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Freezone Business Setup In UAE
UAE Free Zones are planned according to specific business industry groups and offer licenses to companies and entities within those groupings. Each free zone is managed by separate independent Free Zone Authority, and this authority is accountable for issuing business permits and licenses, employee visa and regulating the business requirements.
Each Free zone in UAE has its own rules and regulations and the provisions relating to Commercial Companies Law do not apply to these Free Zones. Setting up a business in UAE free zone offers many advantages and the process is simple and budget-friendly.
Advantages of Free Zone
- Complete foreign ownership.
- 100% return of capital and profits.
- Best infrastructure facilities available.
- Very limited restrictions on recruiting labor.
- Shared services and synergies with other companies.
- No personal or corporate income taxes, customs duties, import/export taxes involved.
- No bureaucratic red-tapism.
Free Zones In UAE
• Freezone in Sharjah
• Freezone in Ajman
• Freezone in Ras Al Khaimah
• Freezone in Ras Al Khaimah
• Freezone in Dubai
Freezone in Sharjah
Sharjah Saif Zone
Sharjah Saif Zone, also known as the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, is a premier business hub located in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Established to promote trade and commerce, it offers a wide range of facilities and incentives for businesses, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified customs procedures.
The zone is strategically positioned near Sharjah International Airport and major highways, providing easy access to regional and international markets. It features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including office spaces, warehouses, and manufacturing units, catering to various industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and trading.
Saif Zone is designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, making it an attractive destination for startups and established companies alike. With a vibrant community and supportive business environment, it serves as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a free zone established in 2017, located in Sharjah, UAE. It aims to promote the growth of media and creative industries by providing a supportive environment for businesses. Here are some key aspects:
- Business Environment: Shams offers a conducive atmosphere for startups and established companies, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Licensing Options: A variety of business licenses are available, including those for media production, digital marketing, publishing, and more.
- Facilities and Infrastructure: The free zone features modern office spaces, co-working areas, and state-of-the-art amenities designed to support media and creative businesses.
- Networking and Community: Shams hosts various events, workshops, and networking opportunities that help professionals connect and collaborate.
- Incentives: Companies benefit from tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and simplified regulatory processes.
- Strategic Location: Its position in Sharjah offers easy access to key markets in the UAE and beyond.
Freezone In Ajman
Ajman Free Zone – A Remunerative Business Destination
Famed as the “entrepreneur’s heaven”, Alman Free Zone was established in the year 1988. The jurisdiction enjoys the status of an autonomous body under the Amiri decree No. 3 of 1996. Inaugurated with an aim to attract foreign trade as an ambitious multi-million industrial development plan, Ajman Free Zone, at present is a home to an expansive range of international ventures operating in a wide variety of industries and significantly contributing to the economic development of UAE. Just like other free trade zones in UAE, Ajman too offers a host of advantages to businesses functioning in the Ajman Free Zone.
While the free zone charges an exorbitant entry free to incorporators, at the same time, provides comprehensive office spaces at the most budgeted monthly rental prices. The jurisdiction also offer e-commerce licenses to companies at a price far less than that offered by other free trade zones operating in UAE.
With a pocket full of unmatched benefits, Ajman’s strategic location is its crowning feature. Nestled on the western coast of United Arab Emirate close to the Arabic Gulf gateway with proximity to Dubai and Sharjah, Ajman serves as a bridge between the western and the easter world. The free trade zone provides excellent accessibility to the two international airports and four seaports. On an average, the Ajman port caters to approximately thousand vessels on an annual basis.
No import and export duties
No service charges applicable
No hidden fees
State-of-the-art infrastructure with low maintenance cost
Availability of cheap energy and labor
20 years land contract which can be renewed for another 20 years,
Lowest regional tariffs
Quick licensing process
Ajman Free Zone is governed by its own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed by every venture operating or planning to establish a base in the jurisdiction. Furthermore, the incorporation process involves many legal formalities, and it is best to seek the services of a professional business consultant as they are well-versed with the establishment process and can help you establish a company in Ajman Free Zone in the shortest possible time.
International ventures can also avail the following benefits: -
100 percent foreign ownership with no involvement of a local partner
100 percent repatriation of capital and profits
No personal income tax or corporate tax need to be paid
Low labor cost, and no red-tapism.
Looking into what type of legal entities can be established in Ajman free trade zone, then the following can be incorporated: –
Free Zone Establishment (FZEs)
Free Zone Companies (FZCs)
Branch of Local Companies (BLCs), and
Branch of Foreign Companies (BFCs)
Free Zones in RAK
Benefits of RAK Free zone Business Setup
- Complete foreign ownership
- No income and corporate tax
- 100% profit and capital repatriation
- Simple registration process
- Customized real estate facilities
- Fast visa processing
As RAKEZ provides investment opportunities in more than 50 different sectors including agriculture, health, tourism and consultancy, one can choose the type of business license according to their business activity. The trade licenses are categorized mainly into three depending on the type of business, commercial license, industrial license and professional license.
