DUBAI

There are certain areas in Dubai that have been specially designated as free zones for the conduct of free trade or business. These are the ideal locations within the U.A.E. where foreign entrepreneurs or business owners can set up their businesses with utmost ease. These free zones are further divided into different categories based on the specific niche of the business and operations involved in it.

• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Production City
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Outsource City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Dubai International Academic City
• Dubai Science Park
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
• Jumeirah Lakes Towers
• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Dubai HealthCare City
• International Humanitarian City
• Dubai Maritime City
• Gold and Diamond Park
• Dubai South
• Dubai International Financial Centre
• Meydan
• National Industries Park

The demarcation of the Free Zones is on the basis of the sector of operation involved in the business:

• Academics
• Aviation
• Investment
• Media
• Information technology(ICT)
• Information and logistics
• Automotive
• Technology
• Energy

FZE is an entity that is formed and registered in Ajman Free Zone. It is regulated by the Free Zone Authority in accordance with the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1988 (amended by the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996). These establishments enjoy a provisions as separate legal entities and they can be 100% owned by either a person or a corporate body. Such entities must have a capital approximately equivalent to US $50,000. The liability of the business owner is limited to the amount of his share capital.

• Proposal of 5 names
• A copy of the passport, valid for at least 6 months.
• Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
• 10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
• No Objection Letter provided by the sponsor
• A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
• Application Form

Licences under this class are issued to companies that have been incorporated in the Free Zone in accordance to the Amiri Decree. Such companies enjoy a separate legal identity and the owner is liable only for the value of the paid up capital.

• Proposal of 5 names
• A copy of the applicant’s passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
• Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
• 10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
• No Objection Letter provided by the sponsor
• A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
• Application Form

• A copy of the passport of the representative or manager of the company, valid for at least 6 months.
• Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
• 10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
• The original Trade License
• The original Membership Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce
• The original Commercial Registration Certificate
• A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
• Application Form

The parent company has to have an active status for at least 1 year prior to opening a branch in the free zone.

Licences under this category are issued to companies that are registered outside the U.A.E. It is mandatory for the company to have 100% foreign ownership and the sales have to be made through a registered agent or a distributor in U.A.E. The activity could involve commercial, industrial or professional services.

• A copy of the passport of the representative or manager of the company, valid for at least 6 months.
• Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
• 8 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
• Registration Certificate issued by the competent authority of the country where the company is originally registered.
• A copy of the contract of association of the company
• A copy of the resolution issued by the competent authority permitting the company to carry out activities in the Free Zone
• Copy of a duly attested Power of Attorney (PoA), appointing a representative or a manager.
• A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
• Application Form

• 100% tax exemption on operations in Dubai Free Zones
• Strategic and central location in regards to businesses
• Easy availability of raw material and primary products
• Conducive business environment
• Modern infrastructure
• State of the art facilities available