Establishing a company in the free zone The Ajman free zone is an ideal destination for investors who want to establish their own companies. Setting up a company in a free zone offers exciting investment opportunities and multiple business advantages, making it a popular choice among entrepreneurs and startups.

One of the most important factors that attract investors to establish their companies in the free zone is the developed and organized business environment it provides. The Ajman Free Zone is characterized by easy and convenient legal procedures for establishing companies, in addition to attractive financial and tax facilities. The various licenses issued in the free zone allow companies to operate in a wide range of sectors, from general trade to industry and professional services.

Taking advantage of its strategic location and access to global markets, Ajman Free Zone provides growth and expansion opportunities for startups. Thanks to the advanced infrastructure and services available, companies are provided with an ideal environment to achieve their success and achieve their business goals.

Establishing a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in a free zone requires adherence to specific legal and administrative procedures, in order to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. The required documents must be submitted and fees related to establishing the company must be paid. Then the necessary license is granted to the company to start commercial work in the free zone.

In short, establishing a company in the free zone represents an exciting opportunity for investors seeking to benefit from a developed business environment and attractive financial and tax advantages. Thanks to easy incorporation procedures and advanced infrastructure, businesses can achieve success and growth in this vibrant economic destination, providing optimal opportunities to achieve business goals and expand into global markets. Establishing a company in the free zone gives you the opportunity to benefit from competitive advantages and the advanced economic environment, and it is an option worth considering for every entrepreneur who wants to establish his company and achieve success in the business market.

Here are general steps for setting up a company in a free zone in Dubai:

1. Choose a free zone :
   • Study the free zones available in Dubai and choose the most suitable for your business, such as Jebel Ali (JAFZA), Dubai International City (DIC), Dubai Media City, and others. Each region offers different features and targets specific types of businesses.
2. Choose the company type :
   • Determine the type of company that best suits your business, such as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, public or private joint-stock company, according to your needs and business strategy.
3. Submitting the application and submitting documents :
   • Submit an application to register in the free zone you have chosen, and submit the required documents such as:
     • Official registration form.
     • Detailed business plan.
     • Copies of passports of shareholders and directors.
     • Personal Photos.
     • The lease contract for the place where the company will be located.
     • General manager appointment form.
4. Approval and obtaining licenses :
   • After submitting the application and documents, the relevant free zone authority will review the application and conduct the necessary evaluation. If approved, you will be granted the necessary licenses such as:
     • Commercial activity license.
     • Location permit.
     • Work Permit.
5. Open bank account :
   • Open a bank account in the company\’s name in one of the approved banks in Dubai, to manage the company\’s financial operations.
6. Visas and residency (if necessary) :
   • Arrange the necessary visas and residency permits for the employees who will work in the company, which can be obtained through the local authorities in Dubai.
7. Tax registration (if necessary) :
   • You may need to register with a local tax authority, such as the Dubai Tax and Customs Department, and pay the applicable tax fees in the emirate.
8. Signing contracts and agreements :
   • Sign the necessary contracts to start the business, such as leases for the space, employment contracts with employees, and agreements with customers and suppliers.

Investors must also ensure compliance with local laws and regulations in Dubai and work in collaboration with local legal and financial advisors to ensure the success of the company incorporation process and full compliance with local requirements.

Major free zones in the Emirates

Dubai Airport Free Zone is a leading zone in Dubai with 5-star infrastructure, located close to Dubai International Airport. It is an excellent free zone with fully equipped offices, and will be the ideal choice for prestigious companies to establish a free zone company here in Dubai, including the following:

• Dubai World Central: It is a major city planned around Al Maktoum International Airport. The new name of Dubai World Central – Dubai South has brought new opportunities to this industry and you can open different types of businesses here at the lowest possible cost.
• DMCC: DMCC is a highly reputable free zone in Dubai, where you can buy offices in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area with title deeds while ensuring a 50-year tax free period. Open your business in the UAE to trade oil, gas, steel, gold and commodities.
• Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: Hamriyah Free Zone has become the cornerstone of industrial development in the United Arab Emirates. Hamriyah Free Zone is located in Sharjah, and has become the industrial hub of the emirate. The Authority issues different types of licenses at a very competitive cost.
• Sharjah International Airport Free Zone: It is the first free zone accredited by the international organization ISO in the region, and it is located next to Sharjah International Airport. Best prices for company formation among free zones in the UAE. In this free zone, your company will have direct access to Sharjah Port and the international airport.
• Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: It is the first free zone in the United Arab Emirates and is located in Jebel Ali Port, which is the largest port in the United Arab Emirates. It is equipped with a large number of offices and warehouses, in addition to the possibility of creating your own office by choosing the appropriate plot of land for you.

