All you need to know about -

UAE Free Zones Company Formation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Middle East, and is home to a number of free trade zones (FTZs). The purpose of these foreign trade zones is to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. The UAE’s FTZs are divided into two categories: onshore and offshore. The onshore FTZs are located within the UAE’s borders, while the offshore FTZs are located outside the UAE’s borders.

Free-trade zones in the United Arab Emirates have their own tax conventions, shipping regimes, and legal systems. Every free zone is built around one or even more corporate world classifications and therefore only licenses businesses that fall into those classifications. Each free zone is governed by its own Free Zone Authority (FZA), which is in charge of issuing FTZ licenses and establishing companies in the FTZ.

Each business established in the UAE free zone can operate smoothly without paying any kind of tax. But before applying for the UAE free zone area to operate your company, you must know the rules and regulations of UAE free zone business operations.

Steps to Set Up a Company in
a UAE Free Zones:

- To begin the process, select the type of legal entity as well as a trade name for your enterprise. You must select a name that can be officially registered only for your own business. Choosing an unregistered name may result in copyright and other issues for your company.

- The crucial part of establishing your business in a UAE free zone has arrived. In the UAE free zone, you must apply for a business license, which must be approved. You cannot proceed without first applying for and receiving a license for your business to operate in an UAE-free zone.

- Then choose a co-working space in an UAE free zone where your business can operate. After you've decided on the best commercial space, receive pre-approvals, sign up your company, and obtain your license. Click the "Learn More" button to learn more about the steps to establishing a company in a UAE free zone.

Advantages OF -

Setting Up Your
Business In A Free Zone

The main objective of a UAE free-trade zone seems to be to eliminate trade barriers such as protectionist policies and complicated import restrictions from a port area, airport, or border.

1. Retain Ownership

Most countries permit 100% foreign ownership as well as shareholding. The majority of the free zone restrictions are published under the law of the UAE. Certain UAE free zones have no limitations on foreign exchange or capital repatriation. So companies get the advantage of retaining ownership of their business.

2. Business License

The UAE Free Zone License is the principal legislation required for conducting business inside any Free Zone. Free zone licenses contractually obligate businesses of all sizes, from startup companies and micro-enterprises to huge corporations, to benefit from variety of advantages when operating in the UAE.

3. Financial Incentives

Economic zones in which goods and services can indeed be purchased and sold are known as "free zones." These areas are also recognized as free trade zones, and perhaps even free zone authorities, and they allow you to trade goods and commodities without paying any taxes.

4. Sector-Specific

UAE free zones provide specific industry business licenses as well as a one-of-a-kind potential to defer, lessen, or completely remove import taxes on your product lines, which could also lead to substantial cost reductions.

UAE FREEZONE

RAKEZ -Ras Al Khaimah
Economic Zone

Established in 2005 to promote economic growth and diversification in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE, offering a wide range of business activities and a strategic location near major ports and airports.

It offers cost-effective business solutions and a streamlined process for company formation, with flexible office and warehouse spaces and modern infrastructure.

StartBiz Global can assist startup businesses in setting up their venture in RAKEZ by providing guidance on company registration, visa processing, licensing, and other legal requirements.

Key Features:

  • Established2000
  • Licenses typesTrading, Consultancy, Industrial
  • FacilitiesFlexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
  • Visas1-4 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
  • Time-framePre-approval in 1 week, 3 days company formation

PROS

Provides a business-friendly environment with 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, no personal tax, and no currency restrictions. It also offers a wide range of business activities, including trading, manufacturing, services, and e-commerce.

Key Features:

  • Established2017
  • Licenses typesTrading, Consultancy, Industrial
  • FacilitiesFlexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
  • Visas1-2 visas with flexi desk, 5 visas with office
  • Setup timeRegistration in 3 to 4 days

PROS

SHAMS is located in the Emirate of Sharjah, which is strategically positioned between Dubai and other Northern Emirates. This allows for easy access to key business and trade hubs in the UAE and the wider region.

UAE FREEZONE

SHAMS - Sharjah Media
City Free Zone

Established in 2017 with the aim of providing a platform for media and creative businesses to operate in the emirate of Sharjah.

SHAMS is the first free zone in the UAE and a part of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), located in the heart of Sharjah.

It offers a unique set of business activities, including film, broadcasting, music, and publishing.

StartBiz Global can help with business planning, market research, and financial analysis to ensure that the startup is well-positioned for success in SHAMS.

