In free zones, the most common type of residence visa is available through an employment contract with a free zone company. This type of UAE residence visa is valid for up to 3 years. Free zone visas are obtained solely from the Immigration Department (GDRFA) without the necessity of contacting the Ministry of Labour.
- UAE Free Zone Residence Visa An individual can obtain residency in the UAE Free Zones through various ways. The UAE Residence Visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in the UAE. This is where the immigration file is kept. The Free Zone is the sponsor of the UAE Residence Visa.
What is the benefits of Freezone visa?
The key advantages of having a free zone visa are: Tax exemption. The visa means that you’ll be exempt from paying import, export or personal taxes. You’ll also be exempt from paying corporate taxes for a specified period of time – and this can be renewed at a later date.
What does the Freezone in Dubai means?
Free-trade zone in Dubai, (FTZs) are special economic zones set up with the objective of offering tax concessions and customs duty benefits to expatriate investors. Most of the free zones in Dubai broadly offer trading, services, and industrial licenses to investors looking to set up their businesses.
What is the difference between mainland and Freezone visa?
Mainland Company can work anywhere in the UAE, whereas free zone company required the help of a local agent or distributor to work in the non-free zones. An employment visa issued for a Mainland Company is valid for two years whereas free zones visas are valid for three years.
How much is free zone visa in Dubai?
The visa application fee is AED 4,670. This includes the visa fee, typing fees, medical test, residence visa stamping, and Emirates ID card. An additional fee of AED 920 is due if the visa applicant is in the UAE.
How does a free zone work?
A free trade zone is a geographical area within a country and can be designated or located anywhere within a country. Equally, a company could move their production facilities to another country and import the resulting goods to the free zone without paying customs duties or tax.
What is the meaning of free zone?
Definition of free zone: an area within which goods may be received and stored without payment of duty.
Which free zone is best in UAE?
List of best free zones in the UAE:
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Fujairah Creative City Free Zone.
- Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)
- Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
What is a free zone Establishment in UAE?
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single share holder limited liability company which can be incorporated in all UAE Free Zone. However Free Zone Company (FZC) will be a similar incorporation with multiple shareholding (maximum 5 shareholders).
What is free zone land?
Free economic zones (FEZ), free economic territories (FETs) or free zones (FZ) are a class of special economic zone (SEZ) designated by the trade and commerce administrations of various countries. The term is used to designate areas in which companies are taxed very lightly or not at all to encourage economic activity.
How do I know if my visa is free zone?
Check Visa Application through GDRFA Dubai Application
- Open the app.
- Select the Services label.
- Click on Entry Permit / Residence Status.
- After that, select Residence Inquiry.
- Enter your details, which typically will include visa code, first name, nationality, and date of birth.
What is free zone employment visa?
In free zones, the most common type of residence visa is available through an employment contract with a free zone company. This type of UAE residence visa is valid for up to 3 years. Free zone visas are obtained solely from the Immigration Department (GDRFA) without the necessity of contacting the Ministry of Labour.
Can a Freezone company own property in Dubai?
All free zone companies in Dubai are permitted to own property in the so-called Designated Areas. The free zones in Dubai include DMCC, Dubai Internet City, Dubai HealthCare City, Dubai South and many more. Free zone companies, which are formed in other Emirates, are not allowed to hold property in Dubai.
What is the cheapest free zone in UAE?
Ajman Media City is the cheapest free zone in UAE. This freezone offers investors a range of business activities and business license types at the lowest cost.
How do I get my free zone license?
Here are the key steps to set up a business in a free zone.
- Determine the type of legal entity.
- Choose a trade name.
- Apply for a business licence.
- Choose an office space.
- Get pre-approvals, register your business and get your licence.
How do I cancel my free zone visa?
There are two ways to cancel your visa. You can do it either through a registered typing centre or online. The sponsor may visit any typing office registered by GDRFA in the respective emirate. The typing centre will fill the cancellation form on your behalf and process it online through the respective GDRFA.
