Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Free Zones

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

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

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• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• 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%

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

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

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

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

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