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Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Dubai Free Zones are an ideal environment for establishing and growing a company in the Dubai Free Zone. If you are looking for an opportunity to build your own company in this regulated and evolving environment, cooperation with Itqan Company is a crucial strategy for achieving success.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore together the process of setting up a company in the Dubai Free Zone and the basic steps required to do so. We will also learn about the role of Itqan Company as a specialized partner in providing the advisory services and logistical and legal support necessary to facilitate the process of establishing the company in the free zone.

Regardless of your business activity, in this article you will find valuable information that helps you understand the legal, regulatory and financial requirements for establishing your company in the free zone . We will also discuss the economic and tax benefits related to investing in the free zone and how Itqan can help you exploit them in the best possible way.

Join us on this inspiring journey to explore the process of establishing your company in the Dubai Free Zone in cooperation with Itqan Company, and benefit from its experience and specialized consultations to achieve your success and transform your vision into an existing reality in the thriving business environment in the Dubai Free Zone.

Establishing

Basic steps to establish a company in a free zone in Dubai

Establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai requires several steps. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Choosing the type of company: You must determine the type of company you want to establish, whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, etc.
  2. Choosing a free zone: There are several free zones in Dubai such as Dubai Investment City, Jebel Ali City, Dubai Technology and Media, and others. Choose the area that suits your company’s activity.
  3. Determine suggested names for the company: Identify a list of suggested names for the company and ensure that they are available and comply with Dubai naming rules.
  4. Identify shareholders and directors: Identify the shareholders and directors who will run the company and determine each person’s role and stake in the company.
  5. Determine the capital: Determine the capital necessary to establish the company and determine the method of paying it.
  6. Submitting an application: Submit an application to establish the company in the selected free zone and submit all required documents.
  7. Obtaining licenses and approvals: After accepting the application, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities in the free zone.
  8. Establishing the company and issuing documents: After obtaining approvals, you will officially establish the company and issue legal documents such as the incorporation certificate, shareholder contracts, etc.
  9. Open a bank account: Open a bank account in the company’s name to manage financial operations.
  10. Registration with tax and social bodies: Register with the tax and social bodies required for the company and secure all legal needs.

Expected costs of establishing the company in the free zone

The cost of establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai is affected by several factors such as the type of company, the size of the required capital, the geographical location of the free zone, and the additional services required. Here is a list of the expected costs you may face when establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai:

  • Incorporation fees: These fees include company registration fees and administrative fees imposed by local authorities.
  • Annual license fees: Annual fees are imposed on companies in free zones to maintain the rights and services provided.
  • Virtual office or office space fees: If you do not have a physical office in the free zone, you may need to rent a virtual office or office space which entails an additional cost.
  • Legal and accounting consulting fees: You may need legal and accounting consulting to assist you with incorporation, legal and tax compliance processes.
  • Required Capital: You need to determine the capital required to establish the company and this may entail associated costs.
  • Additional Services Fees: You may need to pay additional fees for consulting services, financial services, or other logistical services.
  • Employee insurance and license fees: If you plan to hire employees, you may need to pay health insurance and employee license fees.
  • Real estate research and consulting fees: If you plan to rent a place to work in the free zone, you may need to pay a fee for real estate research and consulting services.

 

Commercial activities permitted in Dubai free zones

Business activities permitted in Dubai’s free zones vary according to local laws, regulations and directives of relevant authorities. However, Dubai free zones are usually designed to support a variety of industries and sectors. There are some common business activities that are often permitted in Dubai free zones and they include, but are not limited to:

  • Manufacturing, heavy and light industries: establishing factories to manufacture various products.
  • International trade, export and import: establishing companies that work in the field of import, export and distribution of goods.
  • Financial and banking services: opening investment companies, and international financial and banking services companies.
  • Information and communications technology: establishing information technology companies and providing software and communications services.
  • Consulting and professional services: Providing consulting services in various fields such as marketing, human resources, and accounting.
  • Logistics and Logistics Chain Management: Providing logistics and supply chain management services to global companies.
  • Research and development: establishing research and development centers in various fields.
  • Medical and health services: Providing medical and health services such as international hospitals and medical clinics.

