GET YOUR FREE ZONE COMPANY RIGHT

With over 50 free zones in the UAE, how do you know which one is best for you? Setting up in the right free zone will position your business for success.

Freezone Company Formation Dubai
UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONE COMPANY FORMATION

Free Zone Business set
up in Dubai

With more than 45 diverse Free Zones available in the UAE, each with distinct setup costs, permitted business activities, facility options, and shared capital requirements, the task of choosing the ideal one can be daunting.

That’s where we come in, dedicated to saving you valuable time and money by guiding you towards the most suitable Free Zone that aligns with your business objectives, visa and office needs, and investment budget.

At 1Pro Centre DMCC, our expert team thoroughly evaluates all factors to ensure the seamless growth of your business and recommends the optimal location for registering your venture in the UAE.

UAE FREE ZONE EXPLAINED

More Than 40 Multidisciplinary Free Zones in the UAE

Freezone areas refer to specific business zones where both corporate and personal income taxes are reduced to 0%. The selection of a suitable free zone relies on several factors, including the nature and type of business, office space options in terms of size and flexibility, location preferences, and pricing considerations.

When it comes to Dubai freezone company setup, acquiring a business license is comparatively simpler and quicker than the offshore and mainland options, provided you have the appropriate guidance from experts. Ultimately, the decision to establish a business in a UAE-free zone hinges entirely on the type of business you intend to establish.

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Companies registered in the UAE Free Zones
Best UAE Free Zones

Discover the Best and Most Reputable UAE Free Zones

At 1Pro Centre DMCC, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and expertise to our valued customers. As a testament to this commitment, we have cultivated an extensive network of trusted partners, encompassing renowned UAE Free Zones, esteemed local and international banks, and a wide range of service providers. This robust network is designed to support and guide you in establishing a thriving business in the UAE, ensuring your path to success is paved with reliable and reputable resources.
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ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONES

Benefits of Free Zones for Foreign Investors

The following are some of the benefits of establishing a company in a free zone:

100% Foreign Ownership

100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits

Fast and Easy Business Set-up Procedures

Developed Business Communities

Numerous Options at Competitive Costs

100% Exemption from Corporate and Income Taxes

100% Exemption from Customs Duty

Independent Laws and Regulations

Easy Regional, Global Market Access

Modern and Sophisticated Infrastructure

Free Zone company formation

How to register a UAE Free Zone company

Initiating a business in any UAE Free Zone entails completing three key steps: acquiring your business license, obtaining your UAE Residence Visa, and opening a corporate bank account.

When executed with careful planning, the entire process of setting up your business should typically span between 1 to 4 weeks. It is mandatory for every company operating within a UAE Free Zone to secure a business license, also referred to as a trade license. This license remains valid for one year from the date of issuance and requires annual renewal.

Certain UAE Free Zones necessitate a minimum paid-up share capital during the Free Zone company formation. The specific amount of share capital required varies depending on the individual requirements of each Free Zone.

To facilitate your preparation for the business registration process, we invite you to explore the fundamental steps involved in establishing a company within the esteemed DMCC, widely regarded as one of the best UAE Free Zones.

Step by step guide

Setting up a business in UAE in simple 8 steps

Select a license type and business activity

Within each Free Zone, regulations regarding the inclusion of multiple activities in a single license may vary. However, a common rule across all Free Zones is that commercial activities cannot be combined with service activities under one license. As a result, any operations related to trading should be conducted under a Trading/Commercial License, while the provision of services should be covered by a separate Service License.

Choose a Free Zone

Every UAE Free Zone maintains its own set of permissible activities that can be conducted within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, the available facilities and visa quotas may differ from one Free Zone to another. Consequently, seeking professional consultation during this stage is strongly advised to select the most suitable Free Zone for your business.

