Free zones in the UAE are areas designated for businesses to set up with incentives such as tax exemptions, streamlined procedures and regulations, and other benefits. Free zones provide foreign investors with an opportunity to establish businesses and benefit from the country’s strategic location, open economy, and world-class infrastructure.

As an entrepreneur planning to set up a business in the UAE, selecting the appropriate freezone can be a daunting task due to the numerous options available. However, choosing the right one is crucial for the success of your venture. This blog post will guide you through our recommendations of the best freezones in the UAE, helping you make an informed decision on the most suitable location for your business, regardless of whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)  

Located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a thriving business and industrial hub that provides personalized company setup solutions for freelancers, start-ups, SMEs, and industrialists. RAKEZ is widely recognized as one of the strongest free zones in the UAE, operating outside of Dubai.

With cost-effective setup packages, state-of-the-art facilities, and top-notch infrastructure, RAKEZ supports companies in achieving their full business potential. The free zone serves as a bridge to expanding markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and South and Central Asia, and facilitates international trade activities in accordance with applicable laws and international best practices. Here are some of the benefits your RAKEZ business setup can provide:

• Free zone and non-free zone firms in over 50 sectors with personalised solutions.
• Known for its lively local culture, breathtaking mountain views, relaxed beach atmosphere, and year-round sunshine at a more affordable cost than larger cities.
• Retail centres, upscale educational institutions, cutting-edge medical facilities, and luxurious accommodations are available at a reasonable price.
• Offers a variety of licenses, including freelance licenses and customizable facilities, as well as top-notch support services such as visa facilitation.
• Logistical centres, including seaports, international airports, and multilane superhighways, make it easy for businesses to access trade flows between the East and West.
• Offers tailor-made packages for company setup in UAE, smart solutions, and dual licenses.
• Welcomes various industries, sectors, and activities and offers affordable premium solutions.
• Provides secretarial and business centre services and offers ultra-modern warehouses of various sizes and industrial land plots for large industrial projects.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)  

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), established in January 2017, provides services and solutions that can act as a catalyst for the growth and profitability of creative and media companies from over 160 countries. Although SHAMS is committed to enhancing and adding value to Sharjah’s media sector, it is not limited to media activities, and non-media businesses can also be set up in SHAMS.

Investors can open a firm at the lowest possible cost in SHAMS and access several visas through a joint office. Additionally, multiple company activities are allowed on the same license. With its location only 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, SHAMS aims to become a major creative hub in the region.

If you have limited finances to set up a media company in the UAE, SHAMS might be the ideal solution, and here are some of the benefits your SHAMS business setup can provide:

• Affordable business setup
• Simple and quick company formation process
• Ongoing customer support
• No personal or corporate income tax
• 100% foreign ownership permitted
• Up to 12 visas can be obtained through a shared desk facility
• Easy online registration process
• Multiple business activities allowed on a single license
• Suited for small and medium-sized media businesses.

International Freezone Authority (IFZA)

IFZA (the International Freezone Authority) was introduced in 2018 and has quickly become one of the most popular free zones in the UAE to establish a free zone company. 

As the UAE shifts its focus away from gas and oil, it invests heavily in other areas and encourages entrepreneurs to invest in the country. IFZA is a testament to this shift in focus. It offers businesses more than just a location to conduct business in one of the world’s best cities; it provides a creative and aspirational space where businesses can thrive. Here are some of the benefits your IFZA business setup can provide:

• Companies are exempt from personal and corporate income tax, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize their tax burden.
• Allows 100% foreign ownership of companies, which means that you don’t need a local partner to set up your business.
• The company formation process in IFZA is fast and straightforward, and you can complete the entire process online without visiting the free zone.
• Offers competitive pricing for business setup packages, making it a cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Offers a broad range of business activities that can be carried out under a single license, making it easy to expand your operations.
• Provides flexible office solutions, including shared workspaces, serviced offices, and virtual offices, to cater to the diverse needs of businesses.
• Offers world-class infrastructure and facilities, including state-of-the-art communication and transportation systems, to support the growth of businesses.

How can GenZone help you set up your business in UAE?

To make the most of the benefits of setting up your business in the UAE and obtaining a residence visa, it’s crucial to have a professional partner who can guide you through the process. Without their assistance, it can be challenging to navigate all the requirements. 

At GenZone we recognize your needs and have the expertise to help you establish your company in UAE successfully. We’ve helped many individuals make the move to UAE and enjoy its lifestyle and business benefits.

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