A lot of entrepreneurs and foreign investors choose to set up their business in the UAE because of the opportunities that it offers. Whether it be a business startup, or a multinational company extension, entrepreneurs and foreign investors prefer Dubai for their business ventures. This business capital offers superior infrastructure suited for businesses, a good economic environment for growth, hassle-free business licensing, and many more that attracts entrepreneurs and foreign investors from all industries.
Dubai, UAE exudes luxury and success with its prime location best suited for all types of businesses. Aside from the tremendous opportunities for growth and success that it offers, it also gives entrepreneurs and foreign investors a cost-effective way to startup or extend their business in the UAE with free zones.
There are over 30 affordable free zones available in the UAE that are well-suited for various business activities. No matter what industry your business may be in, there is a free zone that will cater to your needs, since each free zone has their own unique set of laws and jurisdiction that governs your business operations. When choosing a free zone for your business, you need to be fully knowledgeable of your business requirements that are related to budget, location, etc.
Here are 6 of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE that you can consider:
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
The first one on the list is the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). This has grown quite popular and is currently one of the leading company registration hubs in the UAE as it has an extensive global network of over 800 partners all over the world. Here are the following benefits that IFZA offers:
- A lot of packages to choose from
- No requirement to submit an annual audit report
- Up to 3 years visa for owners and employees
- Permission to have a virtual office
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
The second one is the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) which is a free zone that provides both employment and residential amenities for the employees. A lot of tech giants, telecommunication companies, etc. are located in DSO due to the business opportunities it offers this specific industry. Along with the tech industry, a lot of law firms, consultancy agencies, etc. can be found here as well. Benefits of setting up a business in Dubai Silicon Oasis:
- Tax exemption (import/export, income., and corporate taxes)
- Tier 3 data center and advanced IT infrastructure
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Most businesses that are related to logistics, commodity trading, and shipping are often found in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). As the cheapest free zone in the UAE and one of the largest free zones in the world, JAFZA offers six types of business licenses for businesses. It also lets you establish manufacturing, trading, development, and service-related businesses. Run your business in this free zone and get these amazing benefits:
- Prime location near the Jebel Ali Seaport and Al Maktoum International Airport
- Zero tax and duties
- Most powerful business community in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
Media businesses are often found in the Dubai Media City (DMC). So, if you’re planning on putting up a media business extension or a startup in the UAE, this free zone is the one for you. This global media hub lets entrepreneurs and foreign investors set up your event management, advertising, news media, and many more media businesses. This free zone offers:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Exemption on custom duty for goods and services
- 24-hour visa service
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHC)
The world’s first medical free zone, Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) is the go-to for businesses like healthcare institutes, clinics, medical equipment trading, pharmaceutical education, etc. This free zone also has a lot of luxury hotels, villas, and residential flats. Dubai Healthcare City offers:
- Complete exemption from taxes and custom duty
- 100% foreign ownership
- Administrative assistance from DHCA
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
The last one on the list is Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) which offers the cheapest free zone license in the UAE for media activities such as advertising, digital marketing, photography, and many more.
Looking to set up your business in the UAE?
Let Startup-n-Marketing help you with your company formation and choose the cheapest free zone in the UAE suited for your business. Get expert assistance from our specialists in order to seamlessly execute your business idea or successfully put up your company extension in Dubai, UAE while securing maximum returns and high business growth. Book a consultation call with us, at zero-cost.