Set at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, the RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is an industrial and business hub in the United Arab Emirates. With more than 13,000 multinational companies and over 50 different sectors operating in the free zone, RAKEZ has been attracting investors from across the globe to set up a business here. RAK Free zone company formation is seen as the most promising option among investors.
With an aim to support start-ups, entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrialists, RAKEZ was established by the Ras Al Khaimah government. RAKEZ offers world-class facilities and easy license approvals apart from its strategic location providing access to markets in Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South and Central Asia.
Types of companies
The opportunities in RAKEZ are wide and unending. If you are planning to opt for RAK Free zone business setup, you might as well learn about the types of companies that can be set up in the free zone.
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Free Zone Company (FZC)
- Branch of Local Company
- Branch of a Foreign Company
Company formation can be a long and hectic process, but with the right partner it will be a piece of cake. Carvy Consultants is one of the best business consultants in UAE, offering services in company incorporation. Our experts at Carvy will help you in setting up your business in RAK free zone with ease. With our deep knowledge and ample experience in the industry, we will take care of your needs from procuring the required documents, to help acquiring the trade license and visa and all the necessary requirements to set up your business in RAKEZ.
RAKEZ offers numerous options to choose from for those looking for an opportunity; with the help of a business consultant, your journey will be easier and smoother. Carvy Consultants with our assistance will let you dream a little further and help you achieve your goals with our prowess. Contact us today to avail our services.
Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
Major Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
The major free zone options in Abu Dhabi are
- The Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone (Twofour54)
- ADGM
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
- Masdar Free Zone
- Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Twofour54
Twofour54 Freezone Company Formation
Aim is to position Abu Dhabi as a regional center of excellence in content creation across all media platforms including film, broadcast, music, digital media, events, gaming, and publishing. This is to create a collaborative and supportive campus community; stimulating creative and professional partnerships through our three key business pillars: Tadreeb -the training academy; Ibtikar – innovation & support; and Intaj – state of the art production facilities. Twofour54’s three pillars are supported by a business enabler tawasol, which provides support to organizations and individuals looking to join the twofour54 community. The options for office space which is considered an integral part of the media house is considered a requirement to obtain a license.
What is Twofour54?
Twofour54 is a free trade zone committed to establishing Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence for media and entertainment content creation. Media businesses- including film, television, radio, mobile, digital media, music, events, animation, gaming and publishing – can create world-class content in a collaborative environment specifically designed to enable your business to thrive in the region by incorporating your dream business.
Licensing Segments
Twofour54 License Categories Decision outlines the wide range of business categories for which a license may be issued at Twofour54. The business segments for which license applications are accepted include all activities either a direct relation or within the propaganda of a direct relation into Media would be considered a Legal Entity.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market is an international financial center that acts as a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision.
Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Global Market
ADGM is the center of UAE’s capital city and it operates as a financial centre for local, regional, and international institutions. Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi Global Market comes with numerous pros and it is the perfect location to flourish your business. The Financial Services Regulator, the Registration Bureau, and the Courts are the three self-regulating establishments located in the ADGM which helps in smooth setting up and operation of businesses. ADGM has a reliable dispute resolution, regulatory and judicial system.
Mission of ADGM:
Become the regional leader in knowledge development, professionalism and business efficiency.
Services/Companies that can operate within the ADGM:
Professional service providers, such as law firms, accounting firms, consultants, business training providers, IT and HR or research firms.
Corporate headquarters, management offices and treasury functions.
Single family offices & proprietary investment entities.
Holding companies & special purpose vehicles. Industry & professional associations. Retail outlets, F&B and services.
Dual Licensing in ADGM
Dual licensing allows ADGM registered entities that fulfil the eligibility criteria to apply for an Abu Dhabi DED Commercial License. Company, Partnership or Protected Cell operating eligible business activities must have a valid lease registration certificate at ADGM.
ADAFZ
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Airport Business City established the first Airport Free Zone in Abu Dhabi – a comprehensive Business Park promoting diversified private sector investments into the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Airport Business City provides comprehensive warehousing and fully serviced office solutions to a broad spectrum of business sectors including aviation, aerospace, and logistics. ADAFZ offers the following products at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, and Al Ain International Airport.
- Land Plots for Lease
Plots of land for long-term lease where you can locate your purpose-built build-to-suit facilities.
- Warehouse Facilities
Offices ready at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport and Al Ain International Airport.
- Offices
Offices ready at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport and Al Ain International Airport.
- Business Center
Customers will be offered a fully serviced offices as well as workstations as per their immediate business needs at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Flexi Desk
- Includes Utilities (AC, Water, Power) and unlimited Internet usage
- 1 Visa entitlement @ AED 2,500 (3 year) + AED 2,500 (Visa Deposit)
- Maximum of 2hrs usage per day or 10hrs per week (no carry forward)
- Usage time from 8:30am – 4:30pm based on prior booking
- Business Centre package optional at additional cost eg: Po Box, Printing Scanning, Meeting Room Usage etc.
