Top 20 FAQs About UAE Free Zones | G12 UAE Free Zones Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a UAE Free Zone?

Answer:

  • A special economic area with its own regulations and benefits
  • Offers 100% foreign ownership
  • Provides tax exemptions and simplified business Setup UAE Free Zone

Answer:

  • Over 45 operational free zones
  • Located in all 7 emirates
  • Each caters to specific industries (e.g., tech, trade, media)

Answer:

  • Full foreign ownership
  • 0% personal and corporate tax (in most cases)
  • No import/export duties within the zone
  • Fast-track business setup uae and visa processing

Answer:

  • Startups looking for low-cost entry
  • E-commerce businesses
  • International traders
  • Consultants and freelancers

Answer:

  • Not directly without a local distributor or dual license
  • Must partner with a mainland company for UAE-wide business

Answer:

  • Commercial License
  • Professional/Service License
  • Industrial License
  • E-commerce License
  • Freelance Permit

Answer:

  • Yes, full capital and profit repatriation is permitted
  • No restrictions on currency movement

Answer:

  • Usually 2 to 5 business days
  • Dependent on document submission and activity type

Answer:

  • Passport copy of the owner/shareholder
  • Passport-size photo
  • Business plan (in some zones)
  • Visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)

Answer:

  • Yes, options include:
  • Flexi-desks (shared spaces)
  • Executive offices
  • Warehouses and logistics hubs

Answer:

  • Yes, visa quotas are based on office size/type
  • Visas available for owners, employees, and dependents

Answer:

  • Varies by zone and activity
  • Some zones require AED 1 only
  • Others may require up to AED 50,000 or more

Answer:

  • Yes, some cater to specific sectors:
  • Dubai Internet City – tech
  • DIFC – finance
  • JAFZA – logistics and trade

Answer:

  • DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
  • Dubai Internet City
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
  • Dubai South

Answer:

  • As of June 2023:
  • 0% tax on profits up to AED 375,000
  • 9% corporate tax on profits above threshold
  • Qualifying free zone businesses may remain at 0%

Answer:

  • Yes, all major UAE banks accept free zone companies
  • Documentation includes license, MOA, and visa copy

Answer:

  • No restrictions on ownership based on nationality
  • UAE free zones are open to investors worldwide

Answer:

  • Allows free zone companies to also operate in the mainland
  • Requires additional approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

Answer:

  • Yes, many zones offer e-commerce licenses
  • Includes digital marketing, product sales, and SaaS businesses

Answer:

  • Starting from AED 5,000 (flexi-desk and 1 visa)
  • Costs increase with office space, licenses, and visa count

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