Setting Up In A Free Zone
PRO Partner Group is a professional business consultancy firm with a singular goal – to help entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and companies find their footing in the competitive Dubai market. As a full-service company, our expertise includes providing a comprehensive range of solutions aimed at speeding up business setup in Dubai free zones.
We have a team of free zone company formation experts who can offer step-by-step assistance to clients, resulting in an easy, quick, and hassle-free setup. Our specialists are happy to take over the entire company setup process, from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters the most – business strategy and growth.
Our range of solutions includes but is not limited to the following:
Strategic business planning
our team can help you identify the most viable free zone in the UAE for your business
Document processing
we can assist you in acquiring, preparing
Trade name application
– When applying for your chosen trade name, we can liaise with local government authorities on your behalf
Business structuring
we can provide insight into how to structure your business in compliance with local regulations
Licence acquisition
our specialists can help you to acquire the right licence for your chosen venture
Visa application and processing
our team can assist you in obtaining the right visas for the people joining your company, so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork
Opening bank accounts
we can help you open a corporate bank account with your chosen banking services provider in Dubai
The Benefits of Setting Up in a Free zone
Complete company ownership
Exemption from taxes
Exemption from import and export taxes
Availability of business-ready facilities
Availability of business support solutions
High-speed communications and connectivity infrastructure
What are the Free Zone Options in the UAE ?
A foreign investor can set up a company in the UAE either in one of the many free zones or in the UAE mainland. Free zone authorities are the government bodies that register and issue business licences to non-resident companies in the UAE free zone. Free zones allow corporate structures to have a physical presence in the UAE, allow 100% foreign ownership and offer pre built facilities and modernized one stop-shop registration and administrative services. The UAE is one of the most progressive countries in the world, with happy and contented residents and sustainable growth in many areas, including the economy, trade, investment, communications, information technology, tourism and infrastructure. It is, therefore, clear to see why countless foreign investors aim to establish their companies here. When it comes to setting up a company, free zones are well known for their flexibility, especially with regards to choosing the business activity. A wide selection of activities are available, but are subject to approval. Some free zones have recently confirmed updates to their activity lists to include more functional activities. This should help investors in selecting the right activity for their business.
Abu Dhabi
Popular Abu Dhabi Free Zones:
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM is a financial free zone that serves as an international financial center in Abu Dhabi. It is known for its strong regulatory framework and attractive business environment for financial institutions and professional services firms.
Abu Dhabi Airport FreeZone (ADAFZ)
ADAFZ is located near Abu Dhabi International Airport and caters to businesses involved in aviation, logistics, freight, cargo and aerospace industries.
TwoFour 54
Twofour54 is a media and entertainment free zone that supports the growth of the media industry in Abu Dhabi. It provides a creative environment and infrastructure to support for media companies, freelancers, and startups in the process of media and content creation.
Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)
KIZAD is one of the largest industrial zones in the UAE, strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It caters to various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, trading, and technology.
Masdar City
Masdar City is a sustainable urban development and free zone that focuses on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. It provides a unique platform for companies engaged in clean technology and green initiatives.
Benefits of Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Setting up a business in an Abu Dhabi free zone offers several compelling advantages and incentives, making it an attractive option for both local and international companies. Here are some key reasons why businesses choose to set up in an Abu Dhabi free zone
One of the most significant benefits of free zones in Abu Dhabi is that they allow 100% foreign ownership of businesses. This means that international investors can have full control and ownership of their companies without the need for a local partner or sponsor.
Companies operating in Abu Dhabi free zones typically enjoy tax and customs advantages, including exemption from corporate income tax and personal income tax for employees, exemptions on customs duties or taxes which streamlines international trade by allowing businesses to import, export, and re-export goods which can lead to significant cost savings for businesses as it reduces logistical costs.
The Abu Dhabi free zones have specific industry focuses, catering to various sectors such as technology, media, finance, logistics, and manufacturing. This allows businesses to benefit from being in a specialized ecosystem with like-minded companies.
Abu Dhabi offers a stable political and economic environment, along with supportive government policies that encourage foreign investment and business growth. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has launched business incubators that support startups and entrepreneurs in their early stages of development. Business incubators provide a nurturing environment and various resources to help startups grow and succeed. These resources often include mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding, office space, and business support services.
Many of the Abu Dhabi free zones are home to these incubator initiatives
Hub71 - a tech ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi that aims to foster the growth of startups in the technology and digital sectors.
The Innovation Centre at Masdar City - offers a platform for startups and entrepreneurs focused on clean technology and sustainability.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development - provides support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi through various programs, including business incubation services and funding opportunities.
