Minimized taxation
0% personal income tax, 5% VAT only
100% foreign ownership
Full ownership of enterprises is allowed for foreign investors
100% repatriation of capital
Repatriation of 100% capital and profit is allowed in FTZs
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Best UAE Free Zones
We consistently recommend only the best and most reputable Free Zones in the UAE
With over 45 different Free Zones available, each offering unique setup costs, permitted business activities, facilities options, and share capital requirements, choosing the right one can be complex.
That’s where we come in. Our goal is to help you save time and money by recommending the Free Zone that aligns with your business targets, visa and office needs, and investment budget.
At My Global Success Direction, our experts thoroughly evaluate all factors to recommend the ideal location for registering your business in the UAE, ensuring your business growth and success.
UAE Free Zone explained
UAE Free Zones are among the most renowned free economic zones globally
Advantages of UAE Free Zones
Perfect conditions for your business
Have you ever wondered what benefits you’d get by opening a company in one of the UAE’s Free Zones?
Minimized taxation
100 % foreign ownership of the enterprise
UAE Residence Visa
No trade barriers or quotas
100 % repatriation of capital and profits
Simple Import, Export Policies
No personal income taxes
Extensive infrastructure and facilities
No restrictions on hiring expatriates
Free Zone company formation
How to register a UAE Free Zone company
To start a business in any UAE Free Zone, you need to complete three main steps: obtaining your business license, acquiring your UAE Residence Visa, and opening a corporate bank account. With proper planning, the entire business setup process typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks.
Every company operating in a UAE Free Zone must obtain a business license (also called a trade license). This license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
Certain UAE Free Zones require a minimum paid-up share capital during the company formation process. The required amount varies by Free Zone.
To assist you with the company registration process, we recommend reviewing the main steps for registering a business in the top UAE Free Zone – DMCC.
Select a license type and business activity
Each Free Zone has its own regulations regarding the number of activities that can be included in a single license. Generally, commercial activities cannot be combined with service activities within the same license. Therefore, any trading-related activities must be under a Trading/Commercial License, while services or consultations require a Service License. If you intend to produce or manufacture products, you will need an Industrial License.
Step 1
Choose a Free Zone
Each UAE Free Zone has its own set of permitted activities, along with varying types of facilities and visa quotas. Due to these differences, seeking professional consultation is highly recommended to select the most suitable Free Zone for your business.
Step 2
Select a corporate structure
The corporate structure options include: a new company with individual shareholders, a subsidiary company with corporate shareholders, a joint venture company combining individual and corporate shareholders, or a branch of a local or foreign company. Note that certain business activities are permitted exclusively for branch companies; thus, it's important to verify with your chosen Free Zone.
Step 3
Select trade name & prepare documents
Request company name options (three proposals needed) in order of preference and compile the required documents for the selected Free Zone. For new company formation, the standard documents include passport, visa, EID (if applicable), NOC for UAE residents (specific to certain Free Zones), proof of residential address, and professional CV. The documents needed for registering branch companies differ somewhat.
Step 4
Apply for initial approval
Initial approval typically encompasses consent for the company name, selected business activities, and the proposed company structure.
Step 5
Sign legal documents for company incorporation
After receiving initial approval, arrange a face-to-face meeting (or video call) with a Free Zone representative. In some cases, this meeting can be bypassed by providing a Power of Attorney and notarized documents through your representative. The meeting will involve passport verification of shareholders or UBOs and the signing of essential documents, including the Articles of Association (AOA), Board Resolution, and Specimen Signature Form.
Step 6
Establish business location
19/19 ChatGPT To advance to the final licensing stage, you need to secure a commercial property within your selected Free Zone. After locating a suitable property, you must sign a Tenancy Contract for at least one year and obtain an Ejari Certificate. Both documents should be submitted to the Free Zone authority, as your license will be issued with the address from the Tenancy Contract. Depending on the type of facility (flexi-desk, business center office, physical office, warehouse, retail space), additional documents may be required, such as an AOFC Certificate from Concordia or Third-Party Liability Insurance.
Step 7
Collect business license
After signing the registration documents, securing all necessary approvals, and completing all payments, the license and other corporate documents will be issued.
Step 8
After signing the registration documents, securing all necessary approvals, and completing all payments, the license and other corporate documents will be issued.
Let us help you succeed in the UAE
Reach out to our experts to start a successful business in the UAE.
