How To Get a Freezone Licence in Dubai?
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What Is Dubai Free Zone Licence?
There are around forty free zones available in the UAE, and out of them, Dubai has the highest number. Here, all the free zones have the power to discover prominent types of business activities and value a wide range of benefits. These free zones have a direct foreign investment of around 200,000 organisations, and the bar is still rising continuously.
A free zone licence will allow a business to streamline its organisational functionalities within and outside of the UAE. Moreover, it also permits business holders to safeguard their banking services, leverage government support, build global infrastructure, and much more. However, each of these zones has its own interest in business demands and includes a wide array of organisation formation prices, paperwork requirements, etc. So, if you are dreaming of expanding your business routes to global platforms, this licence can be your ultimate ticket.

What Are The Types of Free Zone licences Available in Dubai?

Trading licence
With the help of this licence, investors can easily trade with all kinds of products in Dubai. With the trade licence the company can easily execute the import and export services that are incorporated outside of the UAE.

Commercial licence
This type is generally known as Free Zone Trade licence Dubai. It allows operations for commercial, industrial, and consulting firms. However, the authorisation will be approachable for a limited period.

Service licence
This type of licence is necessary for accounting, law, and business organisations to operate effectively without any constraints in the market.

Manufacturing licence
If you are a business owner who wants to manufacture new products in the UAE market, you need to acquire this type of free zone licence.

Industrial licence
As an investor, this type of free zone licence will allow you to import raw materials, execute the manufacturing of goods, and export refined products all over the world.

Warehouse licence
This licence type will help a company to use the facilities of a warehouse for the packaging, storage, and distribution of goods. This way, manufacturers can easily maintain their productivity without any restrictions.

Freelancer licence
There is also an option for a freelancer license where the owner can easily balance their lifestyle and can work as per their preferred schedule. The following licence is also available at an affordable price.
Documents Required to Get A Freezone Licence in Dubai
Present the passport copies of the following organisation’s directors, shareholders, and other prominent members.
You need a registration certificate for your company if you are already an established firm.
Business objective or plan
Memorandum of Association
No Objection Certificate
Recent passport-size photos
Fund proof to elevate the operational qualities of your organisation.
These are some of the basic document necessities you need to present. However, the specific requirements will differ as per the type of free zone licence you prefer.
How to obtain a Freezone licence in Dubai?
2. Be Sure About Your Trade Name
There are multiple regulations that are valid in Dubai when it comes to giving a certain name to a company. You cannot choose the names that are majorly offensive or give any religious references. So, make sure you abide by a reliable and optimistic trade name.
3. Submission of your application
Setting up your business in the free zones of Dubai is extremely easy. There will be a hassle-free document verification process where you have to give some standard documents such as a duly filled form, contact data, passport-size photos, etc. However, you also need to be ready with your business plan. Handover all these valuable documents to complete the registration process in an error-free manner.
4. Account Formation
Once you are done with the pre-approval step your business can easily acquire a Dubai Free Zone licence. With your licence and corporate documents, you can easily approach the corporate accounts and initiate business operations. The UAE residency visa will also be under your name.
Cost of Obtaining a Freezone licence in Dubai
If you are choosing a 2-year free zone Dubai visa, the price range will start from AED 16,900 per year, and this will also involve the service licence. However, the price range will fluctuate as per various specifications.
Free Zone licence Cost In Dubai | |
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Free Zone licence Price | AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 |
2 year free zone Dubai Visa | AED 16,900 |
Free zone licence renewal cost | AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 |
Benefits of Dubai Free Zone licence
Complete repatriation of profits and capital
100% guaranteed foreign ownership in business
No worries about taxes
Flexible office complex options available
Free transaction of funds
No hiding charges for importing and exporting services
Valuable and hassle-free licensing procedure
Access unique industry infrastructure
Easy visa processing and sponsorship
Liberal legal framework and authorities.
Difference between Free Zone and Mainland licence

Business operations
When it comes to free zone licence, it allows multiple activities such as manufacturing, trading, consultancy, and much more. However, a mainland licence allows a business to operate within.

Taxes
A free zone Dubai licence doesn’t allow import and export taxes. On the other hand, mainland businesses have to incorporate different taxes as per their ownership laws.

Location
With a free zone licence you can operate over the free zones and can get permission to operate in other places. However, a Mainland licence will permit you to locate over the onshore regions of the UAE.
These are some of the major differences between Freezone and Mainland licence.
List Of Popular Free Zones in Dubai
Famous Free Zones in Dubai | |
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Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) |
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International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) |
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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) |
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Fujairah Creative City Free Zone |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Freezone licence in Dubai
How long does it take to get a freezone licence in Dubai?
It takes around 5 to 30 days to acquire a fully compelling free zone licence in Dubai. However, the dates can vary depending on the specific zones and the complexity of your service.
Can I do business outside the free zone with a free zone licence?
Yes, you are free to do your business outside the free zone region with a free zone licence in the UAE. However, there are some legal restrictions you have to follow.
Can I convert a free zone licence to a mainland licence later?
Yes, you can convert the licence, but have to give a payable amount for transferring your business operations to the Mainland from the free zone. The fee will fluctuate as per the licence type and the region of the Mainland.
What are the legal requirements for maintaining a free zone licence?
Legal requirements to maintain a free zone licence include documents like passport-size photos, copies of passports, business plans, Emirates ID, MOA, and much more.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with free zone regulations?
Penalties for being non-compliant with free zone regulations include fines, prison time, disrupted business operations, reputation damage, and legal proceedings.
Are there any tax benefits to operating in a free zone?
Yes, there are several tax benefits including eliminated or minimised taxes, duty-free export and import, etc.