Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai
Streamline Your Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones with Docman
WHAT IS A FREE ZONE IN DUBAI
Dubai is a modern city with a strategic location and a pro-business regulatory environment that has been growing at an incredible rate over the last several decades. The city attracts businesses from all around the world and its many Free Zones have been integral to this success story.
Free Zones are special economic zones that offer customs duty benefits and tax concessions to investors and they are each governed by a special framework of rules and regulations. They are designed to encourage foreign investment with 100% ownership for all nationalities along with easier start-up processes, labor and immigration procedures, and other legal services.
Dubai Free Zone Company Setup: Features and Requirements
Free Zone Company usually operates within the free zone boundaries. The company has two or more shareholders and popularly known as limited liability entity. Free zone companies, Dubai or UAE should submit their audited financial statements to the UAE free zone authority. They should submit the documents every three months from the end of the fiscal year. The entity should have at least two directors and a secretary. The offices of director and secretary can be jointly held by an individual person.   Some of the features of Free Zone Company include,
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100% ownership in the company by foreign subscribers
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Obtain license for operating business in the Emirates
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Obtaining resident visa for employees and owners
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Customs and tax exemptions
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Report requirements
Find The Most Suitable Free Zone In UAE
Incorporating your business in a UAE Free Zone grants access to amenities and opportunities, ensuring you can take advantage of numerous benefits. Some of these free zones include:Â
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of the leading free zones in Dubai. It is the only business-to-business (B2B) focused free zone in the UAE. Company formation in IFZA offers scalable business solutions, excellent infrastructure, and a straightforward business setup process. Through our partnership with IFZA, Shuraa can offer you the most economical and quickest business setup in IFZA, Dubai. We can help you with company formation in over 1,000 activities related to trade, service, and consultancy in IFZA from our Dubai office.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SCP)
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority, is a one-stop shop entrepreneur platform that not only provides a fast and bespoke company setup service but also offers abundant business support services in a customer focused environment.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ is a leading free zone in the UAE, offering easy business setup, modern infrastructure, and support for over 1,000 activities in trade, service, and consultancy. With options for free zone and non-free zone entities, 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and profit repatriation, RAKEZ is an ideal choice for businesses. Our partnership with RAKEZ ensures cost-effective and efficient business setup services.
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is a key business hub in Dubai, offering streamlined company formation processes, excellent infrastructure, and a prime location. Through our partnership with Meydan Free Zone, we provide efficient and cost-effective business setup services, supporting a wide range of activities in trade, services, and consultancy from our Dubai office.
Shams Free Zone
Shams Free Zone is a dynamic free zone located in Sharjah, UAE, renowned for its business-friendly environment and strategic location. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, Shams offers streamlined business setup processes, modern infrastructure, and a range of business solutions. Through our partnership with Shams Free Zone, we provide efficient and economical business setup services, supporting a diverse range of activities including trade, services, and consultancy from our Sharjah office.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) Free Zone is a premier hub for research, technology, and innovation in Sharjah, UAE. Known for its advanced facilities and supportive ecosystem, SRTI Park offers streamlined business setup processes and modern infrastructure tailored for innovative enterprises. Through our partnership with SRTI Park, we provide efficient and cost-effective business setup services, supporting a wide range of activities in research, technology, and innovation from our Sharjah office.
Free Zone Company Formation Requirements
In order to begin the process of setting up a Free Zone Company, we will require the following documentation and due diligence from all shareholders/directors of the proposed new company:
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Certified Passport Copy and UAE Visa/UAE entry stamp (if non-resident)
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2 x Proofs of Address (dated within 3 months)
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Bank or Professional Reference Letter
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Curriculum Vitae (summary of professional history)
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Company Application Form (which we will provide)
Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone
If you are a solo entrepreneur (in other words, there is only one business owner), the company has to be incorporated as a Sole Establishment. This is the same as a Proprietorship Firm. If you have a business partner, or more than one, it is recommended that you set up your company as a Limited Liability Company or LLC. The minimum number of owners required for a Limited Liability Company is two and the maximum number is 50. If there are more than 50 shareholders, then you have to register the company as a Private Limited Company.
Only limited liability company structures are allowed in free zones. Not all business activities can be undertaken in free zones, so a consultant specializing in business setup in UAE can help you determine which location – the mainland or a free zone – can be best for your business, as well as advise you on the right company structure for your business. There are quite a number of advantages of free zone business as well as having a company on the mainland. It is important that you be aware of both, so that you can arrive at the right decision.
Need Professional Assistance with Company Registration in Dubai?
The team of experts at docman have years of experience in company formation in UAE. They can be expected to lend their expertise to everything connected to business setup in UAE. They come from an array of diverse backgrounds such as Legal, Financial, and Management; and so willingly advise you on the right course of approach for company setup in Dubai. For new business setup in Dubai, they can be counted on to assist you with all the documentation and the filing process, so that your company registration in Dubai happens smoothly.
