What is a Free Zone?
Free Zones are a type of business jurisdiction in the UAE that offer a multitude of advantages. They allow investors to register their companies and attain 100% ownership. The governance of these companies is entrusted to the respective Free Zone Authority.
The UAE is home to numerous Free Trade Zones, which play a pivotal role in supporting trade and driving the region’s economy. These Free Zones offer a wide range of business activities, providing ample opportunities for entrepreneurs. With over 45 Free Zones, investors have access to various company packages.
Foreign investors are drawn to the Free Zones for several reasons. The process of setting up an office is streamlined, ensuring ease and efficiency. Registering a company is straightforward, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. Moreover, the Free Zones offer a host of business benefits that further incentivize investment.
In summary, Free Zones in the UAE provide a favorable environment for businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to flourish and thrive.
Free Zone in the UAE
Free Zones in the UAE are demarcated areas where investors can legally trade and enjoy various incentives for their businesses. These designated zones offer a plethora of benefits for Free Zone Companies in the UAE, such as complete ownership, trusted governance, tax exemption, plug and play office spaces, and easy company registration. Additionally, certain Free Zones in the UAE are also VAT exempted under specific circumstances. VAT is levied based on the place of supply of services and goods by the Free Zone companies.
Privileges Await Investors in the Free Zone
The jurisdiction of a specific Freezone is confined to its established area. A company registered within a Freezone is essentially considered an onshore resident company. As a result, it can enjoy all the privileges and benefits of an onshore company, including:
- Office premises in the Freezone are eligible for:
- – Visa quota
- – Domestic and international business operations and trade
- – Registration with the Chamber of Commerce
- – Import-export code acquisition
- – Tax Residency Certificate issuance to avail benefits of DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement)
- – Certificate of Origin issuance for manufacturing companies
- – 100% expatriate ownership and full profit repatriation.
When considering the total cost of establishing a business in the UAE, it’s important to note that the Free Zones in Dubai tend to be more expensive. This cost is influenced by several factors, including the location, office rent, infrastructure facilities, and more.
Best Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai’s Free Zones present a range of enticing company formation packages for investors. Tailored to meet specific business needs, these Free Zones offer custom-made solutions for entrepreneurs. Among the many options available, there are several popular Free Trade Zones in Dubai that provide a diverse selection of company packages.
Moreover, investors have the freedom to select from a diverse array of business activities when establishing their company. The Free Zones of Dubai offer numerous advantages, thanks to their strategic location and exceptional infrastructure, which facilitate business growth effectively.
Abu Dhabi’s Free Zones: Unlocking Business Opportunities
Abu Dhabi boasts Free Zones that provide entrepreneurs with specialized license packages and a wide range of business activities. One such example is the Masdar City Free Zone, which offers exclusive licenses tailored for startups in the fields of renewable energy, energy management, and environmental management, among others.
The Khalifa Free Trade Zone (KIZAD) provides investors with cost-effective logistics, shipping, packaging, and commercial trading licenses. This comprehensive offering ensures affordability while facilitating seamless business operations.
The Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone is a prime destination for airlines, chartering services, flight maintenance, and aircraft management companies. It presents an ideal choice, providing a range of cost-effective business license packages tailored to entrepreneurs seeking unparalleled opportunities.
Best Free Zones in the Northern Emirates of the UAE
In the Northern Emirates, particularly in Sharjah, there are several cost-effective alternatives for companies to establish themselves at more affordable rates in the UAE. Let’s explore the array of options available in the Northern Emirates that can help you successfully realize your dream business venture in the UAE with utmost comfort and cost-effectiveness.
1. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is a dynamic Free Trade Zone that drives a wide range of trade and business activities in the UAE. As a result, it has become one of the busiest trading and manufacturing hubs in the country.
