The most populated emirate of the UAE has become the top choice of Indian investors and business owners due to its proximity to major cities in the country, which allows them to easily visit and manage their assets. With benefits like no capital gains, no tax on corporate and personal income, complete ownership, etc., a Free Zone company formation from India is a popular choice among them.
There are more than 20 free zones in the city dedicated to different industries that allow foreign investors and business owners an affordable and easy way to start their business in the UAE. We’ll review the main free zones in Dubai, along with how to establish a business there from India.
Major Free Zones in UAE: Popular Among Foreign Investors, Business Owners, and Entrepreneurs:
1. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA):
Located in the center of the city, IFZA is popular because of its benefits like tax exemptions, foreign ownership, a wide range of business licenses, etc. Its superior connectivity to Dubai International Airport provides easy access to national and international markets. IFZA company setup is beneficial for businesses indulging in sectors such as trading, consultancy, media, technology, etc. This Free Zone company formation from India offers a two-year residency visa for business owners and employees working there.
2. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA):
Located next to DXB airport, DAFZA offers benefits like fast paperwork, easy DAFZA company setup, smooth licensing procedures, tax-free and business-friendly environment. It is a suitable choice for businesses involved in sectors such as trading, recruitment, transportation, warehousing, etc. Access to top-notch infrastructure and a variety of office spaces, including freehold offices, factories, warehouses, etc., are some other benefits offered by this free zone.
3. Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS):
SHAMS is one of the youngest and most modern free zones in the UAE, which is located at a 30-minute drive from Dubai. This freezone offers easy procedures for SHAMS company setup through which you can register your company within one week in the Emirates. Low-cost setups, 100% tax exemptions, excellent infrastructure, proximity to major ports and airports, etc. are some benefits offered by this freezone. For businesses involved in sectors such as media, consultancy, wholesale, etc., this freezone is suitable.
4. Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA):
HFZA is another prominent freezone located in the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah. It’s advantageously located on the borders of Ajman and Sharjah and offers easy access to RAK, Hamriyah Port, Khalid Port, and Khorfakkan Port. Apart from providing quick access to national and international markets, a Hamriyah Company setup can benefit Indian investors with advantages like viable visa solutions, unrestricted repatriation of profits, no currency restrictions, etc.
5. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone (DMCC):
Located in the heart of the city, DMCC is home to prominent mixed-use charming communities, including Jumeriah Lake Tower and Uptown Dubai. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure and smooth connectivity to neighboring emirates and countries via sea, air, and road. DMCC company setup is ideal for Indian investors and business owners who work with precious metals, gold, diamonds, agricultural products, etc. Other sectors supported by DMCC are healthcare, media, construction, aviation, etc.
6. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA):
The largest and oldest free zone in Dubai, JAFZA, is home to businesses from over 140 countries. It’s favorably located between Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum, and DXB airports. Jebel Ali Company Setup can be a good option for businesses in logistics, petrochemicals, food and agriculture, and other sectors. It offers accommodation facilities for the workforce of any business operating here.
7. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC):
Conveniently located at small distances from Dubai and Sharjah International Airports and Jebel Ali Port, SPC is another popular free zone in Sharjah. SPC company setup offers a lucrative benefit of double license to businesses operating here, which allows them access to all the benefits of the mainland and freezone together. SPC offers highly efficient licensing services to businesses operating in industries such as publishing, trading, e-commerce, healthcare, and other professional services.
8. Creative City Free Zone (CC FZA):
CC FZA is a popular freezone in the lesser-known emirate of the UAE, Fujairah, known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. Through Creative City company setup, businesses can benefit from flexible business packages, tax incentives, easy incorporation, multiple visa applications, etc. It is a good fit for businesses in a variety of fields, including media, design, education, technology, music and entertainment, etc. Entrepreneurs here can apply for multiple visas without any need to lease a physical office.
9. Dubai South Free Zone (DSF):
DSF is a popular free zone in Dubai that is home to prominent developments, including Sky Residences, South Bay, Fairway Villas, etc. It is a hub for residential, logistics, light, aviation, commercial, and other businesses. A Dubai South Company Setup offers a lucrative business setup opportunity for Indian investors and business owners due to its proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport.
10. Khalifa Industrial Free Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD):
KIZAD freezone is located in Abu Dhabi, which is a popular emirate in the UAE due to its cultural destinations and world-class sporting events. Its proximity to one of the most advanced deep-sea ports in the Emirates, Khalifa Port, offers superior connectivity to 60 other seaports. KIZAD company setup can be beneficial for businesses indulging in wholesale, export, manufacturing, etc. sectors. Additionally, it offers advantages like dual license service, foreign ownership, tax incentives, etc.
11. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone (RAKEZ):
Located in the heart of the fourth largest emirate in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is located at a drive of less than an hour from Dubai. A RAKEZ company setup is beneficial as the business setup cost here is 50% less than the other free zones in the region. It offers specialized services for businesses in sectors such as commercial, industrial, academic, etc. RAKEZ offers comprehensive support, a dual license service, and ten types of licenses for easy business setup.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Dubai Free Zone Company formation from India:
1. Choose a legal business structure and business activity for your business.
2. Choose a unique name for your business that follows the legal guidelines and apply for its registration.
3. Select and lease a workspace or office for your business in any freezone in the city.
4. Prepare the required documents for obtaining a Dubai freezone license, including the MOA, photos, passport copies of the owner and shareholders, a correctly filled-out application form, etc.
5. Choose a suitable business license in Dubai for your business legal operations and apply for it.
6. Open a corporate bank account under your business name for easy transactions and to secure personal assets.
7. You must apply for a UAE resident visa if you intend to relocate to Dubai.
Major Advantages Offered by Freezone Company Formation in Dubai, UAE:
1. Complete ownership of the business and no requirement of a local sponsor.
2. Complete exemptions on corporate, personal, import, and export taxes.
3. Complete repatriation of profits without any restriction.
4. Simplified and fast business setup procedures at reasonable costs.
5. Access to world-class infrastructure, ports, airports, and prominent domestic and international markets.
Partner with Best Setup Consultants for Free Zone company formation from India: Start Any Business
Start Any Business (SAB), being the leading Business setup consultant in India, can be your ideal partner for Free Zone company formation from India. Our experienced experts offer quality services, ranging from assistance in paperwork, visa application, business license, finding the best location for a specific business activity, etc. Collaborate with us for a successful freezone company formation in Dubai, UAE.
Also Read: How to Set Up an Indian Subsidiary Company in Dubai Mainland
