Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai

Free Zone company incorporation in UAE

Free Zone Companies in UAE

The UAE is home to over 40 free zones, with that number expected to rise over the next few years. As the UAE is an established international business hub, it is an extremely attractive option for company incorporation. Each of the established free zones has been set up for a specific type of commerce, so depending on the nature of your business, you will only be offered a license for your corresponding free zone. 

A free zone company is not an offshore company; however, there are a number of similarities, on top of the ability to have 100% foreign ownership of your business if it is incorporated within a free zone. Due to the number of free zones in the UAE now, the majority of companies elect to use Alpha Citizen to make the process quick, easy and completely transparent. 

Benefits of Free Zone Companies

Companies incorporated within free zones in the UAE benefit from excellent incentives and operational autonomy, as well a high level of anonymity and a quick and easy process through Alpha Citizen.

Companies incorporating within the UAE benefit from 0% corporate and personal income tax within the UAE. This also includes benefiting from the double taxation avoidance agreement. In addition, it is possible to obtain 3-year residency visas for investors, staff and family members.

In UAE free zones, you can maintain 100% foreign ownership, so there is no need for a local partner or sponsor. You can also repatriate 100% of both capital and profits, with complete autonomy to liquidate your company at any time. And as there are no restrictions on currencies, movement of funds is extremely easy.

Companies incorporating in free zones benefit from extremely good energy costs. There are also excellent support services on hand, with serviced desks for smaller enterprises and new start-ups. In addition, document clearance is fast-tracked, meaning fewer delays in business operations.

Companies can carry out a wide range of activities. This includes international business and import / export. You can hold properties and have complete freedom to open a bank account within the UAE.

0% TAX
Free zone companies benefit from a 0% tax rate
.
DOUBLE TAX AVOIDANCE
0% tax rate applies in country of origin and within the free zone.
100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP
No sponsor or partner necessary.
NO RESTRICTIONS ON CURRENCIES
Money can be easily moved in and out of your business, with no limitations.
LOW ENERGY COSTS
Energy is cheap and abundant.
EXCELLENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Serviced desks and fast document clearance.
WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
International business and import / export included.
FREEDOM TO HOLD PROPERTIES
Property holding is also made easy by allowing UAE-based bank accounts.
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Which Free Zones We Use in the UAE

We use several different free zones in the UAE; all of which have their individual advantages.

  • DMCC

    Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

    This is the most prestigious free zone in Dubai. It is excellent for companies focusing on trading and consultancy and follows the same licensing as the Department of Economic Development.

  • UAQ FTZ

    Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

    This free zone is very well-located, being less than an hour from Dubai International Airport. Umm Al Quwain is good for investors and new and small-to-medium businesses, especially as the set-up costs are very low.

  • RAKIA

    Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority

    RAKIA is a free zone for trading, industrial and service-focused businesses. It provides a particularly stable regulatory environment that makes it ideal for new company formation.

Service provided by Alpha Citizen

There are a range of potential uses for free zone companies within the UAE, which can yield significant financial and logistical benefits.

COMPANY INCORPORATION
Alpha Citizen can help you set up your onshore company within a UAE free zone, ensuring that all obligations are met and fees are paid in a timely fashion.
VISA PROCESSING
We provide personal assistance from our Dubai office and use power of attorney to complete the immigration process on your behalf, and arrange for the issuance of your Emirates ID.
BANK ACCOUNTS
We act as a mediator when it comes to opening a bank account within the UAE. As anonymity levels are extremely high, banking services in the area are typically used by businesses.
COMPANY MANAGEMENT
We assist with ongoing company management, including annual report submission, flat taxes, government fees and other services as applicable to your business.


Why work with us?

In short, we are a partner for you to rely on. Why?

