Dubai Free Zone Map

Dubai Free Zones are designated areas within the Emirate of Dubai offering a conducive environment for business setup and operations. Known for their investor-friendly policies, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strategic location, dubai free zone map attracts entrepreneurs and investors from around the globe seeking opportunities for growth, innovation, and success in diverse industries.

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Dubai Free Zone Map Location

Dubai Free Zones are strategically located across the Emirate of Dubai, offering convenient access to major transportation hubs and key infrastructure. Some of the prominent dubai free zone map include:

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Located in the heart of Dubai’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district, DMCC is one of the largest and fastest-growing Free Zones in the UAE, focusing on commodities trading, gold, diamonds, and other sectors.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Situated adjacent to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA provides easy access to air cargo facilities and is ideal for businesses involved in logistics, aviation, and trading.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

Located near Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest container ports in the region, JAFZA is a major industrial and commercial hub catering to various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and trading.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Positioned in the heart of Dubai’s technology hub, DSO is dedicated to fostering innovation and technology-driven enterprises, making it an ideal location for IT, software development, and electronics companies.

Dubai South Free Zone

Strategically located near Al Maktoum International Airport and the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai South Free Zone offers excellent connectivity and infrastructure for businesses across various industries.

Dubai Free Zone Map Steps

Initial Inquiry

Submit an inquiry to the chosen dubai free zone map authority to gather information about business setup options, requirements, and procedures.

Choose Business Activity

Determine the type of business activity you intend to conduct within the Free Zone, as this will determine the type of license you need.

Select Company Type

Choose the appropriate legal structure for your company, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder or a Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple shareholders.

Gather Documentation

Prepare the necessary documents for company formation, including:

Passport copies
Proof of address
Business plan
NOC from the current sponsor (if applicable)

Submit Application

Complete the company formation application form and submit it along with the required documents to the dubai free zone map authority.

Lease Office Space

Lease office or warehouse space within the Free Zone, as per the requirements of the authority.

Payment of Fees

Pay the relevant license fees, registration fees, and other charges associated with company formation and office space rental.

Visa Processing

If required, apply for employee or investor visas for residency within the UAE, following the visa processing procedures of the dubai free zone map authority.

Approval and Licensing

Await approval of your company formation application from the Dubai Free Zone authority. Once approved, you will receive your business license and can commence operations.

Post-License Compliance

Ensure ongoing compliance with the regulations and requirements of the dubai free zone map authority, including annual license renewals and adherence to Free Zone rules and regulations.

Dubai Free Zone Map Advantages

100% Foreign Ownership: Allows full ownership of businesses by foreign investors without the need for a local sponsor, providing complete control over business operations.
Tax Exemptions: Offers tax incentives, including corporate and personal income tax exemptions, enhancing profitability for businesses.
Customs Duty Exemptions: Provides customs duty exemptions on import and export of goods within the Free Zone, reducing operational costs for businesses.
Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering proximity to major transportation hubs including airports, seaports, and highways, facilitating access to global markets.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Provides modern facilities, advanced technology, and utilities to support various industries, enhancing operational efficiency.
Business Support Services: Offers comprehensive assistance, including administrative support, legal consultancy, and visa processing, facilitating smooth company setup and operations.
Access to Skilled Workforce: Provides access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals, supporting business growth and development.
Flexibility and Scalability: Allows businesses to start small and scale up operations as needed, offering flexible office spaces and customizable license options.
Networking Opportunities: Offers networking platforms with other companies and investors within the Free Zone ecosystem, fostering collaboration and growth.
Free Zone Benefits: Provides additional advantages such as simplified regulatory procedures, streamlined processes, and repatriation of capital and profits without restrictions.

Dubai Free Zone license

Dubai Free Zones offer a diverse array of specialized licenses to cater to various industries and professional pursuits. Here are some of the most sought-after ones:
Industrial License: Required for businesses engaged in manufacturing activities, encompassing sectors like machinery, chemicals, and food production.
Professional License: Essential for firms providing professional services such as consulting, accounting, legal advice, and creative endeavors like graphic design and advertising.
Freelance Permit: Empowers individual freelancers to operate independently in Dubai, offering their specialized services as independent contractors.
E-Commerce License: Mandatory for businesses involved in online trading and e-commerce ventures, allowing exclusively for the online sale of goods.
Tourism License: Necessary for enterprises in the tourism industry, encompassing hospitality establishments, tour operators, and travel agencies.
Commercial License: Vital for trading enterprises engaged in wholesale and retail activities, import-export operations, as well as storage and distribution services.
Warehousing License: Permits businesses to operate warehouse facilities for storage and distribution purposes within the Free Zone.

License cost

The cost of obtaining a license in Dubai Free Zone can vary depending on several factors, including the type of license, business activities, and additional services required. However, here are some common costs associated with obtaining a license in Dubai Free Zones:

License Application Fee: This is the basic fee charged by the respective Free Zone authority for processing license applications. The amount varies depending on the type of license and business activities.
Registration Fee: A one-time fee payable for the registration of the company within the Free Zone jurisdiction.
Office Space Rental: The cost of leasing office or warehouse space within the Free Zone, which varies depending on the size and location of the premises.
Visa Processing Fee: If employee or investor visas are required, there may be additional fees associated with visa processing, including application fees and medical examination costs.
Additional Services: Fees for any optional services requested, such as business support services, document processing, or legal assistance.

