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Main Corporate Services & Private Clients Corporate Setup Company Setup Free Zone Companies Different free zones

The UAE's free economic zones are specialized legal and economic territories offering favorable conditions for international businesses and investors. With over 40 zones, each operates under independent regulations and provides unique advantages for business setup.

Registering in a UAE free zone simplifies legal processes and supports tax planning but requires strict compliance with local laws and careful attention to registration, licensing, and governance.

UAE free zones differ in types of activities they license and incorporation procedures, as well as they differ in incentives they offer upon incorporation.

FAQ

How many visa quotas does Meydan Free Zone provide?

Meydan Free Zone allows for up to 6 visa quotas when renting a "virtual" office, which is the highest quota among all UAE Free Zones.

What activities can be conducted in Meydan Free Zone?

With over 2,500 business activities available, this is one of the few free zones offering such a wide range of licensed activities.

What legislation governs the operations of Meydan Free Zone?

Operations are primarily regulated by Meydan Companies Regulation. For areas not covered,Dubai and UAE laws are applied.

What is the process for setting up a company in Meydan Free Zone?

The incorporation process is entirely online via the Meydan Free Zone portal. Physical presence of shareholders or managers is not necessary; they only need to submit basic documents and verify their identity remotely.

Are there minimum share capital requirements in Meydan Free Zone?

There is no specified minimum share capital, nor is proof of its payment required.

What are the office requirements in Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan offers limited office space at the Meydan Hotel location and therefore allows rentals outside the free zone and has an option to rent a flexi-desk, i.e. “virtual” office.

How long are licenses valid for?

Licenses can be issued for up to three years and renewed unlimited number of times.

Are different classes of shares permitted?

Meydan does not allow for issuing of different classes of shares.

FAQ

How many visa quotas does DMCC provide?

DMCC offers 3 visa quotas for "virtual" offices. To obtain more, businesses need to rent a physical office within the free zone, with 1 visa allocated per 9 m² of office space.

What activities can be conducted in DMCC?

Activities licensed by DMCC focus on international trade, such as crude oil trading, metals, diamonds, and other commodities, alongside holding and IT services.

What legislation governs the operations of DMCC companies?

The primary governing document is the DMCC Company Regulations. For areas not addressed by free zone laws, Dubai and UAE legislation applies.

What is the process for setting up a company in DMCC?

Company incorporation is done through the DMCC portal. Shareholders and managers do not need to be physically present but must provide required documents and confirm their identities remotely.

Are there minimum share capital requirements in DMCC?

The minimum share capital depends on the company's activities. Typically, AED 50,000 (≈ USD 13,615) suffices for most businesses. Proof of deposit in a UAE bank is mandatory.

What are the office requirements in DMCC?

DMCC, located in the JLT area near Dubai Marina, offers diverse office solutions ranging from co-working spaces to premium rentals. Businesses can also opt for "virtual" offices.

How long are licenses valid for?

Licenses are issued for up to 3 years with unlimited renewal options.

Are different classes of shares permitted?

Yes, DMCC allows issuing different classes of shares.

FAQ

How many visa quotas does DIFC provide?

DIFC "virtual" office rentals provide up to 3 visa quotas. To increase quotas, businesses must lease a physical office within the free zone, with 1 visa per workplace.

What activities can be conducted in DIFC?

DIFC focuses on financial services like banking, brokerage, and hedge funds, while also permitting holding, IT activities and other activities.

What legislation governs the operations of DIFC?

The legal framework of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is primarily founded onEnglish law, with the DIFC Companies Law serving as the primary governing legislation for businesses operating within its jurisdiction. English law acts as a subsidiary source of legal authority. Additionally, the DIFC has its own independent financial authority, the Dubai FinancialServices Authority (DFSA).

The DIFC maintains an autonomous judicial system where English is the main language usedfor legal proceedings. Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is established in DIFC andfunctions as the leading arbitration institution in the Middle East.

What is the process for setting up a company in DIFC?

The process of incorporating a company in DIFC is carried out through the DIFC portal and does not necessitate physical presence of shareholders or managers. Shareholders must provide a set of required documents, which include a business plan and an explanation of the source of funds, and confirm their identity remotely after submitting the incorporation application.

For companies planning to undertake regulated financial activities, prior approval from the DubaiFinancial Services Authority (DFSA) is required.

Are there minimum share capital requirements in DIFC?

As a general rule DIFC does not specify a minimum share capital requirement and does not require proof of its payment but requirements are different depending on type of activities a company is going to undertake.

What are the office requirements in DIFC?

Located in a prime area of Dubai, DIFC offers a variety of office leasing options within the free zone, ranging from co-working spaces to high-end office facilities. Furthermore, DIFC provides businesses with the convenience of leasing “virtual” offices.

How long are licenses valid for?

