Complete Guide to Business Setup in UAE Free Zones

Free Zone Business Setup

UAE has been globally recognized as one of the leading locations for investors to kick start their business, be it a startup or an existing business moving to UAE. Business Setup in UAE has become extremely easy with the wave of startup friendly initiative by the UAE Government like encouragement for women and young entrepreneurs through various programs, extended five year visas for experienced professionals, 100% foreign ownership of companies in certain sectors and ten year visas for industry experts. Although business setup in Dubai Mainland remains a very popular choice with the investors due to many benefits, but business setup in UAE Free zones is certainly gaining popularity since the past few years. For a particular business, there is always a more suitable free zone option as compared to others. The best free zone jurisdiction depends on your business activity, the number of shareholders, the number of employees required and the office facilities required as (office, warehouse, port availability, etc)

Free Zone Company Benefits

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• 100% exemption from corporate, personal and income taxes
• 100% free transfer of funds, and no foreign exchange controls
• Exemption from all import and export duties
• Low freight charges
• Inexpensive workforce, and easy recruitment procedures
• Efficient communication procedures and single-window administration
• Liberal government policies and legal framework
• The timely and streamlined immigration process
• Sponsorship and visas for an affordable skilled workforce
• Freehold offices available for sale or lease
• Ready to move offices, factories, and warehouses
• Flexibility to operate 24/7
• Easy business setup and licensing procedures
• Unique industry clustering and purpose-built infrastructure
• 3-Year residence visa in UAE
• No restrictions on hiring employees

Types of Entities in order to do business setup in UAE Free Zone

• Branch of a foreign or local company
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE), with a single shareholder
• Free Zone Company (FZC), with 2 to 5 shareholders

Steps to consider for Business setup in UAE Free Zone

• Determine the type of legal entity (FZC / FZE)
• Determine the suitable Free Zone jurisdiction
• Choose a trade name
• Apply for a business license
• Choose an office space or flexi-desk
• Get pre-approvals, register your business and get your license

UAE is made of 7 Emirates, each having different free zones and each free zone is designed to serve some specific business activities. Please refer below to understand.

Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Airport Business City Free Zone
• Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone Free Zone - (Media Zone Authority)
• Masdar City Free Zone
• Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Free Zone ( KIZAD)
• TwoFour 54 Free Zone

Free Zones in Dubai

• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone (DMCC)
• Dubai World Central Free Zone (DWC)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone - (DSO)
• Dubai Internet City Free Zone
• Dubai Media City Free Zone
• Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone
• Dubai International Financial Centre Free Zone (DIFC)
• Meydan Free Zone
• Dubai Design District Free Zone
• Dubai Health Care Authority Free Zone- (DHCA)
• International Humanitarian City Free Zone (IHC)
• Dubai Maritime City Free Zone - (DMCA)
• National Industries Park Free Zone (Techno Park)
• Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Free Zone (DCCA)
• Dubai Production City Free Zone
• Dubai Studio City Free Zone
• Dubai Outsource City Free Zone
• Dubai Knowledge Park Free Zone
• Dubai International Academic City Free Zone
• Dubai Science Park Free Zone

Free Zones in Sharjah

• Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
• Hamriyah Free Zone
• Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)
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Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

• Ras al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ)

Free Zones in Ajman

• Ajman Free Zone Authoriy(AFZA))
• Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMC)

Free Zones in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ)

• Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Free Zones in Fujairah

• Fujairah Free Zone
• Fujairah Creative City
• International Free Zone Authority

In order to ease your business setup process, hiring a professional services company for the same should be a key consideration. They will not only make the process relatively easier but also will guide you through a perfect business structure suiting your business requirements. Having spent 15 years in the field, Flyingcolour Business Setup, Accounting and Tax Services in Dubai and UAE, works closely with entrepreneurs both locally and internationally in assisting them with their business setup in Dubai requirements. This includes all Mainland, Free zones and offshore company setup in Dubai and across the UAE. Feel free to reach us for professional guidance on your business plan. This blog post is written by Ms. Shweta. Feel free to call today for a more detail on long term visa related queries. Please send inquiry to info[at]flyingcolour[dot]com or call +971 4 4542366.