Free Zone

The Dubai Multi Commodities Center, also known as DMCC. DMCC is one of the most advanced free zones in the UAE, which is rapidly growing with 15,000 plusregistered businesses. Business setup in DMCC is simple and is strongly considered by entrepreneurs/investors to expand in the Middle East region.

Types of company formation in DMCC

• Branch of a company
• Free zone establishment
• Free zone company

Types of license available in DMCC

• Trade License
• Service License
• Industrial License

List of documents to be submitted

• DMCC application form
• Business plan for the proposed business
• colored passport-sized photographs and passport copy of all shareholders
• If the applicant is an expat resident of the UAE, No objection letter from the existing sponsor

Address Proof of permanent residency of the shareholders. To know more about the process of starting a company in DMCC and the processes, contact Profound Business Services.

The Dubai International Financial Centre or DIFC is a free zone which will promote the growth and development of financial services and related sectors within the UAE. It has its legal system and courts distinct from those of the broader UAE, with jurisdiction over the company, commercial, civil, employment, trusts, and law matters.

DIFC serves as a platform for companies, mainly those in the financial sector, to access emerging markets in the region.  It brings various benefits for businesses including state of the art infrastructure and facilities, competitive services, and tax and ownership incentives.  DIFC acts like an international business hub by always maintaining global standards, developing global relations, creating business and employment opportunities and ensuring economic development.

Benefits of Setting up Company in DIFC

• 100% Foreign ownership
• The tax rate will be zero percent on income and profits
• No foreign exchange or capital/profit repatriation restrictions
• Globally accepted laws and regulatory processes
• Transparent operating environment, complying with global practices
• Dollar-denominated environment
• Strict regulations and enforcement of money laundering laws
• Best transport, communications and internet facilities

To know more about the process of starting a company in DIFC and the processes, contact Profound Business Services.

Dubai South Free zone, the cost-effective free zone in Dubai previously known as Dubai World Central (DWC) is located near to one of the world’s largest international airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Dubai World Expo center.

It also offers numerous key components including Business Park, Commercial District, Logistics District, Aviation District, Residential District, Golf District, Humanitarian and Exhibition District which together serve as a stage for the growth of aviation, logistics, ancillary service businesses, and light industry.

Dubai South is divided into three districts:

• Aviation District
• Logistic District
• Free Zone Business Park

For business setup in Dubai South, one must register as a Free Zone Enterprise and hold a Dubai south business license.

Types of license available in Dubai South:

• Trading License
• Service License
• General Trading License
• Logistics License
• Industrial License
• Educational License

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) provides a unique and highly desirable proposition for business set up in UAE to compete even more effectively regionally and internationally. Dubai World Trade Centre free zone doesn’t solely provide you with a prime location. It additionally offers a powerful regulatory framework and leasing prepositions. With a corporation set up in DWTC free zone, you’ll profit from an advantageous regulatory environment and operational procedures together with government authorities.

Benefits of DWTC Free Zone Company Setup:

• 100% Foreign ownership
• 100% Repatriation of capital
• 0% Income tax
• 0% Corporate tax
• No restriction on currency and repatriation of funds
• No restriction on hiring foreign employees
• Stable and clear regulation
• One-stop-shop providing company registration, licensing and visa services
• Simplified incorporation process​​​​​​​​

Types of business licenses in DWTC Free Zone:

• Commercial license
• General Trading license
• Professional license
• Event management license
• Business operating permits

Types of company formation in DWTC:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
• Free Zone Company
• Branch of Limited liability company
• A Branch of Foreign company

Jabel Ali Free zone (JAFZA) is the first free zone in the entire Middle East which offers a wide range of tailor-made facilities to meet the specific needs of a range of activities and to ensure that your company gets the best out of its base in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Jafza, the trade catalyst is located close to the Jabel Ali port as well as the Dubai International Airport. It is now known as the world’s largest free zone and is a dynamic base for thousands of businesses, from over 150 countries.

Types of license available in JAFZA

• Trading License
• Service License
• E-commerce
• Industrial License
• National Industrial License
• Innovation License
• Offshore Registration

Types of company formation in JAFZA

• Free Zone Company (FZC)
• Public Listed Company (PLC)
• Free Zone Establishment (FZC)
• Branch of an existing company

List of documents to be submitted

The documents may vary according to the type of business entity and license type. Attestation of these documents is also required for completion of the company registration process.

DAFZA is one of the most prestigious and advanced free zones in Dubai. We provide an ideal base to do business in the Middle East by providing with a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, and full repatriation of earning, total ownership and exceptional facilities.

DAFZA permits investors to start a business in Dubai at a 0.33 tax rate and doesn’t place any restrictions on currencies. Over 1600 international corporations currently operate in Dubai airport free zone, across a huge array of industries like IT, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, construction, aerospace, logistics, food and beverage, and luxury items.

