UAE has become a hub for many flourishing businesses and its trade-friendly atmosphere pioneered free zones that have foreign ownership, tax-free rules, cost-effective set-up and renewal procedures. This resulted in businesses of various scales, ranging from publicly listed corporations to fledgling startups, endeavouring to leverage the UAE's free zones strategic location as a gateway to global economies.
A free zone visa is required for entrepreneurs and investors to establish enterprises in these zones for a variety of reasons such as: 1. It allows individuals to legally reside in the UAE while still managing their enterprises on-site, allowing them to successfully oversee operations, conduct meetings, and support business activities. 2. A free zone visa in the UAE provides flexibility by often allowing for 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation, making it an appealing choice for international enterprises looking to establish a presence in the UAE market. 3. Other numerous perks such as simplified company set-up procedures, tax exemptions, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and business support services provided by the free zone authorities.
In order to set up a business in a free zone in the UAE, one requires to follow certain procedures like choosing a suitable free zone, registering the business, obtaining a trade licence, and leasing office space within the designated area. But foremost, you need to begin with your free zone visa process and to obtain one; you will need to follow a system, learn about the associated costs and the duration that the procedure takes. Here is a comprehensive guide:
In 2024, one needs to follow a specific process to obtain a business free zone visa in the UAE. Here is your step-by-step guide in order to achieve one: 1. Select a business activity The first stage in establishing a free zone company in the UAE is to determine the type of business activity you wish to undertake. You can choose the nature of your business from the diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, etc. As a result, your company’s formation in the UAE should align with the chosen industry focus. 2. Choose a free zone After careful and deep analysis, select the free zone which is best suited to your business requirements. Each free zone has a unique set of rules, laws, and additional perks. It is important that you thoroughly examine each free zone's infrastructure, expenses, facilities and laws before making any decision. 3. Your company structure As per your free zone selection, you can set up your firm as a freezone establishment (FZE), a freezone company (FZC), or a branch of another company. An FZE and FZC can be owned by one or more shareholders, while a branch office is an expansion of an existing firm. 4. Company registration Register your company's name to complete the company’s creation process. Be vigilant with the chosen name as it should not violate any existing copyrights or trademarks, and it must be approved by the relevant free zone authority. 5. Apply for free zone licence The most important step in the process is applying for a freezone licence in the UAE and the licence you require is determined by the nature of your business. For example, you may need a commercial licence, or an industrial licence, based on your needs. Make sure you meet all of the requirements and have submitted all the required documents for your UAE free zone visa application. 6. Bank account After you have received your free zone licence, open a corporate bank account for your business. Accordingly, prepare your documentation, including your business strategy and company licence based on the local or international bank that you chose. 7. Set up your office Based on your business needs, choose a coworking space, a small or a large serviced office. 8. Visa issuance After your company registration, apply for the business free zone visa.To process the visas further, you need to submit additional documents such as passport copies and visa application forms, partake in a medical checkup, and potentially undergo biometric enrollment.
The price of a business free zone visa in the UAE changes based on chosen free zone, visa type, duration, and any extra services needed. At Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), a top business licensing authority in the UAE, we offer a complete package for business free zone visas at competitive rates. This customisable package covers all the essential feesand perks such as a business licence, facilities, opening of a bank account, Emirates ID and resident visa, providing you with everything you need to get started hassle-free.
The validity period of a business visa in the UAE may differ. Short-term visas typically range from 30 to 90 days, while long-term visas can extend over multiple years. Extensions are feasible in certain instances, although they generally require additional paperwork and fees.
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