businesses.
Free zones are often specialised for specific industries. For example, geared towards technology, media, commodities, precious stones and metals, etc. They offer top-notch infrastructure oriented towards the industry they specialise in.
Top UAE Free Zones
Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC Free zone)
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Company formation in UAE freezones are a popular choice for many reasons:
The UAE is divided into 7 emirates, each of which have their share of free zones. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their wealth of resources and infrastructure, the smaller emirates are equally popular for their specialised, industry specific free zones and affordable licensing. Free zone company formation in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm al Quwain is comparatively cheaper.
Dubai is home to 20+ highly specialised free zones that offer 100% business ownership, 100% import/export tax exemptions and corporate tax exemptions. These free zones host cutting edge infrastructure for finance, technology, digital media, healthcare, precious metals and more.
Top free zones in Dubai:
When it comes to choosing the best freezone, take into consideration your business activity and your budget. Some like IFZA are geared towards affordable licenses while some like DAFZA or JAFZA are preferred for sea and air port access.
As the capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi free zones serve an integral role in propagating international trade. They are known for their speedy setup and efficient processing.
Top free zones in Abu Dhabi:
The Northern Emirates include Sharjah (has the cheapest free zone in UAE packages), Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. While they do not share the same popularity as either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they are known for the niche sectors which they service (industrial activities, import/export, manufacturing, etc).
List of popular free zones in Northern Emirates:
License and registration costs are often lower in these emirates. They also provide a range of visa options as well as warehouse and industrial housing solutions.
The UAE free zone company formation process is a highly streamlined and efficient one as compared to the Mainland. Therefore, it takes an average of 1 to 4 weeks for businesses to get their free zone license for standard activities.
Finalise Business Activity and Legal Structure
Engage in either service, industrial or commercial activities. Legal structures can vary between Free Zone Establishment (one shareholder) or Free Zone Company (2 or more shareholders).
Identify Correct Free Zone
Dart helps you research which free zone aligns with your industry, has the best regulations and suits your budget.
Trade Name Reservation
You need to register a name for your business that is not only unique but also within the guidelines set out by the respective free zone.
Document Submission
Our company formation experts help you fill out all the paperwork, complete the application and submit the required documents to apply for the license. The documents include:
Office Space Application
Depending on your chosen activity, finalise whether you will need co-working space, flexi-desk, office, or warehouse. Sign an Ejari accordingly.
Deposit Capital and Pay Fees
Some free zones, like DMCC, might require you to deposit a minimum share capital into a bank account or you might have to pay the incorporation fees.
License is Issued
Once your application is approved by the free zone authorities, your trade license is issued.
Get your Visas Sorted
You will receive your 2 year investor visa and you can apply for visas for your employees and shareholders.
Bank Account Opening & Corporate Tax Registration
All free zone companies have to mandatorily register for Corporate Tax in the UAE. They are, however, exempt from paying it.
Imp. Note: Free zone companies need a local distributor if they wish to trade/sell goods in the UAE Mainland
Free zones in the UAE offer a variety of licenses that ensure companies can operate seamlessly with minimal hassle. There are four major license categories for a free zone company:
Commercial License
This includes General Trading licenses, allowing for trading in multiple product categories.
Activities include buying and selling, import and export of goods and products
Professional License
Ideal for professionals that offer consultancy or expert services.
Activities include: IT Services, Legal Advisory, Digital Marketing Services, Management Consultancy
Industrial License
Ideal of entities engaging in large scale industrial operations.
Activities include: Production, manufacturing, import/export, packaging and storage
E-Commerce License
This is a specialised free zone license which allows entrepreneurs to sell goods and services online.
You can combine multiple, similar or diverse activities within one license.
Free zone trade licenses are valid for one year minimum with options for multi-year renewals
Free zones in UAE are generally known for their affordable costs and ease of formation. Prices start from as low as AED 6,000* and can go up to AED 30,000* for standard activities. Additional costs can apply depending on the nature of business and office requirements
Factors affecting company formation in UAE free zones’ costs:
Often license only packages cost less. They generally exclude visa provisions.
Office space such as flexi desks or private rooms. Most free zones also operate fully equipped business centers.
Visa processing costs for self, employees and/or dependents can also include medical tests, Emirates ID, insurance and can differ depending on each emirate.
Hidden costs that might influence your budget are documentation, amendments and attestations, PRO services, corporate bank account opening and share capital deposits (if needed).
Deciding where to establish your free zone business in the UAE is going to be one of your most critical decisions. You need to correctly identify your target audience, research the regulations for each jurisdiction and plan out your budget. Apart from that, each jurisdiction has its own defining offerings.
Free Zone
Free Zone
Mainland
Mainland
Offshore
Offshore
Want to know what business setup works best for your business?
Dart works directly with leading UAE free zone authorities including DWTC, IFZA, RAKEZ, ADGM and more. Our Freezone Business Setup Consultants have supported 5000+ entrepreneurs launching business across 40+ free zones overall UAE in these past 7 years.
Entrepreneurs who wish to launch their business in the UAE need to navigate through the complex business structures and economic regulations of the region. Dart offers reliable business setup services in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
Dart has established partnerships with all major free zones across all seven emirates. Dart itself is based within the Dubai World Trade Center, right in the financial heart of the city. Our companies also get access to the developed DWTC ecosystem and can enjoy the benefits of operating their business in Dubai hassle-free.
Receive end-to-end business support from license application, documentation to business registration and post setup support
Enjoy value added services like Corporate Tax registration, business banking support, talent acquisition, tax and accounting services, visa support and more
Transparent and seamless communication, with a dedicated account manager at all stages.
Receive up-front costs and transparent pricing at all stages of setup. No hidden costs, no poor surprises!
Free zone companies can only trade with the UAE mainland under certain conditions. To do so, they either require specific permits or establish a branch company in the mainland under the local Department of Economy and Tourism.
Certain free zones like RAKEZ also offer a dual license for trade across both jurisdictions.
