Freezone company formation in the UAE is one of the most easily accessible options available to foreign investors. Free zone business setup is relatively simple and easy, especially with the assistance of a UAE free zone company formation specialist.
When it comes to free zone business setup, UAE has some of the most favourable terms for foreign investors. The following are some advantages of establishing a business in a UAE free zone.
100% foreign ownership
100% profit and capital repatriation
No restrictions on foreign currency
No restrictions on employing foreign nationals
Corporate tax exemption for 50 years (renewable)
VAT exemption
Income tax exemption for investors and employees
Flexible requirements on business premises; some free zones even allow virtual office setups
Visa for investors and employees subject to restrictions
Free zone authorities regulate free zone company formation in the UAE. For instance, a free zone company in Jebel Ali Free Zone falls under the jurisdiction of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.
To set up a free zone company in the UAE, one must apply with the relevant free zone authority. A free zone company need only fulfil the requirements of the free zone authority. Approvals from government bodies external to the free zone jurisdiction are often not required and apply only to special business activities. As such, business setup in UAE free zones typically entails fewer documentary requirements than company formation outside free zones.
Free zone authorities have different rules and regulations in place for their jurisdictions. For instance, some free zone authorities require free zone companies to conduct an annual fiscal audit, while others do not have this requirement.
Free zones have a predefined list of allowed business activities. The permitted activities can vary from one free zone to another.
Emirates First can answer all of your questions regarding allowed business activities in different UAE free zones.