Establishing a company in Dubai’s free zones is a strategic step that contributes to achieving the growth and expansion goals of businesses. Dubai’s free zones are a preferred destination for investors and businessmen due to their advanced economic environment and the wide range of benefits they offer that enhance the success of commercial projects. From tax exemptions and customs facilities to full foreign ownership, these areas provide an ideal environment to start a business and achieve your business ambitions.

In this context, Itqan plays a pivotal role in facilitating the process of establishing companies in Dubai’s free zones. As one of the leading companies in providing corporate consultancy services, Itqan has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the procedures and legal requirements that must be followed to ensure the establishment of a successful company. Itqan provides comprehensive support that includes consultations on choosing the most appropriate free zone, preparing the required documents, submitting applications, and dealing with various administrative procedures.

By partnering with Itqan, you will benefit from its expertise in accelerating the incorporation process and avoiding bureaucratic complications. Itqan also provides specialized assistance in understanding local laws and regulations, ensuring that all requirements are met correctly and smoothly. Through this partnership, investors can focus their efforts on developing their business strategies while Itqan takes on the responsibility of ensuring success in legal procedures and licensing.

Ultimately, establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone, in cooperation with Itqan, is a strategic step towards achieving success and growth in a dynamic and advanced market. This cooperation allows you to start with confidence and reassurance, which contributes to achieving your business goals efficiently and quickly.

Steps to establish a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in Dubai’s free zones requires following a set of basic steps to ensure the process runs smoothly and successfully. Here are the basic steps to establish a company in a free zone:

1. Choosing a Free Zone: Select the free zone that best suits your business and needs. Free zones in Dubai vary in terms of the specializations and services they offer.
2. Determine the type of company: Choose the type of company you want to establish, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of an international company, or a holding company. The choice depends on the type of business and market requirements.
3. Prepare a business plan: Prepare a detailed business plan that outlines your company’s activities, goals, and market strategies. A business plan is an important document to articulate your vision for the business.
4. Choosing a company name: Choose a name that complies with local laws and reflects the company’s activity. Make sure the name is available and not duplicated in the free zone records.
5. Gather the required documents: Gather the necessary documents to submit the application, which may include passports, proof of residential address, personal photos, and the articles of association. Check the list of required documents with the free zone’s administrative authority.
6. Submit a license application: Submit an application for the appropriate license from the administrative authority of the free zone. All required documents must be submitted and the specified requirements must be met.
7. Sign a lease: Sign a lease for an office or commercial space in the free zone. The rent varies depending on the size and location of the office.
8. Open a bank account: Open a business bank account in the name of the company. You will need to provide company documents and proof of the required capital.
9. Visa Issuance: Apply for work and residence visas for employees and investors. This process involves submitting additional documents that may be required by local authorities.
10. Trademark Registration: Register your company’s trademark to protect your intellectual property rights and ensure that your business name is used legally.
11. Receiving the license and permits: After completing all procedures and approval, you will receive the license and permits necessary to operate the company.
12. Starting a Business: After obtaining the license and all necessary permits, you can start your business and operate the company according to the specified plans.

Costs of establishing a company in the free zone

Setting up a company in a Dubai free zone requires covering a range of basic costs that may vary depending on the type of company, the free zone, and the size of the business. Although the numbers can vary, the main categories of costs include:

• Licensing Fees: Each free zone requires a fee to obtain a business license. This includes the registration fee and the license that allows you to operate a business in the zone.
• Office Costs: This includes the cost of renting office space which may include rent, bills, and office maintenance. Prices vary depending on the size of the office and its location within the free zone.
• Incorporation fees: These include the costs of filing an application to incorporate the company, which typically include fees related to document verification and registration procedures.
• Work and Residence Visas: Costs of obtaining work and residence visas for founders and employees. These costs include government fees and fees related to issuing and renewing visas.
• Legal and advisory services costs: You may need to hire legal or advisory services to ensure full compliance with local laws and incorporation procedures.
• Insurance: It may be necessary to provide various insurances such as health insurance for your employees, accident insurance, and public liability insurance.
• Operating costs: These include the daily expenses of running the business such as furniture, equipment, and office supplies, as well as expenses related to marketing and advertising.
• Customs Duties: If the company is in the business of importing or exporting, there may be costs related to customs duties.

