Free Zones

​Overview

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United Arab Emirates has around 45 Free Trade Zones, with the majority located in Dubai where each Free Zone has its own independent rules and regulations. Most of the Free Zones in the UAE have been established with a focus on sectors like financial services, IT, trading of specific agricultural products, manufacturing of equipment, ports and logistics and telecom industry. Free Zones in the UAE differ with each other in their policies and the types of business resources they offer. This gives its entrepreneurs ready access to a hub of knowledge and expertise from others within their field. Free Zone entities do not require the involvement of UAE national shareholder and can set up wholly owned branches.   Each free zone has its own specific requirements with respect to share capital, office or warehouse space and permitted activities. The 3 main structures available in most Free Zones are as follows:

 

1. Free Zone Establishment (Single Shareholder)

2. Free Zone Company (Multiple Shareholders)

3. Branch of a foreign company or Representative Office

 

Benefits of Free Zones in UAE

 

• 100% foreign ownership

• 100% of profit and capital repatriation

• 0% Income and corporate tax

• No foreign Exchange control and free transfer of funds

• No import, export duties and custom duties

• Expat around the world can be hired

• A large pool of international skilled labour available

• Quick recruitment and visa application

• Best and latest infrastructure available

• Readymade warehouses and factories available

• English is widely spoken around the country

• Modern and latest communication tools

• Dubai airport accessible to over 270 destinations across the world

 

Premier Global Fiduciary Services DMCC is here to advise you how best to set up your business in Free Zones in Dubai or UAE and discuss all support services required. If you are interested in setting up a Free Zone company or for guidance and additional information, please feel free to contact us on contact@premier-dubai.com or call us on +97144696707. Know more about our Services.

 

FAQ

 

Is there a requirement to have a local sponsor in UAE to set up a Free Zone Company?

Free Zone company can be 100 % owned by foreigners and there is no requirement for local sponsor.

 

How long does it take to set up a company in UAE?

The set-up time frame depends on the types of companies, activities and free zone selected. It can take between 1 week to 6 weeks.
 

What is the process to set up a free zone company in UAE?

• Select free zone, activity and trade name

• Make application for licence online

• Choose office space (flexi deck/virtual office/serviced office/physical office)

• Get pre-approval

• Register your business

• Get your business licence

 

Does the manager required to reside in UAE?

Normally, yes, the manager is required to be resident in UAE as he/she will be the day-to-day point of contact in all matters. However, there are some free zones where the manager can be non-resident in UAE.

 

Do the directors and shareholders required to be resident in UAE?

No, they can be located anywhere in the world.

 

What is the minimum capital to set up a free zone company in UAE?

The minimum capital varies from AED 1,000 to AED 1,000,000 depending on the types of activities chosen. Most free zone and activities require a minimum capital if AED 50,000. The share capital can be used by the company after incorporation.