Dubai Freezone

Company formation-UAE, Saudi, QATAR , KUWAIT , BAHRAIN & OMAN

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Setting up a business in a Dubai Free Zone is an attractive option for investors due to its various benefits, such as 100% foreign ownership and tax advantages. Below are the general requirements and steps for setting up a company in a Dubai Free Zone:

1. Choose the Free Zone

Dubai has over 30 free zones, each catering to specific industries or business activities. Some popular free zones include:
1. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
2. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
3. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
4. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
5. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
6. Dubai Media City (DMC)
7. Dubai Internet City (DIC)

It's important to select the Free Zone that aligns with your business activity.

2. Business Activity Selection

Each Free Zone has a list of approved business activities. Ensure that the business activity you choose matches the Free Zone’s permissible activities. Activities range from trading, consulting, technology, and logistics, to manufacturing.

3. Determine the Legal Structure

Dubai Free Zones offer different company structures, such as:
1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A company with a single shareholder.
2. Free Zone Company (FZCO or FZC): A company with multiple shareholders.
3. Branch Office of a Foreign Company: An extension of an existing company outside the UAE.

4. Capital Requirements

Some Free Zones have minimum capital requirements, depending on the business activity and legal structure. For example:
1. DMCC requires a minimum share capital of AED 50,000 per shareholder.
2. Other Free Zones may have lower or no minimum capital requirements. Check the specific Free Zone requirements as they vary.

5. Office Space Requirement

Free Zones offer a variety of office solutions, including:
1. Flexi-desk or Smart Desk: Suitable for startups and freelancers.
2. Shared offices: For small businesses.
3. Executive offices or warehouses: For larger businesses requiring physical space.
The office type you choose will impact the number of visas your company can apply for.

6. Trade Name Registration

Choose a unique trade name that complies with the Free Zone’s naming guidelines. The trade name must not be similar to existing businesses and must avoid any offensive or religious references.

7. Submit Required Documents

The documentation varies based on the Free Zone and the type of business, but generally includes:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
Visa copy (if applicable) for UAE residents.
Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
Business plan (required by certain Free Zones).
Trade name reservation confirmation.
Initial approval form from the Free Zone Authority.

8. Initial Approval

AOnce the required documents are submitted, an initial approval is issued by the Free Zone authority, which allows the company to proceed with the registration process.

9. Business License Application

The final step involves applying for the relevant business license, which could be:
1. Trading License: For import, export, or distribution of goods.
2. Service License: For consulting or service-based businesses.
3. Industrial License: For manufacturing or production activities.
4. E-Commerce License: For online trading or digital services.

10. Visa Processing

After the company is established, you can apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas allowed depends on the type of office space you’ve chosen.

11. Bank Account Opening

Once the company is registered, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE. The required documents typically include:
1. Company’s trade license.
2. Shareholder resolutions.
3. Memorandum of Association (if applicable).
4. Passport copies of shareholders and managers.

Benefits of Dubai Free Zone Company Formation:

100% foreign ownership (no need for a local partner or sponsor).
0% corporate tax and personal income tax.
100% repatriation of capital and profits.
No customs duties on imports and exports within the Free Zone.
Simplified visa procedures for employees and dependents.
No currency restrictions (can conduct business in any currency).
Full ownership of intellectual property and trademarks.

Common Documents Required for Free Zone Company Formation:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
Visa copy (if applicable).
Trade name reservation certificate.
Initial approval from Free Zone authority.
Memorandum of Association (for multi-shareholder companies).
Bank reference letter (in some Free Zones).
NOC from current employer (for UAE residents switching sponsors).