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WHAT IS A FREE ZONE COMPANY?

UAE Free Zone



With over 50 free zones in the UAE, how do you know which one is best for you?

Setting up in the right free zone will position your business for success.

UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONE COMPANY

Free Zone Business set up in Dubai.

With more than 45 diverse Free Zones available in the UAE, each with distinct setup costs, permitted business activities, facility options, and shared capital requirements, the task of choosing the ideal one can be daunting.

That’s where we come in, dedicated to saving you valuable time and money by guiding you toward the most suitable Free Zone that aligns with your business objectives, visa and office needs, and investment budget.

At Cassa Corporate Services, our expert team thoroughly evaluates all factors to ensure the seamless growth of your business and recommends the optimal location for registering your venture in the UAE.
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UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONE COMPANY

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Free Zone Business set up in Dubai.

With more than 45 diverse Free Zones available in the UAE, each with distinct setup costs, permitted business activities, facility options, and shared capital requirements, the task of choosing the ideal one can be daunting.

That’s where we come in, dedicated to saving you valuable time and money by guiding you toward the most suitable Free Zone that aligns with your business objectives, visa and office needs, and investment budget.

At Cassa Corporate Services, our expert team thoroughly evaluates all factors to ensure the seamless growth of your business and recommends the optimal location for registering your venture in the UAE.

UAE FREE ZONE EXPLAINED

More Than 40 Multidisciplinary Free Zones in the UAE

Freezone areas refer to specific business zones where both corporate and personal income taxes are reduced to 0%. The selection of a suitable free zone relies on several factors, including the nature and type of business, office space options in terms of size and flexibility, location preferences, and pricing considerations.

When it comes to Dubai freezone company setup, acquiring a business license is comparatively simpler and quicker than the offshore and mainland options, provided you have the appropriate guidance from experts.

Ultimately, the decision to establish a business in a UAE-free zone hinges entirely on the type of business you intend to establish.

UAE FREE ZONE EXPLAINED

More Than 40 Multidisciplinary Free Zones in the UAE

Freezone areas refer to specific business zones where both corporate and personal income taxes are reduced to 0%. The selection of a suitable free zone relies on several factors, including the nature and type of business, office space options in terms of size and flexibility, location preferences, and pricing considerations.

When it comes to Dubai freezone company setup, acquiring a business license is comparatively simpler and quicker than the offshore and mainland options, provided you have the appropriate guidance from experts.

Ultimately, the decision to establish a business in a UAE-free zone hinges entirely on the type of business you intend to establish.
0
%
Of Fortune 500 companies registered
0
+
Free Economic Zones operating in the UAE
0
K+
Companies registered in the UAE Free Zones

BEST UAE FREE ZONES

Discover the Best and Most Reputable UAE Free Zones

At Cassa Corporate Services, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and expertise to our valued customers.

As a testament to this commitment, we have cultivated an extensive network of trusted partners, encompassing renowned UAE Free Zones, esteemed local and international banks, and a wide range of service providers.

This robust network is designed to support and guide you in establishing a thriving business in the UAE, ensuring your path to success is paved with reliable and reputable resources.

ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONES

The following are some of the benefits of establishing a company in a free zone:

  • Ownership

    100% Foreign Ownership

  • Repatriation

    100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits

  • Setup

    Fast and Easy Business Set-up Procedures

  • Communities

    Developed Business Communities

  • Costs

    Numerous Options at Competitive Costs

  • TAXS

    100% Exemption from Corporate and Income Taxes

  • Customs

    100% Exemption from Customs Duty

  • Laws

    Independent Laws and Regulations

Retain Ownership
One of the key benefits provided by the free zones in the UAE is that international investors could maintain complete ownership of their businesses, eliminating the requirement for a local partner.

Financial Incentives
In addition to the enticing financial advantages, free zones offer a 0% income tax rate, an exemption from customs duties on imports and exports, and the freedom to repatriate 100% of the profits.

Sector-Specific
Another aspect that opens remarkable opportunities for companies in free zones is the sector-specific nature of many UAE free zones.

UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF UAE FREE ZONE COMPANY FORMATION

How to register a UAE Free Zone company

Initiating a business in any UAE Free Zone entails completing three key steps: acquiring your business license, obtaining your UAE Residence Visa, and opening a corporate bank account.

When executed with careful planning, the entire process of setting up your business should typically span between 1 to 4 weeks. It is mandatory for every company operating within a UAE Free Zone to secure a business license, also referred to as a trade license. This license remains valid for one year from the date of issuance and requires annual renewal.

Certain UAE Free Zones necessitate a minimum paid-up share capital during the Free Zone company formation. The specific amount of share capital required varies depending on the individual requirements of each Free Zone.

To facilitate your preparation for the business registration process, we invite you to explore the fundamental steps involved in establishing a company within the esteemed DMCC, widely regarded as one of the best UAE Free Zones.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1

Select a license type and business activity

Within each Free Zone, regulations regarding the inclusion of multiple activities in a single license may vary. However, a common rule across all Free Zones is that commercial activities cannot be combined with service activities under one license.
As a result, any operations related to trading should be conducted under a Trading/Commercial License, while the provision of services should be covered by a separate Service License.

2

Choose a Free Zone

Every UAE Free Zone maintains its own set of permissible activities that can be conducted within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, the available facilities and visa quotas may differ from one Free Zone to another.
Consequently, seeking professional consultation during this stage is strongly advised to select the most suitable Free Zone for your business.

3

Select a corporate structure

The available corporate structure options include establishing a New Company with individual shareholder(s), forming a Subsidiary Company with corporate shareholder(s), creating a Joint Venture Company with a combination of individual and corporate shareholders, or setting up a Branch of either a Local or Foreign Company.
It is worth noting that certain business activities may be exclusively permitted for Branch Companies.
Therefore, it is advisable to verify this information with the Free Zone of your preference.

