Free-trade zones in the United Arab Emirates are areas that have a special tax, customs and import regime, and are governed by their own framework of regulations (with the exception of UAE criminal law).
Background
The UAE has a number of free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. Free zones may be broadly categorized as seaport free zones, airport free zones, and mainland free zones. Free-trade zone exemptions are:
100% foreign ownership of the enterprise
100% import and export tax exemptions
100% repatriation of capital and profits
Corporate tax exemptions for up to 50 years
No personal income taxes
Assistance with labor recruitment, and additional support services, such as sponsorship and housing.
Each Free Zone is designed around one or more strict industry categories. An independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) governs each free zone, and is the agency responsible for issuing FTZ operating licenses and assisting companies with establishing their business in the FTZ. Each free zone has its own specific requirements regarding minimum capital requirements, office or warehouse space and permitted activities; with each possessing the relevant licenses and adequate legislation to enable their dedicated industry to flourish.
Investors can either register a new company in the form of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or simply establish a branch or representative office of their existing or parent company based within the UAE or abroad. An FZE is a limited liability company governed by the rules and regulations of the Free Zone in which it is established. Except for acquiring nationality in the UAE, the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law (CCL) do not apply to FZEs, provided that the Free Zones have special provisions regulating such companies.
There are a few Free Zones in UAE that offer Dual Business License for investors. It is expected to allow them to do business in the Free Zone as well as in the mainland of UAE using the same business license. For Example, Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone offers a Dual License for the investors enabling them to easily offer services in the mainland and Free Zone together.
Free zones
There are 46 Free Zones operating in UAE.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) Abu Dhabi Global Market Khalifa Industrial Zone Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones / ZonesCorp Masdar City Free Zone twofour54 Dubai Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai Auto ZZone Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech) Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ) Dubai Design District Dubai Flower Center Dubai Gold and Diamond Park Dubai Healthcare City Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Dubai International Academic City Dubai International Financial Centre Dubai Internet City (DIC) Dubai Knowledge Village Dubai Logistics City Dubai Media City Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Dubai Outsource Zone Dubai Silicon Oasis Dubai Science Park Dubai Techno Park Dubai Textile Village Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone International Media Production Zone International Humanitarian City Jebel Ali Free Zone Jumeirah Lakes Towers Free Zone Dubai South or DWC Dubai Production City Meydan Free zone DUQE Free zone Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah Airport International Free Zone U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams) Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)
Ajman
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Media City Free Zone
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA) Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone
Fujairah
Fujairah Free Zone
Fujairah Creative City
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)