Mainland V. Freezone V. Off-shore

Located in the west of Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone is the oldest in the UAE, having been established in 1985. It is also one of the most popular. Many entrepreneurs choose to set up their business in Jebel Ali due to its rich infrastructure – surrounded as it is by the necessary amenities and transport links.

PARTICULARS MAINLAND FREEZONE OFF-SHORE
Place of incorporation Anywhere in UAE with the Economic Department of the concerned state Only in the designated areas with the concerned authority of the free zone Can be established in Dubai and RAK free zone authority.
Ownership 51% local sponsor: 49% expatriate 100% expatriate ownership 100% expatriate ownership
License Type

 

Trading or Service or Industrial Trading or Service or Industrial General Trading or Holding Companies
Activity Type General Trading or Any specific trading or service or industrial activity with no restrictions General Trading or Any specific trading or service or industrial activity, subject to certain restrictions General Trading, Holding Companies for investments & approved properties

 

Operations Companies can operate anywhere in UAE & outside UAE

 

Companies can operate within the free zone & outside UAE. Companies can only operate outside UAE & cannot enter into contract with any UAE company.
Custom duties

 

Chargeable at 5% on local invoices

 

Chargeable at 5% on local invoices only if goods are removed from the free zone for sale in the local market Not applicable as trade within UAE is not allowed

 

Office

 

Can be taken anywhere in UAE in the form of physical office or business Centre. Greater flexibility on choosing office space.

 

Can only be taken in the designated free zone area in the form of physical office or flexi desk

 

Not permitted
Visa

 

Possible on basis of office area, that is, 1 visa for every 8sqm of office space

 

Possible on basis of office area, that is 1 visa for every 8sqm of office space or as per the visa eligible as per the opted business Centre.

 

Not permitted
Share Capital

 

No minimum capital requirement

 

The minimum share capital requirement varies from free zone to free zone with the Minimum Capital being AED 50,000

 

No minimum capital requirement

 

Audit Not Mandatory Annual Audit Required Not applicable
Timeline for incorporation

 

10-20 working days subject to the type of activity. 20-30 working days subject to the type of activity and the free zone. 15-20 working days
Renewal requirements Yearly Yearly Yearly
Bank Account Allowed Allowed Allowed

 

Send an Enquiry