Dubai is one of the world’s leading business and investment destinations, attracting investors and businessmen from around the world thanks to its thriving economic environment and advanced infrastructure. Free zones in Dubai play a pivotal role in driving this economic growth, providing unique opportunities for companies by offering incentives and guarantees that make them an ideal choice for setting up businesses. Dubai has a variety of specialized free zones that cater to the needs of various industries, from trade and logistics to technology and media.

Dubai’s free zones offer several advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified company formation procedures, making them an ideal environment for startups and global companies looking to expand into the Middle East markets. In this context, Itqan comes as a trusted partner and strategic advisor that helps investors navigate the complexities of company formation in free zones. With its in-depth experience and extensive knowledge of local laws and regulations, Itqan provides comprehensive services covering all aspects of business formation, from selecting the right free zone to preparing the necessary documents and actually registering the company.

Itqan facilitates the process of establishing companies by providing customized consultations and advanced services that meet the needs of investors, saving them time and effort and ensuring that their companies are established according to the highest standards. Thanks to its commitment to quality and efficiency, Itqan has become the first choice for investors seeking to establish their companies in Dubai’s free zones , ensuring them the ideal start in one of the most dynamic business environments in the world. With Itqan, companies can focus on growth and innovation while all legal and administrative procedures are taken care of professionally and accurately.

 

Documents required to establish a company in a free zone in Dubai

To set up a company in a free zone in Dubai , you will need to submit a set of basic documents. These documents may vary slightly depending on the type of company and the free zone chosen, but in general, the required documents include:

1. Establishment Application Form: A dedicated form that must be filled out and submitted to the responsible authority in the free zone.
2. Copies of Passports: Color copies of passports of all proposed founders, partners and directors.
3. Personal Photos: Recent passport size photographs of all founders and directors.
4. Business Plan: A document that outlines the nature of the business, goals, and future plans of the company.
5. Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: A copy of the company’s articles of association and memorandum of association, which outline the company’s structure and details of internal operations.
6. Proof of address: Documents that prove the founders’ residential address, such as utility bills or a lease.
7. Initial Approval: Initial approval from the regulatory authority in the free zone on the proposed company activity.
8. No Objection Certificate (if applicable): No Objection Certificate from the current sponsor for UAE residents wishing to establish a new company.
9. Capital Details: Documents detailing the capital allocated to the company, which may vary depending on the type of company.
10. Lease Contract: A lease contract for office space or warehouse within the free zone, which must be certified by the competent authority.
11. Business License: A special license or approval if the business activity requires it from the relevant authorities.
12. Proof of Payment: Receipts of payment for fees required to register the company and obtain licenses.

What are the most famous free zones in Dubai?

• Dubai South

Dubai South is one of the most important free zones in Dubai, as it supports all types of businesses and industries and extends over a large area estimated at about 145 square kilometers.

• Jebel Ali Free Zone

One of the largest free zones in the world, it offers many advantages to investors, for example: full tax exemption and the right to own 100% of the company without an Emirati sponsoring partner, which made the Jebel Ali Free Zone the number one area for investors.

• Dubai Airport Free Zone

It is one of the most important free zones in Dubai since its establishment, which makes the decision to establish a company in it an excellent step as it supports commercial and industrial businesses and includes the following trades: car trade, fashion, fashion, communications and information companies, and others.

• Dubai Media City 

Dubai Media City is the largest free zone in the Middle East and Africa and supports the thriving media and business sector. It contains about 1,500 headquarters for the largest media companies around the world.

• Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre is considered one of the most important free zones in Dubai. It supports financial and banking services institutions and companies and includes more than 750 international companies. Thanks to the capabilities and activities it includes, it has become a center for the most famous and largest financial services companies.

• Dubai World Trade Centre

One of the most important free zones in Dubai, it supports the growth and development of global trade in the Middle East and aims to enhance the position of the Dubai World Trade Centre as a base for various international companies.

Cost of setting up a company in Dubai free zones

When considering the cost of setting up a company in Dubai free zones , investors should consider several factors that affect the overall cost. These factors include:

• Type of License: The cost of a license varies depending on the commercial or industrial activity the company intends to practice. Some activities may require additional permits.
• Location: Setup fees vary depending on the free zone you choose. Dubai has several free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), each offering different services and incentives.
• Office Space: The cost of renting office or warehouse space varies depending on the size and location within the free zone.
• Government fees: These include registration fees, licensing fees, and employee residence fees, and these vary depending on the type of company and the number of employees.
• Additional Services: Costs may also include other services such as legal advice, accounting services, and training on administrative procedures.

Advantages of Dubai Free Zones

Dubai Free Zone offers a range of benefits that make it a preferred destination for investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Here are the most prominent of these benefits:

1. Full Foreign Ownership: One of the biggest advantages that free zones offer is that they allow foreign investors to own 100% of the company without the need for a local partner.
2. Tax Exemptions: Free zones offer complete exemption from income and profit taxes for up to 50 years, which helps reduce operating costs and increase profitability.
3. Ease of company formation: Company formation procedures in free zones are simple and quick, with less complex legal and administrative requirements compared to other jurisdictions.
4. Freedom to transfer funds: Free zones provide complete freedom to transfer profits and capital abroad without restrictions, facilitating international financing and expansion operations.
5. Customs duty exemption: Companies operating in free zones benefit from customs exemptions on imports and exports, reducing the costs associated with international trade.
6. Advanced Infrastructure: Free zones have modern and advanced infrastructure that includes offices, warehouses, logistics facilities, and first-class communication services, which effectively supports business operations.
7. Ease of recruitment: Free zones offer streamlined procedures for issuing visas and work permits, making it easier for companies to hire talent from all over the world.
8. Diversity of economic activities: Companies can choose from a wide range of economic, commercial and industrial activities, giving them flexibility in determining their field of work.
9. Supportive regulatory environment: The governing bodies in the free zones provide support and advice to companies, while providing a regulatory environment that encourages innovation and growth.
10. Strategic Location: Dubai occupies a prime geographical location linking Europe, Asia and Africa, making it an ideal hub for international trade and easy access to global markets.

In conclusion of our article on Dubai Free Zone, it is clear that these areas represent an ideal gateway for companies and investors who want to achieve rapid growth and enter new markets. With its diversity and flexibility, Dubai Free Zone offers a distinct business environment that supports innovation and enhances competitiveness. By taking advantage of advantages such as full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and ease of legal procedures, companies can build a strong foundation for long-term success.

When it comes to setting up a company in Dubai’s free zones , partnering with an experienced company like Itqan can be a decisive factor. Itqan is not just a service provider but a strategic partner that provides comprehensive support and practical advice at every step of setting up your company. With its extensive experience in the Dubai market and in-depth knowledge of free zone laws and regulations, Itqan helps companies avoid administrative and legal challenges, allowing them to focus on developing their business and reaching their goals faster.

In addition, Etqan offers a wide range of customized services, from assistance in choosing the most suitable free zone, through company registration procedures and obtaining the necessary licenses, to providing innovative solutions for expansion and growth. Partnering with Etqan ensures that companies not only fully comply with legal requirements, but also take advantage of the business opportunities available in Dubai in an efficient and safe manner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Free Zones