UAE is home to numerous Free Trade Zones that support the growth of trade and the economy of the region. There are various business activities available in the Free Zones for doing business. In UAE there are more than 45 Free Zones delivering various company packages for investors.

Foreign investors choose to establish their business in the Free Zones due to various reasons such as:

• The ease of setting up an office,
• Registering the company easily,
• Avail of the numerous business benefits offered by the Free Zones.

Free Zone in UAE

Free Zone in UAE is an area demarcated within the country. It is a designated area where investors can legally trade and avail various incentives for their business. Furthermore, for a Free Zone Company in UAE there are a host of benefits such as:

• Provision of Complete Ownership of the Company
• Trusted Governance
• Absence of taxation,
• Plug and Play Office Spaces
• Easy Company Registration and more

Also, there are designated Free Zones in UAE that are VAT Exempted under certain circumstances. The VAT is levied depending on the place of supply of the services and goods by the Free Zone company.

Free Zone – Available Privileges for the Investors

The jurisdiction of a particular Freezone is limited to the area where it is established. A company registered in a Freezone is essentially an onshore resident company. So, it can avail all privileges of an onshore company such as:

1. It is eligible for Office premises in Freezone
2. It can have a Visa quota
3. It can trade or do business within the UAE and outside
4. It can be registered with the Chamber of Commerce
5. It can obtain import-export code
6. Tax Residency Certificate can be obtained so that investors get the benefit of DTAA ( Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement)
7. Certificate of Origin can be obtained for manufacturing companies
8. 100% Expatriate Ownership and 100% repatriation of profits

The Free Zones in Dubai will be pricier when considering the total cost of setting up a business in UAE. It is dependent on various factors such as the location, office rent, other infrastructure facilities, and more.

Top Free Zones in Dubai

The Free Zones in Dubai offer various company formation packages for the investors. Depending on the specific business requirement, the Free Zones have custom-made business solutions.

There are popular Free Trade Zones in Dubai that offer variety of company packages. Few of them are:

• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai Multi-Commodities Center
• Dubai CommerCity
• Dubai Silicon Oasis – IFZA

Also, the investor can choose from a wide range of business activities for setting up their company. The Free Zones of Dubai has many advantages due to the strategic location and improved infrastructure facilities to support business growth.

Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

There are Free Zones in Abu Dhabi that offer various specialized license packages and business activities to the entrepreneurs. For example, the Masdar City Free Zone offers special licenses for startups in the field of renewable energy, energy management, environment management, etc.

Similarly, the Khalifa Free Trade Zone (KIZAD) offers logistics, shipping, packaging, and commercial trading license at budget friendly rates for the investors.

Additionally, for airlines chartering, flight maintenance, and aircraft management companies, the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone is an ideal choice. It offers various cost-effective business license packages for the entrepreneurs.

Top Free Zones in the Northern Emirates of UAE

The Northern Emirates especially Sharjah has few cost-effective alternatives for companies to set up at a much affordable rate in the UAE.

Let’s look at the various options available in the Northern Emirates for company setup and successfully set up your dream business venture in UAE most comfortably and cost-effectively.

1. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is one of the most dynamic Free Trade Zone driving a variety of trade and business activities in the UAE. Hence, it is one of the busiest trading and manufacturing hubs of UAE.

With an in-house Customs Clearance, proximity to the Sharjah International Airport and the Khalid Port, SAIF Zone facilitates global trade with more than 100 countries.

The custom warehouse and light manufacturing units allow entrepreneurs to easily scale up their business operations and profitably run the operations. SAIF Zone offers customized office spaces starting from 9 Sq.m cubicle to fully furnished executive offices.

Also, the company formation process, state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff accommodation, etc., are best in class making the Free Zone a favorable option to consider for setting up a business establishment in the UAE.

2. Hamriyah Free Zone

Similar to Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, the Hamriyah Free Zone is another popular Free Zone for commercial and manufacturing licenses mainly. It hosts some of the top manufacturers of the world.

Hamriyah Free Zone offers warehouses with office space requirements with up to 50 employee visa quotas for large manufacturing setup.

There are top-class warehousing and storage facilities in Hamriyah exclusively for food manufacturers, healthcare providers, etc.

The proximity to one of the busiest ports in the UAE makes it a trader’s hub. There are daily import-export transactions from Hamriyah Port to numerous countries around the world with the majority share to Asia and then Africa and Europe.

