Setup a business in Free Zone is relatively easier. In Free Zone, the paperwork and the time taken for registration is very fast. Below are some points to set up a business in the Free Zone.

• Determine the type of legal entity

• Choose a trade name

• Apply for a business license

• Choose virtual office or flexi desk or office space

• Get pre-approval, register your business and get your license

There are 2 main types of Free-Zone corporate entities, namely;

1. FREE ZONE ESTABLISHMENT (FZE)

2. FREE ZONE COMPANY (FZC)

The main difference between an “Establishment” and a “Company” is the number of shareholders required. An “Establishment” is a single-shareholder (either a person or a company) while a “Company” is actually a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and generally requires 2 or more shareholders.

Both offer the same operational benefits. Although depending on the Free Zone, there may also be differences in the share capital requirements, like some Free Zones don’t require any share capital.

Freezone Company Setup

UAE economy is clearly divided between the ‘OnShore’ sector, dominated by local business interests, with restrictions on foreign ownership, and the ‘OffShore’ sector which consists of a number of Free Zones. There are no taxes to speak of, On or Off Shore, but 100% foreign ownership and customs privileges make the Free Zones the most favorable locations in the Middle East for International operations. We offer our professional services and expertise in the formation of companies in all Free Zones of UAE including Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Dubai Airport Free zone Authority (DAFZA), Hamariyah Free zone Authority, Ajman Free Zone Authority, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah Free Zone Authorities.

Here are some Free Zones in Dubai and UAE.

• Dubai Free Zones are the most popular Free Zones in UAE such as Dubai south, DWC-Dubai World Central, Dafza Dubai airport Free Zone authority, DHCC-Dubai Health Care City, Jafza-Jebel ali Free Zone, DMCC-Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, DMC-Dubai Media City, DIFC-Dubai International Financial Centre, DSO-Dubai Silicon Oasis, D3-Dubai Design District, DIP-Dubai Investment Park, IMPZ-International Media Production Zone, Gold and Diamond Park, IHC-International Humanitarian City, DSC-Dubai Studio City, DKV-Dubai Knowledge Village, DIC-Dubai Internet City, Tecom Techno Park, DIAC-Dubai International Academic City, DuBiotech.

• Free zones in Ajman are Ajman media city Free Zone (AMCFZ) and Ajman Free Zone.

• Free zones in Sharjah are Sharjah media city (SHAMS), Saif-Zone, Sharjah airport Free Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone authority (HFZA).

• Ras Al Khaimah Free zone previously named Rakia and Rak free trade zone now named as Rakez FZ.

• Um Al Quwain Free trade zone UAQ FZ

• Fujairah Creative City

• Fujairah Free Zone

• Abu Dhabi Free Zone

• KIZAD – is intrinsically linked to Khalifa Port; one of the world’s most advanced deep-sea ports and the region’s first semi-automated port.

Free Zones offer the following incentives to the investors. Some of the salient features are:

• 100% foreign ownership

• No corporate taxation for 50 years; renewable for an additional 50 years

• Freedom to repatriate capital and income

• No personal income tax

• Full exemption from import duties

• No currency restrictions

• No bureaucratic red-tapism

• No recruitment problems

• Modern efficient communication

• State of the art infrastructure

• Abundant energy