Types of licenses that can be obtained in free zones

In Dubai’s free zones, you can obtain several types of licenses depending on the business activity you wish to engage in. Here are the main types of licenses you can obtain:

1. Commercial License: Granted to companies that carry out commercial activities that include buying and selling goods. This license includes commercial exchange inside and outside the Emirates.
2. Industrial License: Granted to companies that engage in manufacturing and production activities. This license includes activities related to the manufacture of materials and products.
3. Service License: Granted to companies that provide services such as consulting, training, and maintenance. This license includes providing intangible services to customers.
4. Investment License: Granted to companies that invest in stocks, securities and real estate. Focuses on investment activities and asset management.
5. Import and Export License: Granted to companies that specialize in importing and exporting goods. This license covers international trade activities and facilitating trade movement between countries.
6. IT License: Granted to companies working in the field of technology, software development and providing IT solutions.
7. Education License: Granted to educational institutions that provide educational and training services. This license includes schools, training institutes, and educational courses.
8. Health License: Granted to companies operating in the health sector such as clinics, hospitals, and medical equipment companies.
9. Artistic and Creative License: Granted to companies working in the fields of art, design, and creative production. This license includes art studios, design companies, and media production businesses.
10. Retail Sales License: Granted to companies that sell goods directly to consumers through stores or online.

Documents required to establish a company in the free zone

To set up a company in Dubai’s free zones , you will need to submit a set of basic documents. The required documents vary slightly depending on the type of company and free zone, but generally include:

• Passports: Color copies of passports of founders, investors and directors.
• Personal Photos: Recent personal photos of the founders and directors. These photos are often required for visa and licensing purposes.
• Articles of Association: A legal document that specifies partners, ownership percentages, and roles and responsibilities. It may also include details about the type of company and its activities.
• Business Plan: A detailed document that outlines a company’s business activities, goals, and business strategies.
• Proof of residential address: A document proving the residential address of the founders and directors, such as a utility bill or lease.
• CVs: CVs for founders and managers to highlight their professional background and experience.
• Powers of Attorney: If a legal representative or advisor is handling the registration process, you may need to provide legal power of attorney.
• Proof of Capital: In some cases, it may be required to provide proof of the source of capital or the amount of deposit required to establish the company.
• Feasibility Study Report: In some free zones, a feasibility study report may be required to show the economic viability of the project.
• Lease Agreement: A lease agreement for an office or commercial space in the free zone, detailing the lease and location.
• Trademark Registration: In some cases, the company’s trademark registration documents may be required.
• Insurance: Documents that prove that the company and assets have insurance, such as property and liability insurance.
• Additional Documents: There may be additional documents required depending on the type of business or the requirements of the free zone.

In conclusion, setting up a company in Dubai’s free zones is a strategic step towards achieving success and growth in a global business environment. Dubai’s free zones provide a unique business environment by offering multiple benefits including tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and customs facilitations. This makes them an attractive option for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to expand and grow in the market.

However, the incorporation process can be complex and requires careful examination of the procedures and legal requirements. This is where Etqan comes in, providing comprehensive and integrated support at every step of the company formation process. With its extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of regulations and procedures, Etqan ensures that the incorporation process is facilitated, starting from choosing the appropriate free zone to obtaining the necessary licenses and completing the company registration procedures.

Cooperating with Itqan means receiving specialized professional advice, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements, which contributes to accelerating the establishment process and avoiding any unexpected delays or complications. Thanks to Itqan’s services, investors can focus on developing their businesses and achieving their commercial goals without worrying about administrative and logistical aspects.

Ultimately, if you are considering setting up a company in Dubai Free Zone , Itqan is the ideal partner to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation experience. With their professional support, you can make the most of the opportunities available in Dubai and achieve sustainable success in the growing business market.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the free zone