Establishing a company in the free zone The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most dynamic economies in the world thanks to its facilitating investment laws, infrastructure that meets international standards, strategic geographical location, and the absence of taxes on personal and corporate income, which makes it a global destination for business investment. In order for investors to avoid any legal complications in the future, all legal aspects must be considered before making any investment decisions.

The cost of establishing a company in the free zone

It was announced that companies in the free zone differ from companies in any other region. The free zone has many advantages that make it different from other places, as it is characterized by:

• Tax exemption on all goods and companies that are established in them.
• Exempting goods from customs duties, which makes all things cheaper than in other regions.
• Ease of procedures for establishing companies.
• Ease of owning a company, even if you do not have UAE citizenship, and not needing a partner or sponsor from the Emirates.

Types of companies that can be established in the UAE

• Solidarity and limited partnership companies.
• Individual companies and institutions, both industrial and commercial.
• Companies that have a work-from-home license.
• Small and medium enterprises in Dubai.

These types of companies must have a partner who is a national of the country (UAE) or a GCC national. In order to establish a company in the United Arab Emirates and in any field, whether an import and export company or otherwise, you must first submit an application to the Department of Economic Development in the city in which you want to establish the multiple company, whether Dubai, Abu Dhabi or otherwise.

Fortunately, you can communicate with one of the economic development departments in the majority of the country’s emirates electronically, and it is not necessary to go to their headquarters in person. You can search for the website of the new economic development department in the city and start the procedures electronically from the website.

In order to obtain this initial approval from the Department of Economic Development, you must enhance follow-up and improve the competent authorities related to the field of work of your project and the company you are working on to implement other procedures.

This free zone was established in 2002, and it is one of the best known free zones, not to mention that it is the most famous at the present time. In 2014, as well as last year, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center region won the title of the best free zone in the world in 2015. One of the advantages of working in Dubai is that it is suitable for any type of worker, and it hosts different types of companies, including: .

All free zones allow 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital. DMCC also offers efficient incorporation and selective access to the startup community, SMEs and large companies, and it also provides training courses and networking events from time to time.

Many foreign investors are attracted to establishing companies in the free zones of the Emirates, as they can fully own them, in addition to the lack of bureaucratic complications when establishing. But it is necessary to know that free zones are not part of the Emirates, as local laws do not apply within them. Also, free zone companies cannot work from within the Emirates unless they open offices within it or if they work through local distributors only.

If the investor wants to do business with global markets through foreign trade and does not want to do business within the Emirati markets, it is preferable to establish a company in the free zones in the Emirates .

The best places for real estate investment in Dubai 

• Location is one of the most important factors when choosing to invest in Dubai real estate.
• The location determines the property’s proximity and distance from vital areas, which is a very important aspect that the investor takes into consideration.
• One of the most prominent places for real estate investment in Dubai is Dubai Marina or Business Bay.
• The most prominent places are those close to offices or tourist and commercial centers.

Working in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Located in the Jebel District of Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone is the world’s largest and fastest-growing free trade zone, home to more than 7,000 international companies. Operating since 1985, each year it contributes more than 21% to Dubai’s GDP and is a pioneering model of a thriving economy.

Being a business hub, Jebel Ali Free Zone is the best place for investors, as it has facilitated the way for endless business opportunities that provide every need of all investors and stakeholders including customers and employees. And if you are planning to start a business in Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone is the perfect place to meet your needs.

How to create a successful business in Dubai

In our company and as a business consultant in Dubai, we help entrepreneurs start all types of companies in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and all of the United Arab Emirates. Because in our company we have the strongest team of Arab and non-Arab specialists who have excellent and renewed knowledge of the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates government and have the experience and skills that make running your business and obtaining the required approvals from government agencies in the Emirate of Dubai easier, which saves you time, effort and money as well, and to start establishing your business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, you first need to obtain a license.

Types of license available in Jebel Ali Free Zone

• General commercial license

This license allows the owner to import, distribute and store all items in accordance with the rules and regulations of Jebel Ali Free Zone. Being expensive, it provides access to a wider range of activities and a greater range of items.

• Business license

This license allows the holder to import, export, distribute and store items specified in the license.

• Service license

This license allows the investor to implement the services specified in the license within the free zone.

• National industrial license

This license is designed for manufacturing companies that have at least 51% ownership or shareholding with Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) nationals.

• Industrial license

The owner has access to import raw materials, carry out the manufacture of selected products and export finished products.

What types of companies can you set up in Jebel Ali Free Zone and their cost

• Free Zone Enterprises (FZE):

Any individual (sole shareholder) or company (company) can open a FZE with the registration cost starting from AED 10,000. It is a limited liability company within the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

• Free Zone Company (FZCO):

A maximum of 50 or more shareholders are allowed in the FZCO. These shareholders can be individuals, companies, or a combination of the two. The registration cost starts from 15,000 dirhams for one time

• company branch:

The branch is treated as a legal entity of the parent company. Any entity established outside the Jebel Ali Free Zone may establish a branch within the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Registration fees start from 10,000 dirhams only.

Establishing a company in Dubai

What documents are required to establish in FZCO free zones

• Company setup application form.
• Original passport and its copy.
• Business profile of all individual shareholders.
• Board of Directors decision.
• Power of attorney and signature from the director and shareholders.
• A no-objection certificate from the sponsor for each shareholder residing in the United Arab Emirates.
• the summery of project.
• Environmental health and safety application form.