Have you ever thought about starting a business in the land of opportunity? If yes, then studying the list of the best free zones in the UAE is the right first step for you.
The UAE is a center for entrepreneurs starting their own business. Emirates attracts investors with its tax regime, countless benefits, incubator schemes and much more.
Setting up a company in a free zone is the right place to start. Free zones are jurisdictions that will contribute to the development of your business and ensure the right path for the company.
We will tell you about the 7 best free zones in the UAE and everything related to them. This will help you choose the right options for your business.
Advantages of setting up a company in a free zone in the UAE
- 100% foreign property.
- No personal, income or corporate taxes.
- Full repatriation of capital and profits.
- Strategic location, expanding opportunities.
- Simple setup process.
- World-class infrastructure.
- Exemption from all import and export duties.
List of the best free zones in the UAE
Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai (JAFZA)
JAFZA is named the flagship free zone of Dubai Ports (DP) World. It plays an important role in the DP World integrated business center in the Emirates region. JAFZA was established in 1985 and is one of the oldest free zones in the UAE. It is strategically located near the 7th largest container port in the world called the Jebel Ali Seaport. This makes it an ideal frieze for import and export.
Over the years, JAFZA has been creating a benchmark for other zones. This is due to its unique location and progressive working procedures. The jurisdiction has also received an ISO certificate and allows you to diversify business modules.
JAFZA issues various types of licenses, including trade, service license, industrial and even e-commerce. Due to its popularity and growth, JAFZA is an ideal frisone for multinational corporations (TNCs).
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC is recognized as the number 1 zone in the world. He has also made a significant contribution to the development of trade and commerce in Dubai, which makes it an ideal industry to penetrate and open a business in the Emirates. It is open to almost all types of businesses and offers a wide range of office solutions.
One license issued by DMCC can contain up to 6 types of business activities from the same group.
Entrepreneurs can get a dual license. Dual licensing allows enterprises to expand their business for local and onshore companies. To be eligible for a dual license, entrepreneurs will need to obtain a DMCC license and a license to operate in the zone for local companies.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of the most popular in the UAE. This is due to the fact that, despite its novelty, it immediately attracted attention for the creation of companies in Dubai.
Frison offers a very economical setup process. This makes it one of the most potential areas for business opportunities and growth. IFZA also offers many licenses to entrepreneurs. These licenses include consulting, service, electronic commercial, commercial and trade licenses.
The advantage of creating a company in IFZA is that it is not necessary to have a physical office space to start a business. This makes it convenient for entrepreneurs who want to open an online business, because, unlike other jurisdictions, they will not need to have physical premises.
Creative City Free Zone Authority in Fujairah
The frizone of the creative city of Fujairah is one of the fastest growing media–free zones in the region. It offers flexible customization options for the structures of its business.
In addition, its popularity is growing due to the convenience of opening a business there. The zone is not only very economical, but also requires the least amount of effort and documentation.
The creative city in Fujairah allows entrepreneurs to hold a wide range of business events. This activity mainly revolves around the media, events, consulting, education, marketing and more sectors. The zone allows entrepreneurs to have a virtual office, giving them the freedom to work on the go.
As an advantage, the company can be established without the requirement of a visa for the investor and staff. It also offers optimal solutions for those who really need a visa. The main difference is that entrepreneurs can get up to 20 visas under one trade license.
Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)
Launched in 2017, Shams Zone is one of the few in Sharjah that offers a setup process with minimal initial investment and renewal costs. Suitable for those who want to expand their business. Entrepreneurs can also choose between creating an LLC and a branch. It allows entrepreneurs to register without certification of documentation.
Despite its name, the zone is not limited to media-related activities, and extends to many other areas. Shams offers various licenses, such as service, industrial, freelance, trade, as well as ownership licenses.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
Another fairly new, but promising frizone with ample opportunities. The publishing city of Sharjah is the world’s first printing and publishing zone. It meets various business needs by providing world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment.
Although the main activities are related to publishing and printing activities, they allow others. For example, trade, consulting, e-commerce and IT business. The advantage of creating a company here is the opportunity for entrepreneurs to carry out up to 5 types of activities under one license without additional payment.
Businessmen who create a company in SPC can also get a dual license. There are many packages of services for residents of the UAE. Three company structures are allowed in the zone: an institution, a company and a subsidiary.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
A notable advantage of RAKEZ is its strategic location. The jurisdiction is located near the seaport, as well as in the immediate vicinity of Ras Al Khaimah Airport.
Although RAKEZ serves almost all types of businesses, it is most suitable for enterprises engaged in production activities. This is due to the fact that the zone offers customizable warehouses and industrial land plots for development. Activities in the frison are divided into various categories – from commercial, media, e-commerce to educational activities.
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