Free Zone Visa Services in Dubai, UAE
Now that the process of forming a Free Zone corporation has begun, you may be concerned about the visa restrictions that will be imposed. As an expatriate entrepreneur, you have a legitimate reason to be concerned. In order to conduct commercial activities, your organization would be required to import directors and employees into the nation. The scenario necessitates the acquisition of a UAE Free Zone Visa. Depending on whatever free zone jurisdiction you are visiting, the nature of a free zone visa will differ.
The cost of a visa to enter a Dubai free zone varies as well, since it is determined by the government in charge of each free zone.
The visa fees in Dubai South free zone are significantly less expensive than in the rest of the city.
However, there are extra expenses and criteria to consider.
The CID department will evaluate the candidates’ eligibility and criminal history before issuing the visa.
Types of Free Zones Visas in Dubai
You have the choice of selecting the most appropriate Free zone visa UAE from among the five visa categories that are available, depending on your business requirements.
Investor visas:
In the United Arab Emirates, this form of visa allows foreign entrepreneurs who already have a business or who intend to start a business in any free zone to live and work there for a period of three years.
Employment visas:
Employees who have received an appointment letter from a registered firm in a free zone are eligible to get employment visas without difficulty.
Temporary visas:
A temporary visa allows lawful admission into the UAE for a period of 90 days, provided that it is sponsored by a family or friend who lives in the UAE.
Mission visas:
Mission visas are the ideal alternative for individuals who need to enter the UAE for a short-term work assignment that will only need a single admission.
Visit visas:
Visit visas, which are valid for 14 days to 90 days depending on the applicant’s nationality, are the most cost-effective option for short trips to the UAE.
Important Features Of Dubai Free Zone Visa
- No relationship exists between it and the Ministry of Labor. Operation in a single window
- Process that is the quickest
- Manually submit an application for a visa in English
- The majority of free zones provide visas that are valid for three years.
Visa Cost of Different Free Zones in Dubai
The cost of a visa for the Dubai free zone varies depending on the kind of visa. Provided below is a quick overview of the fees and charges associated with each visa category.
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Investor Visa | 5,075 |
| Employee Visa | 4,655 |
| Visa change status | 10,55 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Meydan Free Zone Visa Cost
| Services | Cost in AED |
| Employment Visa- Inside Country | 5,770 |
| Employment Visa – Outside Country | 7,020 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
RAK Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Employment Visa | 2,970 |
| Investor Visa | 3950 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
| Employment Visa Guarantee Deposit | 2000 |
| Visa status Change | 850 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Investor Visa | 2,500 |
| Employment Visa | 2,200 |
| Visa Change Status | 1200 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
DMCC Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Investor Visa | 4,535 |
| Employment Visa | 4,335 |
| Investor Visa Guarantee Deposit | 3000 |
| Employment Guarantee Deposit | 3000 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
SAIF Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Investor Visa | 4,377 |
| Employment Visa | 3,677 |
| Employee visa Guarantee Deposit | 2000 + 1 month basic salary |
| Visa change status | 850 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Dubai South Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Employment Visa- Outside Country | 2,730 |
| Employment Visa – Inside Country with Change status | 4,674 |
| Employment Visa – Inside Country without Change status | 3847 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Ajman Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Investor Visa | 2,635 |
| Investor Visa Guarantee Deposit | 2000 |
| Employment Visa | 2,635 |
| Employee visa Guarantee Deposit | 2000 + 1-month basic salary |
| Visa change status | 850 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Sharjah Media City Free Zone Visa Cost
Registration for the E-Channel
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 |
| Refundable Deposit | 2,150 |
| Total | 7,150 |
** AED 1150 per year is required for renewal.
Jabel Ali Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Employment Visa – Outside the Country | 4,020 |
| Employee Visa – Inside the Country | 4,800 |
| Employee visa Guarantee Deposit | 1.5*Basic salary + one way air ticket |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
Hamriyah Free Zone Visa Cost
| Service | Cost in AED |
| Security Approval | 150 |
| Establishment card | 1,840 |
| E- Channel | 7,165 |
| Investor Visa | 3,345 |
| Employee Visa | 3,140 |
| Medical and Emirates ID | 1200 |
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Free Zone visa in the UAE, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Free Zone Residence Visa
Individuals can get residence in the United Arab Emirates Free Zones in a variety of methods. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in the United Arab Emirates is responsible for issuing the UAE Residence Visa. This is the location where the immigration file is stored. It is the Free Zone that is responsible for sponsoring the UAE Residence Visa. Because the United Arab Emirates has more than 45 free zones and seven emirates, all government-related procedures must be completed in the Emirate where the UAE residency visa is granted.
