Register a Free Zone Company in Dubai

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Dubai company registration offers a host of benefits, making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. With its strategic location at the crossroads of major markets, companies registered in Dubai gain access to a vast network of global opportunities and international trade. Additionally, the Emirate's tax-friendly environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and business-friendly policies further enhance its appeal, fostering a thriving ecosystem that attracts diverse industries and foreign investment.

By forming part of an internationally oriented Free Zone’s global network of professional partners, we act as consultants to entrepreneurs and investors interested in incorporating their Free Zone business in Dubai.

Dubai Free Zone

In Dubai, a free zone is a designated geographic area where certain business activities can take place with specific advantages and incentives. These zones are designed to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. Companies established in Dubai free zones enjoy benefits such as full ownership by foreign investors, certain exemptions from import and export duties, and streamlined administrative processes. Additionally, Dubai's strategic location as a global business hub, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment contribute to the city's appeal for entrepreneurs and corporations. The diverse economy and a cosmopolitan lifestyle also make Dubai an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand or establish a presence in the Middle East. CSB Group continues to support the growth of the business-friendly environment in Dubai and upholds its commitment to support customers wishing to venture into the jurisdiction.

Apart from serving as hubs for global businesses seeking to establish a presence in the Middle East, the Dubai Free Zones provide a platform for company formation with simplified processes, making them an attractive option for international entrepreneurs and investors. Its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and business-friendly environment all foster an ecosystem that encourages trade, innovation, and economic growth in the region.

Dubai Fact File

Dubai is part of the federation of 7 independent city-states that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

  • The UAE is home to 9.99 million people & more than 200 nationalities;
  • • The UAE ranks fourth in the World Bank’s “Best Countries to Start a Career;”
  • The UAE ranks first in Macroeconomic Stability (WEF Global Competitiveness Report);
  • The UAE follows international standards of legal and regulatory procedures;
  • The UAE ranks first in the Middle East Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) 2020;
  • SMEs contributed about 53% to the UAEs GDP in 2019; and
  • SMEs comprise 95% of registered companies in the UAE.

Benefits of a Dubai company

Most Free Zones in Dubai are strategically placed, offering dynamic business and commercial hubs, and thus offering a variety of flexible business set-up solutions for all clients worldwide.

The benefits achieved are that:

  • The company will be registered within a special economic area that is governed by its own zone’s regulatory framework;
  • Most goods can be imported and exported free of customs duties;
  • Most business made between different Free Zones are also excluded from customs duties;
  • The Free Zones are business ecosystems where companies are clustered around similar industries and themes to facilitate ease of doing business;
  • Most Free Zones allow for 100% ownership of commercial enterprises (no need for local sponsors);
  • Most Free Zones offer a safe and business-friendly legal framework;
  • One can usually find a one-stop-shop offering for all administrative procedures within each Free Zone;
  • Residency visas available for shareholders and employees;
  • Professional, Commercial, and Industrial activities can usually be combined under one license;
  • Physical presence of business owners is generally not required during the incorporation process, apart for just a short period of time for the application and renewal of any available visas;
  • Most Free Zones offer full flexibility in up- or down-scaling of the company; and
  • Availability of state-of-the-art and flexible office solutions for a wide variety of business requirements.

Process & Duration to set up a Free Zone Dubai Company

The process required for setting up a Dubai company is a straightforward one and can take place remotely, without the need for travelling, except in certain circumstances when visas are required.

A Dubai company formation process takes around two weeks to complete following a successful onboarding procedure and includes the following stages:

  • Consultation and proposal stage;
  • Documentation preparation and processing stage;
  • Licence approval and issuance stage; and
  • Ongoing client support following the license issuance.

Assistance with Visa and Bank account applications is also fully available however the process will differ from what is listed above. Specific guidance and assistance will be offered in a tailor-made fashion depending on the exact needs and requirements.

Tax

According to the Federal Decree-law that was released in January 2023, the UAE business tax went into force on 1st June 2023. This indicates that companies in the UAE must pay a rate of 9% for taxable business profits that exceed AED370,000.

However, as per the new regulations, existing Dubai Free Zone firms will gain from a corporate tax rate of 0% on qualifying income.

