Start Your Business in Dubai Free Zone
Seamless Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones
Expert guidance is all you need to get on the right track and get your company setup. Learn about the steps and the process of having a successful business in Dubai’s free zone jurisdiction.
Introduction to Dubai Free zone
Dubai has become a bustling business hub in recent years, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the globe. Its prime location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it the perfect gateway to access a vast market of more than 2 billion people.
Dubai free zones are well-known for their favorable to business atmosphere, which draws investors and budding entrepreneurs from all over the world. Business setup in free zones provides several benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified processes.
What is Dubai Free Zone License?
The Dubai Free Zone License is necessary for you to start your business in one of the Dubai free zones. The license is supervised by the respective free zone authorities. These free zones help promote trade and investment.
To obtain a Fee zone license in Dubai, businesses must follow certain procedures and adhere to special criteria. Often, this involves finding the best location for the autonomy of their businesses, submitting the necessary paperwork, and paying reasonable fees. The most reliable locations provide a one-stop shop for company registration, visa processing and other administrative services, making the business setup in Dubai free zones easier and more efficient overall.
What Are The Different Legal Entities in Dubai Free Zone?
It is important to decide the legal structure of your business before you start the business setup in any of the Dubai free zones.
Free Zone Company (FZ Co.)
You can have several shareholders in your firm after setting up a FZCO (a maximum of 5 shareholders). The characteristics of a business with FZCO business entity are as follows:
- It gives adaptable means of protection against debts and other personal responsibilities.
- It also provides a number of other advantages, including the flexibility to conduct business in any of Dubai’s and the UAE’s free zones.
- Furthermore, FZCO does not have any limits on the number of visas.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
The FZE is a free zone establishment, which indicates that your firm can have just one stakeholder. The characteristics of setting up a FZE business are as follows:
- Restricted access for company operation in Dubai and the UAE.
- There are limits on the number of visas that you can sponsor.
- You are responsible for the gain or the loss that your company goes through.
Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Free Zone
There are six different types of business licenses available in the UAE, as well as the requirements for getting them.
- Commercial license – It is one of the most common types of business licenses. If your business deals with buying and selling goods, you should opt for this license.
- Industrial license – If you have a business that requires manufacturing, then this is the license you should opt for.
- Professional license – Companies providing professional services such as legal, accounting, etc require this license.
- Consultancy license – Open a legal, business, financial or management consultancy with this license.
- Service License – This license allows you to provide repair, cleaning, technical or maintenance services.
- General trading license– You can take part in a variety of trade operations and services.
Types of Free Zones in Dubai
Below is a list of all the key free zone authorities that allow Dubai free zone company registration.
In Dubai, there are over 20 different types of free zones, all of which
give investors trading, service, and industrial permits. One of the largest contributors to the GDP of the city of Dubai are the free zones. They provide significant business flexibility and a variety of trading options.
Below is a list of all the key free zone authorities that allow Dubai free zone company registration.
In Dubai, there are over 20 different types of free zones, all of which give investors trading, service, and industrial permits. One of the largest contributors to the GDP of the city of Dubai are the free zones. They provide significant business flexibility and a variety of trading options.
01
DMCC Free Zone (Dubai Multi Commodities Center) – The DMCC Free Zone is the gateway to unmatched business opportunities that can help you grow your company. More than 21,000 enterprises from a variety of industries call it home.
02
Meydan Free Zone – Since its establishment in 2010, Meydan has drawn the interest of several international investors. It is a creative idea with limitless potential for companies seeking to thrive in Dubai.
03
DWC (Dubai World Central Free Zone) – Often referred to as Dubai South Free Zone, DWC provides superior logistics and connectivity to empower enterprises and support their expansion in a sustainable environment.
04
Dubai Internet City Free Zone – Give your company a competitive advantage with Dubai Internet City. The most creative free zones for IT entrepreneurs and investors are located in DIC, which is Dubai’s top technology centre.
05
Dubai Commerce City – It is the first free trade zone in the UAE created to address the business infrastructure needs of eCommerce enterprises. It caters to the enterprises operating in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and South Asian markets.
06
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) –The IFZA free zone company setup guarantees a practical and well-planned business structure with access to international markets. One of the most well-liked free zone options in Dubai.
07
Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) – Expand your company in Dubai’s biggest free zone. As a flagship free zone, Jebel Ali Free Zone provides more than 8700 firms from various industries with limitless business options.
08
Dubai Airport Free Zone – Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is a thriving commercial destination for international investors. It serves approximately 2000 registered companies across more than 20 different industries. Establish your company in one of Dubai’s most prominent districts.
09
Dubai Media City – DMC Free Zone is a thriving media center in Dubai that provides countless prospects for growth and maximum business opportunities in Dubai Free zones
10
Dubai South- Dubai South has Al Maktoum International Airport as the center of the city. It has created new prospects for many industries to establish enterprises at low cost.
Types of Business Activities in Dubai Free Zone
Free zones are the best locations for company setup since they provide a range of activities for your business needs. Some of the activities are:
- E- Commerce
- Import Export
- Crypto, Blockchain, NFT
- Trading
- Services (Marketing, IT, Consultancy, Business Management)
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Media and entertainment
- Education
It’s important to keep in mind that each free zone may have different restrictions on the types of business activities that can operate there and that companies must abide by such rules and laws in order to operate there.
Documents Required for Dubai Free Zone Company Formation
Documents and paperwork must be kept handy before the establishment of a Dubai Free Zone company. So, the entrepreneur will need to deliver some documents and get them approved by the concerned authority.
Passport and Visa Photocopies
Applicant has to submit the passport and visa copies at the time of registering their company under freezone license.
Passport size photographs
Along with passport copy and visa papers, a clear passport size photographs of all the shareholders are required.
Detailed business plan
Before proceeding with any further query, a full proof detailed blueprint of the business plan should be prepared beforehand.
Address proof documents
Residential proof needs to be submitted at the time of business setup for freezone license.
Approvals required
Any kind of required approvals on the documents from the concerned authorities should be settled.
Additional documents if any
Any kind of additional document which can influence the business setup should be submitted when required.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
A free zone is a designated area where foreign companies can establish business and benefit from advantages including tax exemptions, customs benefits, and simplified processes.
Setting up your firm in a free zone has several benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, tax breaks, simplified startup processes, and better access to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Depending on the nature of your organisation, there are many licensing categories available, including commercial, industrial, and service licenses.
It can take anywhere between one and two weeks, depending on the kind of business you're starting and the free zone you choose.
Yes! The majority of free zones provide a range of workplace choices, including fully equipped offices and flexi- desks.
You can. Several free zones collaborate with regional banks, which helps facilitate the procedure.