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
Industry Segments and Licensing Activities appropriate for businesses setup at ADAFZ broadly fall under the following categories:
Categories
Aerospace, Aviation & Airport Services
Manufacturing activities under all segments
Consultancy
Knowledge and Development
Logistics (Shipping, Transportation, Storage & Warehousing)
Marketing and Events
Regional Headquarters
Service Provider (Cafe, Restaurant, Pharmacy, Book Shop etc.)
Technology & ICT
Trading
Masdar City
Masdar City, a place where businesses can thrive and innovation can flourish, is a modern Arabian city that, like its forerunners, is in tune with its surroundings.
Masdar City Free Zone Business Setup
MASDAR CITY is a model for sustainable urban development regionally and globally, seeking to be a commercially viable development that delivers the highest quality living and working environment with the lowest possible ecological footprint. It is an emerging global clean-technology cluster that places its resident companies in the heart of the global renewable energy and cleantech industry including other services as well as workstations per their immediate business needs at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Serviced Office Space whereby clients can lease a ready-to-go office to operate from.
Office / retail space (Core & Shell) whereby client can lease the office/retail space and carry out the fit-out works that suit their operational requirements.
Licensing Segments: Masdar City License Categories Decision outlines the wide range of business categories for which a license may be issued at Masdar City. As a free zone, Masdar City offers, amongst other benefits, a rapid set-up process, reduced tax footprint, and pro-business environment.
Economic benefits include:
- 100% foreign ownership.
- 100% exemption from corporate and personal income taxes.
- 0% import tariffs.
- Freedom of repatriation of both capital and profits.
- One of the world’s most beautiful and sustainable living and working business clusters.
- Launching point into local, regional and international markets.
- Proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Khalifa City, Yas Island; and just 40 minutes away from Dubai.
KIZAD
Company Formation in Khalifa Industrial Zone
- KIZAD is mainly preferred due to affordable setup costs, fast approvals for license/company formation and the option of flexi-Desk which means you need not go for office space but can work on a shared workstation whenever you require.
- KIZAD has been a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. It is the means by which a number of ambitious, long-term targets will be delivered, and marks a substantial drive towards diversification of the economy in pursuit of sustainable growth less dependent on the oil and gas industries. Its purpose is, in part, to create the range and number of opportunities necessary to recruit, retain and develop local and skilled expatriate talent to build a sustainable knowledge economy whilst reducing reliance on unskilled labor.
- Kizad will set new standards for industrial zone infrastructure, environment and operation, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global competitive advantage.
- With its unique geographical location and its proximity to the ports, including the advantage of low running costs, the investor can look at the option of leasing out land for mega turnaround project or Medium to Small scale industries. The added advantage will be its legal form where the investor has an option of formulating a Free Zone company and Limited Liability Company.
Business in Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD)
Making sure companies find their optimum location within Kizad is of paramount importance. The first step is for interested parties to fill out either of the following forms:
- Industrial Project Application (IPA) form.
- Logistics Project Application (LPA) form.
- Technical Project Details (IP) form.
- Pre-built Warehousing Application (WLA) form.
Business Setup in KIZAD
We undertake the complete process of registration such as forming a business plan, leasing land, negotiating with various government entities, and obtaining initial approval to start the business activity. Contact us for more any assistance in business setup in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abudhabi(KIZAD).
Free Zones in Dubai
Major Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai is the business hub for many prestigious free zones among all emirates. The major free zone in Dubai are:
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Media City
Dual Licensing in Abu Dhabi
- The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) has launched the first phase of Dual license initiative, that permits Abu Dhabi Free zone companies to practice their Business activities outside the free zone without the need for additional physical office or local sponsor /service agent
- The scheme is not applicable to branch of foreign companies in the Freezones and the license is valid for a year.
- All commercial and marine services related activities governed by an Abu Dhabi Free Zone and Department of Economic Development regulations can benefit from the initiative. Sectors mainly related to services, trading, FMCG and financial consultancies will reap maximum benefits.
- With the new scheme, the cost of doing business in UAE is expected to come down as it will reduce accounting, administrative and operational costs associated with it. Dual licensing will give more flexibility and competitive edge to companies in the Abu Dhabi Freezones, which in turn will help improve the overall competitiveness of the emirate. More foreign companies based in Freezones are expected to expand their business in the emirate with Dual license, creating more job opportunities for many professionals.
- Dual licensing is the latest in a series of initiatives that have been launched by the government to support entrepreneurs, SMEs and the private sector. In its first phase, the initiative will offer more opportunities to Free zone companies to conduct and expand their business, such as allowing them to work and partner with other government entities.
- Numerous measures were taken by the UAE government off late, to boost the growth of local economy and make UAE an attractive place to do business in.