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UAE Free Zones

A UAE free zone is an autonomous territory where foreign citizens can establish FZE (free zone establishment) or FZC (Free zone company) companies, with 100% of the share capital owned by the foreign owner. The difference between them is that an FZE has one shareholder, while an FZC has two or more.

UAE free zones have become an attractive ecosystem for business development, created with the goal of attracting entrepreneurs and investors, and stimulating international business. The main advantages of establishing a legal entity in one of the freezone include the removal of restrictions on foreign ownership, a guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income, and corporate taxes, and the absence of customs duties on goods and services.

Each zone has its own independent governing body (FZA), which offers various types of licensing activities and regulates rules and provisions.

There are several dozen free trade zones in the country (Dubai free trade zone – DMCC, IFZA, DIFC), located in Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and other emirates. Broadly, they are divided into freezone of seaports, airports, and continental SEZs.

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Apply

We answer all your questions, think over the work plan, negotiate the stages and deadlines

Enter into a contract

We draw up a list of services provided and all necessary payments, the total amount of all registration costs is clearly stated in the contract

Provide the required information

We undertake all possible preparation and submission of documents, you just need to provide us with correct data

Follow the progress of registration

We are available 24/7 during our work. We constantly inform about the status of the process at all stages: obtaining a license, obtaining a visa, opening personal and corporate accounts

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Business support in the UAE

Our specialists are ready to provide professional support in the areas of tax and accounting support

Why should you contact us?

Registration of your company in the UAE on a turnkey basis

We help to open corporate and personal bank accounts

We are engaged in registration and renewal of licenses, the VAT registration procedure

We provide assistance in obtaining a resident visa of the country

We carry out a comprehensive audit, help to keep accounting records

Assistance in obtaining permits and certificates

VIP escort We meet clients at the airport, escort them in premium class cars

We work with government agencies, free zones and banks without intermediaries

Maximum transparency in the provision of services. We ensure complete confidentiality of your data

List of Popular UAE Free Zones

The main freezone and their licensing activities include the following areas:

Trade

Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) – a major Dubai free trade zone and commodities hub, one of the best freezone in Dubai. Business in DMCC involves over 600 types of activities in sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, construction, financial services, and more. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – one of the oldest Dubai free zone. It hosts trading platforms, modern exhibition halls, office and warehouse spaces, all equipped with the necessary communications. It also houses a major UAE transportation hub and the Jebel Ali seaport. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) – a relatively young and dynamically developing zone in Dubai, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Besides various types of commercial activities, it allows combining trade and services in one license.

Gold and Precious Stones

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) – a free zone in Sharjah offering excellent conditions for companies dealing in gold and jewelry trade. This free zone is located near the Sharjah emirate's airport, facilitating logistics. The DMCC free zone is also suitable for businesses related to the trade of gold and precious stones. It hosts a large diamond exchange and reliable storage facilities for precious metals on its premises.

Industry

Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) – a free zone in the UAE focused on industrial sector development. It covers an area of over 20,000 km², hosting numerous industrial and commercial facilities. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK FTZ) – this free zone provides infrastructure for various industrial sectors. Its vast area includes a huge number of warehouse spaces, light and heavy industrial plants, and aviation maintenance spaces. Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQFZ) – a free zone located in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain. It offers a wide range of activities and features modern warehouse facilities suitable for manufacturing capacities.

Aviation / Maritime Cargo Transport

Dubai South – a free economic zone located at Al Maktoum Airport. Its advantageous geographical location allows for combining various logistical flows. It offers a large selection of manufacturing and office spaces, as well as land for construction. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) – strategically located free zone next to Dubai International Airport. Offers access to the airport's logistical capabilities, fast customs processing, and flexible licensing opportunities. Additionally, the previously mentioned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) and KEZAD in Abu Dhabi can be noted.

Education

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) – an academic city representing a unique educational project. This Dubai free zone attracts qualified specialists to develop the scientific and economic sectors. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) – another free zone primarily focused on educational activities and recruiting. DKP includes modern infrastructure for training events, conferences, and consultations. The free zone is also suitable for freelancers.

IT Technologies

Dubai Internet City (DIC) – a major international business center. It is of interest for implementing business tasks in multimedia, web design, telecommunications, e-commerce, and software development. It hosts both global giants of the digital industry and small IT companies. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – a promising option for startups and businesses in mobile technologies, software, telecommunications, and data processing. The free economic zone DSO includes well-appointed residential areas, shopping and entertainment centers, green spaces, and other infrastructure necessary for comfortable living and entrepreneurial activities in high-tech fields. Meydan – a relatively young free zone located in Dubai. It offers a variety of activities across different sectors. As an advantage, it allows clients to obtain permits and lease offices throughout the UAE.

Trade

Gold and Precious Stones

Industry

Aviation / Maritime Cargo Transport

Education

IT Technologies

What Influences the Choice of a Free Zone for Business Operations? The nature of the business activities you intend to conduct will greatly influence your choice of a free zone. The more types of activities you choose, the more expensive the license will be. Moreover, obtaining a license can involve a number of complex stages, which are quite difficult to navigate. You should consider the location, infrastructure of the free zone, and the availability of offices and warehouses. You will need to decide how to reduce logistical, production, and trade expenses. To relocate your business to a UAE free zone, it is essential to thoroughly understand the nuances of the business climate in the Emirates. Handling this matter on your own can be very time-consuming and demanding. It is much more advantageous to consult a consulting agency, which can help select the optimal option for registering an FZE company in Dubai. The specialists at Make Fortune will assist with the legal and financial aspects of moving your business and facilitate the company registration in the United Arab Emirates. In selecting the most beneficial option, we consider the following factors:

Industry sector;
Type of business;
Nationality of the founders;
Capital requirements;
Office presence;
Visa issues;
Conditions and timelines for obtaining licenses, etc.

By turning to Make Fortune, you will receive a detailed consultation on the activities of FZE companies in Dubai. We value your time and provide support at all stages of business registration in the UAE — from visa processing to obtaining licenses and opening a bank account.

Frequently Asked
questions

What form of ownership do FZE companies have?

FZE (free zone establishment) companies are limited liability companies. They are owned by 1 individual - shareholder. After obtaining a licence, the company has the right to conduct business both in the UAE domestic market and abroad.

How many freesons are there in Dubai?

If it is important for you to set up a business in Dubai, you can choose the right FEZ from the 19 available zones. These include raw materials, commercial, industrial, financial and scientific sectors: Dubai Airport Free Zone, DMCC, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Media City, International Free Zone Authority, Dubai World Trade Centre and others.

What are the similarities and differences between a free-zone company and a local company?

Both types of companies are subject to registration and licensing procedures in the UAE, can be wholly owned by a foreigner with no connection to a local partner, and are entitled to have an account in UAE banks. The significant difference is that a local company can trade directly in the local market, in any other free zone or outside the UAE without any restrictions. And a company in a free zone is only authorised to directly operate outside the country or within the free zone where it is registered.

How much does it cost to get a business licence, are there any budget options?

The cost of a company licence in the Dubai Free Zone starts from AED 11900. There are several free zones in the UAE offering low-cost business licence packages. For example, Sharjah Media City Freezone offers entrepreneurs a service licence for AED 8050, while the cost of a licence for media and IT professionals is AED 11743.

Is authorised capital required when registering a company in a free trade zone?

One of the common requirements when registering a company in the UAE is to have an authorised capital. Most free-zones, however, do not require the authorised capital to be deposited in the company's account.

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