With over 40 free zones across UAE offering company formation solutions, it becomes challenging to figure out which free zone to set up your business in. Dubai offers more than 30 free zone and has some of the renowned free zones in the UAE. Dubai free zones offer world-class business amenities, flexible set ups options (flexi-desk and flexi-office).
While maintaining complete privacy with limited reporting requirements, foreign investors can own 100% of the share capital and are allowed to repatriate 100% the company’s profits. Investors can set up two types of free zone companies, a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and a Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO/FZ-LLC). The former allows for only one shareholder, while the latter provides for two or more shareholders. Or the option to set up a rep/branch office of a multinational company.
Our corporate team recognizes the need for specialist advice tailored to foreign investors who wish to establish in the UAE and is capable to advise you on the most suitable free zone option for your business in the UAE.
Set up in 1988, Ajman Free Zone is conveniently located near the Ajman port and the Dubai and Sharjah airports, ensuring easy inward and outward movement of products and transport. Ajman Free Zone offers customizable spaces that meet health, F&B and industrial business requirements. The free zone also provides offshore licenses for those looking to avail offshore company facilities. All in all, Ajman Free Zone offers efficient services for its clients with various business activities.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone was established in 2002 with the aim of bringing together healthcare services to the society, attracting the best of global and regional names. It also aimed to develop a network of businesses ranging from hospitality to consultancies, as well as retail outlets. The city currently hosts high-tech hospitals and medical teaching centers, upscale malls, and luxury hotels. Specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields can also apply for 10-year residency visas through Dubai Healthcare City.
Established in 2000, Dubai Internet City (DIC), provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to support the business development of information and communications technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East's biggest ICT infrastructure, built inside of a free trade zone. DIC’s partnership with in5 centers, allows for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups to make use of its incubation program in order to avail in5 benefits.
Established in 2000 as part of the TECOM Group, Dubai Media City (DMC) was set up to create a world-class environment for global and regional media companies as well as independent media professionals in the United Arab Emirates. Companies of every kind in Dubai Media City have been operating with collective synergy, including media and marketing services, printing and publishing, music, film, new media, leisure and entertainment, broadcasting and information agencies. DMC also offers Boutique Studios that are the perfect fit for TV stations and production companies, giving clients the option to rent an entire building which includes ground plus two floors.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was established in 2002, to provide the physical, market and financial infrastructure required to set up a commodity marketplace in Dubai. Some of the commodities DMCC permits with respect to trade are Gold, Precious Stones, Base Metals, Crypto and Coffee, to name a few. DMCC offers individuals and corporate entities the options to set up a new company, open a branch office and even transfer an existing business. Packages provided by DMCC are as follows:
Established in 2006, Dubai South Free Zone is an ideal area for company setup. It is part of a master-planned city centered around the new Al Maktoum International Airport, which is projected to be the world’ largest. Dubai South has a privileged location for import-export firms as goods can go from sea to air in just four hours due to its proximity to the Al Maktoum airport and the Jebel Ali Port along with a wide array of activities within the Aviation sector. Dubai South also consists of six dedicated areas serving the various types of e-commerce business needs such as last mile centers, e-fulfilment centers, repair & return centers, supply centers and office solutions.
Dubai’s integrated technology free zone, Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC), is the largest tech startup coworking campus in the Middle East. Located in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, DTEC is at the epicenter of entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. DTEC is a platform for corporates to engage with tech focused UAE startups in a win-win outcome with a set of programs that support corporates in their digital transformation. DTEC also offers access to venture capitalists and is home to industry specialized accelerators like Intelak and Dubai Smart City Accelerator. Thus, it is a prime choice for startups and entrepreneurs.
Established in 2015, Dubai World Trade Center Authority, (DWTC) provides an ideal environment for start-ups, SMEs, and large corporations. It is strategically situated in the heart of the city’s Central Business District at the Dubai Trade Center. DWTC provides different licenses for commercial, general trading, professional and event management activities. Due to its proximity to the Dubai International Financial District, it offers companies with great networking opportunities and allows them to benefit from a competitive and well-regulated ecosystem to compete even more effectively both locally and regionally.
Strategically situated within one of the UAE’s dynamic business gateways, IFZA Dubai is a single point of contact for all Free Zone business formation and administration services. Distinguished as the only B2B-focused Free Zone in the UAE, IFZA Dubai is also uniquely positioned as a knowledge hub through the IFZA Academy, the first institution of its kind in the region dedicated to providing the most reliable industry knowledge, skills and experience for the Free Zone industry.
Formed in 1995, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority offers warehouses, offices and even plots of land for individuals and corporates looking to set up businesses in the Free Zone. With 100% tax exemption from all export and import duties and 100% recruitment of expatriates, combined with 24/7 hotline and emergency services, SAIF Zone proves to be an ideal company formation solution for industrial and trading companies.
Having launched in 2017, Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and established businesses to set up companies with a special focus on media centric activities. However, SHAMS provides business solutions for industrial and trade related activities and has monthly promotional offers at feasible prices for anyone looking to incorporate.
Established in 2017, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the leading investment hubs in the UAE that offers customizable solutions to free zone, non-free zone businesses and branch offices. From freelancers and startups to SMEs and industrialists, RAKEZ’s multinational community is flourishing in over 50 industries. RAKEZ provides special promotions for women entrepreneurs and connects investors to growing markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe as well as South and Central Asia.
Established in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is wholly owned by the government of Dubai and supports foreign businesses by helping them establish their operations in Dubai. DAFZA is a dynamic business hub located at the very heart of global trade and offers a variety of business setup options (including office spaces, warehouses, light industrial units and food outlets) along with complete administrative assistance with regards to visas and other necessary documentation to ensure foreign businesses can enjoy hassle-free setup and operations.
Set up in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) aims to promote and facilitate the education sector in the UAE in order to develop a knowledge-based economy. DKP is one of two educational free zones in Dubai and is a unique hub that offers business activities in primarily the education and consultancy sector. Licenses issued under education segments require prior approval from the KHDA (Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority).
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) was established in 2002 and is a leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The DIFC is only one of two financial free zones in the UAE and contains a robust independent judicial system & regulatory framework, a global financial exchange and inspiring architecture. The DIFC district also features ultra-modern office space, retail outlets, cafes & restaurants, art galleries, public green areas and hotels, marking it as a location where business meets luxury. All financial activities conducted in or from the DIFC are regulated by an independent regulator called the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
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