The Benefits of Acquiring Dubai Free Zone Licences
What are the benefits of acquiring licences in a Free Zone in Dubai? A trade licence in a Dubai Free Zone can open up many doors in your chosen sector, with two-thirds of the world’s population an eight-hour plane ride or less from this global city. With over 30 specialised zones to choose from, you have an endless amount of options depending on your enterprise goals and your budget. Which Free Zone is best in the UAE? The answer ultimately depends on your circumstances. What we can tell you is how to go about the decision-making process.
How do Free Zones work?
Most Free Zones have an industrial niche, such as the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) for cargo and imports/exports businesses, with a cost structure that favours international commerce. Each Free Zone has its own authority that imposes regulations on what type of Dubai Free Zone general trading licences are available and the permitted activities. For example, the Dubai South Free Zone is looking to attract firms in the drone space while Dubai Media City attracts media outlets such as the Financial Times and The Economist.
What are the benefits of a Dubai Free Zone general trading licence?
While some of the benefits differ across Free Zones, there are some universal benefits you will find no matter the jurisdiction in Dubai. First, Free Zone companies afford you the ability to have an entity under full foreign ownership. Mainland companies in the UAE require there to be a majority ownership stake of an Emirati national, making Free Zone establishments more advantageous to foreigners. Free Zones also allow you to repatriate all your profits and capital. There are also no corporate or income taxes nor restrictions on foreign currency.
Dubai Free Zone licences cost
One of the caveats is that the fees for Dubai Free Zone licences depend on the Free Zone. That means that the cost for a Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone licence will differ from that of the DMCC. If you’re curious about how much you can expect to pay for a trade licence in a Dubai Free Zone, have a look at our recent price comparison.
How can I start a Free Zone business in the UAE?
The first step towards establishing a Free Zone business in the UAE is to determine which Free Zone in Dubai is the right fit for your firm. Does that mean you should go directly to the Free Zone? Our answer is absolutely not. Since not every Free Zone offers the same set of licences, activities or benefits, only a service provider like Europe Emirates Group can offer the most detailed, bespoke advice that grants an objective comparison of every Free Zone. Plus, some Free Zones may require a registered agent to procure your Free Zone licence, meaning you cannot do it on your own. Fortunately, as a certified Registered Agent, we can guide you through every stage of the process.
If you’re ready to get started on your journey towards reaping the benefits of a Dubai Free Zone licence, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Free Zone experts today.
Written by
Inna Klischuk
Advisory, Europe Emirates Group