Free Zones Company Formation
Abu Dhabi Global Market – ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), fully opened for business on 21st October 2015, is as an international financial centre located on Al Mariah Island, in the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi. ADGM is a perfect gateway for local, regional and international institutions in Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
At ADGM, the three independent authorities – the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts – ensure a business environment in line with international best practice of major financial centres. The regulatory regime is comparable to internationally reputable financial centres such as London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The FSRA is the authority that grants the approval for financial activities. The financial activities available cover a wide range of services like banking, insurance, wealth management, asset management and capital market activities.
ADGM offers a wide number of types of companies, Public Company, Private Company, Restricted Scoped Company, Protected Cell Company, Branch are only some examples.
In addition to institutions and financial services providers, ADGM hosts a extensive range of non- financial companies that include professional service providers (law and accounting firms, consultants), industry and professional associations, retail outlets, F&B, other services related to different industries.
Under the Foundations Regime and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) Regime at ADGM offers the possibility of establishing Foundations and SPVs.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre – DMCC
DMCC, a strategic initiative of the Government of Dubai, was established in 2002, with a mandate to provide the physical, market and financial infrastructure required to setup a commodities market place in Dubai. DMCC offers a unique opportunity for market participants in a wide range of commodities industries in four broad sectors including precious commodities (gold, diamonds, coloured stones and pearls), energy related sectors, steel and base metals and soft agricultural commodities (tea, cotton and others).
The Centre aims to attract key players throughout the entire value chain of each of these commodity sectors, together with a range of support industries such as finance, logistics, consulting and insurance. DMCC was the first UAE free zone authority to offer freehold business premises, in addition to all other standard free zone services. These comprise a 50-year holiday on personal and income taxes, full foreign ownership of business and a one-stop shop facility for processing of all documentation including immigration and licensing needs.
DMCC Highlights
- Crowned The World’s Best Free Zone by Financial Times’ fDi magazine, DMCC has attracted over 12,000 member companies to Dubai – further cementing its place as the largest and fastest growing Free Zone in the UAE. Having grown from 28 companies in 2003, DMCC is now a global marketplace in its own right.
- Secure, regulated environment, licensing a full range of business activities. Examples include Kimberly Process, OECD Guidance, Dubai Gold Delivery Standard
- Unique industry clustering and purpose built infrastructure
- Strategically located next to Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Two Metro stations within the area (DAMAC Properties and Jumeirah Lakes Towers Metro Station)
Free Zone Incentives Offered
- State of the art facilities and fitted-out and shell & offices
- Guaranteed zero percent corporate and personal tax for 50 years
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- 100 percent capital repatriation
- Serviced desks & offices for SME’s and start up
- Simple and straightforward company setup and amendment process, assistance with sponsorship of employees and many other UAE government related services, which incorporate a wide range of affordable property choices
Types of Registration
Type of companies eligible for a license:
- Limited liability company as a newly formed entity with single, or multiple individual
- Limited liability company as a wholly owned Subsidiary of local or foreign company
- Branch of local or foreign company
- Joint Venture
Free Zone Licenses
Each company is issued a license depending on their business activity. While the license will be specific to the selected activities, a company can also apply for multiple licenses or for a general trading license. DMCC offer three types of licenses:
- Trading: to carry out trading activities as specified in the License
- Service: to carry out service activities as specified in the License
- Industrial: to carry out light manufacturing activities as specified in the License
Office/Property Options within the JLT area*
- Flexi Desk Facility
- Serviced Desk or Office
- Physical Office for lease
- Physical Office for sale
- Retail Space (shop) for lease
- Retail Space (shop) for sale
Dubai Airport Free Zone - DAFZ
DAFZ can offer businesses extensive airline connectivity thereby reducing response times and transportation costs, enabling increased efficiency and profitability. DAFZ also provides easy accessibility to Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Free Zone.