Exemptions

  • Salaries and other personal income from employment, interest, and any other personal income from bank deposits or savings plans will generally not be subject to corporate tax;
  • The new tax does not apply to real estate investments made by people in their individual capacities;
  • Public authorities;
  • Government-run organisations;
  • Persons engaged in an extractive business;
  • Persons engaged in a non-extractive natural resource business;
  • Qualifying public benefit entities;
  • Qualifying investment funds;
  • Public pension or social security funds that are subject to regulatory oversight of the competent state authority; and
  • Juridical persons that are wholly owned and controlled by an Exempt Person.

Bank Account

Bank accounts will be opened at a Bank in Dubai itself. Once the company is set up the client will be assisted and guided accordingly and introduced to a Bank that will best suit the company’s needs.  In collaboration with a number of reputable banks in Dubai, including FAB, Masreq and the National Bank of Fujairah, our support services will be available to ensure all the necessary guidance is available according to the specific needs.

Visa

Shareholders and involved parties of companies registered in Dubai Free Zones will be eligible to obtain a visa. The process usually takes around 7 working days to be completed once all documents, and employment contracts have been signed and presented to the respective authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Free Zone Companies in Dubai

Can you provide further information about Free Zones in Dubai in general?

Dubai Free Zones mainly aim to attract international investors to Dubai, to contribute to its economic prosperity, to optimise the benefits of its business-friendly environment and to serve the wider community of the United Arab Emirates. They are usually very dynamic, offer an international scope to businesses by offering a multi-national approach, and aid to optimise the country´s strategic location and world-class infrastructure.

What are the main advantages of setting up a business in Dubai’s Free Zones, and how can you help businesses take advantage of these benefits?

With an efficient, secure and dynamic business environment, Dubai is the ideal location for the establishment of businesses that want to position themselves in an ecosystem built for growth. Dubai’s strategic geographic location, global reputation, robust infrastructure and excellent government support have made it an attractive place to conduct business around the world. Most Free Zones in Dubai currently offer value and a flexible approach to international businesses in the region with brilliant business exposure. This is apart from the fact that they also offer state-of-the-art facilities without many of the strict requirements that are hard to meet for start-ups.

Is banking an issue in Dubai’s Free Zones, and how are we supported in this area?

Our dedicated banking team is continuously engaging in new partnerships with banks locally and internationally; and is always ready to guide and assist fully with the procedure for the opening of bank accounts in Dubai.

What advice would you offer to companies considering setting up operations in Dubai’s Free Zones?

Strategically located at the heart of international markets, Dubai continues to gain prominence as an increasingly significant, relevant, and alluring destination for conducting business for enterprises worldwide. Dubai is also an ideal destination known for its high quality of life that offers both individuals and families a world-class place to work, play, study, and connect. Globally, Dubai is recognised as a safe, secure, and tolerant society that provides a wide range of personal freedoms for the more than 200 nationalities that call it home.

Key Contacts

Malcolm Ferrante

Senior Manager - Immigration and Relocation

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Sacha J. Farrugia

Director & Senior Manager - Business Development

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2021 & 2023 Award

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2022 Award

We are proud to announce that CSB Group has been awarded the iGaming Consultancy of the Year at the 2022 edition of the SiGMA Europe Awards! The Group would like to take this opportunity to thank all those individuals who cast their vote as well as its clients for showing continued trust in its services. 

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Annabel Bonavia

Finance Manager

Attard & Co. Industrial Ltd.

We chose Malta as our new permanent home and CSB Group to help us through the residency process. They went way beyond our expectations treating our application as if it were their own. Their service was nothing short of stellar from understanding our needs preparation of the required documentation, and follow-up phase during a period with the sharpest movement restrictions. Malta deserves a place on every investor’s radar, mostly because of the surprising efficiency permeating the place, efficiency which starts with CSB.

Christian G.

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Elias Berthold

Director

INCOMMUNIO Ltd

We would like to thank Mr Roger A. Strickland Jr., Director of CSB Group, for his support throughout the application process and his team for their excellent work.

GameArt

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EveryMatrix Group

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