One Central – Offices No. 4 Dubai | Office: +971 45686046
ITQAN is a company that specializes in business setup and business growth

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

ما هي تكاليف تأسيس شركة في الإمارات

٠٥ يناير Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Dubai is one of the world’s leading business destinations thanks to its advanced economic environment and the facilities it provides to investors. Among the ideal options for investors looking to establish their companies, Dubai’s free zones stand out as a distinctive destination. These areas offer unique investment opportunities thanks to their advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified registration procedures.

Establishing a company in a Dubai free zone can be an important strategic step towards commercial success, thanks to the incentives provided by these zones such as customs facilities and the provision of advanced infrastructure that supports business growth. However, the incorporation process may require a thorough knowledge of the legal and administrative procedures followed, which makes cooperation with specialized consulting companies such as Itqan Company necessary to ensure the success of the process.

With its extensive experience in establishing companies in the free zone , Etqan Company provides integrated services that support investors in all stages of establishing a company in the free zones in Dubai. From providing legal and administrative advice, to dealing with registration procedures and obtaining the necessary licenses, Etqan ensures facilitating all the necessary steps to achieve the establishment smoothly and efficiently.

By utilizing the services of Itqan, investors can avoid potential complications and save time and effort, allowing them to focus on achieving their business goals. Working with Itqan ensures that the incorporation process is accelerated and all legal requirements are complied with, which enhances the chances of success and growth in the dynamic and evolving Dubai market.

Establishing

Legal requirements for establishing a company in a free zone

Setting up a company in a Dubai free zone requires compliance with a set of legal requirements that vary slightly depending on the free zone you choose. However, in general, there are some basic common requirements that include:

  1. Choose the type of company: Determine the appropriate type of legal entity such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of an international company, or a company wholly owned by foreigners.
  2. Submit a business plan: Prepare a business plan that outlines the nature of the business, strategies, goals, and how to achieve them.
  3. Choosing a business location: Determine a location for the company’s office or headquarters within the free zone, and comply with space requirements.
  4. Licenses and Permits: Obtain the appropriate business license from the Free Zone Administration. This includes submitting documents such as the lease agreement, business plan, and any additional documents required by the Free Zone.
  5. Appointment of Directors: Appointment of a director or directors for the company, and submission of their documents.
  6. Opening a bank account: Open a business bank account in the company’s name in a local bank, and submit the required documents for that.
  7. Company registration: Submitting all required documents to the administrative body in the free zone, which usually includes reviewing the incorporation documents and signing contracts.
  8. Paying fees: Paying the fees required to register the company, which may include licensing fees, office fees, and other service fees.

Strategies to Increase Your Company’s Chances of Success in a Free Zone

To increase your company’s chances of success in a free zone, you can follow several strategies that contribute to enhancing performance and growth. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Define a clear vision: Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes a clear vision and specific strategic goals. The plan should include market analysis, marketing strategies, and growth plans.
  • Expand and diversify: Diversify the business activities and services your company offers to meet different needs in the market. This can help you attract a variety of customer segments and expand your customer base.
  • Research and Development: Investing in research and development to improve products and services and provide new and innovative solutions can help your company become more competitive.
  • Build a strong network: Participate in trade events, exhibitions, and workshops to build a network of business contacts and connections. This network may lead to strategic partnerships and new opportunities.
  • Investing in Technology: Using modern technology to improve operational efficiency and innovation. This includes business management systems, automation solutions, and data analytics.
  • Effective Marketing: Developing effective marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract customers. This includes digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing campaigns.

Cost of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

The cost of establishing a company in a free zone in Dubai depends on several factors, including:

  • Company Type and Size: Costs vary depending on the type of legal entity you choose (such as an LLC or a branch of an international company) and the size of the company (number of employees, office size, etc.).
  • Licensing and Permits: Costs include fees for obtaining the license and permits required to operate the company, which may vary depending on the type of business activity and location within the free zone.
  • Rent and Utilities: Costs of renting an office or commercial facility. Prices vary depending on the size and area of ​​the office and its location within the free zone.
  • Additional Services: Fees include a number of additional services such as office equipment, consulting services, legal support, and banking services.
  • Financing and Deposit: Establishing a company may require depositing initial capital into a bank account, as well as any additional financing to begin operations.
  • Labor and recruitment: costs of hiring employees and visas, as well as training and team development expenses.
  • Taxes and fees: Some free zones may require additional fees such as renewal fees or additional fees related to regulatory compliance.
  • Legal costs: These include costs related to preparing contracts, registering trademarks, and other legal advice.

Benefits of establishing a company in free zones

Establishing a company in the free zones in Dubai offers many benefits that attract many investors and businessmen. Here are some of the most prominent of these benefits:

  1. Tax Exemptions: Companies in free zones enjoy extensive tax exemptions, as they are usually exempt from corporate tax on profits.
  2. Full Ownership: Free zones allow you to have full ownership of your company without the need for a local partner, giving you complete control over decisions and operations.
  3. Business Facilities: Free zones offer numerous facilities for establishing companies, including simplified registration procedures and support services for investors.
  4. International Trade: Investors in free zones enjoy easy access to international markets thanks to advanced infrastructure and strategic location.
  5. Exemptions from import and export duties: Companies in free zones are usually exempt from import and export duties, which reduces operating costs.
  6. Supporting Services: Free zones offer a variety of services such as virtual offices, legal procedures, and licensing, which contribute to facilitating business management.
  7. Flexible working environment: Free zones offer a flexible working environment that includes a variety of options for office and warehouse space, as well as the flexibility to rent or purchase facilities.
  8. Ease of Money Transfers: Free zones facilitate international money transfers, enhancing the ability to manage finances more effectively.

In conclusion, setting up a company in Dubai’s free zones is an exciting and profitable strategic move for many investors and entrepreneurs. Free zones offer a unique business environment characterized by tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and customs facilities, making them an ideal destination for establishing businesses and growing in a sophisticated global market. With the simplified procedures and facilities provided, investors can achieve their business ambitions effectively and quickly.

Partnering with Etqan, a company specializing in company formation services, adds great value to this process. With its extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of procedures and requirements, Etqan facilitates every step of the company formation process, from submitting applications to obtaining the necessary licenses. Etqan provides comprehensive consulting and professional services that include registration, obtaining licenses, managing the establishment, and assisting with all legal and administrative aspects. This support can have a significant impact in accelerating the establishment process and ensuring full compliance with requirements.

By taking advantage of the benefits offered by free zones and partnering with Etqan, investors can successfully launch their businesses and efficiently achieve their business goals. Professional guidance and careful planning provide a solid foundation for building a successful and sustainable business. So, if you are thinking of starting a new venture in Dubai, free zones and Etqan are ideal options to facilitate this journey and achieve the desired success.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

What are the free zones in Dubai?

They are special business zones that provide facilities and legal guarantees to investors, such as tax exemptions and full foreign ownership.

What types of companies can be established in free zones?

Common types include limited liability companies (LLCs), branches, and holding companies.

Do I need to have a local partner to establish a company in the free zone?

No, foreigners can own 100% of the company’s shares in the free zones.

How long does it take to register a company?

The time usually ranges from a few weeks to a month, depending on the speed of submission of documents and the procedures of the free zone.

What are the tax benefits of setting up a company in a free zone?

Tax exemptions on profits, import and export duties.