• Freedom to conduct business throughout the UAE without restrictions
• Allowed 100% repatriation of profits and capital
• Potential bid and work on UAE government contracts
• No constraints on the number of visas
• Can set up their office location anywhere in the registered emirate and establish multiple company branches creating a solid presence in the local market
• Unrestricted access to the global markets

• 100% ownership without the need of UAE sponsor
• Quick and easy company formation
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• 100% exemption from import and export duties
• Shareholders’ details remain private to the public
• Relatively easy recruitment policy
• Free zones provide business advice and networking support

In free zones, all company types can be entirely owned by non-UAE nationals or expatriates. However, in the mainland, approximately 70-80% of business activities may allow non-UAE nationals or expatriates to have full ownership, while the remaining 20% still necessitate a local UAE national to hold 51% ownership, with the non-UAE national holding the remaining 49%.

Free zone enterprises enjoy the flexibility to conduct business activities and trade with other entities within their designated free zone boundaries and across global markets. This setup facilitates seamless transactions and collaborations with companies both locally and internationally. However, it’s important to note that despite this flexibility, free zone businesses are subject to certain restrictions when it comes to trading directly with customers located within Dubai and the wider mainland of the UAE. These restrictions aim to maintain the distinction between free zone jurisdictions and the mainland, preserving the integrity of each area’s regulatory framework while encouraging economic growth within both sectors.

Currently there is no personal income tax in the UAE. and no individual tax registration or reporting obligations. So, your personal income is tax free.

In accordance with Federal Law No. 32 of 2021, known as the Commercial Companies Federal Law, all companies operating in the UAE are mandated to undergo financial audits. Compliance with this requirement necessitates the maintenance of comprehensive financial records by these companies.

While companies based in free zones are generally exempt from mandatory audits and are not required to submit audit reports, certain entities within free zones, such as Free Zone Companies (FZCO) and Free Zone Establishments (FZE), may still be subject to compulsory auditing.

Even if not mandatory, free zone entities are often advised to prepare audit reports for internal purposes. Additionally, the audit report may be requested by immigration authorities at any point in the future, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and conducting regular audits for businesses operating within free zones in the UAE.