In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a free zone company is a type of business entity that is set up within a designated free zone area. Free zones are special economic zones that offer tax exemptions, customs duty benefits, and other incentives to foreign investors and businesses looking to operate in the UAE.
A free zone company can be fully owned by foreign nationals or companies and can engage in a wide range of activities, such as trading, manufacturing, and services. Free zone companies are generally subject to the regulations and laws of the free zone authority in which they are established, rather than the laws and regulations of the UAE federal government.
There are several free zones in the UAE, including Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Each free zone has its own regulations, incentives, and business set up requirements, so it's important to research and choose the right free zone for your specific business needs.
"In UAE, SME business loans are given to the following entities: SME business loans are given to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Sole Establishments Free Zone Sole Establishments Free Zone companies Branches of Foreign companies in UAE"
RAKEZ Free Zone Company Setup
Dubai's free zones are designated areas that offer unique advantages to businesses, such as complete foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. Free zone company registration is an excellent option for businesses looking to establish a presence in Dubai without worrying about local sponsor requirements or the need for a UAE national partner. This article provides a comprehensive guide on free zone company registration in Dubai. Advantages of Free Zone Company Registration in UAE Free zone company registration offers several advantages, such as: • 100% foreign ownership • Tax exemptions • 100% repatriation of profits • Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities • Flexibility to operate and expand business operations Registration Process for Free Zone Company Registration The registration process for free zone company registration is relatively straightforward and involves several steps. The first step is to select a suitable free zone for your business activity. Each free zone in Dubai caters to specific business sectors, such as technology, media, healthcare, logistics, and more. The next step is to submit the required documents to the relevant authority. The documents required for free zone company registration may vary depending on the business activity and the free zone selected. However, in general, the required documents include passport copies of the shareholders and directors, a business plan, and proof of the initial capital investment. The registration process typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the free zone and the completeness of the documents submitted. Once the registration is complete, businesses can start operating immediately without the need for additional permits or licenses. Post-Registration Compliance After free zone company registration, businesses must comply with post-registration requirements such as visa applications, bank account opening, and other legal and administrative requirements. Partnering with an experienced business set-up consultancy firm can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary requirements are met.
"A more apt differentiation can be made between choosing between a free zone company or a mainland company (LLC’s). There are two main differentiators between a Free zone company and an LLC/ mainland company:1. Jurisdiction to conduct business activitiesFree Zone businesses can only conduct business within its specific Free Zone or outside the UAE. They cannot sell their products or provide their services directly in UAE mainland. A mainland registered company (LLC) can conduct business activities in and outside the UAE. They are not restricted to any particular geography or Free Zones. If a Free Zone company wishes to sell their products within the UAE, they can only do so through a distributor with a mainland license. The distributor can act as the Free Zone companies’ local agent. If a Free Zone company chooses to use a distributor to sell goods, the goods should either be shipped in through the distributor itself or a 5% duty will be applied for any goods that exit the Free Zone.2. Ownership StructureIn terms of ownership structures, Free Zone licensed companies can be 100% owned by expatriates and do not require a UAE National Partner or a local service agent. LLC’s on the other hand need to list a UAE National in their business license, either as a partner or a National Service Agent (Local Service Agent). Additionally, the UAE National needs to be the majority stake holder, holding a minimum of 51% percent stake, with expatriates being able to hold a maximum of 49% shares in the company. In certain cases, however, if the business activity falls under a professional license, an expatriate may own 100% stake in the company but will need to appoint a UAE national as a National Service Agent.On the basis of the business activity, target market and ownership structure desired, an entrepreneur can decide on the type of company they would like to set up, Mainland (LLC) or Free Zone. Along with above two differentiations that influence business setup decisions the following differences also exist between the two:a. Office SpaceWhile applying for a mainland license a business must show a rental agreement with minimum office space of 140 sqft. Free Zone Licenses on the other hand can be incorporated with or without a physical office space, with many Free Zones offering license holders with smart/ flexi office usage, this however restricts visa allocations.b. Visa EligibilityVisa Quotas for mainland businesses are allocated on the basis of the office size for mainland companies (80 sqft = 1 visa). Sperate quota for visas can also be applied for those who do not work within the office (Sales staff, drivers etc.), these do not affect office space visa quotas. Free Zone companies are limited to a certain number of visas depending on the package availed from the respective free zone (1-6). If the company requires more, they will need to rent a physical office space in the free zone.c. Governing BodyMainland businesses will require standard approvals from local authorities (DED, MOL, DM etc.). Additionally, depending on the business activity, they may need approvals from third party governing bodies (DHA, HAAD, KHDA, RERA, Civil Defense etc.). Free Zone establishments usually do not need approvals from external bodies."
The Jebel Ali port is part of a Free zone system in the UAE and has its own independant governing authority. It is not subject to all the same rules and regulations that govern the UAE, but is still within the country.
"If you are looking for the cheapest free zone license in UAE for your business, then you have come to the right place. Mighty Warners is here to help you with all your business setup needs. We offer free zone licenses, free office space, and other business-related services at an affordable price. We are an established company that has been working in the UAE for many years now. We have built a reputation for being reliable, honest, and trustworthy. We know that the only way to succeed is by working hard, so we do everything possible to help our clients succeed as well. So if you need any type of business setup help or advice, then please contact us today!"
FZ LLC stands for Free Zone Limited Liability Company. It is a type of business entity commonly found in free zones, particularly in countries like the UAE. This structure allows for 100% foreign ownership, provides certain tax benefits, and limits the liability of the owners to the amount of their investment in the company. FZ LLCs are often chosen by entrepreneurs looking to operate within a specific free zone's regulatory framework.
Free zone establishment
Yes, it is possible. You would have to deposit your valid ID proof in the security counter.
The best business setup consultants in the UAE are Flyingcolour Business Setup Services, offering expert guidance in company formation across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. We specialize in Business Setup Dubai, UAE, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for clients. For UAE Free Zone company formation, the procedure typically includes choosing the right free zone, preparing required documents, applying for a trade license, and registering the company with the free zone authority. Flyingcolour Business Setup Services handles all these steps, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, obtaining your visa, and providing additional services like office space and banking support for a hassle-free setup.
For some types of organizations in the free zone such as Free Zone Companies (FZCO) and Free Zone Establishments (FZE), account auditing is compulsory; in a branch of local and foreign company audit report may not be required in most free zones. It is clear that the accounting records and documentation must be available and well documented to finalize the audit. In UAE the general rule for businesses is to keep their records for at least five years. The Commercial Businesses Law states that account auditing is required for all companies in the mainland. In the light of the forthcoming VAT in 2018, the maintenance of accounting records will become more relevant for almost all types of organizations in UAE. Companies generally have a period of 3 to 6 months after their financial year is closed to complete the audit report and send it to the general assembly.
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