3. Sharjah Media City

Sharjah Media City is one of the most competitive Free Zone gaining a strong presence as the popular Free Zones for profitable business investment in the UAE.

SHAMS offers a wide range of business activities at a low-cost business setup package starting from as low as AED 8,050 for a Zero visa quota company setup.

The Free Zone offers investors a multitude of company formation options and a wide list of business activities to choose from.
As the name goes, SHAMS just does not only offer Media related Business License but several business licenses and activity categories ranging from general trading, services, eCommerce, and more.
To know more about Company Formation in Sharjah Media City, talk to our expert Business Consultants, connect with us here!

4. SPC Free Zone

The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is a competitive Free Zone in the emirate of Sharjah. It has various company packages that suit the investor business requirements. SPC Free Zone is a popular choice among the freelancers and startup companies.
The Free Zone offers cost-effective company packages that will enable investors to easily start there business venture and scale up. SPC offers flexi-desk spaces and Co-working spaces for startups and freelancers to work.
SPC offers the investors more than 1000+ business activities across services and commercial business categories. The proximity to Sharjah International Airport makes it an ideal location for business travelers to easily visit the office premises for project discussions and meetings.

5. Ajman Free Zone

For entrepreneurs looking at further low-cost options, there is Ajman Free zone that offers attractive business setup packages across various business license categories and trade activities.
Choosing a Free Zone with the only objective of a low-cost business license will have implications in the future during office space expansion, warehouse space addition, bank account opening, address and reputation, and more.
Hence, entrepreneurs must look at a holistic approach while choosing the right Free Zone for their business establishment and not just a low-cost option.

6. Ajman Media City

Ajman Media City Free Zone is another low-cost option for investors who are looking at an entry point to the UAE business landscape.
The Ajman Media City offers a Freelance Permit for media enthusiasts, Photographers, graphic designers, web-developers, etc., to enter the entrepreneur world seamlessly.

Also, Ajman Media City offers a host of other business license packages at competitive packages for investors to choose from for their business setup in UAE.

7. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

The RAKEZ is a Special Economic Zone in the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah offering attractive company setup options for global investors.

The Free Zone consists of dedicated business parks, manufacturing units, warehousing, and logistics complexes to cater to a wide business requirement of entrepreneurs.

Also, to promote the academic and education-related business establishments, RAKEZ has a specialized Academic Zone that houses all the companies that offer services and products in the education sector such as training, Ed-Tech startups, tutoring, etc.

In a nutshell, UAE Free Zones offers global investors all that they require to set up their business seamlessly and easily scale up to achieve business sustainability.

Seasoned Business Setup Consultants like Aurion will assist in the end to end Business Setup Processes, Visa Processing, Bank Account Opening Assistance, and beyond making the journey of Company Formation in UAE hassle-free for the investors.

Read more about Business Setup in Fujairah and Business Setup in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

The post What is a Free Zone? appeared first on AURION.

Why is the UAE the Right Choice for Setting Up a Logistics Company?

The strategic location of UAE coupled with Government support and initiatives towards promoting trade locally and internationally has transformed the region into a trade hub of the world.

UAE is an international transit hub and an intermediary stop point for international trade across the world. It has a robust logistics support system, warehouse facilities, a dedicated zone for handling large cargos, and many more.

How to Start a Logistics Company in UAE?

UAE is home to a bunch of international trading companies as well as numerous local entrepreneurs in the field of Logistics and trade operations. As a new business venture in the trade and logistics segment, the company must be bringing in innovation or an advanced business model to strive through the intense competition in the segment.

However, despite the competition, there is a vast opportunity in the field of logistics and distribution. Often large companies in the logistics segment only work with higher quantity and premium service fee, low cost providers might lack in customer service and technology-driven strategic implementations.

Entrepreneurs with a fair knowledge of the UAE market segment and customer preference will succeed in launching their business venture easily in UAE

Ideal Free Zones for opening a Logistics Company in UAE

Each Free Zone in UAE has distinct benefits and based on investor requirements the right Free Zone Business Setup Package is to be chosen. Aurion will assist you in picking the right choice for your business by assessing your precise business requirements.

Note: The list of Free Zones included below is not an exhaustive list, there are more than 45 Free Zones in UAE and most of the Free Zones offer business License for the activities under the Logistics sector.

The below list of Free Zones is curated based on the business benefits for the investors of a logistics company by setting up their business in the below Free Zones.

1. Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Airport Free Zone is the world’s top Free Zone offering attractive company formation packages to the global investors. Dubai Airport Free Zone is the ideal choice for setting up a logistics company due to the enormous business benefits offered by the Free Zone.

Dubai Airport Free Zone – Key Highlights

The proximity to one of the world’s busiest airport makes it easy for trading and logistics companies to handle the Air Cargo Shipments at reduced transportation cost and handling fees.

The Free Zone offers custom-build warehousing facilities and light manufacturing & assembling units starting from 350Sq.m onwards with an office space and 30 employee visas.

The 0% import duty on all imports to Free Zone, Zero Taxation policies, and 100% foreign ownership are the highlights for foreign companies considering this Free Zone as the final choice.

Also, the easy company setup, UAE residence visa processing, bank account opening, and the prestigious Dubai Address is the additional benefits for the entrepreneurs.

2. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is a reputed Free Zone in the emirates of Sharjah. The proximity to the Sharjah International Airport and the Khalid Sea Port makes this Free Zone the right Launchpad for logistics and trading companies aiming at local, GCC, and International Markets.

The company formation in SAIF Zone is relatively easy with minimum paperwork. The Free Zone also offers custom-build warehouses, land of warehouse/manufacturing units, as well as customized office spaces.

To know more about the warehouse specifications in the Sharjah Airport Free Zone, enquire with our experts!

3. Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone is the fastest growing Free Trade Zone and a preferred logistics hub in Dubai.

Dubai South specifically caters to logistics and trading companies by offering state of the art warehouses of customizable sizes to suit a wide range of requirements from the entrepreneurs.

With easy access to the Jebel Ali Port through a special logistics corridor and the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the Free Zone is transforming the logistics and distribution network in UAE.

How to Setup a Logistics Company in Dubai South?

The Dubai South Free Zone offers numerous business setup packages for investors by following simple steps. Taking the assistance of expert Business Consultants will make the company registration process hassle-free.

Steps in Setting Up a Logistics Company in Dubai South Free Zone

• Prepare the application form for the initial approval
• Choose the right trade name and get the approval
• Choose the right business setup package (License type, office space, office type) – Aurion will assist you here in choosing the right company setup package)
• Prepare the documentation (shareholder resolution, passport copy, business plan) and submit the relevant documents for the company registration
• Pay the required fee and obtain the business license post-approval of the documents
• Also, obtain the company documents such as the incorporation certificate, special approvals (if any)
• Proceed to apply the UAE Residence Visa and Bank Account opening

So, in a nutshell, UAE is the perfect location for establishing a logistics company and easily scale up by tapping into the growing business opportunities in the region.

Here are few more choices of Free Zones for Setting up a Logistics Company in UAE, watch the full video!

There are numerous small and big trading companies and a growing consumer base in UAE. Logistics and distribution companies are the means to connect these suppliers/manufacturers with the end-consumer.

Those companies that provide exceptional service will get positive customer feedback and will be able to scale up easily with a growing number of order fulfilments.

To know more about Starting a Logistics Company in UAE, talk to our Expert Team right away!

Read more about “Tips for Setting up a Trading, Logistics, or Supply Chain Company in Dubai” and Import export licenses in UAE.

The post How to open a Logistics Company in UAE? appeared first on AURION.

Company registration in Dubai starts from choosing the right business activity, preparing relevant documents, applying for the business license, issuance of business licenses, and so on.

Once the business license is issued there is the processing of residence visas and corporate bank account opening for the successful operations of the business in the UAE.

Mainland Business License Types in UAE

The Business License types for Company formation in the Mainland of UAE are the following:

1. Commercial License in the UAE

Commercial License in Dubai is required for businesses involved in trading and supplying of goods like garments, textiles, dry goods & any other consumer supplies.