UAE FREEZONE

SRTIP - Sharjah Research
Technology &
Innovation Park

Established in 2018, it is a joint venture between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) with the University of Sharjah.

SRTIP is the park is designed to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government to create a vibrant ecosystem for research, technology, and innovation.

The park is a key component of the UAE’s strategy to become a global leader in research and innovation.

StartBiz Global can provide ongoing support to help startups navigate the complexities of doing business in the SRTIP region of UAE while growing their business over time.

Key Features:

  • Established2016
  • Licenses typesTrading, Renewable energy, Manufacturing
  • FacilitiesOffices, SME Offices, Laboratories
  • Visas1-2 visas with flexi desk, 8 visas with office
  • Setup timeRegistration in 3 to 4 days

PROS

SRTIP is focused on research, technology, and innovation, providing a range of licenses for companies in industries such as biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced materials. It offers incentives to attract and retain businesses, including tax exemptions, access to world-class research and development facilities, and supportive business environment.

Key Features:

  • Established1996
  • Licenses typesTrading, Consultancy, Industrial
  • FacilitiesFlexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
  • Visas1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
  • Time-frameRegistration in 1 day

PROS

More than 8,000 companies from around 165 countries have established their presence in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. By utilizing the modern infrastructure and customer-focused services provided by SAIF Zone, businesses can confidently expand and conduct operations in this dynamic commercial hub.

UAE FREEZONE

SAIF -Sharjah Airport
International
Free Zone

SAIF Zone provides a variety of benefits that meet the needs of modern businesses, including a prime location, reliable services, efficient operations, diverse industry options, licensing options, and a strong company structure.

The zone is conveniently situated next to the Sharjah International Airport.

Close proximity to the airports and seaports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering unparalleled connectivity to global trade.

With its strategic location, StartBiz Global enable businesses to have an easy access to major countries around the world, making Sharjah an ideal choice for seeking a competitive edge.

UAE FREEZONE

UAQ FTZ -Umm Al Quwain
Free Zone

Just 30 minutes away from Dubai, the location is increasingly popular among global corporations, entrepreneurs, and startups.

UAQ provides many advantages such as being SME-friendly, having favorable tax laws, low cost of living and labor, access to affluent consumers, top-notch infrastructure, speedy development, tech-savvy workforce, and access to global markets.

It is operated directly by the UAE emirate of Umm Al Quwain, providing great business stability and over 1500 business options.

The stable economy, open investment climate, and low costs of living and labor allows StarBiz Global to convince businesses have a strategic base within the MENA region.

Key Features:

  • Established2014
  • Licenses typesTrading, Consultancy, Industrial
  • FacilitiesFlexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
  • Visas1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
  • Time-frameRegistration 1 day

PROS

It is located beside the UAE's longest road, the state highway E 311 (Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), providing significant logistic advantage in connecting to other Emirates and GCC countries. With an important seaport, Hutchison Ports in Umm Al Quwain offers a four-berth facility with an 845-metre-long quay, making it a great location for import and export.

Key Features:

  • Established1995
  • Licenses typesTrading, Consultancy, Industrial
  • FacilitiesFlexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
  • Visas1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
  • Time-frame1 day Registration

PROS

Hamriyah boasts a 14 meter deep sea port, 7 meter deep inner harbor, and a vast area of 26 million square meters for warehouses and office facilities. It is a preferred location for industrial companies due to its low rates for electricity and rent.Hamriyah boasts a 14 meter deep sea port, 7 meter deep inner harbor, and a vast area of 26 million square meters for warehouses and office facilities. It is a preferred location for industrial companies due to its low rates for electricity and rent.

UAE FREEZONE

HAMRIYAHFree Zone

Established in 1995, it is one of the largest and most successful free zones in the region and is home to over 6,000 companies from more than 100 countries.

Hamriyah is managed by the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIFZA).

It is strategically located in the heart of the UAE, close to the Sharjah International Airport and the Port of Hamriyah.

StartBiz Global offers assistance for establishing businesses of all sizes in Hamriyah, with affordable options to purchase office spaces and warehouses.

UAE free zone business setup can help you to solve
many corporate challenges of international business registration such as:

- Safety of your funds

- Free movement of money

- Quick international transfers

- Company in a white listed sanction free country

- Stable rate of local currency

- Good geographical position

- Available workforce

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