FAQs on UAE Free Zones – G12 vs Virtuzone vs Avyanco
Question 1. What is a UAE Free Zone?
A UAE Free Zone is a special business hub that offers tax benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and simplified setup.
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G12: Provides tailored guidance to match the best Free Zone for your needs.
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Virtuzone: Offers setup across multiple Free Zones but often with higher package costs.
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Avyanco: Focuses on Free Zones where compliance and taxation are emphasized.
Question 2. What are the key benefits of setting up in a Free Zone?
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100% foreign ownership
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0% corporate and personal tax (if qualifying)
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Easy visa sponsorship
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No import/export duties (within Free Zones)
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Repatriation of profits
👉 G12 highlights cost-effective setups for startups, while Virtuzone and Avyanco lean more toward premium or compliance-heavy solutions.
Question 3. Can Free Zone companies operate outside the UAE?
Yes, globally without restrictions. To trade within mainland UAE, you need a distributor or branch license.
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G12: Guides on bridging Free Zone and Mainland operations.
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Virtuzone: Offers distributor connections.
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Avyanco: Advises more on compliance if you expand.
Question 4. Can I have 100% ownership of my business?
Yes. All Free Zones allow it.
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G12: Simplifies the paperwork.
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Virtuzone: Offers packages with bundled services.
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Avyanco: Ensures legal structuring for compliance.
Question 5. What license types are available?
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Commercial, Service/Professional, Industrial, Holding, E-commerce.
👉 All three providers assist, but G12 focuses on affordable flexibility, Virtuzone on broad options, and Avyanco on regulated structures.
Question 6. Which Free Zone is best for my business?
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DMCC: Trading, Crypto, Commodities
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IFZA: Flexible, cost-effective
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DIC: Tech & IT
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RAKEZ: SMEs, Manufacturing
👉 G12 helps startups pick budget-friendly zones. Virtuzone has a wide range but higher cost. Avyanco is strong for corporate compliance.
Question 7. What is a Flexi-Desk?
It’s a shared workspace to meet licensing needs.
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G12: Offers cheapest Flexi-desk options.
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Virtuzone: Provides branded workspace packages.
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Avyanco: Advises based on visa quotas and compliance.
Question 8. How long does setup take?
2–10 working days.
👉 G12 prioritizes speed for startups. Virtuzone’s larger process may take longer. Avyanco focuses more on compliant structuring.
Question 9. What is the cost of setting up in a Free Zone?
AED 8,000 – 25,000+.
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G12: Budget-friendly for SMEs.
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Virtuzone: Premium-priced packages.
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Avyanco: Mid-to-high cost, with audit/tax services bundled.
Question 10. Can I apply for visas?
Yes, most Free Zones allow 1–6 visas.
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G12: Helps maximize visa quota with smaller offices.
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Virtuzone: Offers premium visa services.
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Avyanco: Manages compliance-heavy visa cases.
Question 11. Can I hire employees?
Yes, based on office size and visa quota.
👉 G12 provides scalable options. Virtuzone offers HR add-ons. Avyanco provides legal employment structuring.
Question 12. Is office space mandatory?
No. Flexi-desks or shared spaces suffice.
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G12: Affordable desk packages.
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Virtuzone: High-end office add-ons.
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Avyanco: Compliance-driven solutions.
Question 13. Do Free Zone companies pay Corporate Tax?
Qualifying Free Zones = 0%.
👉 G12 educates startups on tax rules. Virtuzone promotes packages with tax support. Avyanco specializes in corporate tax & audits.
Question 14. Do they need VAT registration?
Yes, if revenue > AED 375,000/year.
👉 Avyanco is strongest in VAT consultancy. G12 helps new firms meet basic VAT needs affordably. Virtuzone offers third-party tax support.
Question 15. Can I open a corporate bank account?
Yes, once setup is complete.
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G12: Assists with cost-friendly banking.
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Virtuzone: Uses premium bank partners.
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Avyanco: Advises on compliance with international clients.
Question 16. Can I sponsor family?
Yes, if income and housing requirements are met.
👉 All three providers assist, but G12 gives affordable visa guidance.
Question 17. Are Free Zone companies audited?
Some zones require annual audits.
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G12: Connects you with affordable auditors.
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Virtuzone: Offers premium audit services.
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Avyanco: Specializes in audit and compliance.
Question 18. Can I upgrade/change my Free Zone license?
Yes, activities and space can be changed.
👉 G12 ensures smooth upgrades for SMEs. Virtuzone handles expansions. Avyanco focuses on compliance with activity shifts.
Question 19. What happens during license renewal?
Annual renewal needed.
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G12: Simple, transparent renewal fees.
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Virtuzone: Renewal bundled with premium services.
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Avyanco: Renewal tied with tax/audit updates.
Question 20. Can I close my Free Zone company easily?
Yes, requires liquidation, visa & license cancellation.
👉 G12 makes it affordable and hassle-free. Virtuzone provides structured exit services. Avyanco ensures compliance during closure.