Business Setup in Dubai Freezones

Strategic Locations:

Many freezones are situated close to essential ports, airports, and transit hubs to promote effective logistics and international trade.

Custom Benefits:

Reduced import and export tariffs and simplified customs processes increase the effectiveness and affordability of international trade within freezones.

Specialised Sectors:

Many freezones are tailored to specific industries, providing infrastructure and services to support technology, healthcare, media, and finance businesses.

Full profit repatriation:

Companies operating in freezones can repatriate all their profits to their home country, allowing them to transfer 100% of their capital back to their country of origin without any requirements.

Tax incentives:

There is no tax imposed on personal income. Additionally, there are corporate tax exemptions for businesses too.

Modern Infrastructure:

The UAE is renowned for its spectacular and modern infrastructure. A key component contributing to this reputation is the establishment of freezones, which serve as hubs for innovation and economic growth. These zones provide access to advanced infrastructure, warehouses, and modern office spaces.

Global expansion:

Ideal location of freezones make it perfect launchpad for reaching out the international markets. This presents the opportunities to make a global brand.

Networking opportunities:

The developed business communities filled with top brands, MNCs, and giants, presents the opportunity to network with them and increase your reach.

• Trade name list
• A list of business activities
• A copy of the shareholders' passport 
• Visa page or entry stamp
• A passport-sized photo taken according to UAE guidelines (size, backdrop colour, etc.)
• Attested copies of the registration certificate, incorporation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
• Tenancy contract
• Business plan
• Bank reference

You can trust Dubiz Business Setup for entire documentation clearance for your business setup in Dubai freezones while you focus on your goals!

Choose business operations:

First, you must determine the operations for your business. With more than 2,000 business activities permitted, there are many industries thriving in Dubai.

Select your ideal freezone:

There are more than 30 options in the list of freezones in Dubai that offer a conducive environment for businesses operating in various sectors. For your business, you may first choose the one that offers the business license you need, along with other factors like cost, available facilities, etc.

Determine the legal structure of your company:

Next, you must choose the legal form of your business. You can start a sole establishment, a freezone limited liability company, or a branch, or some other form as may be available.

Select a trade name:

You must secure initial approval from the respective freezone authority to go ahead with Dubai freezone business setup.

Secure a workspace:

You can choose from rented space, purchase space, or go for co-working spaces as well. Besides that, many licenses, such as an e-commerce license in Dubai, allow you to operate virtually as well.

Submit the license application:

Fill in and submit the application for the UAE trade license with the respective freezone authority. You will also need to submit certain documents like your business plan, passport, passport photographs, lease contract, articles of company, etc. You will also clear any license fees.

License approval and issuance:

Once your license application is reviewed and approved by the respective authority, your Dubai freezone license will be issued to you successfully.

Bank account and visa:

The final step in business setup in Dubai freezones would be to open a business bank account in the name of the firm. Along with that, you must also get the Dubai freezone visa as needed.

Business structures in UAE freezones

There are multiple types of business structures in UAE allowed in freezones. Choosing the right structure becomes essential as it impacts business operations, tax liability, and control mechanisms. Here are some business structures available for business setup in Dubai freezones:

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC):

Also known as a freezone company, a Free Zone Limited Liability Company provides benefits to shareholders by protecting their assets against company liabilities. The shareholders' liability is limited to the shares and assets they own in the company, with the maximum number of shareholders being 50.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE):

A Free Zone Establishment is a sole proprietorship model where a single person can start and control a business. It is ideal for those who want to run the company entirely on their own terms with complete freedom.

Branch/Representative Office:

Already existing companies can expand their business to freezones and set up branches or representative offices there. The existing company can be either a local or a foreign entity.

Some popular freezone license options in UAE

Freezones offer a wide range of trade licenses. Here are some popular types and subtypes of licenses available for freezone business setup in UAE:

Commercial License:

Ideal for those involved in buying and selling goods and commodities, such as exporters, importers, retailers, and wholesalers.

Industrial License:

Suitable for manufacturing and industrial activities, including businesses like textile and food manufacturing companies in UAE.

Service License:

For businesses looking to trade in a wide range of goods and products, including import and export business in Dubai.

E-Commerce License:

E-commerce license is perfect for entrepreneurs entering the digital space to sell products online through websites, apps, social media, and more.

Freelance License:

Ideal for independent professionals and freelancers offering services in fields like IT, marketing, web development, and more on a client-to-client basis without being tied to employment.

Consultancy License:

Best suited for professionals offering advisory services, such as legal consultants, accountants, and business advisors.

Manufacturing License:

Perfect for businesses involved in the production of goods, commodities, and other items.

Note: Each type of freezone business license has different requirements, and not all free zones provide the same types of licenses. To determine the type needed for your freezone business setup in Dubai, please contact our experts.