Mainland: The mainland of the UAE refers to the area outside of the free trade zones. Businesses operating in the mainland are subject to the laws and regulations of the UAE.

Freezones are designated areas within the UAE where businesses can operate with different legal and regulatory frameworks than those that apply in the mainland. They offer a range of benefits to businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions and access to global market.

Dubai Free Zones offers a diverse range of business licenses tailored to various industries and professional endeavors. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Industrial License
An industrial license within Dubai Free Zones is required for businesses involved in the production of goods and products, including the manufacture of machinery, chemicals, and food products.

Professional License
The Dubai Free Zone professional license is needed for businesses that offer professional services such as consulting, accounting, and legal services. This type of license is also required for businesses involved in creative industries such as graphic design, architecture, and advertising.

Freelance Permit
Dubai Free Zones pave the way for individual freelancers to shine independently. This license is designed for individuals who want to work as freelancers in Dubai. It allows you to offer your professional services as an independent contractor, rather than as an employee of a company

E-Commerce License
This license is needed for businesses involved in online trading and e-commerce activities. Tailored for Dubai Free Zones, it is important to note that this license only allows the online sale of goods.

Tourism License
This license is required for businesses involved in the tourism sector such as hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies.

Commercial License
This license is for businesses involved in trading activities such as wholesale and retail trade, import and export, and storage and distribution.

A local sponsor is a term used to refer to a (LSA) local service agent (for Civil Companies or Single Ownership companies) or a nominee shareholder (sleeping partner in L.L.C) in a mainland company.

The requirement for a local sponsor applies to businesses operating in the mainland of the UAE for certain activities. A sponsor has to be an Emirati (UAE national) with a family membership card (Gincia).

Local sponsors are not required for businesses registered in free zones.

There are many businesses you could start in Dubai, but it really depends on your interests and skills. If you’re good with numbers and have an interest in fashion, you could open a boutique. If you’re a people person and enjoy customer service, you could open a restaurant. If you are good in IT Services you can start your IT Services Business or incase if you are good in trading you can start General trading Business. There are endless possibilities, so it really just depends on what you’re passionate about.

Mainland: As of June 2021, the revised commercial companies law in Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership for over 1000 activities including trading & manufacturing. This is a significant change from the previous law, which typically required foreign investors to have a local sponsor who held a certain percentage of the company’s shares.

Free zone: Free Zones are government designated areas, where the expatriates can own 100% of their business. The government has set up more than 50 free zones which vary in their activities while some are industry specific.

Yes, it is easy to start a business in Dubai. The city has a very business-friendly environment and there are many resources available to help entrepreneurs get started.

Yes, Dubai is a good place to invest in business. The city has a strong economy and is constantly growing, which provides opportunities for businesses to thrive. Additionally, the city is home to a large number of expatriates, which creates a market for businesses that cater to this population.

There are a few things you need to do in order to set up your business in Dubai:

First, you need to choose the type of business you want to set up.
Next, you need to get all the necessary licenses and permits from the relevant authorities.
Once you have all the required documents, you need to find a suitable location for your business.
Finally, you need to register your company with the Immigration & Labor Department for Investor & Employee Visas.

There are a few things you need to do in order to start a business in Dubai. First, you need to choose the type of business you want to start. Then, you need to get a business license from the Department of Economic Development. Finally, you need to find a suitable location for your business or you can even get instant license with Virtual address.

The process of business setup in Dubai is relatively simple. First, you need to choose a business activity and obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities. Next, you need to find a suitable location for your business and set up your office or shop. Finally, you need to register your business with the Immigration & Labor Department for Your Investor & Employee Visas.

There are a few requirements that you must meet in order to get a residence visa in Dubai. First, you must have a valid passport and a valid UAE entry visa. Second, you must have a job offer from a UAE-based company or be employed by a UAE-based company. Furthermore you can register a company one of Free zone or Dubai Mainland and apply for Investor Visa. Finally, you must have medicalinsurance that covers you for at least one year.

Yes, it is possible for foreign investors to own 100% Shares of business in Dubai Mainland and Dubai Free zones. There are a number of ways to set up a business in Dubai, and foreign investors are welcome to do so. There are many benefits to setting up a business in Dubai, including the city’s pro-business environment, its strategic location, and its tax-free status.

Dubai UAE banks allow only nonresidents to open a Savings Account rather than a Current Account. However, nonresidents do not receive a checkbook; a debit card will be issued to nonresidents so they could withdraw the funds. As a non-resident, the balance will be minimal or maximum.

It is not yet possible to apply for a permanent visa in Dubai. You will receive a residency visa in Dubai in quite a few types there. First If you are starting a company or setting up a business in UAE, you can get a 2-year Investor residence visa, which can be extended for another 2 Years. Furthermore there are options for 10 years Golden Visa conditional you own AED2 Million Property in Dubai.

Select the name of your business and legal structure with care. Comply with all activities to be included on the business license (maximum 10 per license). Submit the formal form for initial approval for your license.

In the business world, the term “free zone” has a few different meanings. Most commonly, a free zone is an area where businesses can operate without having to pay taxes or tariffs. This type of free zone is typically found in developing countries that are trying to attract foreign investment.

Another common meaning of free zone is a trade area where goods can be imported and exported without being subject to customs duties. These zones are usually located near ports or airports and are intended to facilitate international trade.