Freezone Company Formation Consultant

Select a corporate structure

The available corporate structure options include: establishing a New Company with individual shareholder(s), forming a Subsidiary Company with corporate shareholder(s), creating a Joint Venture Company with a combination of individual and corporate shareholders, or setting up a Branch of either a Local or Foreign Company. It is worth noting that certain business activities may be exclusively permitted for Branch Companies. Therefore, it is advisable to verify this information with the Free Zone of your preference.

Select the trade name & prepare documents

List of company name options, with three preferred names listed in order of priority, and compile the necessary document checklist as required by the selected Free Zone. For the formation of a new company, the standard documents typically include a passport, visa, and Emirates ID (if applicable), as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for UAE Residents (specific to certain Free Zones), proof of residential address, and a professional CV. It is important to note that the document requirements for registering a Branch company may differ to some extent.

Apply for initial approval

The initial approval process generally encompasses the endorsement of the company name, the selected business activities, and the proposed company structure.

Sign legal documents for company incorporation

After successfully obtaining the initial approval, it is necessary to schedule a meeting with a representative from the Free Zone, either in person or through a video call. In certain cases, this requirement can be bypassed by appointing a representative through a Power of Attorney and providing notarized documents. During the meeting, the passports of the shareholders and/or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) will be verified, and various documents, including the Articles of Association (ADA), Board Resolution, and Specimen Signature Form, will be signed.
Freezone Company Formation

Freezone Company Formation Team

Establish business location

In order to proceed to the final stage of licensing, it is essential to secure a commercial property within the chosen Free Zone for your company. Once you have identified a suitable option, you will be required to sign a Tenancy Contract for a minimum duration of one year and obtain the Ajara Certificate. Both the Tenancy Contract and Ajara Certificate need to be submitted to the Free Zone authorities, as they will be used to issue your license with the address specified in the Tenancy Contract. Depending on the type of facility you choose, such as a flexi-desk business centre office, physical office, warehouse, or retail space, there may be additional documents required. For instance, an AOFC Certificate from Concordia or Third-Party Liability Insurance might be needed.

Collect business license

Upon signing the registration documents, securing all necessary approvals, and completing the required payments, the license will be issued in conjunction with other essential corporate documents.

How can we help?

Freezone license FAQ

Here are a few of the common ones that we get, along with answers to the questions. Contact us if any of your questions are not answered here.
What is a Freezone license in Dubai?

By obtaining a Freezone license in Dubai, companies gain the privilege to conduct their operations within a specifically designated economic zone. This advantageous license grants benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined import/export procedures.

How long does it take to set up and register a Dubai free zone company?
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • No Trade Barriers
  • Higher
  • Confidentiality
  • Exemptions From Corporate Taxes and Import Charges
Why Choose Freezone over other options?

The choice of company setup depends on your specific requirements and those of your business. You have several options available, including establishing your company as a Sole Establishment (equivalent to a Sole Proprietorship), a Limited Liability Partnership, a Limited Liability Company, a Private Limited Company, or a Professional Services Company. Additionally, you can opt to set up your company on the mainland, within a free zone (where limited liability company structures are permitted), or offshore.

What kind of company structure should I choose?

For enterprises operating in the UAE Freezones engaged in the trade of physical goods, they are exclusively allowed to conduct worldwide trade either with other Freezone businesses or by collaborating with a third-party distributor (local service agent) to engage in business activities with the mainland.

Can Freezone companies trade with mainland companies?

Companies operating within the UAE Freezones, involved in the trading of tangible goods, are restricted to conducting their trade globally and exclusively with other Freezone businesses. Alternatively, they have the option to collaborate with a third-party distributor (local service agent) in order to carry out business activities on the mainland.

What is a Freezone license in Dubai?

Obtaining a Freezone license in Dubai grants companies the opportunity to operate within a specifically designated economic zone, providing advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined import/export procedures.

What are the benefits of a Freezone license and free zone company formation?

Freezone licenses provide numerous benefits, including complete foreign ownership, exemption from personal and corporate taxes, the ability to repatriate 100% of capital and profits, and simplified administrative procedures.