Types of license available in Dubai Airport Free zone

• Trade License
• Service License
• Industrial License
• General Trading license

Types of company formation in Dubai Airport free zone

• Free zone establishment
• Branch office of an existing company

List of documents to be submitted:

Following are the list of documents that need to be submitted in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

• A Business plan
• Duly filled the application form
• Company profile and brochure
• Annual audited financial report of the organization or a 6-month statement of the stockholder
• Bank reference letter (original document)
• CV and passport copy of the shareholder
• CV and passport copy of the manager
• If it’s a UAE-based company, A No-Objection Letter from the sponsor

To know more about the process of starting a company in DAFZA and the processes, contact Profound Business Services.

DSOA is owned by the Government of Dubai that promotes modern technology-based industries with urban master-planned community, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and in-house business services. It is established in 2004, which offers a great environment for businesses to proliferate in the fast-growing high-technology industry of Dubai.

Types of company formation in DSOA

• Branch Company
• Free zone establishment
• Free zone Company

Types of license available in DSOA

• Trade license
• Service license
• Industrial license

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre, located in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis is an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides everything for a startups need and it is a platform for startups, investors and corporates. DTEC provides company building and operations, giving them preferred access to service providers in areas like legal, finance, recruitment and marketing.

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and also the largest of the seven emirates, occupying more than 80% of the country’s total land. There are many free zones in Abu Dhabi, which provide a favorable atmosphere for business set up within the Emirates and supply a gateway for foreign investors to faucet its full potential.

Abu Dhabi free zone promotes foreign investment to drive growth and provide an initiation to boost the local economy. They are the part of the Emirate’s economic diversification. Business setup in free zones includes primarily media and light companies, logistics companies, and medium & heavy industries.

List of Free zones in Abu Dhabi:
There are many free zones in Abu Dhabi specialized in Industrial, Trading, logistics, sustainable energy, communication, Media and IT sector.

• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
• Twofour54
• Abu Dhabi Airport Business city
• Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
• Masdar City
• Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) Free Zone
• Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGMFZ)
• Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
• Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)

KIZAD is one of the fastest and sought after free zones now in UAE due to its prime location and affordable prices.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the new financial hub of Abu Dhabi and is increasing its role in the financial ecosystem of the capital of the UAE with its favorable business environment that facilitates and caters friendly, innovative business into the region.

Sharjah Media City (Shams) was launched in January 2017. Company formation in Shams Free Zone could be the best option for your business set up. They aim to be a world-class media hub for innovative facilities and services. They provide a wide range of business activities available for you to grow and thrive.

Advantages of SHAMS Free Zone Business set up:

• Low Cost
• Vast business activities available on the same business license
• All company documents issued quickly
• 100% foreign ownership
• Companies will have limited liability
• Ability to appoint Corporate Directors and Corporate Managers for your company
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Zero Tax rate
• The quick and simple online registration process
• Deposits are not required
• Flexible visa policies
• Conveniently Located 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport

Types of license available in SHAMS Free zone:

• Service license
• Trading license
• Industrial license
• Holding license

Profound Business Services help you get started for your SHAMS free zone business formation plan easily and quickly. We are one of the leading business set up services providers in the UAE, with expert services and professionals to start or expand your business in UAE.

Hamriyah free zone is one of the most advantageous free zones in UAE considering its greater geographical advantage over the others and it is growing rapidly in terms of business, finance, and economy. It has the best legal framework. Being one of the cornerstones of UAE, Hamriyah free zone has easy and convenient access to international markets. It is convenient for small and medium enterprises and businesses.

Types of licenses available in Hamriyah Free Zone:

• Commercial license
• Industrial license
• Services license

Sharjah Airport Free Zone is one of the most reputed and well-established Freezone in UAE. It is established in the year 1996 and is located next to Sharjah International airport. It is one of the most dynamic free zones in the UAE. SAIF Zone is the symbol of quality and excellence and the better alternative for business ventures in the UAE and beyond.

SAIF is the best place to register the company in Sharjah, UAE, for all type of businesses, which require fast, efficient and a trouble-free working environment.

Types of licenses available in SAIF Zone

• Commercial license
• General trading license
• Industrial license
• Service license

Requirements for the renewal of SAIF ZONE Company

• Original Trade License
• Audit Report
• O Box Renewal Receipt
• License Renewal Fee
• Authorization letter to collect renewed license

Ras Al Khaimah free zone is the one among the most affordable and convenient option to start a business in the UAE. RAK Free zone ensures quick, easy and low-cost business set up. RAKEZ is an Authority established to administrate and consolidate the specialized parks and clients of both Ras Al Khaimah free trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). This is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the Middle East.

Types of license available in RAK free zone:

• Commercial License
• General Trading License
• Consultancy License
• Industrial License
• Academic License

Types of company formation in RAKEZ

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
• Free Zone Company
• Foreign Branch Office
• Local Branch Office

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is located in Umm Al Quwain, a friendly, progressive and prosperous emirate with modern infrastructure for all your business requirements. It is also a popular leisure destination within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is conveniently located just 45km from Dubai.