- When applying for a UAE residence visa in a free zone, one of the most common methods is to obtain an employment contract through one of the free zone companies.
- Normally, a residence visa for the United Arab Emirates obtained from a free zone is valid for three years (onshore visas are normally valid for 2 years).
- Freezone visas do not have any dealings with the UAE Ministry of Labour (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – MOHRE), and only the Immigration department deals with freezone visas (GDRFA).
- The UAE allows entrepreneurs who seek to establish their own businesses in a free zone to apply for residency in the country on either an employment visa (for example, manager or business development), or on an investor visa (for example, investor visa).
It is preferred by some that investors apply for Investor visas because the application process is more straightforward, and because submission of a legalised diploma is not required in most Freezones – even though the company’s activity may require the Investor to have a Degree in a specific discipline – Both Employment and Investor visa holders are eligible to apply for the resident permits of their dependents, which can include their spouse, children, husband, housemaid, and so on.
For those who possess a work visa, a specified wage range and set of conditions must be satisfied in order to be eligible to apply for a dependent’s residence visa in the United States.
- Application for the visa and the applicant’s presence in the UAE from the moment the visa is applied for until they receive their passport back from the free zone with the resident visa stamped on it (allow 15 days and remain in the country during this time to complete the procedure)
- The results of the blood test and X-ray taken during the medical examination at the UAE immigration department
- An original, valid passport
- A legalized attested educational certificate (relevant for employment residence visas with a higher work category or for professionals such as Managers, engineers, nurses, and teachers)
- And a valid visa for the country of residence in question.
Working Part-Time in the United Arab Emirates In an effort to increase worker mobility in the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has implemented the Part-Time Employment Contract system, which allows Emiratis and expatriates to legally work for two or more employers at the same time, provided that they have obtained the appropriate work permit from each employer.
the website provided below.
Two options for applying for Free Zone Visa in the UAE
This procedure applies to clients who are located outside of the United Arab Emirates and who desire to enter the UAE through a Residence Visa. The Employment Visa Entrance Permit (EVEP) will be placed at the airport’s immigration department, where it will be available for the client’s entry once they arrive. The customer will be expected to remain in the UAE for the duration of the visa processing, which will include medical examinations, Emirates ID application, insurance, visa stamping, and other procedures.
- At current time, certain freezones demand health insurance for all employees and dependents in order to acquire visas, whilst others do not require health insurance.
- This applies to clients who are already in the UAE on a tourist visa or a resident visa that has been cancelled.
- A specialized approach to PRO services such as UAE residency visa application and other substantiation concerns is taken by PRO Partner Group, with a dedicated service suited to the individual requirements of each client’s company.
- The service provided by PRO Partner Group helps this, making the entire process more efficient and straightforward.
- We will also make certain that our operational support staff maintains strong client communication as well as follow-up and tracking of procedures and documentation at all times.
- More information about Free Zones and Investment Parks may be obtained by contacting Patricia at [email protected] or by calling a member of the team on the following numbers: +971 (0)4 456 1761 (Dubai) +971 (0)2 448 5120 (Abu Dhabi).
- FreeZone UAE is a free zone in the United Arab Emirates.
- FreeZone AbuDhabi is a free zone in the United Arab Emirates.
- Expats in the United States who live onshore Entrepreneurs in the Mainland LLC sector — PRO Partner Group (@PROPartnerGroup)June 21, 2018
The 4 types of Dubai Free Zone Visas at DMCC
One of the free zones in the United Arab Emirates has been the site of your successful new venture. You have put the procedures in action and are eager to expand your company by bringing on more employees. In any case, whether you’re looking to recruit someone from within the UAE (a talent working at Dubai’s onshore site) or someone from another country, the Dubai Free Zone visa application process is rather basic. However, with the wealth of information accessible today, it might be difficult to comprehend the visa procedure, including eligibility requirements, legalities, and associated costs and fees.
