Freezones in UAE - An Overview

Freezones are designated areas in the United Arab Emirates that have their own set of regulations and laws that are different from the rest of the UAE. These areas are designed to attract foreign investment and businesses. Freezones offer businesses a range of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, no personal income tax, and no currency restrictions. Additionally, businesses in freezones are able to access a range of services and facilities such as office space, warehouses, and other infrastructure.

How many freezones are there in UAE?

There are more than 40 free zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are designated areas where companies can operate with favorable tax and regulatory conditions. Free zones are designed to encourage trade, investment, and business development in the UAE, and they are a popular choice for foreign companies looking to establish a presence in the country.

Some of the most well-known free zones in the UAE include:

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ)
Dubai Media City
Dubai Internet City
Dubai World Trade Center
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Sharjah Media City
Ajman Free Zone

Each free zone has its own set of rules and regulations, and they offer a variety of benefits to companies operating within their borders, such as:

100% foreign ownership
No corporate taxes
No personal income taxes
No import or export duties
No currency restrictions

Free zones can be a convenient and cost-effective way for companies to establish a presence in the UAE, and they are a popular choice for businesses in a variety of industries, including media, technology, and trade.

Which is the cheapest Freezone in UAE?

There are many free zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that offer affordable options for companies looking to establish a presence in the country. Here are a few free zones that are known for offering competitive pricing:

Fujairah Creative City: This free zone is located in the eastern region of the UAE, and it offers a range of packages for companies in the creative industries, including media, design, and technology. Prices start at around AED 10,000 per year.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): RAKEZ is a large free zone located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and it offers a variety of packages for businesses in a range of industries. Prices start at around AED 12,000 per year.
Ajman Free Zone: This free zone is located in the emirate of Ajman, and it offers a range of packages for businesses in a variety of sectors. Prices start at around AED 13,000 per year.
Fujairah Free Zone: This free zone is located in the eastern region of the UAE, and it offers a range of packages for businesses in a variety of sectors. Prices start at around AED 15,000 per year.

It’s important to note that the cost of setting up a business in a free zone can vary depending on factors such as the type of business, the size of the company, and the package chosen. It’s a good idea to research and compare the different free zones to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

List of Freezones in UAE

Here is a list of 40 free zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

Abu Dhabi Global Market
Ajman Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ)
Dubai Creative Clusters Authority
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Media City
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai South
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM)
Dubai World Central
Dubai World Trade Centre
Fujairah Creative City
Fujairah Free Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone
Healthcare City Free Zone Authority (HCFZA)
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Masdar City
Mina Zayed Free Zone
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF ZONE)
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Yas Island
ZonesCorp
Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Dubai South Business Park
Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South Industrial Park
Fujairah Creative City Free Zone
Fujairah Innovation Centre
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone
Khalifa Port Free Zone
SAIF Zone Extension
Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAFZ)
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

Here are some of the most frequent asked questions about Freezones in UAE. I hope that it will help you in taking your business decision.

Can I set up a business in any free zone in the UAE?

Each free zone has its own set of rules and regulations, and they may have specific requirements for the types of businesses that can operate within their borders. It’s a good idea to research the different free zones to find the one that best meets your needs.

Can I own property in a free zone in the UAE?

It depends on the specific free zone. Some free zones allow companies to own property, while others do not. It’s a good idea to research the rules and regulations of the specific free zone you are considering.

Can I hire local employees in a free zone in the UAE?

Yes, it is possible to hire local employees in a free zone in the UAE. However, you will need to follow the rules and regulations of the specific free zone you are operating in.

Do I need a local partner to set up a business in a free zone in the UAE?

In most cases, you do not need a local partner to set up a business in a free zone in the UAE. Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, which means you can own and operate your business without a local partner.

Can I sell my products or services to the local market from a free zone in the UAE?

It depends on the specific free zone and the rules and regulations that apply to your business. Some free zones may allow you to sell to the local market, while others may have restrictions on this.

Can I operate my business from outside the UAE and still be based in a free zone?

In most cases, you will need to physically operate your business from within the free zone in order to take advantage of the benefits it offers.

Can I obtain a residence visa while operating a business in a free zone in the UAE?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a residence visa while operating a business in a free zone in the UAE. However, the specific requirements for obtaining a residence visa may vary depending on the free zone you are operating in.

Do I need to register my business with the local authorities in the UAE?

Yes, you will need to register your business with the local authorities in order to operate in the UAE. This may involve obtaining a license and following other regulations.

Can I operate a business in more than one free zone in the UAE?

Yes, it is possible to operate a business in more than one free zone in the UAE. However, you will need to follow the rules and regulations of each free zone you operate in.