If you are looking at options for low cost business setup in Dubai, then Docman is the right business setup consultant for you. They can help you with business formation in Dubai. So for all your needs pertaining to new company setup in Dubai, Docman can ensure that company formation in Dubai is a hassle-free affair. You need not think of any other business setup consultant for company formation in Dubai.
Most preferred businesses in the UAE Freezone
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Trading license
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E-commerce License
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Media License
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Consultancy License
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Freelancer License
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Manufacturing License
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General Trading License
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Training Institute License
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai freezone?
How To Set Up a Business in Free Zone
Business setup in free zone is an exciting adventure, and our team is here to make it seamless and stress-free. We walk alongside you throughout the entire process, offering our support & assistance at every turn.Â
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Select the Perfect Free Zone
We help you identify the most suitable Free Zone for your business activity, considering your industry, market, and growth plans.
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Choose the Right Legal Structure
Whether you need a Free Zone Establishment, Free Zone Company, or Branch, our experts will guide you through the best option for your venture. However, most companies in Freezone are LLC.
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Name Reservation and Initial Approvals
Our Dubai free zone company setup consultants assist you in securing your business name and obtaining the necessary initial approvals from government authorities.
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Streamlined Documentation
Leave the paperwork to us! We handle all the necessary documentation, making sure you meet all regulatory requirements.
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Effortless Application and Approvals
With our extensive experience, we speed up the application process and obtain the required approvals swiftly.
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Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Our experts guide you through the process of opening a corporate bank account to facilitate your financial transactions.
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Comprehensive Solutions
Company setup in Dubai Free Zone is just the beginning of the journey. With Shuraa Business Setup, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services, including licensing, visa assistance, PRO services, and rented office space.
How Docman support UAE Free Zone Formation?
Docman supports UAE Free Zone formation by leveraging its expertise in establishing globally recognized companies within UAE free zones. We provide comprehensive incorporation services tailored to various business structures, company jurisdictions, and legal entities. When initiating a business in a free zone, we offer expert guidance in selecting the appropriate business form, backed by detailed information. Our services encompass document filing, business licensing, accounting support, and facilitating bank account openings. Docman is committed to offering the most cost-effective UAE company formation packages available.
FAQ
Key benefits include:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Full ownership of the business without the need for a local sponsor
- Tax Exemptions: Exemption from corporate taxes, personal income taxes, and import/export duties
- Ease of Setup: Streamlined business registration and licensing procedures.
- Repatriation of Profits: Full repatriation of capital and profits
- World-Class Infrastructure: Access to modern facilities, including office spaces, warehouses, and logistics hubs
- Visa Eligibility: Eligibility for residence visas for employees and dependents
- No Currency Restrictions: Free zones have no restrictions on currency exchange
Business activities allowed in Free Zones typically include:
- Trading: Import, export, and re-export of goods
- Manufacturing: Production and assembly of goods within the Free Zone
- Services: Offering professional services such as consulting, IT, marketing, etc
- Media and Publishing: Media production, advertising, and publishing
- Technology: Software development, IT services, and innovation-driven businesses.
- Logistics: Warehousing, transportation, and distribution services
Consider the following factors when choosing a Free Zone:
- Business Activity: Ensure the Free Zone allows the type of business activity you plan to conduct
- Location: Proximity to key markets, ports, airports, or cities may influence your choice
- Cost: Compare the cost of setting up and operating in different Free Zones, including licensing fees and rental costs
- Facilities: Availability of office spaces, warehouses, and other facilities needed for your business
- Reputation: Some Free Zones are more established and have a strong reputation in certain industries
Some of the most well-known Free Zones include:
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): Located in Dubai, it is one of the largest and most established Free Zones, ideal for trading, logistics, and manufacturing
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Specializes in commodities trading, including gold, diamonds, and tea
- Dubai Internet City (DIC): Focuses on IT and technology companies
- Dubai Media City (DMC): Designed for media and creative industries
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): A financial Free Zone catering to banking, finance, and insurance sectors
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): RAKEZ Free Zone is Known for its cost-effectiveness and flexibility in various business activities
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone): Offers excellent logistics support and proximity to Sharjah International Airport
The general process involves:
- Choose a Free Zone: Select the Free Zone that best suits your business needs
- Select a Business Activity: Determine the type of business activities your company will conduct
- Choose a Company Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your company (e.g., Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), Branch)
- Submit Application and Documents: Provide the necessary documents, including passport copies, business plan, and proof of address
- Pay Fees: Pay the registration, licensing, and rental fees
- Obtain License: Once approved, you will receive your business license and can start operations
- Open Bank Account: Set up a corporate bank account in the UAE
- Apply for Visas: Apply for residence visas for employees and dependents
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE UAE THE DOCMAN WAY
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