Companies can raise their visa quota by either expanding their operations to larger facilities or by requesting an increase in the visa quota, which must be approved by the free zone administration.
With the aid of this comprehensive blog, you will be able to make an educated choice regarding the associated procedures, visa kinds, and eligibility requirements for each type of visa.
Four Types of Dubai Residence Visas at DMCC
The application for a visa with DMCC is a basic and uncomplicated process. The visa quota provided by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is determined by the size of the office you have chosen in the city of Dubai. As an illustration:
- Up to three visas can be processed at a time on the flexi desk. Serviced office: depending on the size of the office, 4 or 5 visas are available. Physical space: one visa for every nine square metres of floor area
Free zone visas are not associated with the Ministry of Labor in the United Arab Emirates. Each free zone authority has its own employment law, and the conditions of the employment contract are in compliance with the provisions of the relevant labor legislation. Due to the fact that they do not have a complete UAE labor contract, persons with free zone visas are not permitted to work outside of the free zone (i.e., onshore) under any circumstances. There are four visa categories available to every DMCC-licensed company: the Employment Visa, the Dependent Resident Visa, the Partner/Investor Visa (which also includes the Business Visit Visa), and the Student Visit Visa (university and institution).
To learn more about the breakdown of each category in further detail, please see our website here.
Employment Visa
In the UAE, visas for free zones do not have to be processed via the Ministry of Labor. There is an employment law in each free zone authority, and the conditions of the employment contract are in compliance with the provisions of the applicable labor law. Due to the fact that they do not have a complete UAE labour contract, those with free zone visas are not permitted to work outside of the free zone (i.e., onshore) under any circumstances. There are four visa categories available to every DMCC-licensed company: the Employment Visa, the Dependent Resident Visa, the Partner/Investor Visa (which also includes the Business Visit visa), and the Student Visit Visa (university and institution).
To learn more about the breakdown of each category in greater detail, please see our pagehere.
Employment Residence Visa
In any free zone firm, an employment residency visa is the most prevalent type of visa obtained through a contract of employment. A free zone authority (in this example, the DMCC) sponsors a free zone employee’s visa, not the business, which is a significant difference. In order to commence their application, an employee must first get an appointment letter from their firm in a free zone. There are three types of visas available: one-year, two-year, and three-year. The application procedure for workers who are situated outside of the UAE differs from that for employees who are based within the UAE.
Identity Cards
If you wish to employ a female who is sponsored by her husband or parent, you will be required to get an identity card for the female employee.
The identity card is valid for one year from the date of issue. Each identification card that is issued online counts as a new visa application against your company’s allowed visa limit.
Access Approvals
Obtaining access clearance will be required if you want to bring someone into your office for temporary employment who is not an employee of the company. This is often applicable to consultants, contract workers, and employees of sister/parent firms that are required to work on-site in DMCC for a short period of time, among other things. An Access Approval is valid for a period of up to one, three, or twelve months. It is only possible to grant access approvals to a maximum of 30 percent of those who are performing.
Dependents’ Resident Visa
Your sponsored employees and their dependents, such as their wives, children, parent(s), parents-in-law, and housemaid(s), are eligible to apply for UAE residence permits through DMCC if your firm is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This application, on the other hand, will be subject to the norms and regulations of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) of Dubai. A dependent’s entrance permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the dependant fails the medical examination, the family member will be unable to remain in the United Arab Emirates.
Partner / Investor Visa
For foreign nationals who wish to create their own business in Dubai or make investments in existing businesses, this form of visa is the most suitable option. An investment visa is valid for three years and does not necessitate the payment of a deposit at the immigration office.
Business Visit Visa
A DMCC-licensed firm can also support a member of a foreign team who wishes to go to the UAE for business reasons. This employee’s business visiting visa can be obtained with the assistance of DMCC. It is possible to obtain a visa for one month using this sort of visa.