List of business activities under the Commercial License Category in UAE

• Mobile Phones & Accessories Trading
• Used Furniture Trading
• Trading in building materials
• Oil & gas trading
• Spare parts trading
• Gold & precious metals trading
• Trading in chemicals
• Trading in Automobile
• Safety equipment trading
• Building Cleaning Equipment Trading
• Fire Fighting & Safety Equipment Trading
• Office Furniture Trading
• Telecommunications Equipment Trading
• Computer Software Trading
• Plastic Bags & Containers Trading
• Medical Gas Trading
• Agricultural Pesticides Trading

2. Industrial License in the UAE

The Industrial license in Dubai is awarded for manufacturing or other types of industrial activities. Eg. Fabrics & Textile manufacturing, Mineral Water Bottling, Uniform Manufacturing, Plastic Bottles & Containers Manufacturing

List of business activities under the Industrial License Category in UAE

• Garments Manufacturing License
• Meat Products Manufacturing
• Dairy Products Manufacturing
• Animal & birds Feed Manufacturing
• Pastry & Sweets Manufacturing
• Fabrics & Textiles Embroidering
• Carpets Manufacturing
• Mineral Water Bottling
• Fishing Net Making
• Uniforms Manufacturing
• Plastic Bottles & Containers Manufacturing

3. Professional License in the UAE

Professional License is for individuals or business groups that deliver expertise as a service to the public.

List of business activities under the Professional License Category in UAE

• Computer Consultancy
• Insurance consultancy
• IT Infrastructure Consultancy
• Tax Consultancy
• Marketing Consultancy
• Auditing & Accounting
• Legal Consultancy
• Waste Management & Recycling Consultancy
• Public relations Management
• Project Development Consultant
• Agricultural Consultancy
• Customs Consultant
• Fire Safety Consultancy
• Construction Engineering Consultancy
• Electronic Engineering Consultancy
• Mechanical Engineering Consultancy
• Science & Technology Consultancy
• Safety Consultancy
• Advertising Consultancy

*Note: the list of business activities is mentioned here is not an exhaustive list, there are more than 3000 business activities listed by the Free Zones and DED in UAE. For more details on business activities, reach out to our business consultants.

LLC Company Registration in the UAE

Mainland Company formation in UAE or LLC company formation in UAE will allow you to trade in the local UAE market as well as expand your business activities and office spaces.

Also, you can easily employ more support staff to scale up your mainland business operations in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.

LLC Company in UAE can apply for government projects & contracts and work closely with the Government of UAE. LLC Company in UAE offers investors more flexibility and space for business growth and expansion opportunities.

Requirements for obtaining a Trade License for the LLC Company in UAE

There are certain requirements to full fill by the investors to get the trade license issued by the Department of Economic Department (DED).

LLC Company Formation in UAE – Key Steps

 The following are the steps for setting up an LLC Company in Dubai.

• Segment the business activity into commercial, industrial or professional
• Choose the related business activities that fall under a certain Business License
• Find a local partner for your business. Business consultants will help you in finding a local partner.
• Submit the application form to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for trade name and initial activity approval
• Now you can look out for a physical office location and prepare a tenancy contract.
• Prepare the Memorandum of Association(MOA) with the Local UAE Sponsor.
• Now Submit the application along with the tenancy contract and other required legal documents for the final issuance of the business license from the DED

Documents Required for the Issuance of Trade License from DED

The following documents are required for the issuance of a Trade License from DED.

• Completely filled application form signed by the authorized signatory
• DED letter approving company name
• DED attestation letter approving the setup of the company
• Tenancy Agreement for the physical office
• Shareholder’s details and passport copies.

How to Renew Business License for your LLC Company in UAE?

The following are the steps involved in business license renewal for your LLC Company in Dubai.  The trade license renewal of an LLC Company in Dubai is done through the DED.

• Check your Tenancy Contract
• Get the Licensing Approval
• Submitting the Application
• Get the Transaction Number
• Make Payment to the DED

What are the ways to renew Business License for your LLC Company in UAE?

1. Renew Business License Offline

DED business licenses can be renewed through business consultants, authorized service agents, law firms, and DED branches across UAE.

2. Renew Business License Online

Business licenses can be renewed online via the DED website and Business Consultants via online portals and government e-Services.

3. Renew Business License via Auto-Renewal

DED has set up the auto-renewal process by sending an SMS to 6969. The renewal fees will be automatically generated and a payment voucher will be sent to the registered mobile number.

The payment can be made online or offline through authorized payment channels. The renewed trade license will be sent via SMS and email to the business owner.

Mainland Trade License Renewal

Every company operating in the UAE must have a valid Trade License to continue the business. The trade license has to be renewed every year by paying a renewal fee from the Department of Economic Development (DED) if you are an LLC company in Dubai or other emirates in the UAE.

To know more about LLC Company Formation in the UAE, connect with our expert consultants!

Contact: Aurion Business Consultants

The post Mainland Business License Types in UAE – All You Need to Know appeared first on AURION.