How to Set-up Business in Dubai Freezones?

Are you looking to establish your business in the dynamic and thriving business landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Look no further! With our expert guidance and streamlined processes, setting up your company in the UAE freezone has never been easier.

Why Choose a Freezone Business Setup in the UAE?

  • 100% Foreign Ownership

  • Complete repatriation of capital and profits

  • No restrictions on trade

  • World-Class Infrastructure

Dive into Freezone Business Ownership Starting from just AED 5750*

Take advantage of the incredible opportunities in the UAE's vibrant freezone landscape. Connect with UAE's best business setup consultancy, Dhanguard, to embark on your journey towards establishing a successful business presence in the heart of the Middle East.

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Business Setup in Freezone

STARTING FROM AED 5,750*

  • Fully owned by foreign investors
  • Financial incentives
  • 100% profit repatriation
  • Exemption from Corporate Tax
  • Exemption from Value Added Tax

STARTING FROM AED 5,750*

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Freezone Business Setup in UAE

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a thriving hub for businesses, offering unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. One of the most attractive options for establishing a business in the UAE is through the Freezone Company setup. 

Freezone business setup in the UAE offers entrepreneurs a streamlined pathway to establish and operate their ventures with numerous advantages. These specialized economic zones provide foreign investors full ownership of their businesses, tax exemption, and simplified regulations, fostering a business-friendly environment. Additionally, freezones often offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, access to world-class facilities, and proximity to major transportation hubs, enhancing connectivity and efficiency. This article delves into the Freezone business setup in the UAE, exploring its benefits, procedures, and key considerations for entrepreneurs.

Why Should You Start a Business in the United Arab Emirates?

It doesn't get much better than the United Arab Emirates if you want to establish a new business in a flourishing economy. The country is regarded as one of the most important economic hubs in the Middle East. 

There are seven emirates in the UAE, each with advantages for setting up a business on the mainland, in a free zone, or offshore.

Dubai

Dubai is regarded as the UAE's financial capital. The Emirate's main sectors include real estate, trade, tourism, and financial services. In addition, the Emirate has approximately 30 Free Zones, each offering tax exemptions and property ownership incentives.

Sharjah

Sharjah is a fantastic place to start a business in the United Arab Emirates. Without the hefty price tag, you'll receive all the benefits of a big city. Over the last few years, the area has seen enormous technological, artistic, and cultural expansion.

Abu Dhabi

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. The city is noted for its luxury and is one of the wealthiest in the UAE. This area's primary industries are real estate, industrial development, and tourism.

Ajman

Ajman lies in a fantastic location at the Arabian Gulf's entrance. Business owners may access significant cities, four ports, and two international airports from this area. Manufacturing, retail, and service industries are all popular in this Emirate.

Fujairah

Fujairah is the country's fifth-largest Emirate. It is a hotspot for import and export enterprises because it possesses a seaport and an airport. It is also the only Emirate in the Arabian Gulf, making it well-connected to other important cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is only 45 minutes from Dubai. Its Free Zones are the closest to China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States in the Far East.

Umm Al Quwain

This up-and-coming state is close to Dubai and Sharjah, making it ideal for international travel. Umm Al Quwain is regarded as one of the most cost-effective Emirates for establishing a business in the UAE, with a simple registration process.

Not only are there seven growing places in the UAE to choose from for business setup, but there is also a long list of advantages to doing business here.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why entrepreneurs from all over the world choose to set up shop in the UAE:

  • Growing economy

  • No foreign exchange controls

  • Access to a diversified economy

  • Modern facilities and infrastructure

  • Free zone benefits

  • Flexible government regulations

Freezone Business Setup

Freezone business setup in the UAE provides businesses a competitive edge through its simplified incorporation process and efficient licensing procedures. With dedicated authorities overseeing each freezone, entrepreneurs benefit from specialized support and guidance to their industry. 

Companies operating within freezones can benefit from unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital. With a diverse range of industries catered to, from technology and finance to logistics and manufacturing, freezones in the UAE attract global investors seeking growth opportunities in the dynamic Middle Eastern market. This strategic positioning and supportive government initiatives make the freezone business setup compelling for those looking to establish a thriving enterprise in the UAE.

Critical Benefits of Freezone Business Setup in the UAE

The benefits of Freezone Business Setup in the UAE include:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike mainland companies, Freezone entities allow entrepreneurs to retain full ownership of their businesses, providing autonomy and control over operations.

  • Tax Incentives: Freezone companies are typically exempt from corporate and personal income taxes for extended periods, contributing to significant cost savings and enhanced profitability.

  • Access to Global Markets: Freezone businesses benefit from strategic geographic positioning, facilitating easy access to international markets through world-class infrastructure and logistics facilities.

  • Repatriation of Capital and Profits: Investors can repatriate 100% of their capital and profits without restrictions, ensuring financial flexibility and liquidity.

  • Uncomplicated company formation: The processes in a free zone are easy. You may complete the licensing formalities faster than in other countries, simplifying business setup operations.

  • No limitations on currency: The procedure of conducting business for entrepreneurs is made simpler by eliminating any currency limitations in UAE free zones, which indicates that any form of money may be used without restriction.

