Free zone Company Formation
Affordable Free zone license options
Free zone company formation offers foreign investors a simplified setup and full ownership rights. The concept supports growth in economic freezones across many regions worldwide. This article guides through the freezone company setup essentials and benefits. You will learn steps, documents, license types, and cost estimates. We also review Dmcc company formation, DIFC company formation cost, and other zones. Moreover, we showcase the Rakez company setup cost, the Ifza company setup, and the Jafza company setup.
You will compare Shams company formation, ADGM company formation, and Meydan business setup options. Use this article for navigational insights, and our experts will help you to start your free zone company formation.
Benefits of the Freezone Company:
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Ownership is 100 per cent foreign without local partner requirements.
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You may repatriate profits fully and freely without restrictions.
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No corporate or personal taxes in many free zones.
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Streamlined import and export process with duty exemptions.
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Access modern infrastructure and support services in freezones.
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Lower setup times compared to mainland business licensing.
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Full visa quota and workspace solutions in the free zone jurisdiction.
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Business branding and credibility via a recognised free zone name.
Restrictions of the Freezone Company:
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A Freezone company is not permitted to deal directly with the local market in United Arab Emirates. Company needs to trade with local allocated distributors if they want to deal in local market.
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There is a custom duty of 5% for local market trading.
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Some of the Freezones require a paid up capital which depends on the structure of the company and freezone authority.
Legal Types in Freezone
Types of Company Formation in Freezones
When establishing a business in a freezone, understanding the various legal structures available is crucial. Each legal type offers distinct advantages and considerations, allowing you to tailor your company’s formation to your specific goals. Here are the primary legal structures commonly found in freezones:
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A Free Zone Establishment is a legal entity formed by a single shareholder, whether an individual or a corporate entity. FZE offers full ownership to the shareholder and provides an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to operate independently within the freezone.
Free Zone Company (FZC)
Similar to FZE, a Free Zone Company allows multiple shareholders to come together and form a corporate entity. FZC is an ideal choice for businesses with partners or investors who wish to collaborate on ventures within the freezone.
Branch Office
Establishing a branch office allows you to extend your existing company’s presence into the freezone. This is suitable for companies looking to expand their operations while maintaining a connection to their parent company.
Subsidiary Company
A subsidiary company is an independent legal entity with its own management and operations, but it’s fully owned by a parent company. This structure can offer flexibility in terms of financial liability and operational control.
Joint Venture
In a joint venture, two or more parties collaborate to create a new legal entity. This can be an effective strategy to leverage the strengths of each partner and pursue mutual business objectives.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
An SPV is often used for specific business projects, investments, or holding assets. It provides a separate legal entity for these specialized purposes while minimizing risk to the parent company.
Documents Required for a Free Zone Company Formation
- Valid passport copies for shareholders and directors.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Business plan or summary of proposed activities.
- Memorandum and articles of association in some jurisdictions.
- Bank reference letter or past banking record.
- Director and shareholder resolution or consent documents.
- Lease agreement for office or warehouse in a free zone.
- Application forms as per the free zone authority guidelines.
Cost of Business Setup in Freezone:
Dmcc company formation cost normally ranges between moderate and higher tiers. DIFC company formation cost is relatively high compared to standard free zone rates. Rakez company setup cost typically falls into a mid-tier pricing structure. An IFZA freezone license is often more affordable for small to medium ventures. Jafza company setup involves moderate costs plus infrastructure charges. Shams company formation usually offers a low-cost license and minimal fees.
ADGM company formation charges are steep, given the international regulatory framework. Meydan business setup costs depend on license type and office selection. You should budget for license, registration, office rent, visa, and service fees.
Emirates.
Sr. No. | Service Type | Government Fee (AED) |
1 | Freezone Company Formation | 5,750 Onwards |
2 | E-channel Fees (Not Required for Dubai Freezones) | 2,500 |
3 | Visa Fee | 3,500 – 5,000 |
4 | External Approval | not included for all freezones |
5 | Flexi Desk | not included |
6 | Office Rent | not included |
7 | Warehouse Rent | not included |
8 | License Registration Cost | Included in Company Formation |
List of Freezone in United Arab Emirates:
Dubai Free Zones | Dubai Airport Free zone (DAFZA) |
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | |
Jebel Ali Free zone (JAFZA) | |
Dubai South | |
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) | |
Dubai Studio City | |
Dubai Internet City | |
Dubai Media City | |
Dubai Knowledge Village | |
Dubai Academic City | |
Dubai Outsource City | |
Dubai Production City | |
Dubai Biotech Research Park | |
Gold and Diamond Park | |
Dubai Auto Zone | |
Dubai Healthcare City | |
Dubai International Financial Centre | |
Dubai Logistics City | |
Dubai Maritime City | |
Dubai Flower Centre | |
International Humanitarian City | |
Sharjah Free Zones | Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF) |
Hamriyah Free Zone | |
Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) | |
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone | Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority |
Ajman Free Zones | Ajman Freezone Authority |
Ajman Media City Free Zone | |
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones | RAK Investment Authority |
RAK Free Trade Zone | |
RAK Maritime City | |
Fujairah Free Zones | Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA) |
Fujairah Creative City Free Zone | |
Abu Dhabi Free Zones | Abu Dhabi Global Market |
Masdar City | |
Abu Dhabi Ports Company | |
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone | |
Twofour54 Media Zone |
All the freezones in UAE has different requirements and criteria depending on the business activity you select for the license.
Why Choose Beyond View Business Services?
Business consultants offering free zone company formation bring procedural expertise and reduce setup risk. They know freezone business setup rules and handle paperwork efficiently. Consultants liaise with free zone authorities to fast-track approvals. They provide tailored advice on Dmcc company formation and specialised zones. Consultants guide the cost evaluation for DIFC company formation costs and others. They help compare the Rakez company setup cost and the Ifza company setup choices.
They assist with Jafza company setup, Shams company formation, and ADGM company formation. Their network supports Meydan’s business setup and permits processing with all other UAE trade license packages. With consultants, you save time, avoid errors, and gain peace and confidence.