The activities permitted at the DAFZ are limited to high value, low volume products, which require a rapid access to markets. DAFZ is an ideal location for high tech/IT products, luxury items, jewellery, light industry & activities related to the aviation industry.The Free Zone incentives that are being offered are as follows:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 100% corporate tax exemption
- 100% import and export tax exemption
- 100% personal income tax exemption
- Located within the boundaries of Dubai International Airport
- Situated at the cross road of Europe, Asia and Middle East, providing access to over 2.5 billion consumers
- Abundant and inexpensive energy
- Easy availability of inexpensive workforce
- Fast and efficient Cargo Clearance Services (8-24 hours)
- International Freight Forwarders and Logistics companies at DAFZ
- Online customer services
- Land with easy access to airport apron
- One-stop-shop administration services
- On-site customers inspection
- Companies can operate 24 hours a day
DAFZ LICENCES
1. Trading Licence
2. Industrial Licence
3. Service Licence
Types Of Ownership
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone, owned by one person or Company. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Paid-up share capital minimum
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
FZCO is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone by more than one shareholder. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Branch of a Local Company registered in the UAE
Branch of a Foreign Company incorporated outside the UAE
Dubai World Central – DWC
Dubai has a history of investing in its future and developing the infrastructure required to fuel the continued growth and diversification of its economy. Dubai World Central [DWC] is the continuation of this visionary legacy.
An integrated master plan designed around the aerotropolis concept [airport city], DWC is a forward-looking development that is providing the economic platform for businesses to take advantage of dynamic markets and opportunities, with lands that have been designated to create a self-sustained economic zone to support a multitude of activities including logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, residential and leisure related businesses around a world-class airport.
DWC is geared towards fast-cycle logistics and aviation industries, it works closely with government agencies and authorities to streamline start-up procedures, simplify operations requirements and foster a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and businesses to stay ahead of the competition.
DWC Highlights
- Direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport
- Location of the Expo 2020
- Connected to Jebel Ali Port via the custom-bonded Logistics Corridor greatly reduces time on the ground
- Multimodal logistics platform with great access to the trans-emirate road networks and future rail network
- Warehouses, offices, retail, commercial buildings and landslide & airside plots available with infrastructure in place
Free Zone Incentives Offered
- State of the art facilities
- 100% tax free
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% corporate tax exemption
- Varity of license activities
- Flexible commercial lease terms
- Competitive rates
- Fitted-out and shell & offices
- Serviced desks & offices for SME’s and start up
Types of Registration
Any corporate entity (i.e. a company), association, partnership or natural legal person (i.e. an individual) or any combination of the foregoing may apply to register a Free Zone Enterprise.
All Free Zone Enterprises will be registered as one of the following:
- As a Dubai World Central limited liability company with the designation DWC-LLC for newly-established company
- As a Branch of a company/organization registered and existing outside of the DWC Free Zone (i.e. branch of an overseas company/organization or a branch of a UAE registered company)
Free Zone Licenses
Various categories of license are available for Free Zone Enterprises operation within Dubai Logistics City [DLC] or Aviation City.
Categories of License within Dubai Logistics City [DLC]
The categories of License available within DLC are as follows:
1. Trading License
2. Service License
3. Logistics License
4. Industrial License
Categories of License within Aviation City
Free Zone Enterprises operating within Aviation City may hold all categories of license as described in the Categories of License within Dubai Logistics City [DLC] except for a Logistics License.
If an applicant’s proposed business model spans more than one (or overlaps any) of the categories set out above, the applicant is advised to apply for separate license (e.g. an applicant who wishes to carry out both trading an manufacturing should apply for two Licenses – one for the trading activity and the other one for the manufacturing activity).
Facilities
The following are the variety of office solutions offered by Dubai World Central [DWC]:
Premium Business Park
From aviation and logistics to support services and general business establishments, the Business Park, situated at the entrance of DWC, offers first-rate commercial buildings and offices that are centrally situated in what will become Dubai’s leading center of commerce.
