Octagon

Complete Guide to Setting Up a Company in UAE Free Zones (2024)

Thinking about launching a business in the UAE? Establishing a company in one of the UAE’s Free Zones offers significant benefits, from 100% foreign ownership to tax advantages and simplified business processes. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap, empowering you to make well-informed choices for your venture.

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Understanding UAE Free Zones

UAE Free Zones are special economic zones designed to attract foreign investment and facilitate business operations. Each Free Zone specializes in specific industries and offers unique benefits to businesses operating within its jurisdiction.

Key Benefits of UAE Free Zones

We work hard every day to make life of our clients better and happier

100% foreign ownership
Complete repatriation of capital and profits
Streamlined business setup procedures
No currency restrictions
Strategic locations near ports and airports

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Choosing the Right Free Zone

Selecting the appropriate Free Zone is crucial for your business success. Consider these factors

Industry focus

Each Free Zone caters to specific business sectors
Location

Proximity to suppliers, customers, and transportation hubs
Cost structure

Setup fees, licensing costs, and ongoing expenses
Facility options

Physical office requirements and flexi-desk availability

2. Selecting Your Business Activity

Your business activity determines

License type required
Capital requirements
Operational restrictions

Popular Business Activities:
- Trading
- Services
- Consulting
- Manufacturing
- E-commerce
- Technology services

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3. Company Structure Options

Choose from these common business structures

4. Name Reservation Process

Follow these guidelines when selecting your company name

Must be unique within the UAE
Avoid offensive or blasphemous language
No references to religious or political organizations
Name should reflect business activity

5. Documentation Requirements

Choose from these common business structures

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6. Cost Structure

Initial Setup Fees (2024 rates)

including change status, EID, and Medical

RAKEZ

AED 12,000

excluding change status, EID, and Medical

Meydan

AED 18,220

excluding change status, EID, and Medical

IFZA

AED 16,900

Additional Costs to Consider
- Office lease/virtual office fees
- Visa processing fees
- Trade license fees
- Registration fees

7. Legal Requirements

Essential Legal Steps

KYC identification call with the Free Zone (if applicable)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) execution
Office lease agreement
License application submission

What our customers say

James Wilson

Technology Solutions Provider from London, UK

As a seasoned UK business owner, I approached UAE relocation with significant skepticism. However, Octagon's meticulous handling of my company setup in Dubai South Freezone completely transformed my perspective. Their team provided crystal-clear guidance on everything from tax implications to banking solutions, while even assisting with my family's relocation needs. Six months later, my company's operating costs have decreased dramatically, we've expanded into new Asian and Middle Eastern markets, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to relocate.
Michael Rodriguez

International Trade Consultant from Boston, USA

Seeking a tax-efficient base for my international consulting business, I found exactly what I needed with Octagon's DMCC Freezone setup services. Their team expertly guided me through license selection, banking setup (notably challenging for US citizens), and tax compliance across both UAE and US jurisdictions. Their post-setup support has been invaluable, with their legal team's international contract expertise and banking relationships proving crucial to my business's 40% growth in the first year.
Lisa Schmidt

Web Development Professional from Munich, Germany

Moving my freelance web development business to Dubai Internet City Freezone through Octagon was the best decision for my career. Their deep understanding of digital businesses helped me structure my company perfectly for both service-based income and future SaaS products. With their fixed-fee structure, transparent timeline, and invaluable networking introductions, I've grown from a solo developer to leading a team of six, serving European clients while enjoying significant tax advantages and an excellent quality of life in Dubai.

8. License Issuance

Requirements for successful issuance

All payments cleared
Documents verified
Lease agreement signed
Initial approval obtained

9. Visa Processing

Timeline: 1-2 working days after documentation completion

A team of experts is the company's core value

Andrei Marcenco

Founder, CEO

Maxim Dulenko

Head of Corporate Services

Vladislav Bobylev

Head of Customer Relations

Pull to the side

Mohannad Ibragim Shreef

Public Relations Official

Hana Junio

Client Manager

Post-Setup Considerations

1. Banking Setup

- Corporate account opening
- Online banking activation
- Payment gateway integration
2. Compliance Requirements

- Annual license renewal
- Regular reporting
- Document updates
3. Business Operations

- Staff recruitment
- Office setup
- Marketing strategy implementation

Any further questions?

Please get in touch and our specialists will promptly respond.

Consultation

+971 56 505 6283

FAQ

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Setting up a business in a UAE Free Zone requires detailed knowledge of regulations, legal requirements, and administrative processes. At Octagon, our team specializes in guiding international entrepreneurs through each step, ensuring compliance and a smooth, efficient setup. With experience in UAE business services, we provide tailored support in selecting the right Free Zone, managing documentation, and navigating visa processing. Our clients benefit from strategic insights and comprehensive assistance, making your UAE business venture as seamless as possible.