When establishing a company, there is an option to select a license validity period of up to 3 years, with the added advantage of unlimited renewal opportunities.

Are different classes of shares permitted?

Yes, the issuance of different classes of shares is permitted.

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Provides 3 visa quotas for «virtual» office leases.

There is no requirement to provide proof of minimum share capital payment.

Office rentals are limited to the free zone area.

Specializes in financial services.

Applies English law directly.

Has a respected independent judicial and arbitration system.

FAQ

How many visa quotas does ADGM offer?

ADGM "virtual" office rentals provide up to 3 visa quotas. To acquire additional quotas, companies must lease a physical office within the free zone, with 2 visas assigned for each workplace.

What activities can be conducted in ADGM?

ADGM focuses on the financial sector, granting licenses for activities such as brokerage, banking, hedge fund management, and foreign exchange operations. Additionally, it issues licenses for holding, IT-related and other activities.

What legislation governs the operations of ADGM?

ADGM activities are primarily regulated by the ADGM Companies Regulations. However, English law takes precedence and is directly applicable in ADGM courts in cases of conflicting regulations. Unlike other free zones, UAE federal civil and commercial laws and Abu Dhabi's legislation do not apply in ADGM unless explicitly specified by its regulations.

ADGM has its own independent financial regulator called the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and maintains a separate judicial system and independent system of arbitration centers where English is the main language of proceedings.

What is the process for setting up a company in ADGM?

Companies can be incorporated through an application on the ADGM portal, with no requirement for shareholders or managers to be physically present. Shareholders must provide a set of documents, including a business plan and justification of funds, and verify their identity remotely after submitting the application.

Companies engaging in regulated financial activities require prior approval from the FSRA.

Are there minimum share capital requirements in ADGM?

As a general rule ADGM does not specify a minimum share capital requirement and does not require proof of its payment but requirements are different depending on type of activities a company is going to undertake.

What are the office requirements in ADGM?

Located in Abu Dhabi's Al Maryah Island, with recent expansion to Al Reem Island, ADGM offers flexible office solutions, including co-working spaces, premium office rentals, and "virtual" office leasing options, catering to businesses of various sizes and needs.

How long are licenses valid for?

When establishing a company, there is an option to select a license validity period of up to 3 years, with the added advantage of unlimited number of renewals.

Are different classes of shares permitted?

Yes, the issuance of different share classes is allowed.

FAQ

How many visa quotas does RAKEZ offer?

The number of visas varies based on the office space type and size. Co-working spaces offer up to 4 quotas, service offices provide 2 visas per workplace, and premium office spaces can offer up to 6 quotas.

What activities can be conducted in RAKEZ?

RAKEZ supports over 50 industries, including manufacturing, energy, IT, healthcare, aviation, shipping, education, and media. It also allows for consulting services such as legal and financial advisory.

Freelancers in media and education fields can benefit from tailored licenses, enabling them to operate under their personal names instead of a trade name, enhancing flexibility and autonomy.

What legislation governs the operations of RAKEZ?

The RAKEZ Companies Regulations and Operating Rules are the main legal frameworks. For areas not addressed, UAE and Dubai laws apply to ensure compliance.

What is the process for setting up a company in RAKEZ?

The incorporation process involves submitting an application, without requiring shareholders or managers to be present. Documents such as color copies of passports, visas or entry stamps, and a business plan are needed. Additional documents may be requested depending on the activities.

Are there minimum share capital requirements in RAKEZ?

The standard minimum share capital is AED 10,000 (~ USD 2,700). However, specific activities require higher amounts:

Real estate construction and broadcasting: AED 1,000,000 (~ USD 270,000).
Aviation, insurance brokerage, real estate brokerage: AED 500,000 (~ USD 135,000).
Logistics and transportation: AED 100,000 (~ USD 27,000).

Higher education and non-academic services: AED 50,000 (~USD 13,500).

How long are licenses valid for?

Licenses are generally valid for 1 year with unlimited renewal options. Licenses for certain activities, such as e-commerce, general trading, or professional services, can be issued for up to 3 years.

How long does it take to register a company in RAKEZ?

The company setup process typically takes 7 to 8 business days.

What are the office requirements in RAKEZ?

Companies registered in RAKEZ are required to maintain their office within the free zone and cannot operate offices outside of it. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, about 100 kilometers from Dubai, RAKEZ offers a variety of rental options, including co-working spaces, individual desks, and premium office spaces. Additionally, the zone provides land for development, warehouses, and accommodations for industrial workers.

Most activities in RAKEZ don’t require renting specific types of spaces, but for some leasing a physical office, retail unit, or specialized facility will be mandatory.

Are different classes of shares permitted?

Generally, different share classes are not allowed. Exceptions can be made with prior approval from the free zone authority.

Different Free Zones

Meydan Free Zone

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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

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Dubai International Financial Centre

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Abu Dhabi Global Market

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Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

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