The following are the features of the DWC Business Park:
- Flexible commercial lease terms and availability of Free Zone and non-Free Zone trade licenses
- Ideal venue for long-term business growth
- Technological amenities
- Advantageous car parking ratios
Office Facilities
- Fitted-out offices are for lease at DWC which rental cost starts from AED 1,100/sqm up to AED 1,700/sqm. Size of fitted-out offices ranges from 60-90sqm and 120sqm & above (subject to availability). The rental cost for 60-90sqm office space starts from AED 1,700/sqm and is inclusive of service charge, electricity/water, and district cooling; while the rental cost for 120sqm & above office space starts from AED 1,100/sqm and is exclusive of the service charge of AED 175/sqm, electricity/water, and district cooling. A 10% security deposit based on the annual lease amount is required. The abovementioned fees exclude internet package fees.
- Shell and core offices that can be configured to client’s specification can be leased at DWC which rental cost starts from AED 800/sqm with a service charge of AED 175/sqm. Size of shell and core offices ranges from 120-4,000sqm and above (subject to availability). A 5% security deposit based on the annual lease amount is required. The abovementioned fees exclude electricity, district cooling, and internet package fees.
Business Center [DWCBC]
DWCBC is designed for clients who need access to office space and business service whenever needed, strategically located in the Head Quarter building of Dubai World Central.
The following are the features of the DWCBC:
- Well suited to small and medium enterprises
- Guest reception service
- Meeting rooms
- Cost effective
- Business services
- Lounge area
Dubai International Financial Centre – DIFC
Established in 2004 in Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the major global financial hubs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets.
DIFC is one of Dubai’s independent Free Trade Zones (FTZs), as, like the other FTZs, offers 100% foreign ownership and a 50-year guarantee of zero taxes on corporate income and profits supported by the UAE’s network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAAs). Furthermore, DIFC has its own independent, internationally regulated regulator (DFSA), and its own judicial system (DIFC Courts) governed by common law framework modelled closely on that used in London and New York.
DIFC hosts both financial (regulated) and non-financial (non –regulated entities). Regulated firms carry out financial services and include banks, capital markets, wealth and asset management companies, insurance & re-insurance firms, etc. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), grants licenses and regulates the activities of all banking and financial institutions in DIFC. Conditions and requirements vary according to the type of regulated financial activity.
Non-regulated and non-financial businesses include, consultancy services, legal, accounting, notary, audit, insolvency and recruitment firms, corporate governance experts, international tax advisers, and more. Furthermore, DIFC includes a vast retail district with shops, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, personal services etc.
Under the new Trust Law regime and a new Foundation Law regime DIFC has opened the doors to Trusts and Foundations, different powerful vehicle designed to hold and protect assets.
Creative City – Fujairah Free Zone
Creative City, the new media free zone, was launched in the Emirate of Fujairah in 2007, following the Emiri Decree No. (4) of His Highness Hamad Bin Mohammed Al‐Sharqi, Ruler of the Emirate of Fujairah, and under the administration of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority whose Chairman is Highness Rashid Bin Hamad Al Al‐Sharqi.
Since the launch, Creative City has been providing thousands of clients with reliable services in a successful business environment. Creative City sets up professional environment for individuals and businesses working in a broad spectrum of business fields including media, events, consulting, education, communication and marketing, music and entertainment, design and technology. The virtual zone model lets international entrepreneurs
The Free Zone incentives that are being offered are as follows:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No personal and corporate income tax
- Simple procedures – no bottlenecks
- Free repatriation of capital and profit
- No currency restrictions
- No labour restrictions
- No minimum Capital required
Types of License
Company / Organisation (Actual Office Space)
Baby Business
Freelancer Company
Commercial license
Single Owner
Business Activities List
- Audio & Visual
- Broadcasting
- Media & Marketing
- Publishing
- Event Management
- Media Support Services
- Consultancy
- New Media Services
- Business Information
- Production
- Music & Entertainment
- Information Technology
- Design
- Education
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Superbly positioned between the east and west, and a convenient stopping-off point for global trade traffic, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) is an ideal world hub. Add to this Dubai’s strategic location close to the Gulf entrance with easy access to the entire Arabian Peninsula.The Free Zone incentives that are being offered are as follows:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 100% corporate tax exemption (guaranteed for 50 years)
- 100% personal income tax exemption
- No recruitment difficulties.