Student Visa (University and Institution)
A student enrolled at a DMCC-licensed university or institution is able to apply for a student visa through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The validity of a university student visa is one year, whereas the validity of an institution visa is ninety days.
Key Criteria for DMCC Visa
All visa applications are processed using the DMCC’s online portals. Each application necessitates the submission of a certain collection of papers, which varies from case to case. The visa application process also differs depending on whether the applicant is located outside or within the UAE. If the employee application is submitted from outside the UAE, mandatory documents such as the Emirates ID, the most recent passport copy, a passport-sized photo, a signed offer letter, relevant education certificates, a signed employment contract, and a medical fitness certificate are required for all employee-related applications, regardless of where the applicant is located.
If the employee application is for a position within the United Arab Emirates, the extra papers necessary are an Emirates ID, a status change paperwork, and a copy of the employee’s current visa.
When applying for any form of visa, the following are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind:
Employment Visa
- If you are seeking for an employment entrance permit, you must have a passport with a minimum validity of six months. The UAE Embassy in the applicant’s home country as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai must testify to the validity of the relevant educational certificates. If the applicant is located within the United Arab Emirates, all certifications should be officially translated into Arabic. You may apply for your potential employee’s health insurance through one of the 45 local health insurance companies in the UAE that have been licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
For further details, please see our application video manual, which may be found here.
Dependents’ Resident Visa
- The immediate dependents of employees who earn a minimum income of AED 4,000/month and reside in a minimum one-bedroom apartment can be sponsored by the employer. This includes the spouse and children. Employees who earn a minimum income of AED 20,000 per month including lodging are eligible to sponsor their parents and parents-in-law
- And Health insurance for dependents that is up to date
- A three-month bank statement must be submitted by each employee who occupies a position such as clerk, salesperson, executive, administrator, or assistant, among others. In order to be qualified for sponsorship, the sponsor’s employment must not be that of a worker or any one equal to that of a housemaid. The Dubai Municipality and Commerce Corporation (DMCC) nevertheless offers the opportunity to apply for a dependents’ resident visa, even if you are simply a shareholder of a DMCC licensed firm and do not have a Dubai residence visa issued by a free zone authority (DMCC in this case).
More information may be found in our application handbook, which can be found here.
Partner / Investor Visa
- In the event that you have numerous owners who each own a minimum of 50,000 shares in your DMCC-licensed firm, you may be able to get a partner visa for each of them. In the event that you are the sole shareholder of your DMCC-licensed firm, you may be eligible to apply for an investment visa.
Business Visit Visa
- At any given moment, a corporation can apply for a maximum of three of these visas. Unlike other types of visas, this one is not renewable and cannot be refunded. If a proposal is rejected, there are no refunds for the related expenditures.
Student Visa (University and Institution)
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, as well as an application letter from the institution or institute
Click here to get the application documentation for additional details.
Hassle-Free Visa Services with DMCC
DMCC Member Portal makes it easier for you to access a variety of company services such as licensing, company modifications, and no-obligation certificates (NOCs). The portal enables you to easily manage your business operations from a single, convenient place, freeing up your time to devote more attention to the things that are most essential to your organization.
About DMCC
The DMCC is the world’s most important free zone. Six times named ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by fDi Magazine, the city is home to more than 18,000 businesses, with an average of seven new businesses being registered each day. DMCC is the world’s premier center for international commodities such as gold, diamonds, precious metals, and coloured stones, with a particular emphasis on promoting commodity trade flows. They have had an average yearly growth rate of about 30 percent over the previous decade, contributing to an increase in Dubai’s overall GDP of around 10 percent, earning them the prize for Economic Impact*.
Topics covered include: company formation, employment visas, and working in Dubai.
How to Obtain a UAE Free Zone Visa
In a particular country, free economic zones (FEZ), free economic territories (FETs), or free zones (FZ) are special economic zones (SEZ) that have been designated as such by the trade and commerce authorities of the country in which they are located. Because of the belief that a reduced (or non-existent) tax system will stimulate economic activity, certain regions are either lightly taxed or not taxed at all. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts several of these Free Zones, with more than 20 of them located in the city of Dubai.
There has already been significant success in producing billions of dollars’ worth of economic activity in these Free Zones.
As a result, the number of visa applications for the UAE free zone is expected to rise.
Benefits of the UAE Free Zone Visa
Prior to beginning operations in one of the UAE’s Free Zones, any individual or organization wishing to do so must first apply for a visa through the UAE’s visa application process.
Each Free Zone has its own authority and set of procedures for submitting an application. Individuals and businesses who submit an application are eligible to earn the following benefits, among others:
- The company is owned entirely by foreign nationals, with no ties to the local community. Personal, import, and export taxes are exempted from payment. a period of time during which a corporation is exempt from corporate taxes with the option to renew
- The availability of long-term lease alternatives with terms of up to 25 years in length
- The transmission of monies is completely free.
Obtaining a UAE Free Zone Residence Visa
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates is responsible for issuing UAE residence visas. The applicant’s immigration file is also kept on file at this location. It is the sponsor of the Residence Visa who is responsible for all items requiring government approval, which means that all transactions must be completed in the applicant’s issuing Emirate. Prior to applying for a visa, applicants need register for the UAE’s e-channel services, which is an online gateway that was created to speed the visa application process.
- With the option to upgrade to an accelerated delivery service for an extra charge, this permit is valid for 60 days and issued within 15 days.
- This must be completed in order to acquire a complete visa.
- In the case of people who have not yet arrived in the UAE or those who have left the country since filing for a work visa, this step can be accomplished by exiting and re-entering the country, and then showing this printed employment visa to immigration upon landing at the airport.
- In order to be eligible for a border run stamp, the applicant must leave the UAE through land.
- This alternative is likewise only available to a limited number of nationalities, and it is not the ideal choice because it is not a sure means of acquiring all essential visa stamps.
Medical Tests and Emirates ID Registration for Free Zone Visa Approval
In order to receive a registered Emirates ID card, a medical examination must be completed. The procedure, which includes a blood test and a chest X-ray, may be conducted in a short period of time, with results ready within a few days. Once the findings have been received, the candidate will be able to apply for an Emirates identification card. This ID is required for working and residing in the UAE, since it permits holders to create bank accounts and handle other crucial things related to working and living in the country.
Finally, the applicant must get their UAE residency visa stamped or stickered in their passport before leaving the country.
This process can take up to 15 days, and the applicant will be unable to travel outside of the United Arab Emirates during this period. An accelerated service, on the other hand, is offered for an extra cost.
The Right Global Expansion Partner for Global Immigration
Please contact Velocity Worldwide if you are considering a global expansion into the United Arab Emirates and require assistance with admission into the nation. Our global immigration solutions can assist you with each stage of the process.
What is a free zone and why should you consider one?
The United Arab Emirates has long been a popular business location for people from all over the world. It’s not difficult to understand why, given the country’s low tax rates, strategic location in the core of the world’s largest and fastest-growing emerging markets, and a government that is devoted to nurturing and supporting business. The reality is that, while these are undoubtedly important considerations in attracting business to the UAE, there is another important reason why so many people come to the country to do business: free zones.
What is a Free Zone?
The term “Free Zone” refers to an economic zone where goods and services can be exchanged with the benefit of advantageous tax and customs rates, which are normally available to foreign investors. They were first introduced to encourage international business in the region by providing incentives such as 100 percent foreign ownership of foreign-owned corporations. At the moment, there are 45 free zones in the United Arab Emirates. Over time, the UAE’s free zones have developed to provide companies with ever-increasing benefits as they have grown in popularity.
Why set up in a free zone?
If you’re considering establishing a business in the United Arab Emirates, there are several advantages to doing so in a free zone. Setup is simple: The process of establishing a business in most free zones is quite basic. The specific application procedure may vary depending on your business activity and the free zone you choose, but in many situations you will only be asked to provide a few pieces of basic evidence, such as copies of your passport and copies of your business papers. The entire process is usually completed in a week or two.
