Dubai is one of the world’s leading business destinations, offering a unique business environment and vast opportunities for growth and expansion. Among the options available for setting up businesses, Dubai’s free zones stand out as an attractive option for investors and businessmen, thanks to the great benefits they offer. Setting up a company in Dubai’s free zone allows investors to obtain full ownership, tax exemption, and simplified administrative procedures.
In this context, Etqan Company comes as the ideal partner for investors wishing to establish their companies within the free zones in Dubai. Etqan has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of all the procedures and requirements necessary to establish companies in the free zone, which makes it the first choice for many entrepreneurs. The company provides integrated services including providing legal advice, preparing documents, registration and licensing, in addition to helping in opening bank accounts and providing financial solutions.
Dubai’s free zones are flexible and easy to operate, but getting the most out of them requires a thorough understanding of the legal and administrative requirements and variables. This is where Etqan comes in, effectively guiding investors through each stage of company establishment, ensuring maximum benefit from available opportunities and enhancing chances of success.
By using Etqan’s services, investors can focus on their business strategies and expanding their business, while Etqan handles all the necessary details and procedures. Partnering with Etqan ensures a strong and effective start in the business world in Dubai, making it an ideal partner for achieving success in this dynamic market.

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ToggleSteps to establish a company in the Dubai Free Zone
Setting up a company in Dubai’s free zones is a popular choice for investors looking for benefits such as 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. Here are the basic steps to setting up a company in Dubai’s free zones:
- Choosing the right free zone: Dubai has several free zones, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai South. Choose the one that best suits your business type and requirements.
- Determine the type of company and business activity: Determine the type of company you wish to establish (such as a limited liability company or a branch of a company) and the business activity you will be conducting. Make sure that the desired activity is permitted in the free zone you have chosen.
- Prepare the required documents: Gather the necessary documents such as passports, personal photos, business plan, and proof of residence. Requirements vary depending on the free zone and type of activity.
- Submitting an application for incorporation: Submit an application for incorporation to the relevant free zone authority. The application will include details about the company, business activity, and shareholder information.
- Office Selection and Registration: Choose a location for your office within the free zone. You may need to provide proof of reservation or lease of an office or commercial space.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses: Complete the procedures for obtaining a commercial license from the Free Zone Authority. This will require submitting the required documents and paying the fees.
- Open a bank account: Open a business bank account for your company at an approved bank. You will need to provide company documents and banking licenses.
- Work Visa Procedures: Submit work visa applications for your employees and yourself. These procedures can be completed through the Free Zone Authority or through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Complete company registration: Ensure that the company is registered with the relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, if required.
- Starting Business Operations: After completing all the procedures and obtaining the licenses, you can start business operations and run your company.
Cost of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone
The cost of setting up a company in a free zone in Dubai, such as Dubai Free Zone, may vary based on several factors such as the type of company, the amount of capital, the business activity, and the services required. Here are some of the factors that may affect the cost of setting up a company in a free zone in Dubai:
- Company Registration Fees: The cost of company registration varies depending on the type of company and the type of license you need.
- Legal Procedures Costs: The cost of legal consultation and preparing the necessary documents to establish the company.
- Licensing costs: The cost of obtaining the licenses necessary to operate the company.
- Office costs: The cost of renting or purchasing an office in the free zone.
- Additional Service Fees: There may be fees for additional services such as tax consulting or accounting services.
- Annual Renewal Fee: The cost of renewing company and office licenses annually.
- Labor costs: The cost of hiring the employees needed to operate the company.
- Tax Charges: Tax charges that may apply to the Company, if applicable.
Types of companies that can be established in the free zone
In a free zone such as the Dubai Free Zone, several types of commercial and investment companies can be established. Here are some of the common types of companies that can be established in a free zone:
- Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest type of company and is owned and managed by one person.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): A business entity consisting of one or more partners, where the partners’ liability is limited.
- Joint stock company: A commercial company in which shareholders own shares in the capital.
- Subsidiary: A foreign company can establish a branch in the free zone.
- Investment company: means companies that invest in projects and assets.
- Joint Venture: A partnership between two or more companies to implement a specific project.
- Subsidiary Company: Part of and controlled by a parent company.
- Multinational company: A company with shareholders of different nationalities.
Advantages of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone
Establishing a company in Dubai’s free zones offers many advantages that make it an attractive option for investors and entrepreneurs. Here are the most prominent advantages offered by Dubai’s free zones:
- Full Foreign Ownership: In free zones, foreigners can own 100% of the company’s shares without the need for a local partner. This feature gives investors complete control over their business operations.
- Tax exemptions: Free zones offer corporate tax exemptions, including exemption from corporate tax on profits and personal income taxes. These exemptions can be useful in improving profit margins and reducing costs.
- Customs Facilitations: Investors in free zones enjoy customs facilitations that include exemptions from customs duties on imports and exports, which reduces costs associated with shipping and logistics.
- Simplified and fast registration procedures: Free zones have relatively simple and fast registration procedures compared to other regions. Most of the incorporation procedures can be completed in a short period of time, which speeds up the start-up of the business.
- Favorable business environment: Free zones provide a business environment geared towards supporting small and medium enterprises, including modern infrastructure, office facilities, and integrated business services.
- Flexible Work Visas: Free zones offer flexible work visas to companies, making it easier for employers to hire the required staff. Residency visas can also be issued for employees and family members.
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Free zones provide great opportunities to network and collaborate with other companies operating in the same field, which enhances the opportunities for business partnerships and exchange of expertise.
- Legal independence: Companies in free zones operate as independent legal entities with their own regulatory rules, giving them greater flexibility in managing their operations and making decisions.
- Incentives and Encouraging Strategies: Some free zones offer additional incentives such as financial grants, investment support, and free advisory services, which enhance investment attractiveness.
- Access to International Markets: As a global business hub, Dubai provides a strategic location that allows access to the markets of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, which contributes to expanding the scope of businesses.
In conclusion of our article on establishing a company in Dubai free zones , it is clear that this step provides distinct business opportunities in a business-friendly environment. Dubai free zones offer several advantages including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified registration procedures. Choosing the right free zone can enhance your company’s chances of success and allow you to expand into global markets.
Partnering with Etqan in this context represents a wise strategic choice. With its extensive experience in the field of company formation, Etqan provides comprehensive support that helps you navigate smoothly through all stages of establishing your company in the free zones. From choosing the best free zone that suits your business activity, through the registration and licensing procedures, to providing legal and financial advice, Etqan contributes to simplifying and facilitating the entire process.
Itqan Company provides you with specialized consultations that ensure compliance with all legal and commercial requirements, helping you overcome administrative and financial challenges. By providing comprehensive solutions and continuous support, Itqan contributes to accelerating the establishment process and saving time and effort, allowing you to focus on developing your business and achieving your strategic goals.
The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone
Can I establish a small company in the free zone?
Yes, you can establish small and medium-sized companies in the free zones, as they provide flexible options.
What type of office space can I rent in the free zone?
You can rent a virtual office, a small office, or an entire office space depending on your needs.
Can I transfer my company from the free zone to another zone?
Yes, the company can be transferred to another free zone or outside the free zone, but this may require certain procedures.
Can I get visas for my family members?
Yes, residence visa applications can be submitted for the investor’s family in accordance with the free zone regulations.
What business activities can I do in the free zone?
Activities vary by free zone, and permitted activities must be checked according to the license.