Finally, the term free zone can also refer to a special economic zone that offers incentives for businesses to locate there, such as lower taxes or relaxed regulations. These zones are often established in areas that are struggling economically in an effort to spur development and create jobs.

The UAE is a land of opportunities, and Dubai Free Zones are a big part of what makes it a great place to do business.

By investing in Dubai Free Zones, you can enjoy many benefits such as:

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Tax exemptions
• 100% free transfer of funds, and no foreign exchange controls
• Flexibility to operate 24/7
• A variety of commercial offices available for sale or lease
• Easy start-up and licensing procedures
• Unique industry clustering and purpose-built infrastructure.
• Exemption from all import and export duties
• Low freight charges
• Multicultural workforce and easy recruitment procedures

The timely and streamlined immigration process

The Cheapest Free zones are located outside Dubai such as Sharjah (Shams Free zone & SPC Free zone, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ Free zone) and Fujairah (Creative City Fujairah) offer products for the best prices. Such free zones also issue the most visas.

To register a company in a free zone in the UAE, you need

• Determine the Business Type
• Select a Business Name
• Prepare the Required Documents
• Submit the Application
• Obtain Initial Approval
• Pay Fees and Capital
• Obtain Licenses and Permits

Transferring your firm to a different free zone is not currently available. However, you can establish a branch of your existing business in a separate free zone.

Absolutely, it is possible to get a business license and start a business in a month. Rarely does it happen that the process is delayed.

No, Without a Business License, It is not possible to start a business in Dubai legally.

a. Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
The SHAMS free zone provides access to a strategic location near key UAE cities, offering modern infrastructure, competitive pricing, and a supportive business environment. Additionally, businesses in SHAMS benefit from tax exemptions, including no personal income tax and no corporate tax for certain sectors, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies.

b. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA, also known as International Free Zone Authority, has become one of the leading investment hubs in the UAE. Over the years, IFZA has grown into a powerful platform with an extensive global network of more than 800 partners around the world. The free zone has established a community where SMEs are given an opportunity to become a part of a huge platform. This platform is built to empower international and local businesses to grow and thrive within an environment where innovation and development plays an integral role. The jurisdiction offers various facilities such as warehouses, residential apartments, and office space.

c. Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
The free zone fosters innovation by providing cutting-edge infrastructure, access to world-class research and development facilities, and collaboration opportunities with universities and institutions. Companies also benefit from streamlined business setup procedures, flexible office spaces, and a strategic location in Sharjah, close to Dubai and major international airports, enabling easy access to regional and global markets.

d. Meydan Free Zone
Businesses In Meydan Free Zone enjoy flexible office solutions, modern infrastructure, and a strategic location in Dubai, close to major transportation hubs like airports and seaports, offering easy access to regional and international markets. Offers a range of advantages designed to support businesses, particularly those in technology, logistics, and trade sectors.

e. Ajman Free Zone
The free zone provides a variety of business licenses, flexible office spaces, and competitive setup costs. With its strategic location near the ports of Ajman and Sharjah, as well as easy access to Dubai, the Ajman Free Zone offers businesses a central hub for regional and international trade, along with modern infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment.

A Dubai Investors Visa, also known as a partner visa, is issued to foreign nationals who want to start a company in Dubai or invest in an existing one. This visa enables them to live and work in the Emirate and also bring in their family to live with them.

Who can apply for an investor visa in Dubai?
To apply for the investor visa in Dubai, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. According to the UAE investor visa rules,The AED 750,000 property visa is a 2-year visa option for those investing a minimum of AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000) in real estate within Freehold Zones, Invest in existing firm shares with a minimum value of AED 2 million. Establish is a new Company with a capital investment of AED 2 million.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining the Dubai Investor Visa
To prove their eligibility for an investor visa in Dubai, the individual has to provide certain documents showing their qualifying investment in Dubai and financial support to sustain in the city. They may also be required to provide a medical test report and a police clearance certificate.

Dubai Investor visa validity
The validity of an Investor visa in the UAE depends on the respective categories, which go by 2 to 5 years for investment in a property, 2 years for investment in a company, and 5 to 10 years for a Gloden visa.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that is granted to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, qualified professionals, and exceptional talents. It offers several benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the UAE without any restrictions. The Golden Visa Dubai, UAE is valid for 5 or 10 years and can be renewed.

Eligibility Criteria for UAE Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors:
To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa under the new regulations, real estate investors must fulfill the following conditions:
Confirmation of Property Ownership: a letter from the land department of the respective emirate confirming ownership of one or more properties valued at no less than AED2 million ($545,000). Loan Procurement: Alternatively, investors can acquire a property through a loan from specific local banks endorsed by the competent local entity.

Sharjah is home to several free zones that offer businesses a variety of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and strategic locations. Some of the key free zones in Sharjah include:

1. Sharjah Media City (Shams): SHAMS is focused on media, technology, and creative industries. It offers easy and affordable company formation, 100% foreign ownership, no currency restrictions, and tax exemptions. It's ideal for startups, freelancers, and small businesses in the media and tech sectors.

2. Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP): This free zone is aimed at research and development, technology, and innovation-driven businesses. It provides advanced infrastructure, collaborative opportunities with academic institutions, and a supportive environment for businesses focused on R&D and technology innovation.

Each of these free zones provides a unique set of benefits tailored to different industries, offering businesses the chance to thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment.