FREEZONE WE WORK WITH
ADGM
DIFC
DAFZA
DMCC
IFZA
JAFZA
SAIF
SHAMS
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
About Abu Dhabi Global Market
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the worlds premier and award-winning international financial centre located on Al Maryah Island, in the capital of the UAE. With the aid of its three independent authorities – the Registration Authority (RA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and the ADGM Courts, the ADGM offers a business-friendly environment, operating in line with a transparent regulatory framework, application of English common law, independent legal jurisdiction, and local and international strategic partnerships. Since its inception in 2015, ADGM has been serving as a crucial link connecting financial services between Abu Dhabi and the global market, garnering the confidence of the business community and strengthening trade relations. Today, this hub is home to more than 2,932 licensed entities including international financial institutions, professional services, investors, and startups registered in the ADGM.
How to Register a Business in ADGM?
- Prepare and submit your application like a business plan, copies of passports, and visas of shareholders and directors, depending on the legal structure and business activities
- Obtaining approvals from various government authorities such as the Central Bank of the UAE or the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Complete the online registration or incorporation form
- Obtaining necessary license or permits
- Leasing a physical office space within the Freezone
- Apply for immigration and visas
- Opening a corporate bank account for the company
Benefits of Setting up a Business in ADGM
- 100% business ownership
- No capital repatriation
- Easy and business-friendly registration process
- Broad range of licensing options
- Additional support services like government, visa, and postal services
Core Business Activities
- Fintech
- Banking
- Wealth and Asset Management
- Corporate Treasury
- Commodities Market
- Cryptocurrency Activities
- Retail
- Professional Activities
- Family Business
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Introduction to the DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading onshore financial powerhouse and the most advanced business zone for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). Established in 2004, the DIFC is home to a globally recognized, independent judicial system, and an English common law framework, with more than 29,700 professionals working across 4,000 active registered companies. With a 20-year record of facilitating trade and investment operations, the DIFC is deemed Dubai’s most independent Freezone, providing a secure and economical platform for businesses and financial institutions. Guided by its core values of integrity, transparency, and efficiency, the DIFC plays a crucial role in fulfilling the regions rapidly rising financial and non- financial needs. With a diverse client portfolio, the DIFC hosts a range of businesses such as banking, professional services, insurance, wealth management, and capital markets. As one of the most sought-after business and lifestyle venues, the DIFC also comprises world- class retail and dining spots, a dynamic art and cultural center, residential apartments, hotels, and other public spaces.
Why DIFC?
Independent Regulatory Environment
The DIFC comprises an independent risk-based regulator known as the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which permits licenses and regulates the activities of all financial and banking institutions in the DIFC.
Unique Legal Framework
As a legislative system consistent with English common law, the DIFC has created an independent judicial system governing financial services with its own set of civil and commercial laws. The DIFC Courts is the legal entity controlling the enforcement and administration of justice in the DIFC.
100% Business Ownership
Business subsidiaries and incorporated entities can enjoy the benefits of fully owning their business as well as a world-class regulatory environment.
Follows Hub & Spoke Structure
The DIFC provides a centralized platform for businesses to pool assets, minimize costs, and improve global and regional operations.
Tax-friendly Regimes
The DIFC offers a 40-year assurance of zero taxes on corporate incomes and profits, boosted by the UAE’s vast network of double taxation avoidance treaties with regulators and central banks.
No Restrictions on Capital Repatriation
All companies operating in the DIFC benefit from no capital and profit flow constraints and no currency exchange controls.
How to Register a Business in the DIFC?
– An introductory meeting with DIFC and the DFSA
– Letter of Intent (LOI) must be filed with DIFC
– Provide the DFSA with a Regulated Business Plan
– Submit the application to the DFSA
– After the final review from the DFSA, you will be issued an In-Principal Letter, which is valid for 3 months
– Choose a registered space where you will operate
– Complete the remaining requirements to register or incorporate your company in DIFC
– DIFC will then issue Certificate and License
– After fulfilling all the outstanding DFSA requirements, you will receive the final authorization and have your license issued
DAFZA
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)
About DAFZA
Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) is the most prestigious and advanced Freezone in the world. DAFZA provides companies with an ultimate foundation for their start-ups in the Middle East, a favorable business environment, location advantage, stunning infrastructure, tax exemptions, full repatriation of earnings, full ownership, and other exceptional facilities.
DAFZA is home to over 1,450 companies, covering a range of key sectors such as aviation, freight and logistics, IT, telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and many more.
Competitive Benefits
1. Strategically located at the crossroad between Europe, Africa, and East Asia
2. Easy connectivity to the busiest airport in Dubai
3. Customer-centric business operations
4. Exempted from VAT and customs duty fees with 24/7 rapid cargo clearance and operations
5. 100% foreign company ownership
6. No currency and employment restrictions
7. Comprehensive digital onboarding solutions
8. Full capital and profit repatriation
DAFZA Licenses
- Trade License: Investors are allowed to carry out trading activities like import, export, distribution, and storage of goods.
- Service License: License issued for service-oriented businesses.
- Industrial License: Licenses for carrying out manufacturing, industrial, packaging, and assembling activities.
- E-Commerce License: Holders are allowed to carry goods and services through an electronic network.
- Dual License with DED: This license allows companies to apply for a DED license without any physical office space on the mainland.
DAFZA Company Setup
There are three types of business setups in DAFZA.
Freezone Establishment (FZE)
Freezone Company (FZCo)
Branch office of an existing company
DMCC
Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
About DMCC
Established in 2002, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) has been deemed the leading and fastest-growing free zones and one of the UAE’s largest economic zones. It is the most preferred destination for global commodity trading in and through Dubai. DMCC is the home to more than 21,000 companies, from multinational corporations to new start-ups. Every month, around 170 companies join this free zone, out of which 95% are new to Dubai. With world-class business services, infrastructure, and connections, DMCC poses as the most ideal hub for new businesses to thrive.
Why DMCC?
-Strategic Location
-100% business ownership and capital repatriation
-Thriving business center with a single community to live and work
-One-stop location to access all the resources
-Online portal for all services
-Offers flexible business solutions like a company set up as a branch, subsidiary, or LLC, with office space or Flexi-desk options
-No personal income tax
-Exposure to numerous networking events and international exhibitions
Corporate Framework in DMCC
Freezone Company (FZCo)
Freezone Establishment (FZE)
Local/International Branch or Subsidiary
DMCC Company Formation Steps
Step 1: Choose the license type and your business activity.
Step 2: Submit the initial application online.
Step 3: Pay the registration and license fee.
Step 4: Sign the legal document.
Step 5: Submit relevant documents for your office space/Flexi-desk.
DMCC Commodity Trading
- Gold
- Precious stones
- Tea
- Coffee
- Agricultural Goods
- Base Metals
- Cryptocurrency
- Cacao
IFZA
International Freezone Authority (IFZA)
About IFZA
Strategically located in one of the UAE’s most dynamic business gateways, the International Freezone Authority (IFZA) is a leading investment hub for local and international businesses that are looking for the ideal platform, infrastructure, and location for their business setup. In October 2020, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the legal governing body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), signed an agreement with the IFZA, complying that all the new and existing IFZA companies can operate from DSO, boosting the flexibility of doing business in the UAE.
What IFZA Offers?
– Full ownership of commercial enterprises
– 100% repatriation of capital and profit
– Tax exemptions on import-export
– No personal income tax
– Full flexibility of IFZA license upgrades, downgrades, and amendments
– Can accommodate several visas, on approval from the Authority
– Residency visas available for all employees, for 3 years
– No physical presence of business owners is required during a company incorporation
All About IFZA License
IFZA provides the benefit of performing various commercial, professional, and industrial activities under a single license.
Professional License
-Licenses for professional consultancy, technical services, lifestyle, etc.
Commercial License
-Licenses for import, export, distribution, or storage of items.
Industrial License
-Import of raw material, manufacture, process, packaging, and export of specified products.
IFZA Business Setup
Business consultation and proposal
– Type of license
– Business activity
– Number of visas
– Office solutions
Documents of shareholders
-License Application Form (including Ultimate Beneficiary Ownership)
-Passport copy and photo
-Emirates ID and visa copy of residents
Registration and approval
-Once the documents are submitted for registration and after the approvals, the Authority will issue two E-legal forms (to be signed prior to issuance of incorporation).
Approval of License and payment of fees
-An approved license copy will be issued for collection from the Authority after the payment procedures.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA)
About JAFZA
With the launch of the Jebel Ali port in 1979, the Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA) was established as a free economic business zone under the decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. It has been voted the best seaport in the Middle East for 24 consecutive years and is the largest containers ports worldwide. JAFZA proudly exists as a vibrant base for numerous businesses from 130+ countries, attracting a high percentage of Dubai’s foreign direct investment. It is centrally located in an unparalleled ecosystem, with proximity to the Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Dubai Expo 2020, making it the most ideal hub for global business setups and facilitation of import-export of goods.
Why choose JAFZA?
As a dynamic economic business zone and platform for global connectivity, JAFZA is one of the most competitive locations to establish and scale your business. Everything in this zone was designed with the aim of serving the needs of manufacturing and trading companies. With an extensive range of services to offer, JAFZA is the perfect choice for foreign investors looking to establish or expand their business.
Benefits of JAFZA
– 100% Foreign Ownership
– 0% Personal Income Tax
– No restrictions on capital repatriation
– No restriction on currency exchange
– No import-export duty fees
– Ability to mortgage your premises
– No visa restrictions
Company Formation in JAFZA
JAFZA offers different company formations that help investors to choose to start a company.
Freezone Establishments (FZE)
Freezone Company (FZCo)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Branch of a company
Business License
The type of license you require to operate in JAFZA will depend on the nature of your business activity.
A. Trading License:Â Allows the investor to import, export, and distribute items as mentioned in the license.
B. Service License: Allows users to carry out the services as specified in the license.
C. Trading License: Allows users to access a broad range of activities as specified in the license.
D. Industrial License: Allows users to import raw materials, manufacture various products, and export finished products to other countries.
E. E-Commerce License: Allows users to buy and sell goods and services through electronic networks.
F. Logistic License: Allows specific logistic services (storage, transportation, distribution, order management, clearing services, inventory management).
SAIF
Sharjah Airport International Freezone (SAIF)
About SAIF
Established in 1995 and located next to the Sharjah International Airport, the Sharjah Airport International Freezone (SAIF) is one of the most progressive business hubs for new companies to grow and prosper. Today, SAIF Zone is home to more than 8,000 companies from 160 countries and delivers businesses with the benefits of an unmatched strategic location, credibility, efficiency of services, a range of industries, diverse licenses, and a robust business culture.
Top Reasons to Choose SAIF Zone
– Foreign ownership and repatriation of funds with no restrictions on capital and
profits
– Tax exemption from all import-export duties
– Exemption from personal income tax
– Easy business set-up with modernized infrastructure and technology
– Fast issuance of a licenses
– Well-connected network of highways, airports, and seaways
– Multiple industrial plot sizes available
– Most nature-friendly Freezone in the UAE
– Onsite budget worker accommodation
How to Setup a Business in SAIF?
1. Choose your license type.
Commercial License: Import, Export, Re-export, Distribution, Warehouse, or Storage.
Service License: Services, Business Consultancy, Shipping, Freight Forwarding, E-commerce.
Industrial License: Manufacturing, Packaging, Processing, Assembling, Jewelry Manufacturing.
2. Choose the right facility.
SAIF Offices (Suites, Executive Offices)
Warehouse
Industrial Plots
Jewelry Park
Container Park
Labor Accommodation
3. Choose your legal structure.
Freezone Establishment (FZE): One natural or judicial person with a distinct
legal entity and independent financial liability.
entity and independent financial liability.
Branch of a company: A company registered in the UAE.
Branch of a foreign company: A company incorporated outside the UAE.
4. Submit the application form with relevant supporting documents and pay the license fee.
SHAMS
SHARJAH MEDIA CITY (SHAMS)
About SHAMS
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a relatively new digitally born Freezone authority, launched in 2017 after an Emiri Decree, by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, and the Ruler of Sharjah. Shams is a multimedia city in Al Messaned, Sharjah, with the aim of being a world leader in the field of media and creativity. Their vision was curated to create cost-effective solutions for SMEs, established companies, and foreign investors, by making it easy for them to start a company or business in this Freezone.
Why SHAMS?
- Over 120 business activities available under the same trade license
- Faster documents processing system
- Companies can have limited liability
- Provision of up to 12 visas on a dedicated desk/office and up to 6 visas on a shared desk (Flexi-desk)/office
- 100% repatriation of capital and profit
- Easy and quick online registration procedure
Company Formation in SHAMS
SHAMS LLC
An independent operating entity where company structures separate the owners and shareholders from the company. The liabilities of the company are their own and not the personal liabilities of the shareholders.
SHAMS Branch
An entity belonging to an existing parent company and all the costs, expenses, profits, and other benefits shall belong to the parent company.
SHAMS Licenses
Service License
The license is issued to service-providing companies.
Trading License
The license is issued to companies involved in the import and export of good
Industrial License
The license is necessary for companies dealing with the manufacturing and production of goods.
Holding License
This license applies to companies that hold standalone stakes/assets in other companies. This license is sold exclusively through registered agents in the UAE.
Business Activities
Media
– Printing and production of recorded media
– Publishing activities
– Programming and broadcasting activities
– Telecommunications
– Computer Programming, consultancy, and related activities
– Professional, scientific, and technical activities
– Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Wholesale and Retail
– Wholesale Trading: general trading, agriculture of raw materials and live animals, food and beverages, household goods, machinery, equipment, etc.
– Retail Trading (in specialized stores): automotive fuel, cultural and recreational goods, information and communications equipment, household equipment, etc.
– Repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; sale of motor vehicle parts and accessories
Services and Consultancy
– Financial and insurance activities
– Professional, scientific, and technical activities: legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, research, and development
– Real estate
– Repair and installation of machinery and equipment
– Specialized construction activities like plumbing, electrical, etc.
– Warehousing activities, postal and courier activities
– Food and beverages, restaurants, and catering activities
– Administrative activities like rental and leasing, employment, travel agency, tour operator, reservation services, office support, and business support service
– Education activities
– Art, entertainment, and sports-related activities
– Activities of membership organizations
– Repair of computers, personal and household goods
Our Services
MAINLAND COMPANY SETUP
Setting up your office in Dubai Mainland promises thriving investment opportunities. We are specifically offering you the most sought-after business environment, to actively reach the multicultural audience and expand to the local UAE market.
FREEZONE COMPANY SETUP
A modern economic boost to both aspiring entrepreneurs and established multinational corporations. With world-class amenities and commercial benefits, we are here to assist new clients set up their dream companies in their aspired Freezones.
OFF SHORE COMPANY SETUP
The best option for safeguarding your assets in a tax-exempted environment. With tremendous opportunities for international trade, the Offshores offer hassle-free government regulations and a robust business financing infrastructure.
OFF SHORE COMPANY SETUP
The best option for safeguarding your assets in a tax-exempted environment. With tremendous opportunities for international trade, the Offshores offer hassle-free government regulations and a robust business financing infrastructure.
BUSINESS SETUP ADVISORY
Indulge in the most effortless and non-complex procedure of closing your company with incorp. We manage all the legal formalities and make the process easier for you with our proficiency.
COMPANY LIQUIDATION
Indulge in the most effortless and non-complex procedure of closing your company with incorp. We manage all the legal formalities and make the process easier for you with our proficiency.
COMPANY LIQUIDATION
Indulge in the most effortless and non-complex procedure of closing your company with incorp. We manage all the legal formalities and make the process easier for you with our proficiency.
tax residency certifictae (trc)
Safeguard your tax status in the UAE with the aid of a TRC. Collaborate with Incorp to avail the numerous lucrative advantages of how a TRC can help to avoid being doubly taxed in different nations.
PRO SERVICES
A successful business can only operate efficiently with professional PRO services. We provide unconstrained and versatile services for the smooth initiation and transparency of your business plan.
MAINLAND COMPANY SETUP
Setting up your office in Dubai Mainland promises thriving investment opportunities. We are specifically offering you the most sought-after business environment, to actively reach the multicultural audience and expand to the local UAE market.
FREEZONE COMPANY SETUP
A modern economic boost to both aspiring entrepreneurs and established multinational corporations. With world-class amenities and commercial benefits, we are here to assist new clients set up their dream companies in their aspired Freezones.
OFF SHORE COMPANY SETUP
The best option for safeguarding your assets in a tax-exempted environment. With tremendous opportunities for international trade, the Offshores offer hassle-free government regulations and a robust business financing infrastructure.
BUSINESS SETUP ADVISORY
Indulge in the most effortless and non-complex procedure of closing your company with incorp. We manage all the legal formalities and make the process easier for you with our proficiency.
COMPANY LIQUIDATION
Indulge in the most effortless and non-complex procedure of closing your company with incorp. We manage all the legal formalities and make the process easier for you with our proficiency.
tax residency certifictae (trc)
Safeguard your tax status in the UAE with the aid of a TRC. Collaborate with Incorp to avail the numerous lucrative advantages of how a TRC can help to avoid being doubly taxed in different nations.
PRO SERVICES
A successful business can only operate efficiently with professional PRO services. We provide unconstrained and versatile services for the smooth initiation and transparency of your business plan.