FREE ZONE COMPANY SETUP
GET YOUR FREE ZONE COMPANY RIGHT
With over 50 free zones in the UAE, how do you know which one is best for you? Setting up in the right free zone will position your business for success.
Your Business Setup in UAE Freezone Starts here
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a compelling and advantageous business environment, particularly within its 45 designated free zones. These zones, created to fuel the UAE’s dynamic economy, are strategically positioned near national borders, international airports, and major seaports, optimally situated for trade and logistics. Unlike most companies within the UAE, where a local partner holding a majority stake is typically required, businesses operating within free zones can enjoy 100% foreign ownership.
Furthermore, these zones are designed to be customs-duty-free, permitting businesses to manufacture, import, export, handle, or reconfigure goods without the imposition of customs duty. The combination of advantageous location, full ownership, and duty exemptions make the UAE’s free zones an enticing proposition for entrepreneurs worldwide.
How to Initiate UAE Freezone Company Formation
The UAE boasts numerous free zones, each catering to specific business activities. These areas differ in terms of focus, setup costs, and required paperwork. Here are the essential steps for setting up a business in a UAE free zone.
Choose Your License Type and Business Activity
To ensure you apply for the correct business license, it is important to determine the type of business activity you will be engaged in. Each free zone has specific regulations regarding the number of activities that can be included under a single license. Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure compliance and a smooth licensing process.
Choose a Free Zone
Every free zone provides a distinct range of authorized activities, visa allocations, and amenities. It is essential to carefully consider and choose the free zone that aligns best with your business activity.
Determine the corporate structure
Ensure that your chosen corporate structure aligns with the regulations of the desired free zone where you intend to incorporate your company. There are various types of corporate structures available that can cater to your specific needs.
- New Company
- Subsidiary Company
- Joint Venture Company
- Branch of a Local or a Foreign Company
Choose Trade Name and Prepare Documents
To proceed with business setup in UAE freezone, select and submit three preferred trade names along with the necessary documents. It’s important to note that each free zone has its own specific document requirements.
Submit Application for Initial Approval
Submit the application for your initial approval. You will receive the approval for your company name, business activity, and company structure.
Sign the Legal Documents for the Incorporation of the Company
Once you receive initial approval, a face-to-face or video call will be arranged with a free zone representative. During this call, you will be required to sign important documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Board Resolution, and any other necessary paperwork mandated by your free zone.
Acquire Business Location
To establish your company in the chosen free zone, the next step is to locate a suitable property and proceed with signing a Tenancy Contract while obtaining an Ejari Certificate. Depending on the type of facility you opt for, additional documentation may be necessary.
Receive Business License
Get your business license and start your company after completing all required documents, paying fees, and obtaining necessary approvals.
Required Documents
-> Application license form
-> Business card of the contact person
-> Copy of business plan
-> Notarized and attested Memorandum of Association (MOA)
-> Notarized Articles of Association (AOA)
-> Passport copies of the partners and business managers
-> Original bank reference letters
-> License of the partner’s existing company, if applicable
Benefits
-> Freedom from import and export duties.
-> Full ownership of businesses for foreign investors.
-> Streamlined setup and licensing process.
-> Broad spectrum of business activities allowed.
-> Strategic geographic locations for access to global markets.
-> Varied corporate structures to suit individual business needs.
-> Cost-effective solutions for office spaces and facilities.
-> Efficient business environment with modern infrastructure.
You will be guided through the process step-by-step in a very transparent manner that gives you a full overview of exactly where you are at any given time of the setup journey.
We do all the heavy lifting for you so that you don’t have to give anything a second thought, but we make sure you are well-informed along the way.
While the entire process can take as little as seven working days, Ibara is doing a lot behind the scenes to ensure your UAE free zone company setup is a complete success.