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UAE Free Zones Company Formation

Free Zones Company Formation

Countries like the UAE promote business and foreign investments to boost the country’s economy. However, opening a business on the mainland can be somewhat challenging for foreign businesses. For this purpose, the UAE government created free zones for international businesses. This has significantly improved the ease of doing business and comes with many benefits.

What are free zones?

Free zones are special economic hubs created by the UAE government to allow foreign businesses to operate. These zones have special regulations and provide many economic advantages to businesses. Each zone caters to a specific category of industry. Businesses that follow the same category can apply to become a part of the free zone.

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How many types of free zones are there in the UAE?

There is a broad range of freezones easily accessible in the UAE. However, generally, there are 5 categories of free zones created for businesses. They are:

1.    General free zones

By providing a variety of licenses, these freezones cater to a broad range of industries. You can easily open and operate different types of businesses in these freezones as they are not industry-specific. Some of the common general free zones in the UAE are:

  • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): This zone is more focused on businesses working towards technology and innovation. Businesses related to technology can join it.
  • Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC): Although the name suggests that the zone accommodates businesses related to commodity trading, it also supports various other industries.
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): Jebel Ali Free Zone is another example of freezones that allow businesses of varying industries to operate.

2.    Industry-specific freezones

Industry-specific freezones allow easier management and also ensure a better ecosystem for businesses. By providing specialized facilities, these zones are an oasis for businesses. Some of the industry-specific freezones are:

  • Dubai Internet City (DIC): This zone is equipped with facilities and infrastructure tailored for the technology industry.
  • Dubai Media City (DMC): Businesses related to media can become a part of DMC. With all the relevant facilities and networking opportunities, it is great for media and advertising companies.
  • Dubai Design District (D3): D3 Freezone focuses on the design and fashion industries. It allows them to become productive by providing a canvas for creativity.

3.    Freezones for Small & Medium Enterprises

By providing lower costs, small enterprises also get to take full advantage of the ecosystem the UAE free zones have to offer. Zones that provide facilities to such businesses are:

  • RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ): This trade zone is an example of free zones that accommodate businesses across various industries. It provides flexible solutions that help businesses to grow.
  • Sharjah Publishing City (SPC): This zone for small and medium businesses is more focused on media industries. It provides adequate benefits to businesses that want to become a part of the free zone.

4.    Logistics and trade-free zones

Being located near major transport hubs, these freezones provide excellent facilities for logistical businesses. Examples of such freezones are as follows:

  • Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD): Providing easy access to Khalifa port, this zone is packed with facilities such as trade activities, logistics as well as industrial opportunities.
  • Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA): Located near Dubai Airport, DAFZA is one of the top contenders for companies providing logistic operations.

5.    Financial free zones

These freezones cater to the needs of the financial sector. You can take advantage of their facilities at the following freezones:

  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): This zone acts as an international financial sector by providing services for banking, asset management, etc.
  • Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC): DIFC is also a financial hub with a focus on services such as baking, finance, etc.

How many types of licenses can a business obtain in free zones?

Trading license

A trading license comes in handy for businesses that want to carry out import and export operations, etc.

Industrial license

Businesses that want to manufacture goods require an industrial license from the free zone authority.

Service license

Service licenses are given to businesses that want to provide some kind of service such as consultation, etc.

UAE Free Zones Company Formation

Steps to setting up a company in free zones in the UAE

1.    Select a free zone of your choice

Out of the many different free zones mentioned above, you can select one that is most suitable. You can make the process easier if you already know your business needs in advance.

2.    Determine business activity

Determine the activities your businesses will be engaged in regularly. This has to be in accordance with the free zone you choose.

3.    Submit application

Select a suitable name for the company and submit and submit an application by providing the necessary documents.

4.    Lease a space

After securing approval from the free zone authority, you can proceed to lease an office space for your business. This will come in handy to conduct daily office tasks and also create connections in the free zone of your choice.

5.    Apply for visa

Finally, you can apply for visas for owners as well as employees. This will be crucial for obtaining residence in the UAE.

How can free zones be beneficial for your business?

Packed with features and benefits, freezones can help boost your business. Usually, freezones can be beneficial for businesses in the following ways:

  1. Contrary to the mainland, free zones allow businesses to retain 100% foreign ownership as they don’t require a local partner.
  2. Free zones come with many tax exemptions that allow businesses to avoid import and export duties legally
  3. Freezones also don’t impose any personal income taxes on employees. This creates a more fruitful environment in the company.

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