Free Zone Company Registration in UAE
Free Zone is an economic territory, a special economic zone, which has its own rules that do not apply to enterprises outside the zone.
Free Zone Features
"Free Zone companies sell goods and services using special laws on taxation and foreign ownership. These zones were created to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs by offering benefits that make doing business more profitable and convenient" Artur Faniev, Commercial директор
There are around 50 free zones in the UAE, each with its own distinct characteristics, including:
- specialized types of activities;
- the size of the duties;
- registration deadlines;
- accessible commercial space;
- conditions regarding the amount and payment of the authorized capital.
Therefore, it is very important to choose a free zone that suits your business. We have carried out work on analyzing and systematizing information on the most popular free zones in the UAE and created the Free Zones Atlas, where you can find up-to-date information on the required free zone and choose the right one for yourself.
Registration procedure
Simplified compared to Mainland.
Information about beneficiaries
Confidentiality.
Regulation
Proper, separate from federal. In some free zones, English law applies.
Office rent
Not required in most cases. The free zone provides a common workplace (analogous to a legal address). However, a real office can be rented directly from the free zone administration – but only on the territory of the free zone in which the company is registered.
Conducting business
Basically, you can only operate within the Free Zone or with foreign companies. However, it is not prohibited to provide services to both Mainland and other Free Zone companies in the UAE.
Authorized capital
When creating a company, free zones require payment of the authorized capital. However, in a number of free zones, you can simply declare the authorized capital without paying it."
Features of Free Zone companies
There are about 50 Free Zones in the UAE, each with its own specifics. They can be divided into 2 types:
Universal
They offer a wide range of activities. This allows you to register companies from different areas and industries. For example, Meydan Free Zone and International Free Zone Authority (IFZA).
Specialized
They usually focus on specific types of activities. For example, twofour54 specializes in businesses from the gaming industry, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) works with financial companies.
Types of Free Zone
There are about 50 Free Zones in the UAE, each with its own specifics. They can be divided into 2 types:
Universal
They offer a wide range of activities. This allows you to register companies from different areas and industries. For example, Meydan Free Zone and International Free Zone Authority (IFZA).
Specialized
They usually focus on specific types of activities. For example, twofour54 specializes in businesses from the gaming industry, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) works with financial companies.
Registration procedure
Stage 1
Fill out and submit the application
It is necessary to prepare and submit an application along with the required documents.
Stage 2
Reserve name and passing KUS
The registration authority reserves the company name and proceeds to the security check and KUS of the shareholder and director. Usually the KUS can be done online via video link.
Stage 3
Issuance of a license and registration certificate
Based on the results of the review of the documents and the completion of the KUS, the registration authority will issue a business license and a company registration certificate.
After receiving the license, you can begin the procedure of obtaining Emirates ID for the company's shareholders and director. Only after receiving Emirates ID for the General Manager can you proceed to opening a corporate bank account.
Would you like to receive advice from a lawyer?
Leave a request and you will receive:
- the optimal structure for registering your business
- selection of free zones individually for your business
- consultation on taxes, expenses and deadlines
- answers to all your questions
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About Versus
Versus is a leading consulting group providing legal and accounting services in key foreign markets.
Over the years of working in the UAE and other MENA countries, we have acquired a deep knowledge of local legislation, which, combined with knowledge of international standards, allows us to offer solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
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