Free Zone Companies
​Overview
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United Arab Emirates has around 45 Free Trade Zones, with the majority located in Dubai where each Free Zone has its own independent rules and regulations. Most of the Free Zones in the UAE have been established with a focus on sectors like:
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Financial services,
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IT,
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Trading of specific agricultural products,
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Manufacturing of equipment,
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Ports and logistics, and
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the Telecom industry.
Free Zones in the UAE differ with each other in their policies and the types of business resources they offer. This gives its entrepreneurs ready access to a hub of knowledge and expertise from others within their field. Free Zone entities do not require the involvement of UAE national shareholder and can set up wholly owned branches. Each free zone has its own specific requirements with respect to share capital, office or warehouse space and permitted activities. The 3 main structures available in most Free Zones are as follows:
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Free Zone Establishment (Single Shareholder)
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Free Zone Company (Multiple Shareholders)
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Branch of a foreign company or Representative Office
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Premier Global Fiduciary Services FZCO is here to advise you how best to set up your business in Free Zones in Dubai or UAE and discuss all support services required. If you are interested in setting up a Free Zone company or for guidance and additional information, please feel free to contact us on contact@premierservicesdifc.com or call us on +9714401942818 or +9714401942819.
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FAQ
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Is there a requirement to have a local sponsor in UAE to set up a Free Zone Company?
Free Zone company can be 100 % owned by foreigners and there is no requirement for local sponsor.
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How long does it take to set up a company in UAE?
The set-up time frame depends on the types of companies, activities and free zone selected. It can take between 1 week to 6 weeks.
What is the process to set up a free zone company in UAE?
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Select free zone, activity and trade name
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Make application for licence online
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Choose office space (flexi deck / virtual office / serviced office / physical office)
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Get pre-approval
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Register your business
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Get your business licence
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Is the manager required to reside in UAE?
Normally, yes, the manager is required to be resident in UAE as he/she will be the day-to-day point of contact in all matters. However, there are some free zones where the manager can be non-resident in UAE.
Are the directors and shareholders required to be resident in UAE?
No, they can be located anywhere in the world.
What is the minimum capital to set up a free zone company in UAE?
The minimum capital varies from AED 1,000 to AED 1,000,000 depending on the types of activities chosen. Most free zone and activities require a minimum capital if AED 50,000. The share capital can be used by the company after incorporation.
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List of Free Zones
United Arab Emirates has around 45 Free Trade Zones, with the majority located in Dubai where each Free Zone has its own independent rules and regulations.
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Knowledge Park is the world only free Zone dedicated for talent development and human resource management areas.
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a financial free zone located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has its own civil and common laws.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone is a well reputed free zone for its integrated technology park allowing entrepreneurs in technology sector to easily set up and enjoy the world class infrastructure and other incentives.
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City is the leading Communication and Information Technology hub in Dubai, the UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA Region).
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone - UAQ FTZ
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is located in the heart of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain which is 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport.
Dubai World Trade Centre - DWTC
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone has been established since 2015 and is suitably located in Dubai’s Central Business District.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an advanced financial centre and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA).
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone - RAKEZ
RAKEZ is situated in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate and is open to all types and sizes of businesses from freelancer to multinationals.
Dubai Media City
Dubai Media City has been established for more than 15 years as part of Dubai long term vision to create a regional and international hub for media, communication, advertising and support services.