Select the business entity of your preference – Understand the business category of the Free Zone jurisdiction and choose your desired business or legal entity.

Select an appropriate and relevant trade name – Select an appropriate trade name for your business concern. Contact the Free Zone Authority of the concerned Free Zone jurisdiction and verify the trade name. You are not allowed to select an already listed trade name. Register the trade name via the concerned Free Zone Authority.

License application – Based on your business activity, determine the category of license that your business needs. The documentation required for license application varies with the type of license. For example, documentation required for acquiring a Professional License is different from that of an Industrial License. Apply for the relevant license.

Get sufficient office space – the number of staff and the category of business determines the area of the office space. There are multiple options like flex spaces, office space for lease, etc for startup investors.

Initial Approval – Now you are in a position to apply for the Initial Approval. Get the approvals from all the concerned departments and agencies.

Registration – After you get all relevant approvals, you may undertake the registration of your business on the official website of the concerned Free Zone Authority.

Acquire the business license – you may get the business license within a couple of weeks or a month provided the official formalities are accomplished on time.

• Free zone companies are ideal for foreign investors who seek 100% foreign ownership. 
• Free zone regions have tax exemption benefits. They are devoid of Corporate tax, Income tax and personal tax. 
• Free zone jurisdictions do not have foreign exchange restrictions.
• Hassle-free employee recruitment formalities
• Investors can enjoy complete repatriation benefits in terms of profit and capital. 
• Investors can enjoy complete repatriation benefits in terms of profit and capital. 
• Free zone entities are devoid of export and import charges. 
• Enjoy logistic advantage 
• Ideal for start-up ventures, small and medium business establishments. Free zones regions are equipped with full-fledged offices and work-spaces. 
• Well-equipped and ample communication facilities

There are around 40 Free zone jurisdictions that are currently operating in the UAE. Around 28 Free zones operate in the Emirate of Dubai alone. And yes, Dubai is the most preferred Emirate for Free Zone company formation in the UAE. The major Free zone jurisdictions are listed below.

Dubai South Free zone – the Dubai South Free zone is located close to the Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali port and hence it has both strategic and logistic importance. The Dubai South is the proposed venue for the international event – Dubai World Expo 2020. The Free zone serves as an aviation, SME and logistics hub.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – JAFZA offers licenses for a variety of business activities like general trading, trading of machinery, equipment, electrical and electronic items, construction and building materials, jewellery, logistics, aviation, manufacturing etc.

Dubai Silicon Oasis – DSO, the internationally known Free zone serves as a technology hub that caters to the requirements of telecom and the IT sector.

Dubai Healthcare City – caters to the entire needs of the Healthcare sector like medical research facilities, clinical and non-clinical services, medical equipment etc.

The Free Zones available in the UAE are appended below. You can decide the Free Zone that will be productive for your business and company formation in Dubai freezone.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) – This is one of the most regulated business regimes, which will support the growth of your business.

Dubai World Central (DWC) – The second largest Free Zone in Dubai, DWC offers ample opportunities for trading, manufacturing and warehousing business operations.

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) – Aiming to provide exclusive support to media and entertainment, this Free Zone was established in the year 2000. It is a cluster of 09 segments serving creative and intellectual industries.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Recognizing the credibility and conducive aspects, there are more than 11200 companies operating in this Free Zone jurisdiction. Firms in the trading and service sector choose this domain.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Strategic placement of this Free Zone makes it more favourable for business growth. This zone was established in 2002 and it’s considered as one of the most reliable business jurisdictions.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) – One of the most advanced business jurisdictions, DAFZA, established in 1996, has been pivotal in the growth of many entities carrying out business in the import and export sector.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – DSO has infrastructure facilities for technology-based institutions and business firms. This completely planned Free Zone is the best for technical establishments.