4

Select the trade name & prepare documents

List of company name options, with three preferred names listed in order of priority, and compile the necessary document checklist as required by the selected Free Zone. For the formation of a new company, the standard documents typically include a passport, visa, and Emirates ID (if applicable), as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for UAE Residents (specific to certain Free Zones), proof of residential address, and a professional CV.
It is important to note that the document requirements for registering a Branch company may differ to some extent.

5

Apply for initial approval

The initial approval process generally encompasses the endorsement of the company name, the selected business activities, and the proposed company structure.

6

Sign legal documents for company incorporation

After successfully obtaining the initial approval, it is necessary to schedule a meeting with a representative from the Free Zone, either in person or through a video call. In certain cases, this requirement can be bypassed by appointing a representative through a Power of Attorney and providing notarized documents.
During the meeting, the passports of the shareholders and/or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) will be verified, and various documents, including the Articles of Association (ADA), Board Resolution, and Specimen Signature Form, will be signed.

7

Establish business location

To finalize your company license in the chosen Free Zone, secure commercial property within the zone. Sign a Tenancy Contract for at least one year and obtain the Ajara Certificate. Submit both documents to the Free Zone authorities to issue your license with the specified address.
Depending on the facility type (e.g., flexi-desk, office, warehouse, retail), additional documents like an AOFC Certificate from Concordia or Third-Party Liability Insurance may be required.

8

Collect business license

Upon signing the registration documents, securing all necessary approvals, and completing the required payments, the license will be issued in conjunction with other essential corporate documents.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1

Select a license type and business activity

Within each Free Zone, regulations regarding the inclusion of multiple activities in a single license may vary. However, a common rule across all Free Zones is that commercial activities cannot be combined with service activities under one license.
As a result, any operations related to trading should be conducted under a Trading/Commercial License, while the provision of services should be covered by a separate Service License.

2

Choose a Free Zone

Every UAE Free Zone maintains its own set of permissible activities that can be conducted within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, the available facilities and visa quotas may differ from one Free Zone to another.
Consequently, seeking professional consultation during this stage is strongly advised to select the most suitable Free Zone for your business.

3

Select a corporate structure

The available corporate structure options include establishing a New Company with individual shareholder(s), forming a Subsidiary Company with corporate shareholder(s), creating a Joint Venture Company with a combination of individual and corporate shareholders, or setting up a Branch of either a Local or Foreign Company.
It is worth noting that certain business activities may be exclusively permitted for Branch Companies.
Therefore, it is advisable to verify this information with the Free Zone of your preference.

4

Select the trade name & prepare documents

List of company name options, with three preferred names listed in order of priority, and compile the necessary document checklist as required by the selected Free Zone. For the formation of a new company, the standard documents typically include a passport, visa, and Emirates ID (if applicable), as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for UAE Residents (specific to certain Free Zones), proof of residential address, and a professional CV.
It is important to note that the document requirements for registering a Branch company may differ to some extent.

5

Apply for initial
approval


The initial approval process generally encompasses the endorsement of the company name, the selected business activities, and the proposed company structure.

6

Sign legal
documents for company
incorporation


After successfully obtaining the initial approval, it is necessary to schedule a meeting with a representative from the Free Zone, either in person or through a video call. In certain cases, this requirement can be bypassed by appointing a representative through a Power of Attorney and providing notarized documents.
During the meeting, the passports of the shareholders and/or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) will be verified, and various documents, including the Articles of Association (ADA), Board Resolution, and Specimen Signature Form, will be signed.

7

Establish business
location

To finalize your company license in the chosen Free Zone, secure commercial property within the zone. Sign a Tenancy Contract for at least one year and obtain the Ajara Certificate. Submit both documents to the Free Zone authorities to issue your license with the specified address.
Depending on the facility type (e.g., flexi-desk, office, warehouse, retail), additional documents like an AOFC Certificate from Concordia or Third-Party Liability Insurance may be required.

8

Collect business
license

Upon signing the registration documents, securing all necessary approvals, and completing the required payments, the license will be issued in conjunction with other essential corporate documents.

Why you choose to setup your business with CASSA

Seamless Business Establishment

We offer comprehensive company formation services for smooth business setup.

Resourceful Expansion

Access every resource needed for business expansion, ensuring a strong foundation for growth.

Tax and Accounting Support

Benefit from our expert tax and accounting services to keep your finances in order.

Efficient Hiring Assistance

Receive professional help with hiring the right talent to build a successful team.

Legal Support

Get thorough legal support to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance.

Co-Working Spaces

Utilize modern co-working spaces that foster collaboration and innovation for your business operations.

Why you choose to setup your business with CASSA

Seamless Business Establishment

We offer comprehensive company formation services for smooth business setup.

Efficient Hiring Assistance

Receive professional help with hiring the right talent to build a successful team.

Resourceful Expansion

Access every resource needed for business expansion, ensuring a strong foundation for growth.

Legal Support

Get thorough legal support to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance.

Tax and Accounting Support

Benefit from our expert tax and accounting services to keep your finances in order.

Co-Working Spaces

Utilize modern co-working spaces that foster collaboration and innovation for your business operations.

Contact us

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Our team at Cassa Corporate Services can assist you in registering a mainland company in the UAE. While obtaining a Mainland License can be time-consuming, legal guidance can streamline the process and help select the right legal framework.

We support you in determining the best corporate structure and provide assistance throughout the registration process until your company is fully operational and compliant with UAE laws.

Additionally, we help with visa applications, opening bank accounts, bookkeeping, and tax compliance.