Company Formation
The idea behind the creation of “free zones” globally was to build a model which encourages economic activity i.e. provision of key benefits so that entrepreneurs and multinational firms establish and freely conduct their business in free zone. Dubai free zones are the most favorable locations in the Middle East for international operations as they offer complete ownership to a foreign investor, zero taxation and customs privileges.
Unlike mainland’s heavy constitution and operating requirements for businesses such as appointment of UAE national local sponsor – Dubai free zones’ policies and timeframe for new business setup is way lighter and quicker as documentation work and administrative requirements are minimal and there is no need to appoint local service agent to obtain license.
The company setup in the free zone areas is not subject to UAE Commercial Companies Law. Dubai Free Zone Companies are considered to be outside the jurisdiction of UAE, and are operated under the rules and regulations of respective free zone authority.
Dubai houses more than 20 free zones . Each Free Zone registers companies according to its own line of business and each one of them has a different set of requirements, cost and legal structure. Selecting the right jurisdiction depends on short term and long term objective of the business and cost difference.
Company Formation
There are various incentives that free zones in Dubai provide for license holders such as Dubai Airport Free zone is allowing dual license for its investors. Following types of licenses are offered by free zone authorities for Dubai free zone company setup:
1. Trading License:
Trading license allows a business to carry out trade related activities such as import & export, buying & selling of a limited number of commodities.
2. General Trading License:
With this, one can deal with the trading of all types of goods with an exemption on few products that require special approvals.
3. Professional License:
Individuals or companies who want to offer professional services like consultancy, training, etc. can acquire this license.
4. Industrial License
It is acquired by industrial units to carry out manufacturing, packaging and processing activities.
