Freezones are special economic areas wherein there are less restrictions compared to mainland and goods can be produced, imported, or exported without paying any taxes. Office spaces are also not mandatory for freezones. These profitable aspects make these zones a popular destination for foreign entrepreneurs. Currently, there are more than 50 free zones in the UAE. Every freezone is regulated by that specific free zone authority.
Freezone Business Setup
Dubai Freezone Business Setup &
Company Formation
Dubai Freezone Jurisdiction Recommendations
IFZA
Strategically located in Dubai, International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a popular freezone in UAE that offers world-class access to global markets and provides the perfect infrastructure to foreign entrepreneurs for conducting their business. IFZA has a quick and easy incorporation and offers a wide variety of license options and business activities that are ideal for your needs. At IFZA businesses can also benefit from a safe and business-friendly legal framework for licenses.
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
With direct access to the worldโs busiest international airport, DAFZA was established in 1996 as part of the plan of developing economic free zones. Today it is one of the fastest growing free zones in the region. This freezone offers a business-focused regulatory and tax-free environment that offers total ownership, full repatriation of earnings and a range of world-class facilities.
JAFZA Free Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the flagship free zone of DP World. Currently, this freezone houses 9,500+ businesses, production houses, storage units and berth to numerous shipping lines contributing significantly to the GDP of the country. It is located alongside the regionโs largest deep seaport in Jebel Ali.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone (DMCC)
DMCC is the most interconnected free zone in the world, and a renowned trading and enterprise hub. Located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers district of Dubai, this freezone is crowned eight times โGlobal Free Zone of the Yearโ by the Financial Times fDi magazine. DMCC is known for its worldclass infrastructure and easy connectivity to air, sea, and road links to the world.
DWC Free Zone or Dubai World Central Free Zone
DWC Free Zone is a leading global centre for business, trade, and technology. Strategically located in the Central Business District, it is an ideal ecosystem for startups, SMEs, and multinational companies.
Sharjah Media City Free Zone
Sharjah Media City is one of the most sought-after freezones of creative and media businesses. There are more than 120 activities available in this freezone and you can combine multiple activities in your license.
Hamriyah Free Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone is the second largest industrial free zone in UAE. Located in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, this free zone provides cost-effective company incorporation services and is known for its state-of-the art infrastructure, logistics and investor connectivity.
Ajman Media City Free Zone
Ajman Media City Free Zone was formed to act as catalyst for creative and media businesses to grow and thrive. It is a newly established free zone in Ajman, UAE. Ajman Media City freezone provides a wide range of benefits, including low incorporation costs and a business-friendly environment for individuals as well as enterprises.
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone (AFZA)is a free trade zone strategically located near Ajman Airport. It is home to numerous trading, health, food, and beverage companies. Ajman Free Zone has low operational costs, skilled workforce, and provides easy requirements for establishing companies apart from offering customised packages for individuals as well as enterprises.
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is a reputed business and industrial hub. This licensing authority that offers customisable business setup solutions to more than 50 sectors.
SAIF โ Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Founded in 1996, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and is one of the most wanted free zones in the UAE that comes with a wide range of benefits for new businesses. Company Formation in SAIF Zone is ideal for all forms of businesses, which require fast and hassle-free working environment.
Dubai Media City Free Zone
Known to be โThe capital of Arab Mediaโ in 2020, Dubai Media City Free Zone houses the largest global and local media brands. It offers an advanced infrastructure and supportive environment for media-related businesses to operate in and out of Dubai.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
Formed in 2003, Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone is the epicentre of electronic research, innovation, and development. It is known to be the best IT and technology free zones in Dubai. Sprawling over an area of 7.2 square kilometres, this free zone is located in Nadd Hessa, near the intersection of DubaiโAl-Ain Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Dubai Internet City Free Zone
Formed in 1999, Dubai Internet City (DIC) has become the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Park of Middle East and Northern Africa. This free zone located in the heart of New Dubai has around 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space, in which over 1,400 companies with over 10,000 employees are based.
Dubai Knowledge Park Free Zone
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), formerly known as Dubai Knowledge Village, was founded in 2003. The main goal of this freezone is to develop the talent pool in the UAE and promote the region as a knowledge-based economy. It is the worldโs sole free zone specialized in human resource management and learning excellence.
ADGM โ Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a financial free zone located in Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. It is of the worldโs most advanced financial hubs, known for its easy legal framework, court system, excellent infrastructure, and tax-friendly policies.
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone is solely aimed at facilitating the growth of SMEs and micro-businesses, that may benefit from low set-up costs, 100% company ownership and zero currency restrictions. Strategically located near the UAE’s main seaports, this freezone is just one hour drive from Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.
Steps For Setting Up A Dubai Freezone Company
1. Choose the Right Free Zone
There are more than 60 Free Zones in Dubai, each serving different industries and business activities. Select the right free zone based on your business requirement.
2. Select Your Company Structure and Legal Form
After selecting the right freezone, decide your companyโs structure and legal form. Few legal forms of Dubai Free Zone companies include:
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Branch of a foreign or local company
Each legal form has its specific requirements, therefore consult with the right business setup expert to determine the best option for your business.
3. Apply for a Trade License
After selecting the company structure and legal form, you may need to apply for a trade license. The type of license varies depending on your business activity. Few trade licenses in Dubai Free Zones include:
- Commercial License
- Industrial License
- Professional License
Submit the relevant documents, such as a business plan, passport copies, and a duly filled application form, to the concerned Free Zone authority.
4. Select Office Space
Based on the business requirements, select from different office space choices such as:
- Flexi-desk or co-working spaces
- Executive offices
- Warehouses or industrial units
Make sure that the selected office space meets the freezoneโs minimum space requirements.
5. Register Your Company
Submit the following documents to the concerned freezone authority to register your company.
- Completed registration form
- Shareholdersโ passport copies
- Board resolution appointing a manager
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
Benefits of Company Formation in Dubai Freezones
100% ownership for foreign investors
No import and export duties
100% tax exemption
Exemption on corporate tax for 15 years,
Flexibility for activities & bank accounts
Fewer renewal charges
How can Polestar Advisory Services
Assist You to Register a
Freezone Company in Dubai?
Polestar Advisory Services guarantees its customers the most authentic and effective consultation with a detailed timeline. We offer business setup services in all freezones across the UAE. When setting up your UAE free zone company with Polestar Advisory Services, you can make sure that you are taking the right decision that suits you and your business activity. Contact us for a free consultation. Our expert team is happy to assist you with all the details.