Dubai's Free Zones have become a hub for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish a strategic base in the Middle East. These Free Zones offer numerous advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs benefits, and streamlined business processes.
At Adler & Partners, we understand that every business has unique requirements and objectives. That's why we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Our team of highly skilled professionals has a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing Free Zone Company formation in Dubai.
Types of Free Zone Business Licenses
In UAE Free Zones, several types of business licenses are available to cater to different entrepreneurial ventures. The popularity of licenses can vary based on the specific free zone, industry trends, and market demand. However, based on our experience and deep market knowledge, some of the most commonly sought-after business licenses in UAE Free Zones include:
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Trading
License
This license is popular among import-export businesses, wholesalers, and trading companies.
![Female web designer at work](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c9033e5ead4c4760ab8e05e709d55a85~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_61,h_41,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/11062b_c9033e5ead4c4760ab8e05e709d55a85~mv2.jpg)
Service
License
Professional or non-professional services, such as consulting, marketing, IT services, advertising, engineering, design, education, and healthcare.
Consulting
License
A consulting license is specifically for companies providing consultancy services in various domains, including management, finance, legal, HR, and IT.
![51.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_f65810fa89ed44da875060975a8548bc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_61,h_34,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5e1e58_f65810fa89ed44da875060975a8548bc~mv2.png)
E-commerce
License
These licenses enable entrepreneurs to establish and operate online stores, sell products/services online, and engage in e-commerce activities.
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Why do you need to consider setting up a Company in UAE Free Zones?
The decision to set up a business in a UAE Free Zone ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and business objectives. While UAE Free Zones offer numerous advantages, they may be the ideal choice for every business. Foreign investors and entrepreneurs decide to choose a UAE Free Zone Company setup based on considerable advantages:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_912d85c1cfb64314bdab67dc3944f06e~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_232,y_232,w_632,h_632/fill/w_92,h_92,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_912d85c1cfb64314bdab67dc3944f06e~mv2.png)
100% Foreign Ownership
UAE Free Zones provide a more attractive option for entrepreneurs and companies looking for full control and ownership of their business.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_58044cc7338b4e55b616fafab6d36a6f~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_216,y_216,w_664,h_664/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_58044cc7338b4e55b616fafab6d36a6f~mv2.png)
Tax Benefits
Free Zones offer favorable tax incentives, such as exemption from personal income tax, import and export duties, and capital gains taxes.
Easy Company Setup
The setup procedures are generally faster and more efficient compared to establishing a business outside the Free Zones.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_14efb0a4bdd94bd5adbc99beecc92793~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_203,y_203,w_670,h_670/fill/w_112,h_112,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_14efb0a4bdd94bd5adbc99beecc92793~mv2.png)
Infrastructure and Facilities
State-of-the-art infrastructure, modern office spaces, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other amenities tailored to specific industries are offered by Free Zones.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_d597230aa6434152b2c22ad60750bb8b~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_223,y_223,w_632,h_632/fill/w_112,h_112,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_d597230aa6434152b2c22ad60750bb8b~mv2.png)
Customs Privileges
Free Zones often have their own customs authorities, offering businesses expedited customs clearance and reduced paperwork for importing and exporting goods.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_cea7303d28c642f2bc72fe3fa9ae9c7a~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_209,y_209,w_664,h_664/fill/w_112,h_112,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_cea7303d28c642f2bc72fe3fa9ae9c7a~mv2.png)
Access to Main Markets
The UAE is strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a hub. Setting up a business in a free zone grants companies access to well-connected markets.
Free Zone Company Formation Process
The timeframe and process for obtaining a UAE Free Zone company license can vary depending on several factors, including the chosen business activities, third party approval requirements, legal structure, and individual circumstances. You can obtain a Dubai Free Zone Company by following the steps below:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_c7cc3c112eb042debdd4287f23a80a83~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_150,y_119,w_730,h_799/fill/w_145,h_159,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/5e1e58_c7cc3c112eb042debdd4287f23a80a83~mv2.png)
STEP 1
Choose a Free Zone
Research different Free Zones based on your business requirements and select the one that best suits your needs.
![18.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_ff4dd1fda69d40c2a76baa5bfdc769a1~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_22,y_0,w_1035,h_1080/fill/w_139,h_145,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/18.png)
STEP 2
Determine the business activity
Define the nature of your business activity and ensure that it is allowed within the chosen Free Zone. Each Free Zone has its own list of permitted activities.
STEP 3
Choose a company structure
Decide on the appropriate legal structure for your company.
![21.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_627f4c65e1ca492d86cad89e4bab48d8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_183,h_183,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/21.png)
STEP 4
Prepare & submit application and documents
Complete the application form provided by the Free Zone authority and submit it along with the required documents.
![26.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_cbbd313bb0d74be79ce48e8273f7ed95~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_127,y_127,w_827,h_827/fill/w_183,h_183,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/26.png)
![27.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_ee544aec24e4432e8bcb98ded9b8a1c3~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_181,y_181,w_717,h_717/fill/w_166,h_166,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/27.png)
STEP 5
Pay the fees
Pay the applicable license and registration fees. The fee structure will depend on the chosen Free Zone, business activity, and company type.
![24.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_6281099ac5cc4104be91a1fec55f2d00~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_111,y_111,w_858,h_858/fill/w_166,h_166,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/24.png)
STEP 6
Lease office space (if required)
Some Free Zones may require you to lease office space within the free zone premises. You can choose from various options based on your business needs and budget.
![14.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e1e58_375d2d6a05cb42b2a2d4a2eba6abd854~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_83,y_83,w_915,h_915/fill/w_166,h_166,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/14.png)
STEP 7
Obtain the license
After signing the legal documents and fulfilling all the requirements, you will receive your UAE Free Zone Company License. This license permits you to conduct business within the Free Zone.
![Business Colleagues](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_96b402754b84456390b1924f1a467d79~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_122,h_81,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/11062b_96b402754b84456390b1924f1a467d79~mv2.jpg)
How we can help
Adler & Partners is a reputable consulting firm that specializes in assisting foreign investors with company setup in UAE Free Zones. Throughout years of experience, we sharpened a deep understanding of the UAE business landscape and the intricacies involved in setting up a company in Free Zones for excellence.
Our team possesses extensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks, licensing procedures, and compliance requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup process. Contact us today to discuss your Free Zone Company formation requirements.