Legal guarantees available to investors in free zones

In Dubai’s free zones, authorities provide a range of legal guarantees to investors to enhance the business environment and encourage investment. Here are some of the legal safeguards available to investors in these areas:

  1. Freedom of full ownership: Dubai free zones allow investors to own companies 100% without the need for a local partner.
  2. Not imposing taxes: Free zones provide an environment free of taxes on profits and taxes on income for companies residing in them for a specific period, and some free zones provide tax exemption for a period of up to 50 years.
  3. Customs facilities: Free zones provide customs facilities such as not imposing customs duties on import and export, and not imposing fees on temporary storage.
  4. Advanced Infrastructure: Free zones provide advanced infrastructure including logistical facilities, modern communications, and financial services.
  5. Administrative Facilities: Free zones provide administrative facilities such as registering companies quickly and without the need for complex procedures.
  6. International Arbitration: Free zones provide an internationally recognized legal system to resolve potential disputes between investors and companies.
  7. Legal protection of intellectual property: Strict laws provide intellectual property protection for companies residing in free zones.
  8. Freedom to hire: Free zones allow companies to freely employ expatriate workers without the need for a special work license.

Licenses required for companies in free zones

The licenses and permits required for businesses in Dubai’s free zones vary according to the type of business activity and the specific free zone. However, they can include the following licenses and permits:

  1. Company establishment permit: Establishing any company in the Dubai Free Zone requires obtaining an official permit from the relevant authorities.
  2. Trade License: Companies in free zones need a trade license that allows them to conduct specified commercial activities.
  3. Virtual office or office space license: If you do not have a physical office in the free zone, you may need a license to use a virtual office or rent office space.
  4. Manufacturing or trading license: If a company is engaged in manufacturing or trading, it may need a special license to practice these activities.
  5. Professional Services License: If the company provides professional services such as consulting, financial services, or engineering services, it may need a special professional license.
  6. Building and construction licenses: If the company works in the building and construction field, it may need special licenses to carry out building and construction work.
  7. Industry, health and safety permits: Some industrial and service activities may require special permits from local authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
  8. Special activity licenses: There may be special licenses related to certain activities such as hospitality, tourism, and entertainment.

Advantages of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai comes with a number of features and benefits that include:

  • Economic Freedom: Dubai’s free zones provide an economic environment free from customs restrictions and local taxes, which encourages business growth.
  • Customs facilities: Free zones provide simple and easy customs procedures for import and export.
  • Advanced Infrastructure: Free zones provide advanced infrastructure that includes airports, ports, roads and other logistical services.
  • Flexible legislation: Free zones operate with flexible commercial legislation and a regulatory environment that encourages foreign investment.
  • Easy access to regional and global markets: Dubai free zones enhance access to the Middle East, North Africa and Asian markets thanks to their strategic location.
  • Administrative facilities: Free zones provide simple and easy administrative procedures for establishing and operating companies.
  • Government Support: Free zones provide strong government support and assistance in facilitating procedures and providing services to companies.
  • Logistics services: Free zones provide integrated logistics services that include customs clearance, warehousing and distribution.

At the conclusion of this article, it can be concluded that establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone in cooperation with Itqan Company is a favorable option for entrepreneurship and business expansion. By taking advantage of the multiple benefits offered by the free zone, companies can achieve success and sustainability in a favorable business environment.

Itqan Company provides support and assistance in all aspects of establishing a company, from licensing and registration procedures to providing the necessary infrastructure and financial services. The Itqan team works to provide customized and integrated solutions to meet companies’ needs and achieve their goals.

By benefiting from foreign investment, a favorable legal environment and advanced infrastructure, companies in Dubai Free Zone can confidently face challenges and take advantage of promising business opportunities in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

In addition, the presence of companies in the free zone provides opportunities for recruitment and talent development, in addition to enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange with other companies in different fields.

In short, establishing the company in the Dubai Free Zone in cooperation with Itqan Company is a strategic step that contributes to business success and provides an enabling environment for companies to achieve growth and prosperity.

The most frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

What are the competitive advantages of establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai?

The free zone provides a distinguished investment environment thanks to customs and tax exemptions, flexible legislation, and advanced infrastructure.

What are the basic steps to establish a company in the free zone?

The basic steps include defining the business activity, choosing the legal type of company, and submitting the required documents to the relevant authorities.

What are the expected costs of establishing a company in the free zone?

This varies depending on the type, size and activity of the company, and costs may include registration, license and rental fees.

What administrative and legal procedures are required?

Procedures include legal registration of the company, obtaining a business license, and submitting periodic financial reports.

Can foreign companies also establish companies in free zones?

Yes, Dubai’s free zones welcome both local and foreign companies.

What facilities are available for SMEs?

Free zones may provide support programs and facilities for SMEs, such as financing, training and consulting programmes.