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Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Licenses required for a company in the Dubai Free Zone

٢٨ فبراير Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone represents an important strategic step for ambitious investors and businessmen who seek to benefit from the thriving economic environment and distinctive operational facilities provided by the Emirate of Dubai. ITQAN is a vital partner in this context, providing the experience and knowledge necessary to facilitate this process in an effective and innovative way.

In this article, we will detail how to establish a company in the Dubai Free Zone in cooperation with ITQAN. We will provide a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps, including legal and administrative procedures, and the potential benefits of investing in this context, in addition to the role of ITQAN and how it can help investors achieve their goals in establishing and operating companies in the free zone.

We will also review some tips and strategies that can be followed to ensure the success of the company establishment process and achieve sustainability in the local and global market. In addition, we will highlight potential challenges and how to overcome them effectively, paying special attention to presenting successful business models and case studies illustrating the experiences of previous investors in this field.

In summary, the goal of this article will be to guide readers through the process of establishing companies in the Dubai Free Zone in a comprehensive and detailed manner, and highlight ITQAN’s role as a vital strategic partner to achieve success in this exciting investment journey.

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone
Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone can be an excellent option for investors who want to take advantage of the benefits and privileges offered by this specialized business environment. Here are general steps for establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone:

  1. Research and Planning: Conduct appropriate research to understand the different free zones in Dubai and the services they offer. Make sure to specify the business activity you wish to practice and verify its compliance with the activities permitted in the specific free zone.
  2. Choosing a free zone: Based on the research you have done, select the free zone that suits your needs and business requirements. Make sure the free zone provides the right infrastructure and services you need for your business to succeed.
  3. Registration and licenses: Establishing a company may require registration with the relevant authorities and obtaining the necessary licenses. All required documents must be available and you must comply with specified legal procedures and requirements.
  4. Contracts and Agreements: You may have to sign contracts and agreements with the free zone and other concerned parties. You must understand all terms and details regarding these contracts and agreements before signing them.
  5. Infrastructure and Services: Make sure the free zone you choose provides the infrastructure required for your business, such as offices, warehouses and other facilities. Some free zones may provide additional services such as customs, transportation and logistics, so be sure to evaluate those as well.
  6. Employees and competencies: You may need to hire employees and competencies to operate your company in the free zone. Analyze your labor needs and aspirations and use appropriate recruitment methods to attract qualified and suitable employees.

Establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone requires adherence to the procedures and requirements specified by the competent authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to cooperate with local consultants or experts in setting up companies in the free zone to ensure full compliance and obtain appropriate professional advice.

 

Licenses required for a company in the Dubai Free Zone
Licenses required for a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Licenses required for a company in the Dubai Free Zone

A company in the Dubai Free Zone requires a range of licenses and permits to ensure compliance with local laws and legislation. Laws and requirements may vary based on the type of company and its activity, but in general, they can include the following licenses:

  • Company License: The company must obtain an official license from the relevant authorities in the Dubai Free Zone.
  • Business license: The company must obtain a license that allows it to practice the business activity it intends to do.
  • Construction and construction license (if the company owns its own building): If the company plans to build a new building or modify an existing building, it may need a building license.
  • Environment and Health License: In some cases, the law requires obtaining a license proving that the company’s activities will not negatively affect the environment or the health of residents.
  • Advertising and Marketing License: The company may need a license to carry out advertising and marketing activities in the region.
  • Engineering and construction license (if the company works in the field of engineering or construction): Companies operating in these industries may need their own license.
  • Labor license: The company must obtain a license to employ expatriate workers and determine the number of workers allowed.
  • Operating license: The company must obtain a license that allows it to operate its business within the free zone.

Costs of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

The costs of setting up a company in the Dubai Free Zone vary greatly based on several factors, including the type of company, the size of the planned business, and the licenses and permits required, along with additional services you may need such as legal and accounting advice. However, general estimates of the costs of setting up a company in the Dubai Free Zone can be provided :

  1. Registration and license costs: These fees include the costs of submitting a registration application and obtaining the necessary licenses from the local authorities in the free zone.
  2. Consultation and legal assistance costs: You may need special legal advice to help you prepare all necessary documents and ensure legal compliance. The costs of these services vary based on complexity and volume but are often in the range of several thousand dirhams.
  3. Rent and insurance costs: If the company needs an office or work space in the free zone, you will have to pay monthly rent and property insurance costs.
  4. Insurance and social security costs: You may need employee insurance and social security to provide the necessary protection for workers.
  5. Chamber of Commerce registration costs and annual subscriptions: Costs can include joining the Chamber of Commerce and paying annual subscriptions for additional business support and services.
  6. Initial advertising and marketing costs: These costs can be high, especially if you plan to launch a large advertising or marketing campaign to introduce your company and its services.