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone offers a platform to interact with small business and firms with least budgets. There are lesser complications in terms of documents needed and getting special approvals. Their main aim is to get your business up and running within no time. UAQ FTZ’s investor-friendly atmosphere can permit you to run a thriving business in the UAE. Umm Al Quwain’s stable economy, open investment climate and low prices of living make it a strategic business destination.

Types of business licenses in UAQ Free Zone:

• Commercial license
• General Trading license
• Consultancy license
• Industrial license
• Services license
• Freelance permit

Advantages of UAQ Free Zone Business set up:

• 0% corporate and personal tax
• 100% company ownership
• Full range of business activities permitted
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No currency restrictions
• 100% import and export tax exemption within the Free Zone
• The simple and fast registration process with excellent customer support
• Hi-tech facilities including office, warehouse, and land availability
• Strategic location with access to over two billion consumers
• Ideal location for SMEs and micro-businesses
• Close to two international airports and major seaports
• Special concessions at UAQ’s seaport
• No restrictions on hiring foreign employees
• Modern and investor-friendly rules and regulations

To know more about the process of starting a company in UAQ free zone and the processes, contact Profound Business Services.

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) was established in 1988, has created a major development in Ajman by offering outstanding investment opportunities to both local and foreign businessmen and investors.  This free zone provides progressive infrastructure and top of the line facilities. They are offering a wide range of services for any kind of businesses.

Types of license available in Ajman free zone

• Trading license
• Professional license
• Industrial license
• National industrial license

Benefits of Ajman Free zone

• Strategic and central location with easy access to Dubai, Sharjah &Ras Al Khaimah
• Total exemption from all import and export duties
• Ready or easy availability of raw material
• Competitive handling charges
• Lower prices of land and office rents
• Low cost of living
• Conducive business environment
• Modern infrastructure

Ajman Media City Free Zone is the newly formed free zone Situated in the Emirates of Ajman. It is considered a world-class hub of media and creativity and has been formed with an aspiration to create a dependable, harmonious and a professional environment for businesses.

Types of company formation in Ajman media city free zone:

• Free zone establishment
• Free zone company
• Branch of a Foreign company
• A subsidiary of a Foreign company
• Branch of a UAE company

Types of license available in Ajman media city:

• Business Club
• Bronze Office
• Silver Office
• Gold Package

Fujairah Free Zone provides creative services for your business establishment and leads to meet the demands of the market. It is located in the East Coast of the UAE with easy access to the Port of Fujairah and Fujairah International Airport. The advantage of this free zone is by way of faster transaction, cheaper tariffs, and minimum start up time. As a leading free zone in the UAE, FFZ is attracting numerous investors from around the world. Fujairah free zone company formation is a comparatively easy process and it cost-effectively offers a business-friendly atmosphere.

Types of licenses available in Fujairah Free Zone:

• Trading& General trading license
• Warehousing license
• Manufacturing license

Benefits of Fujairah Free Zone Company Setup:

• Provides complete ownership to business investors.
• Complete relief from hidden taxes, income taxes, and other service taxes.
• They helps in preparing business license, documents, sponsors
• Assist in visa renewal
• Full investment security

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is set to quickly growing, environment-friendly and become a leading investment hub in the United Arab Emirates. IFZA Fujairah Free zone has become a prime location to set business for the companies and it is offering a highly customized approach, coupled with efficient international service standards and cost-effective solutions. It provides Offices, Warehouses, Residential Apartments, hotel, retail outlet facilities.

Types of licenses available in IFZA:

• Consultancy License
• Service License
• Trading License
• General Trading License
• Industrial License
• Holding License

Benefits of IFZA Free Zone

• 100% foreign ownership
• Cost-effective business incorporation
• Fast & easy free zone company incorporation
• Low set-up costs compared to onshore companies
• A comprehensive range of business activities
• options to start with Consultancy, Service and Trading activities
• The physical presence of Business owners is not mandatory
• Companies have limited liability
• No physical office requirements
• No share capital requirement
• 100% exemption from corporate and income taxes
• Zero foreign currency restrictions
• Full repatriation of company profits and capital
• Ability to incorporate holding companies

Fujairah creative city is one of the most progressive Free Zones offering licensing solutions. It is formed in 2007 and located in the Emirates of Fujairah. It offers exclusive Flexi desk / virtual office service, which gives the people the freedom of mobility.

Advantages of Fujairah creative city free zone

• Low startup cost
• No physical presence in UAE
• No Paid-up Share Capital or Annual Audit
• All Documentation issued within one business day
• 100% of Profits Repatriation
• No NOC required
• Tax-free UAE Economy

Types of licenses available in Fujairah creative city free zone:

• Creative City Commercial license Single Owner (FZE)
• Creative City Commercial License FZCO Multiple Owners (FZ LLC)
• Creative City Freelancer Company
• Creative City Baby Business