A business setup in Dubai Free Zone provides foreign investors and entrepreneurs with a highly regulated yet flexible corporate environment. It offers 100% foreign ownership, robust tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory frameworks, making it an ideal choice for international business expansion.
Dubai free zone benefits include allowing for ease in catering to partnerships across the globe, exporting goods with minimal friction, and selecting from industry-specific free zone options that provide a tailored ecosystem for your business needs. Another point to note is that each of the Dubai free zones has specific business activities that can be performed within the free zone and globally only, thus restricting business activity in Dubai and the UAE mainland.
With 25+ free zones providing unique free zone benefits in Dubai while focusing on different industries, it gets complicated to understand and choose the right free zone for your business needs.
When it comes to selecting the right free zone for your business setup in Dubai free zones, there is a lot to consider, including costs, location, business structure, business activity, office space, expansion plans, etc. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, can help you save time and money by directing you and your business in the right direction and assisting you every step of the way while you are in the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world.
Business incorporation in Dubai free zones takes you away from all the hassle and complexities of mainland licenses and helps you achieve a streamlined free zone business setup in the UAE with endless possibilities. Within these designated Dubai free zones, foreign ownership takes the lead, and regulations are simplified and free zone-specific.
With Gatestone Group, Free Zone business setup in the UAE and specifically in Dubai free zones is quicker and more convenient, with 100% foreign ownership and tax optimisation. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, will help you choose the optimal Dubai free zone, secure your business license, and ensure compliance at every step of the way.
With Gatestone Group, Free Zone business setup in the UAE and specifically in Dubai free zones is quicker and more convenient, with 100% foreign ownership and tax optimisation. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, will help you choose the optimal Dubai free zone, secure your business license, and ensure compliance at every step of the way.
Trading License
For import, export, and general trade operations.
Commercial License
For product sales, distribution, and trading.
Industrial License
For manufacturing and assembly units.
Service License
For consulting, professional, and service-based activities.
Freelance License
For individual professionals and contractors.
E-Commerce License
For manufacturing and assembly units.
Tech & Innovation License
For IT, AI, blockchain, and SaaS businesses.
Healthcare License
For medical and healthcare service providers.
Logistics & Freight License
For shipping, warehousing, and distribution.
Real Estate License
For IT, AI, blockchain, and SaaS businesses.
Dubai Free Zones
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Dubai Design District (D3)
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai Healthcare City (DHC)
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
Dubai Outsource City
Dubai Science Park
Dubai Production City
Dubai Media City (DMC)
Dubai Studio City
Dubai South
Dubai International Humanitarian City
Dubai Free Zones operate under independent jurisdictional frameworks that provide investors with a range of financial, operational, and regulatory incentives, including:
100% foreign ownership
100% repatriation of capital and profits
100% exemption from customs duty
0% corporate tax on qualifying income
No personal income tax
No withholding taxes
There are no import or export duties
Easy access to the global market
Developed business communities
There are no currency restrictions
Easy UAE corporate bank account opening
Fast and easy company formation procedures in the UAE-free zones
Independent laws and UAE free zone regulations
Numerous options at competitive costs
Easy regional and global market access
Step-by-Step Incorporation Process
01.
Selecting the Right Free Zone
Choose a jurisdiction-aligned Dubai free zone based on your industry sector, business model, and corporate objectives.
Consider zones like DMCC (commodities), JAFZA (industrial & trading), DIFC (financial services), and DAFZA (logistics & aviation).
02
Clarify Business Operations & Organizational Framework
Select an appropriate corporate structure for your Dubai free zone business setup, such as:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Single shareholder entity.
- Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO): Multiple shareholders.
- Branch Office: An extension of an existing foreign or UAE mainland company.
03
Documentation & Registration Process
Submit KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance documentation.
Business plan and feasibility study for regulatory approval.
Shareholder and director identification documents.
04
Obtain Business License & Regulatory Approvals
Trade license issued by the free zone authority.
Additional permits for industry-specific operations.
05
Corporate Bank Account & Business Operations Initiation
Corporate bank account setup with UAE-based financial institutions.
Office space leasing as per Dubai free zone business setup mandates.
Visa processing and employee onboarding.
Required Documentation for Business Setup in UAE Free Zone
Documents for Initial Approval:
- Completed application form
- Business plan
- Copy of the existing trade license
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and general manager
- Copies of Emirates IDs of directors, shareholders, and general managers (for UAE residents)
- Specimen signature of the company’s shareholder(s) and the appointed manager/director for the new company
- 2 years of audited financial reports
- Unit title deed
- Letter of Intent
Documents for Final Incorporation & Licensing:
- Completed application for registration
- Board Resolution appointing Manager and/or Director (Notarised and attested)
- Power of Attorney given to the manager and/or director (Notarised and attested)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (Notarised and attested)
- Passport-size photo of the manager and/or director
- Share capital information.
Businesses to Setup in Dubai Free Zones
Gatestone Group will assist you in choosing the best-suited business type for your company in the UAE. The options include:
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing and logistics
- Trading
- Technology and IT
- Services
- Financial services
- Healthcare and biotechnology
- Tourism and hospitality
- Media and entertainment
- Education and training
- Research and development
- Renewable energy
- Agriculture and agribusiness
Why Choose Gatestone Group for Your Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone?
As a trusted business setup consultant, Gatestone Group offers comprehensive incorporation services tailored to Dubai Free Zone business setup, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
End-to-End Business Setup Consultation- Regulatory Compliance & Licensing Support
- Sector-Specific Free Zone Selection
- Corporate Banking & Tax Advisory
- Visa Processing & Employee Onboarding
For expert guidance on business setup in UAE Free Zone, contact Gatestone Group today and launch your Dubai Free Zone company with confidence.
FAQs
- How many Free Zones are there in Dubai?Dubai has over twenty Free Zones, each catering to a specific industry. Some of them include DAFZA, JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, and others.
- Who can opt for business setup in Dubai Free Zone?Both local and foreign investors are welcome. Foreign investors can have complete ownership without needing a local sponsor.
- What kinds of companies are permitted to open in a free zone in Dubai?Trading, manufacturing, technology, media, healthcare, and logistics are just a few of the enterprises that can be formed in Dubai free zones. Each free zone is often focused on a specific sector.
- What types of businesses can be set up in Dubai Free Zones?Dubai Free Zones support industries such as trading, IT, fintech, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and consultancy, ensuring a versatile and globally competitive business environment.
- Do I need a local sponsor for a business setup in Dubai Free Zone?No, foreign investors retain 100% ownership without an Emirati partner or local sponsorship.
- How long does the Dubai Free Zone business setup process take?The incorporation process typically takes 7 to 14 business days, depending on the specific free zone regulations and document submission.
- Can I open a corporate bank account for my UAE Free Zone company?Yes, once your business license is issued, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE, subject to compliance verification.
- Are there renewal requirements for Dubai Free Zone business licenses?Yes, companies must renew their free zone business licenses annually and maintain compliance with UAE regulatory standards.
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Contact Us
- Office 1416, The Binary by Omniyat Marasi Drive Street, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- +971 4 450 1023
- +971 52 410 0849
- +44 7385 807 875
- +971 52 410 0849
- info@gatestonegroup.com
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