With its in-house Customs Clearance, strategic proximity to the Sharjah International Airport and the Khalid Port, SAIF Zone provides seamless global trade connections with over 100 countries. Its custom warehouse and light manufacturing units offer entrepreneurs the flexibility to scale up their operations and run them profitably. Moreover, SAIF Zone caters to diverse business needs by providing customizable office spaces, ranging from 9 sq.m cubicles to fully furnished executive offices.
Not only does SAIF Zone offer a streamlined company formation process and state-of-the-art infrastructure, but it also provides top-notch staff accommodation facilities. These exceptional features make SAIF Zone an attractive option for establishing a business in the UAE.
2. Hamriyah Free Zone
Just like the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, the Hamriyah Free Zone is also a well-known destination for commercial and manufacturing licenses. It is home to some of the world’s leading manufacturers.
The Hamriyah Free Zone provides warehouses with office spaces that can accommodate up to 50 employee visas, making it an ideal choice for large manufacturing setups. Additionally, there are state-of-the-art warehousing and storage facilities in Hamriyah specifically designed for food manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Situated in close proximity to one of the busiest ports in the UAE, the Hamriyah Free Zone serves as a prominent trading hub. With daily import-export transactions, it facilitates trade with numerous countries worldwide, with a major focus on Asia, followed by Africa and Europe.
3. Sharjah Media City
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) has established itself as one of the most competitive Free Zones in the UAE, making it a popular choice for profitable business investments. With a wide array of business activities and a low-cost setup package starting from just AED 8,050 for a Zero visa quota company, SHAMS provides investors with numerous company formation options.
Contrary to its name, SHAMS offers more than just media-related business licenses. It encompasses various business licenses and activity categories, including general trading, services, eCommerce, and more. Our expert Business Consultants are available to provide further information on Company Formation in Sharjah Media City. Don’t hesitate to connect with us for a consultation!
4. SPC Free Zone
The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is a highly competitive Free Zone located in the emirate of Sharjah. With a wide range of company packages tailored to meet the specific business requirements of investors, SPC Free Zone has become a preferred choice for both freelancers and startup companies.
The Free Zone offers cost-effective company packages that enable investors to effortlessly kickstart their business ventures and scale up as needed. SPC provides flexible desk spaces and co-working spaces designed specifically for startups and freelancers.
Moreover, SPC offers investors access to over 1000+ business activities across various service and commercial business categories. Its strategic proximity to Sharjah International Airport makes it an ideal location for business travelers, as it allows for easy visits to the office premises for project discussions and meetings.
5. Ajman Free Zone
For entrepreneurs seeking affordable options, Ajman Free Zone provides enticing business setup packages across various license categories and trade activities. However, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications of solely prioritizing a low-cost license. Factors such as office space expansion, warehouse space addition, bank account opening, address and reputation management, and more should be taken into account. Therefore, entrepreneurs should adopt a holistic approach when selecting the most suitable Free Zone for their business establishment, rather than solely focusing on cost.
6. Ajman Media City
Ajman Media City Free Zone presents an enticing opportunity for investors seeking a cost-effective entry point into the vibrant UAE business landscape. This dynamic free zone offers a dedicated Freelance Permit tailored for media enthusiasts, including photographers, graphic designers, web developers, and more, facilitating a seamless entry into the entrepreneurial world. Additionally, Ajman Media City provides a diverse range of competitively priced business license packages, empowering investors to select the most suitable option for their UAE business setup.
7. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ, a Special Economic Zone in the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah, provides enticing options for global investors looking to establish their companies. This Free Zone encompasses dedicated business parks, manufacturing units, warehousing, and logistics complexes to meet a wide range of entrepreneurial needs. Additionally, RAKEZ boasts an Academic Zone, specifically designed to support educational businesses, including training institutes, Ed-Tech startups, and tutoring services. In summary, UAE Free Zones offer everything global investors need to seamlessly set up and successfully expand their businesses, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Experienced business setup consultants, such as PRO Consultancy, provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process of establishing a company in UAE. From handling business setup procedures and visa processing to facilitating bank account opening, they ensure a hassle-free journey for investors. To learn more, get in touch with our expert business consultants today!