FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FREE ZONE COMPANIES?
There a lot of benefits in registering your company in a UAE free zone, including:
100% foreign ownership without the need for local sponsor.
No obligation to hire staff
High quality infrastructure offering flexible office solutions and mixed-use properties to meet all of your accommodation needs
Exemption from all Import and Export Duties
100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits
0% Corporate, Personal Tax
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR FREE ZONES AVAILABLE TO MY COMPANY?
See our UAE Company Setup page for a comprehensive list of free zones available to you. Desert Global will guide you in selecting the most cost effective free zone that also matches your business activity.
DO I NEED TO SHOW SHARE CAPITAL TO SETUP A FREE ZONE COMPANY?
Share capital requirements depend on the free zone authority you wish to set your company up with. For example, DMCC requires the share capital to be secured on a corporate bank account while other free zones like DWC do not request proof of share capital. Desert Global will provide you with an overview of the differences between each free zone authority and advice on which free zone best suits your business and personal interests.
DO I NEED TO RENT OFFICE SPACE TO SET UP A COMPANY?
Requirement for offices leases depend on the freezone the company is registered in. Most freezones will offer virtual offices, sharing desks, physical offices & warehouses.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LICENSE TYPES I CAN SELECT FROM?
Three different license types are available based on your business activity
Commercial (for Trading companies)
Professional (for Service providers)
Industrial (for Manufacturers)
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO SET UP A COMPANY IN THE UAE?
Setting up a company in the UAE is a 4 step process:
Initial approval
License application
Visa application
Bank account opening
Please see our UAE company setup service page for more details. ​​
WHAT SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURES ARE AVAILABLE TO FREE ZONE COMPANIES?
Freezones typically allow the following business types
Free zone Limited Liability Company
Branch of an International Company
Branch of a Company already in operational in the UAE
Free zone Establishment (Single Shareholder)
Free zone Company (2 to 5 Shareholders)
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO OBTAIN MY RESIDENCE VISA?
The process will take approximately 8 to 10 days. After submitting the UAE Residence Visa application, it will take 4 to 5 days to receive the e-visa, after which Desert Global will support you to process your in-country status change and complete visa stamping.
Still have questions? Reach out and a member of our team will get back to you ASAP.