About Free Zones:
Free Zones are economic areas where one can carry out trade at preferential tax and customs rates. Free Zones were originally formed to boost international business in the region by offering benefits such as 100% foreign company ownership.
The UAE has over 50 free zones with some offering generic activities for all industries, whereas others are industry-specific.
Advantages:
- 100% Ownership
- No NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required from the current employer
- No paid-up share capital required
- Option to incorporate a company under common law
- Physical office space not mandatory
- 0% corporate and income tax
- Option to incorporate remotely
- Flexibility to incorporate in jurisdictions where employee health insurance is not mandatory
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UAE Free Zones
The UAE consists of seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah with free zones specific to each emirate. Check the advantages and location of each and pick the one best suited to your business needs:
Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)
Dubai
- Dubai Airport Free Zone(DAFZA)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Meydan Free Zone (MFZ)
Fujairah
- Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)
Ras Al Khaimah
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Sharjah
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
- Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Process for free zone license
- Choose business activity
- Finalize company name
- Complete incorporation paperwork
- License issuance
- Open company bank account
- Receive immigration card
- Process residence visa