- Taxes and duties: The tax system in a free zone is possibly the most persuasive argument in favor of doing business there.
- That’s not all, either.
- When you establish your business in a free zone, you will not only profit from zero percent corporate and personal tax, but you will also be exempt from VAT, which is presently set at 5 percent.
- The majority of foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish a firm on the United Arab Emirates mainland must collaborate with a local partner in order to succeed.
- Trading inside the United Arab Emirates: Businesses in free zones are not authorized to deal directly with the local market in the United Arab Emirates, however this restriction is readily circumvented.
- Alternatively, it is feasible to create your free zone firm and then subsequently expand your free zone company by opening branch offices around the United Arab Emirates.
- Support and assistance: The authorities of the free zone are on hand to provide assistance during the setup process and thereafter.
- Many may also assist with the creation of corporate bank accounts, advise on the best bank to fit your needs, and even organising meetings in-branch for you and your employees.
Protection of personal information: Finally, free zones are particularly popular with entrepreneurs who value their privacy because there is no open directory of firm ownership, and corporate information such as shareholder data is never made public.
What is a free zone and how to set up in one?
If you’re convinced of the advantages of operating in a free zone, there’s even more good news: setting up your firm requires only five simple steps. Step one: Select a business activity to engage in. The number of business activities to choose from is in the hundreds, and it is possible to choose many activities under a single licence. Your company’s operations will play a role in determining the cost of your license application as well as the free zone that is most appropriate for your needs.
- Choosing a company name may be difficult anywhere in the globe, but in the United Arab Emirates, where there are special restrictions governing naming standards, this is a chore you’ll want to do as soon as possible after starting your business.
- There are a few extra idiosyncrasies to the UAE naming procedure, therefore working with a company formation professional is recommended.
- Step three: Complete all of the necessary documentation and submit your application.
- Some free zones may also ask you to submit a business plan as part of the application process.
- It is advisable to consult with a business formation professional at this point, who can check that everything is in order before submitting your application, so avoiding any needless delays.
- You’ll be contacted as soon as your license application has been granted, allowing you to gather your company paperwork and start to work as quickly as possible.
- Your selected free zone, as well as a business formation specialist, will almost always be able to assist you in locating a suitable bank.
Step number five: Processing of visas.
It is possible to have free zone authorities or a company formation specialist manage this procedure on your behalf, aiding with your application and contacting with appropriate government agencies on your behalf.
All it takes is a few hours of your time and some simple documentation, and you could be trading from a free zone in the United Arab Emirates — and collecting the perks that come with it – within a few weeks.
Virtuzone takes care of everything so that you can concentrate on what really matters – growing your business.
Disclaimer The rules and regulations of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the price associated with business creation, are subject to change without notice.
Furthermore, the complete responsibility for any information included in external links is with the owner of the third-party website from which the connection was obtained.
Free Zone Visa Dubai – A Step-By-Step Guide
Home Free ZonesA Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Free Zone Visa in Dubai Entrepreneurs have a long list of tasks to do, which is especially true when starting a firm in a foreign jurisdiction. One of the most pressing is the issue of visas, which affects not only company owners, but also their employees, family members, and domestic staff. Fortunately, here in the UAE, obtaining a free zone visa is straightforward – especially if you want to establish your business in one of the country’s free zones.
In order to guarantee that your application is completed correctly and to prevent any needless delays, you should consult with free zone officials or a company formation professional at each stage of the procedure.
How to apply for a free zone visa
In just five easy steps, you may submit your application for a visa for a free zone. The stages are the same whether the situation pertains to you, a family member, or an employee you are considering employing.
Step 1: Register for E-Channel services
To begin the process of applying for a UAE free zone visa, you must first sign up for E-Channel services. The UAE government created it in order to simplify the visa application procedure. The new online method eliminates the need for paper applications and allows applicants to submit their applications much more quickly and transparently than ever before. The new online method eliminates the need for paper applications and allows applicants to submit their applications much more quickly and transparently than ever before.