Advantages of a company in the Dubai Free Zone

Dubai, the vibrant economic and commercial center of the UAE, is very popular as a destination for investment and business establishment, especially in free zones. These areas are an ideal environment for new and expanding companies, as they provide a set of competitive advantages that make them an attractive destination for international business and investments. Among the main advantages of establishing companies in the Dubai Free Zone are:

Comprehensive tax exemptions: Free zones in Dubai are exempt from income taxes for long periods, which contributes to reducing operating costs and increasing profitability for companies.

Flexible legislation and regulations: Dubai has a flexible legislative and regulatory environment that facilitates procedures for establishing and managing companies, with simplified licensing procedures and quick response periods from government authorities.

Access to regional and international markets: Dubai is strategically located, making it a hub for global trade, allowing companies in free zones easy access to regional and international markets.

Advanced infrastructure: Dubai free zones provide advanced infrastructure that includes modern transportation and logistics facilities, and work areas equipped with modern communications technologies, which facilitates production and export operations.

Government support and financial aid: The UAE government provides a package of support and financial aid to emerging and expanding companies in free zones, which enhances business growth and expansion opportunities.

Diverse and dynamic business environment: Establishing companies in Dubai’s free zones provides a dynamic and diverse business environment, where entrepreneurs are able to innovate and expand freely and by strengthening strategic partnerships.

In short, establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone is considered an excellent investment option that combines flexible tax and regulatory benefits, access to global markets, and advanced infrastructure, which contributes to the success and sustainable prosperity of business in this distinguished economic destination.

Documents required to establish a company in the Dubai Free Zone

If you intend to establish a company in one of the free zones in Dubai, you must be prepared to submit a set of required documents that are appropriate to the type and classification of the company you wish to establish. The paperwork required varies slightly between different free zones and local advisors or legal services companies can provide precise guidance. Here’s an overview of the basic papers you’ll often need:

Company License Application Form: The Company License Application Form must be filled out with accurate information about the type of business activity intended and the proposed company structure.

Copy of passport: for shareholders, directors and major partners in the company, keep the original for verification.

Recent personal photos: of shareholders, directors and key partners.

Lease contract or confirmation letter: To confirm the address of the company’s headquarters in the free zone.

Business Plan: A detailed document describing a company’s goals, expansion plans, and financial projections.

No objection certificate: If there are non-Emirati shareholders or directors.

Documents confirming residence and health status: for managers and employees.

Project site image: A document showing the location of the proposed project in the free zone.

Approval or permission from the relevant government agencies: in the case of allocating a special or specific activity such as medical services or international trade.

Investing in the free zone:

Before we know and learn about the forms and methods of investment in the free zone, we must first know what the free zone is, as it is the first investment zone in the United Arab Emirates.

The Emirate of Dubai includes many important and distinguished areas that have made it one of the most important emirates for trade and the most attractive emirate for tourists and foreign investors due to the excellent places it contains, and the most important of these areas is the Dubai Free Zone. This area also works to provide a work environment that helps in achieving large profits. Without paying any types of taxes and also without the need to have a partner who holds Emirati citizenship.

The free zone also seeks to assist new companies in the process of establishing their companies. The step of knowing the initial costs of establishing companies is considered one of the most important steps to develop a workable business plan. We can help you finance any type of project through investors who have dealt with us before and with the best and most important companies. Investments located in Dubai, you only have to make a project plan and review it to find the appropriate investor with us.

The UAE government always provides sufficient support to Emirati entrepreneurs, and there are many grants available for people who have a strong business plan and are foreigners to the UAE, but the government is working to provide many commercial and administrative buildings and free business centers available there for rent in the free zone in order for investment to take place. Within the free zone to suit the volume of business and services they provide while providing appropriate solutions to all investor complaints.

Our company’s role in establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

In conclusion, establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone in cooperation with Itqan Company represents a smart and successful strategic step for investors seeking to benefit from a developed business environment and superior investment advantages. Itqan Company provides the necessary support in all stages of establishing the company, including legal advice and assistance in completing the necessary papers and licenses. Thanks to its deep experience and extensive knowledge of the local market, Itqan enables investors to make the most of the tax and regulatory advantages available in the free zone, which enhances business success and increases opportunities for growth and expansion in the dynamic and evolving Dubai market.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone

What are the free zones in Dubai and what is the difference between them?

Free zones in Dubai include areas such as Jebel Ali, Dubailand, and Dubai South, and differ between them in the services provided and activities permitted. The main difference lies in the specific industry specializations and tax and regulatory advantages.

Can foreigners establish companies in Dubai’s free zones?

Yes, foreigners are allowed to establish entire companies in Dubai’s free zones provided that a local partner is available for certain legal classifications such as limited liability companies.

What are the basic steps to establish a company in the Dubai Free Zone?

The basic steps include choosing the type of company, choosing the appropriate free zone, submitting the required documents such as the license application form and lease contract, and obtaining the necessary government approvals.

What are the tax benefits for companies in Dubai free zones?

Companies in free zones enjoy complete income tax exemption for long periods, and can import and export goods without paying customs duties.

What are the expected costs of establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone?

Costs vary depending on the type of company and the free zone chosen, and include costs for licenses, rents, consulting services, and government fees.