How to Start a Business in the United Arab Emirates?

Foreign investors who want to set up businesses in the UAE must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Choose the company's organizational structure.

  • Apply for a residence permit (if applicable).

  • The company name will be held in reserve.

  • Submit an application for a business license.

  • Obtain the company's legal address.

  • Obtain work licenses for international workers (if required).

Connect with Dhanguard to handle your licensing needs. Our dedicated team will manage every step of the process, from submitting your application to obtaining the necessary license. Additionally, we provide ongoing support, including assistance with corporate tax registration to visa services. Trust us to take care of all the details, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives with peace of mind.

To register a corporation in the Dubai freezones, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

  • Most free zones allow for single or multiple owners, and the number of shareholders determines the freezone company's corporate form.

  • The Memorandum and Articles of Association documents are required to register a free zone corporation.

  • The amount of money needed to start a free zone firm is determined by the Dubai free zone authorities (each free zone has its regulations).

  • Regardless of whatever Dubai free zone a company chooses, it must apply for a Trade license based on the activities it plans to do.

Types of businesses in Dubai's Free zones

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) and Free Zone Establishment (FZE) are two types of entities commonly used for business setup within free zones.

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)

  • FZ LLC is a legal entity formed within a free zone in the UAE.

  • It operates under the regulations and guidelines the respective free zone authority sets.

  • It offers limited liability to its shareholders, meaning their assets are protected in case of business debts or liabilities.

  • Shareholders of an FZ LLC can be individuals or corporate entities, and the minimum required number of shareholders varies depending on the free zone.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

  • An FZE is similar to an FZ LLC but typically involves a single shareholder.

  • It is also established within a free zone with the same benefits of limited liability.

  • FZE allows sole entrepreneurs or corporate entities to create a free zone presence.

  • The shareholder of an FZE can be an individual or a corporate entity, depending on the regulations of the specific free zone.

Both FZ LLC and FZE are popular choices for foreign investors looking to establish a presence in the UAE due to the various advantages offered by free zones. These advantages often include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, repatriation of profits, and ease of doing business.
Each free zone in the UAE may have its own set of rules, regulations, and requirements for setting up these entities, making it essential for investors to conduct thorough research or seek professional assistance from Dhanguard during the setup process.


Why Start your Freezone Business with Dhanguard?

We can assist you with company formation or provide additional free zone company registration details. 

We can handle every step, including deciding on a business activity and name, setting up a firm, registering with the appropriate authorities, opening corporate bank accounts quickly, and processing visa applications. Here are a few more reasons to choose us:

  • Expertise: With experience in freezone company setups in Dubai, UAE, we possess the knowledge and expertise to guide you through every stage of the setup process, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing efficiency.

  • Customized Solutions: We understand that every business is unique, so we offer customized solutions according to your specific requirements, whether you're a startup, SME, or multinational corporation.

  • End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to post-setup support, we provide comprehensive assistance at every stage of your journey, allowing you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.

Start your Freezone company in the UAE

Freezone business setup in the UAE presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a presence in the dynamic Gulf region. With its investor-friendly policies, strategic location, and robust infrastructure, the UAE Freezones offer a conducive environment for business growth, innovation, and global expansion.

At Dhanguard, we understand that setting up a business in a UAE-free zone can be difficult, which is why we're here to make it as stress-free as possible. Our expert team will take care of all the complex processes involved in free zone company setup in Dubai, ensuring that you can focus on building your business. From the legal requirements to securing necessary permits and licenses, we handle it all. And it doesn't end once your company is established – we provide ongoing support (such as VAT services, Bank Account Opening, Corporate tax etc.)  to ensure your success in the competitive free zone market. So whether you're looking to establish a free zone company in the UAE or anywhere else in the region, count on Dhanguard to be your trusted partner every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Freezone company is a business entity established in specific zones in the UAE that offers various benefits and incentives to foreign investors.

Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, no import/export duties, and simplified company registration.

Over 40 Freezones across the UAE, each catering to specific industries.

Generally, Freezone companies must work within the respective Freezone they are registered in.

Activities vary by Freezone, but they usually cover industries like technology, finance, media, healthcare, and more.

UAE residents can also establish Freezone companies, but the benefits may differ.

The timeline varies but can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on documentation and approvals.

Capital requirements differ among Freezones, and some do not have any minimum capital requirements.

Yes, Freezone companies can own property within or in designated areas.

Yes, Freezone companies can sponsor employees for residency visas.

A Freezone Authority is the governing body overseeing operations and regulations within a specific Freezone.

Freezone companies enjoy exemption from customs duties on imported/exported goods within the Freezone.

Yes, Freezone companies can conduct international trade without any restrictions.

Freezones cater to specific industries, so the options depend on the Freezone.

Yes, Freezone companies can open bank accounts within the UAE for business transactions.

Freezone companies and their employees are typically exempt from personal income tax.

Freezone companies may only sometimes be eligible for government tenders, as some projects are reserved for mainland companies.

Freezone companies are primarily established in the UAE but can explore opportunities to expand internationally.