WE ARE LICENSED REGISTERED AGENT
We are direct service provider offering confidentiality, ongoing consultation and direct contact with our clients. As registered agents, we provide a far more comprehensive service than a “no-name” mediator would. We are an official registration agent, licensed by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. We hold licensed agent registrations in Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah. Unlike other companies, we are not just a mediator, but a direct service provider.
WE ARE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD
We have been incorporating companies in the United Arab Emirates for 5 years. During this time, we have gained a wealth of experience and business contacts. By using us, you will be entering into a business relationship with an experienced partner who will always ensure you are in good hands. The smooth running of each project is our priority, along with the best possible marketing.
TAILOR MADE CONSULTING
We offer tailor-made consulting to understand your specific needs. Every client has their own story and we listen to ensure that we understand your true, personal needs. You do not have to commit a lot of time to us, but by providing us with the details we require, we can ensure that the process is smooth and efficient, with only the necessary information being provided.
FIRST–HAND INFORMATION
Establishing offshore companies requires up-to-date information and specific know-how. We move in a very dynamic environment. A regular intermediary does not have direct experience with the jurisdiction in which the offshore company is based. Information is gained only from business partners, which often comes with a long delay. With us, you always have first-hand information.

I want to form an offshore company

Dmitry Y.

Investor & Software Engeneer

D

“I would like to thank Robert and his team for a professional service and welcoming attitude during my visit in Dubai. My resident visas were processed in 2 days which helped my schedule a lot! ”

Giuseppe A.

Italian Food Distribution

G

“Ms. Gabriela has an exceptional knowledge of the Czech market and its hidden legal options. We eventually chose Czech company as our base for Central European market. ”

Torsten H.

Metallic Parts Trading

T

“Our team was looking for a tax advisor that would help us to understand legal consequences of incorporating a company in a tax haven. Our consultant at Alpha Citizen gave us all the answers we were looking for! ”

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of setting up a free zone company over an offshore company?

    While free zone companies are more expensive to incorporate than offshore companies and take between 4 and 6 weeks to set up, they benefit from resident status and therefore double taxation treaties.

  • Will I receive a licence when the company has been incorporated?

    Yes. Once your business is established, you will receive a trade license for your specific activities. Most free zones specialise in specific sectors, so this will depend on where we assist you in incorporating your company.

  • Are there any restrictions for where I can conduct business with my free zone company?

    Yes, you can carry out international business or business within your free zone. This means that you are excluded from business on the UAE mainland. For mainland business, you would be required to incorporate a UAE onshore company, using a local sponsor with 51% ownership.

  • What are the restrictions on business activities?

    Some activities may require ministerial or regulatory approval from relevant authorities within that sector. However, the free zone authority will review your proposed activities during the incorporation process and inform you of any extra approvals required.

  • What are a free zone company’s statutory requirements?

    This varies from free zone to free zone. However, in each free zone, you can incorporate either a Sole Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC). In the case of the former, you have one shareholder, where the latter allows for two or more, either individual or corporate shareholders. You must appoint a manager, who will take charge of the day-to-day operations of the company, such as contracts, banking and any structural changes. This person must either have UAE residency or a demonstrable plan to obtain residency.

  • How many residency visas can I get?

    Depending on your type of premises and company size, you will typically have an allocation of 2 to 3 visas in the case of a virtual office, or 1 visa per 10 square metres if you have a physical space. This does vary between free zones though; we can help you select the zone that best fits your requirements.

  • Can I get a Tax Residency Certificate for the Company?

    Yes, we can help you apply for this. A tax residency certificate is an excellent move if you are looking to make use of double taxation treaties.

Not sure if free zone company is right for you?

Navigating through the bureaucracy system in the UAE can be challenging. There are different company types and even more Free Zones that incorporate them. Additionally the chosen setup must be compliant with the home-country tax system of the business owner. It’s important not to underestimate the value of experienced tax & legal consultant.

Robert Sládek

Founder & CEO

Incorporate your new free zone company in the UAE today!

Don’t lose your time with greedy tax authorities and poor government services. There are countries competing for the successful entrepreneurs like yourself. Let us show you the best jurisdictions and explain their differences.

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