The actual application and registration process can be quite tedious. Depending on the structure of the company (individual owners or corporate) a number of documents need to be notarized and UAE Consulate attested in the applicant’s home country. Also the reviewing process whether a company will be accepted can take anything from 2 weeks to 2 months. Dubai Free Zones prefer established companies with a proven track record.

Start-up companies will find it difficult to set up in a Dubai free zone. Free Zones sometimes refuse giving licenses to companies that  do not fit into their overall framework or cluster. However, there are also solutions for small and start up companies (e.g. E-Office is the cheapest solution that does not require to rent office space, however, licensed only through selected Northern Emirates Free Zones). Individuals, small companies or labor intensive businesses are highly welcome to set up their business in any of the Northern Emirates Free Zones, which are also improving and extending their infrastructure and provide the same tax benefits.

What Costs are involved setting up in a Free Zone?

Due to the heavy demand from international investors Dubai Free Zones have raised their fees over the years quite considerably, whereas the major part of the costs effectively has to be attributed to rent. However, due to global financial constraints that  businesses are facing these days a number of Free Zones have reduced their fees.

Setting up a business in a Dubai Free Zone can cost anything from AED 50.000 to AED 300.000 or more (depending on the space requirements, type of license and how many  activities/categories are combined under 1 license). Office space within the free zone boundaries currently starts at around AED 180 per sq.ft per year. New office space is usually handed over as “core & shell” and the tenant has to do the complete fit out work by hiring a fit-out company. In most cases fit-out companies as well as the drawings for the new office have to be approved by the free zone authority (Zoning Authority).

Global Office provides comprehensive set up assistance
for International Investors:

• Comprehensive company formation consultation.
• Preparation, submission of all legal & application docs.
• Negotiation and clarification of all issues between investor and the free zone.
• Set up of corporate bank account in UAE.
• Obtain business licence and all legal documentation from Free Zone.
• Assistance with all issues regarding company formation.
• Handling of visa application formalities.
• Coordination of Office fit out work.

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