Establishing a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in a free zone can be a great strategic move for investors who want to expand their business and take advantage of the business advantages available in this advanced economic destination. Here are the general steps for setting up a company in a free zone:

1. Choosing a free zone: Research and choose the free zone that suits your business and meets your needs. There are several free zones in the UAE, including the Ajman Free Zone.
2. Market study and planning: Conduct a comprehensive market study to understand the potential opportunities and challenges in the free zone and the market sector in which you wish to operate. Develop a detailed business plan outlining your business goals and practical strategies.
3. Obtain legal and financial advice: It is recommended to consult with a legal advisor and accountant who specializes in the procedures for establishing companies in the free zone. They will help you understand the legal and financial requirements and procedures needed to establish a company.
4. Submitting the required documents: Prepare the documents required to establish the company, such as a copy of the passport for shareholders and directors, academic certificates and professional experience if any, business plan, registration form, and other forms required by the concerned authorities.
5. Submitting a license application: You may need to visit the selected free zone and submit a license application to the company. You must comply with the specific requirements of each free zone, submit the required documents and pay the applicable fees.
6. Receiving the license: After reviewing the application and ensuring that all conditions and requirements are met, your application will be approved and you will be granted the necessary license to establish the company in the free zone.

Costs required to establish a company in the free zone

The costs required to establish a company in a free zone vary  based on several factors, including the type of business activity, company structure, and the legal and administrative requirements of the free zone. Here are some points that can affect costs:

• Company registration fees: These fees include the costs of registering the company and obtaining a commercial license.
• Incorporation fees: These fees may include the costs of preparing the legal documents and contracts necessary to establish the company.
• Administrative services fees: These fees include the costs of administrative services provided by the free zone, such as office rentals and facilities.
• Annual renewal fees: Companies must pay annual fees to renew their business licenses and continue operating in the free zone.
• Legal and accounting services fees: The company may need to use the services of legal and accounting consultants, which may cause additional costs.

Advantages of establishing a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in a free zone can provide many advantages and benefits to investors. Here are some of the main advantages of establishing a company in a free zone:

1. Customs exemptions: Customs exemptions are considered one of the most important advantages in the free zone. It allows companies to import and export goods and materials without paying customs duties or import and export taxes.
2. Tax facilities: Companies in the free zone enjoy multiple tax facilities, such as no income tax on profits, no value-added tax, and no property or inheritance taxes.
3. Complete freedom of ownership: Foreign companies are allowed to own 100% of the capital and profits, without the need for a local partner.
4. Access to global markets: Free zones are the center of global trade and provide opportunities for companies to access new markets and expand their work across borders.
5. Advanced infrastructure: Free zones are characterized by advanced infrastructure and modern facilities, such as ports, airports, highways, warehouses, and logistics areas, which facilitate production, supply, and distribution operations.
6. Government support: The government provides support and facilities to companies in the free zone, by providing support and advice services, facilitating licensing and establishment procedures, providing training and development programs, and limited financial support.

Learn how to establish a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in a free zone is a successful investment step that opens wide doors to success and growth in the Middle East market. The Freedom Zones in Dubai enjoy ideal investment advantages, including full tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership of their companies, and no restrictions on transferring capital or profits, which makes them an ideal destination for those wishing to establish their businesses.

By investing in a free zone in Dubai, companies can benefit from advanced infrastructure and strong government support that enhances the business environment. These areas also provide broad opportunities for growth and expansion in a variety of sectors such as technology, logistics, media and communications, light industries, and financial services.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the free zone