- Unique staff accommodation and community housing.
- Abundant energy supplies.
- Pre-built offices, warehouse/factories and land availability.
- Efficient administrative services.
- Excellent support services from Dubai Ports Authority’s two modern terminals.
- In-house e-business support ‘Dubai Trade Portal’.
- On-site Chamber of Commerce, international banks, insurance companies, consultancies, etc.
- Mortgaging of company-owned facilities (excluding leased land).
- Public transport Metro rail network operating 7 days per week.
JAFZ Licences
1. Industrial Licence
2. Trading Licence
3. General Trading Licence
4. Services Licence
Types of Ownerships
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone, owned by one person or Company. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
FZCO is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone by more than one shareholder. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Branch of a Local Company registered in the UAE
Branch of a Foreign Company incorporated outside the UAE
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah is a fast developing city and emirate, situated against the backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountain Range, in the north of the UAE.
Since incorporation in May 2000, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ) has been committed to sourcing and attracting environmentally friendly, quality investors in the service, manufacturing and industrial sectors, with high emphasis placed on attracting investors from the technology industry.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was established in 2017 to oversee and consolidate the specialised parks and clients of both Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA)
RAKEZ was introduced to meet different requirements& expectations, plenty of new activities and license kinds has been recently introduced which you will find interesting, one of our new products which is “Professional Individual License” aka “Freelance” was introduced which is the perfect fit for individuals who are seeking a cost-effective license with their own single visa
RAKEZ Advantages For Agents
- Free zone and non-free zone company formation
- Efficient business set-up processes with flexible solutions for various needs
- One-stop shop location for administrative processes (renewals, visas…)
- Promotion centers in DXB and AUH as well as Int’l offices in India, Germany, Turkey, Pakistan
- Availability of diverse activities and license types under one roof
- Provision to rent or build on-site staff and labour accommodation
RAKEZ Licenses
- Industrial License: Manufacturing, importing, packaging and exporting products
- Commercial License: Trading in services and goods
- Consulting & Service License: Conducting services or consultancies across any industry
- Educational. Opening an education-related institution or consultancy companyE-commerce: Trading in goods and services via electronic means
- General trading. Trading in multiple goods
- Individual/professional: One owner with one activity in a specific specialty or expertise
- Media: Operating media-related business activities
Types Of Ownership
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is a limited liability Company incorporated in the Free Zone, owned by one person or Company. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
FZCO is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone by 2-5 shareholders. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Branch of a Local Company Registered in the UAE
Branch of a Foreign Company Registered Outside UAE
Sharjah Airport International – Free Zone
SAIF-Zone is located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and just a few minutes from Sharjah City and Port Khalid. SAIF Zone is further enhanced by its secondary seaport facility located on the Gulf of Oman at Port Khor Fakkan.
The Free Zone’s “One Window” concept provides all administrative services under one roof. Equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities, the SAIF-Zone offers great trade incentives and benefits to its investors.
Some of the benefits are as follows:
- 100% foreign ownership.
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
- 100% exemption from corporate and personal income tax.
- No import/export duties.
- Sponsorship and visas for all staff.
- Global and regional communications with excellent sea, land and air transport links
- Global airlinks across the world via Sharjah International Airport
- 6 to 8 hours of Sea-Air transfer
SAIF-zone Licences
1. Industrial Licence
2. Commercial Licence
3. General Trading Licence
4. Services Licence
Types Of Ownership
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone, owned by one person or company. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Paid–up share capital minimum
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
FZCO is a limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone by more than one shareholder. It has distinct legal entity and independent financial liability.
Paid-up share capital minimum
Branch of a Local Company registered in the UAE
Branch of a Foreign Company incorporated outside the UAE