Twofour54 Start-up Hub
ADGM's Regulatory Laboratory - The RegLab is for fintech startups, providing a controlled environment to test their innovative products and services.
Dubai
New free zone focused on trading, manufacturing and logistics activities. Adjacent to the new Al Maktoum Airport and named as the region’s first established and second largest free zone.
License Types
- Professional/ Service
- Commercial/ Trading
- General Trading
- Industrial
Share Capital Requirements
AED 300,000.00, no requirement to pay up the capital (although recommended within 1-2 years)
Office Requirements
- Smart desks
- Serviced/Smart offices
- Wide variety of offices
- Warehouses
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
04 – 06 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
02 – 03 visas per Smart Desks
1 visa per 8-9 sq.m. leased property/office
DMCC is a well-established zone initially focused on commodities sector but currently hosting more than 11,000 companies with various trading and service activities; highly credible zone.
License Types
- Professional/ Service
- Commercial/ Trading
- General Trading
- Industrial
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 50,000.00, must be paid up within 30 days of licence issuance. For General Trading, minimum share capital is AED 1 million
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks
- Small offices
- Warehouses can be leased outside the Free Zone – Dubai Investment Park
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
06 – 08 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
02 – 03 visas per Flexi Desk
1 visa per 8-9 sq.m. leased property/office
DCCA (formerly TECOM) was launched in year 2000 to establish Dubai as a worldwide hub for knowledge-based industries such as Media, IT, Healthcare, Fashion, Movie and Production, Science and Technology, etc. The zone comprises 9 clusters catering to the needs of 7 creative and other knowledge-based industries.
License Types
- Commercial
- Professional/ Service
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 50,000.00, must be paid up prior to licensing
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks (applicable in Dubai Internet City Cluster only)
- Smart/Serviced Offices
- Wide variety of offices in all clusters
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
06 – 08 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
02 – 03 visas per Flexi Desk
Visa per 8-9 sq.m. leased property/office
DIFC is a global financial centre established in 2002, strategically located between the East and West, providing a stable and secure platform for businesses and financial institutions to tap into the emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
License Types
- Professional/ Service (regulated and non regulated)
- Non-Profit Incorporated Organisations (NPIO), Single Family Offices (SFO), etc.
- Retail
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 35,000.00, must be paid up prior to licensing. Not required for Special Purpose Companies (SPC)
Office Requirements
- Serviced Offices
- Physical Offices (fitted and shell & cores)
- Retail Spaces
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 05 – 07 months for Regulated
- 06 – 08 weeks for Non-regulated
- 02 – 03 weeks for SPC
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property/office
DWTC provides a unique and highly desirable proposition for businesses looking for an effective, competitive and well-regulated business ecosystem.
License Types
- Commercial/ Trading
- General Trading
- Professional/ Service
- Event management
- Business Operating Permits
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 100,000.00, no requirement to pay up the capital (although recommended within 1-2 years)
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks
- Executive Offices
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Not required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 04 – 06 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
- 2 visas per Flexi Desk/ Executive Office
- 1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property
DAFZA is a well-established zone that deals with import and export trades and services, established in 1996. It offers companies a base within a modern and comprehensive environment to do business from.
License Types
- Commercial/ Trading
- Professional/ Service
- Industrial
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 100,000.00, no requirement to pay up the capital (although recommended within 1-2 years)
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks
- Smart/Serviced Offices
- Physical Offices (fitted and shell & cores)
- Warehouses
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 06 – 08 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
- 2-3 visas per Flexi Desk
- 1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property/office
Meydan Free Zone offers international free zone trading status for businesses locating to Dubai, UAE. Meydan Free Zone’s flexible desk spaces cater for all business whatever their scale or size.
License Types
- Commercial/ Trading
- Professional/ Service
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 100,000.00, no requirement to pay up the capital (although recommended within 1-2 years)
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks
- Fitted Offices
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 04 – 06 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
- 2-3 visas per Flexi Desk
- 1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property/office
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is a 100% government-owned free zone that promotes modern technology based industries with urban master-planned community, advanced infrastructure and in-house business services.
License Types
- Commercial/ Trading
- Professional/ Service
- Industrial
- Entrepreneurial Business Licence
- Business Operating Permits
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 10,000.00, must be paid up within 30 days of licence issuance
Office Requirements
- Flexi desks
- Smart/Serviced Offices
- Physical Offices (fitted and shell & cores)
- Warehouses
- Retail Spaces
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 03 – 04 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
- 02 visas per Flexi Desk
- 1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property/office
JAFZA is the largest and oldest free zone in the UAE, established in 1985. JAFZA is an engine for Dubai’s economic and industrial growth. It’s product offerings ensure that clients will find the right set-up for their needs including plots of land, warehouses, showrooms, customised development solutions, offices, retail outlets, a business park and even on-site residences.