Differences between Dubai Free Zone and Mainland business setups

Ownership

In Dubai Free Zones, foreign investors can have 100% ownership of their company without the need for a local partner or sponsor. In contrast, for Mainland businesses, a local Emirati sponsor or partner is required, holding at least 51% ownership.

Taxation

Companies in Dubai Free Zones are typically exempt from corporate and personal income taxes, as well as customs duties. Mainland companies are subject to corporate taxes, although there are no personal income taxes in the UAE.

Business Activities

Dubai Free Zones are typically designated for specific industries or sectors, such as technology, media, finance, or manufacturing. Mainland businesses have more flexibility in terms of the range of activities they can engage in.

Location Restrictions

Companies in Dubai Free Zones are restricted to operating within the Free Zone area and cannot trade directly with the local UAE market without a local distributor or agent. Mainland businesses have the freedom to operate anywhere within the UAE and can trade directly with the local market.

Visa Requirements

Dubai Free Zone companies often have simpler and more streamlined visa processing procedures for employees and investors. Mainland companies may face more stringent visa requirements and quotas.

Leasing Costs

Leasing costs for office space or warehouses may vary between Free Zones and Mainland areas, with Free Zones sometimes offering more competitive rates.

What is Dubai Free Zone visa?

The Dubai Free Zone visa, also known as an employment or investor visa, is a type of residency permit issued to individuals working for or investing in companies registered within Dubai Free Zones. This visa allows holders to legally reside in the UAE and work for their sponsoring Free Zone company. The Dubai Free Zone visa typically offers streamlined application processes and may have specific requirements and quotas set by the respective Free Zone authorities. Holders of this visa may also be eligible to sponsor their family members for residency in the UAE.

Dubai Free Zone Companies list

JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority): A leading free zone hosting numerous multinational corporations across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, trading, and services.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): Known as the world’s flagship free zone for commodities trading, hosting a wide range of businesses in sectors like gold, diamonds, energy, and commodities trading.
DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority): Situated near Dubai International Airport, it is home to businesses in aviation, logistics, technology, and other sectors, benefiting from its strategic location and logistics facilities.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): A global financial hub hosting banks, financial institutions, fintech firms, and professional service providers, offering a robust regulatory framework and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Dubai Internet City (DIC): A dedicated hub for technology companies and startups, providing advanced infrastructure, networking opportunities, and a supportive ecosystem for innovation.
Dubai Media City (DMC): A hub for media and communication companies, including broadcasting, publishing, advertising, and digital media firms, offering specialized facilities and services tailored to the industry’s needs.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): Focused on technology and innovation, hosting companies in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, software development, electronics, and ICT services.
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP): A hub for education and training institutions, hosting universities, colleges, training centers, and research organizations, facilitating knowledge sharing and professional development.
Dubai Studio City: Catering to the media and entertainment industry, providing studio facilities, production services, and support services for film, television, music, and events production companies.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC): Specializing in healthcare and medical services, hosting hospitals, clinics, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical education institutions.

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Questions asked by our customers

1. Choose a business activity and legal structure.
2. Reserve your company name and obtain initial approvals.
3. Prepare required documentation and finalise legal papers.
4. Lease office space and obtain necessary permits.
5. Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
6. Obtain a trade license and open a corporate bank account.
7. Hire employees and obtain visas.
8. Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
9. Begin operations and promote your business.

The Dubai mainland license allows businesses to operate within the city’s mainland area, subject to UAE federal laws and regulations. It enables companies to conduct business across the UAE without restrictions on geographic location or business activities.

A partnership is a legal arrangement where two or more individuals or entities collaborate to pursue a common business goal. In a partnership, each partner contributes resources, such as capital, skills, or labour, and shares in the profits and losses of the business. Partnerships can take various forms, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, each with different levels of liability and management responsibilities.

To open a bank account in Dubai, follow these steps:

1- Choose a bank: Research and select a bank that suits your needs and preferences.
2- Gather documents: Prepare required documentation, including passport, visa, Emirates ID, proof of address, and proof of income or source of funds.
3- Visit the bank: Visit the chosen bank branch in person and meet with a bank representative.
4- Fill out forms: Complete the necessary account opening forms and provide all required documentation.
5- Verification: The bank will verify your identity and documentation.
6- Deposit funds: Deposit the required minimum balance into your new account.
7- Activate account: Once the account is approved, it will be activated, and you will receive your account details and any associated cards.
8- Manage your account: Start using your new bank account for transactions, withdrawals, and other banking needs.

In the UAE, there are several types of business licenses available for company setup, each catering to different business activities and legal structures. Here are the main types:

1- Commercial license
2- Professional license
3- Industrial license
4- Tourism license
5- Freelance Permit
6- Offshore license

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