From there, they will take care of the rest.
Step 2: Entry permit
Once you’ve registered for E-Channel services, you’ll need to submit an application for your entrance permission – commonly known as an employment visa – with the appropriate authorities. This is, in essence, a temporary visa that is valid for 60 days only. In most cases, entry permits are provided within 15 days; however, for an extra charge of AED 1,000, you can request for an express service, which takes 5-7 working days and costs AED 1,000. It is strongly encouraged that you stay from leaving the UAE after submitting your application for an entrance permission.
Your entrance permit is an electronic document that will be sent to you through email once it has been completed.
Step 3: Status change
It is now time to put your entrance permission into effect, now that you have it in your possession.
Status change or status adjustment are the terms used to describe this procedure. It is not feasible to receive your full free zone visa until you have completed this level first. In order to effect a status change, one of three options is available:
- Internally, externally, and the so-called ‘border run’ are all options.
An in-country status change is the quickest and most straightforward option: simply surrender your passport to immigration, who will stamp and activate your employment visa while you are still in the country. The procedure will take around 3-5 days and will cost AED 750. It is possible to activate your free zone visa if you are outside of the UAE when your employment visa is issued, or if you intend to leave the country within a short period of time after receiving your employment visa. To do so, you must first leave and re-enter the UAE, then present your printed employment visa to the immigration officer in the immigration arrivals hall at the airport.
There are certain restrictions on who may take use of this option, so verify with your free zone authorities before departing the country on an employment visa for the United Arab Emirates.
Visa-on-arrival travel to the United Arab Emirates is only available for passport holders from countries that are qualified for visa-on-arrival travel.
Step 4: Medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration
The medical fitness exam and registration for your Emirates ID card are the final two steps in the process of getting your UAE visa. Learn how to check the status of your Emirates ID by visiting this page. A medical fitness exam consists of a blood test to rule out any infectious disorders and a chest X-ray to determine overall health. A few hours are required to complete this, and results are normally available within three business days of the completion. Following the completion of your medical examination, you will be able to apply for your Emirates ID card.
It is required in order to create bank accounts, sign mobile phone contracts, and enter into tenancy agreements.
The cost of a three-year Emirates ID card is about AED 370.
Step 5: Residence visa stamping
Final stage of the visa application procedure is resident visa stamping, which refers to the real UAE residence visa stamp or sticker in your passport once you have submitted your visa application. It is necessary to present your passport to the appropriate immigration department in order to acquire your stamp. There is a possibility that this procedure will take up to 15 working days, during which time you would be unable to travel outside of the UAE (an expedited service may be available for an additional cost).
An experienced business formation professional can handle all of the details for you, contacting with the essential government authorities and alerting you as soon as your visa has been approved.
Applying for a free zone visa for dependants
Final stage of the visa application procedure is resident visa stamping, which refers to the real UAE residence visa stamp or sticker being placed in your passport once you have submitted your visa application. You must present your passport to the appropriate immigration office in order to acquire your stamp. There is a possibility that this procedure will take up to 15 working days, during which time you would be unable to travel outside the UAE (an expedited service may be available for an additional cost).
The Free Zone visa process made easy
Applying for a free zone visa in the United Arab Emirates does not have to be time-consuming. As seen above, if the procedure is followed correctly, it is extremely simple to complete. The following are some important considerations that all applicants should be aware of to ensure that their application is successful and does not become unduly held up. Applying for a visa in the United Arab Emirates does not have to be time-consuming. As seen above, if the procedure is followed correctly, it is extremely simple to complete.
It is also critical that you do not stay outside of the UAE for more than 180 days at a time, since this will result in the cancellation of your visa.
That is all there is to it in terms of explanation.
They can generally take care of the hard lifting for you, demanding only a few hours of your time in exchange for their services.
Virtuzone takes care of everything so that you can concentrate on what really matters – growing your business.
Disclaimer The rules and regulations of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the price associated with business creation, are subject to change without notice.
Furthermore, the complete responsibility for any information included in external links is with the owner of the third-party website from which the connection was obtained.