License Types
- Commercial/ Trading
- Professional/ Service
- Industrial
Share Capital Requirements
Minimum AED 50,000.00, must be paid up prior to licensing
Office Requirements
- Physical Offices (fitted and shell & cores)
- Warehouses
Audited Financial Report Requirements
Required
Estimated Incorporation Timeline
- 06 – 08 weeks
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility
- 1 visa per 9 sq.m. leased property/office
RAKEZ Free Zone
At RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), we pave the way for your business success by offering a dynamic and business-friendly environment tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you're an entrepreneur, SME, or a large enterprise, RAKEZ is your partner in growth, providing a range of opportunities to thrive in one of the UAE's most progressive economic zones.
Why Choose RAKEZ Free Zone?
Strategic Location
Situated in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ offers strategic proximity to major markets, with easy access to regional and global trade routes.
Wide Range of Industries
Our diverse ecosystem caters to various sectors including manufacturing, trading, logistics, services, and more, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your business.
Business-Friendly Policies
RAKEZ is renowned for its investor-friendly policies, streamlined processes, and minimal bureaucracy, ensuring a seamless journey from setup to operation.
Cost Efficiency
Enjoy the benefits of cost-effective operations with no personal income taxes, no corporate taxes, and competitive pricing on facilities and services.
Our Services
Company Formation
License Options
Facilities
Support Services
Networking and Events
IFZA Free Zone
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a world-class business hub strategically located in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. With its innovative approach to business setup, seamless processes, and a wide range of benefits, IFZA has become a preferred choice for businesses from various industries.
Why Choose IFZA?
Strategic Location
Situated in the heart of the UAE, IFZA provides unparalleled access to regional and international markets, making it a prime location for global business operations.
Flexibility and Variety
IFZA offers a diverse range of business activities, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your company's objectives and goals.
100% Ownership
Enjoy full ownership of your company without the need for a local partner. This unique advantage allows you to have complete control over your business.
Tax Benefits
Experience the advantages of 0% corporate and personal income tax, as well as zero import and export duties.
Our Services
Business Setup
License Application
Visa Services
Virtual Office Solutions
Physical Office Spaces
DMCC Free Zone
Are you looking to establish your business in one of Dubai's most prestigious and dynamic business hubs? Look no further! Our team of experts is here to guide you through the seamless process of company setup in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone.
Why Choose DMCC Free Zone?
Business-Friendly Environment
DMCC is known for its efficient and business-friendly regulatory framework, making company setup and operations smooth and hassle-free.
Industry Diversity
DMCC hosts a diverse range of industries, from commodities and trading to technology and more, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Enjoy world-class facilities, modern office spaces, and advanced technology to support your business growth.
Networking Opportunities
DMCC offers numerous events, seminars, and networking sessions to connect you with like-minded professionals and potential partners.
Our Services
Consultation
Company Formation
License Application
Office Solutions
Banking Assistance
DIFC Free Zone
Are you looking to elevate your business to new heights within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Free Zone? Look no further! [Your Company Name] is your dedicated partner in navigating the world of opportunities that DIFC offers.
Why Choose DIFC Free Zone?
Business-Friendly Environment
DIFC is known for its efficient and business-friendly regulatory framework, making company setup and operations smooth and hassle-free.
Industry Diversity
DIFC hosts a diverse range of industries, from commodities and trading to technology and more, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Enjoy world-class facilities, modern office spaces, and advanced technology to support your business growth.
Networking Opportunities
DIFC offers numerous events, seminars, and networking sessions to connect you with like-minded professionals and potential partners.
Our Services
Expertise
Tailored Approach
Transparency
Dedicated Support
Banking Assistance
ADGM Free Zone
Are you ready to unlock unparalleled business opportunities in the heart of Abu Dhabi? Look no further than the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Free Zone - a world-class financial and business hub that offers a dynamic and progressive environment for companies to thrive.
Why Choose ADGM Free Zone?
Global Connectivity
Situated at the crossroads of the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, ADGM provides easy access to global markets.
Business-Friendly Regulations
ADGM's business-friendly framework is designed to foster innovation, growth, and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and transparent business environment.
Financial Center
As a designated financial center, ADGM offers a wide range of financial services, attracting international investors and institutions.
Innovative Ecosystem
ADGM encourages innovation across industries through its FinTech and RegTech initiatives, making it an ideal hub for tech-driven businesses.
Our Services
Business Setup
License Application
Office Space
PRO Services
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