Dubai Airport Free Zone
The Dubai Airport Free Zone, UAE, specialized area with special economic status, was established in the mid-90's and since that time it has been developed and improved constantly and actively. The main advantage of this free zone is that it operates side by side with the Dubai international airport. Several thousands of international companies, which operate in a variety of industries, are registered on the territory of the Dubai Airport Free Zone. These are such industries as: logistics and aviation, freight and passenger transportation, pharmaceutics and food stuffs, jewelry and household appliances, modern information technologies and others.
Dubai Airport Free Zone as the part of a Government strategy
The implementation of large-scale project for the development of the international transport hub Dubai Airport is the part of the Governmental strategy for the development of the Emirate. International experts say that this economic area is in high demand in the United Arab Emirates among foreign entrepreneurs and investors due to the number of clear reasons and opportunities for international business. This popularity has ensured the rapid pace of development and increasing of the investment inflows into the local economy.
The active participation of the state guarantees the stability and confidence in the future for international business. It is not a secret that the ability to protect own financial assets and to increase them in a favorable legal climate is crucial in the choice of jurisdiction for investment.
Features of the Dubai Airport Free Zone jurisdiction
Registration of the company in the jurisdiction of the “Dubai Airport” free zone, UAE, offers significant benefits in the terms of corporate taxation for companies. Besides, the norms of corporate law, which regulate the activity of international companies in this economic area, allow the 100% foreign ownership of the assets of the company. It means that there is no need to find a local sponsor for company registration.
The possibility of free repatriation of both investment assets and received income without restrictions and tax charges is guaranteed for foreign investors at the state level. Besides, there are no government currency exchange regulation on the territory of the UAE Dubai Airport Free Zone.
Dubai Airport Free Zone: features and advantages
The questions of logistics and transport infrastructure are of great importance for international business. The Dubai Airport Free Zone meets all these requirements in full. Moreover, the strategic location within the international airport and the appropriate infrastructure are significant factors for organization of an international business structure. It should be noted that Dubai airport serves more than hundreds of international air carriers that carry out the flights to all the corners of the globe.
The Dubai airport, UAE, is rightfully considered the main air gateway in the Middle East. First of all, the Dubai airport is a transport infrastructure and world-class logistics.
A specialized center for international logistics, which provides services not only for legal entities, but also provides support and services for everybody who wants to organize an international business structure in Dubai in various areas of business, is functioning on the territory of the Free Zone.
Among the functional possibilities of Dubai Airport Free Zone, UAE, the following advantages can be singled out:
- Exemption of business from corporate tax;
- No import and export duties;
- Strategic location in the most vivacious city district;
- Highly developed transport infrastructure;
- the modern logistics center which provides the efficient cargo handling;
- The availability of freight terminals;
- Online service facilities;
- The direct access to the government services sector on the issues of customs, immigration, and trade;
- Support and maintenance of business registration;
- Operation time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- Availability of relatively cheap energy resources and skilled manpower.
If you are planning to organize business in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Airport Free Zone, UAE, will be the perfect place. It offers a wide range of office, residential and commercial premises which meet all the international standards and are equipped with the latest technologies.
Dubai Airport Free Zone: business activity licensing
The government regulatory body provides international companies with three types of business licenses, respectively:
- Trade license: export and import, storage and distribution of specific and other products specified in the business license;
- License for provision of services: professional services in various sectors. It may be legal support, accounting outsourcing or business consulting;
- Industrial license - manufacturing and light industry, the import of raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and assembling of products, etc.
The period of validity of the state business license can be from one to three years with subsequent prolongation. Moreover, the legal system of United Arab emirates does not limit the number of licenses for carrying on an international business, so your business can get several licenses within one company for two or three types of activity.
Free zone Dubai Airport: offer for investors
Potential investors, in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, are offered the following services:
- Office space (from 50 square meters) with the most diverse and free planning;
- Manufacturing and storage facilities, located in immediate proximity to the runways of the airport (from 350 square meters);
- Land lots for building (long-term lease with possibility of prolongation);
- Information technology service;
- Cargo customs clearing service;
- protection of premises and adjacent areas service.
Modern business centers, beauty salons, restaurants, cafes, banks’ representative offices, travel agencies, health care facilities and big parking lot are available on the territory of the Free Zone.
Types of international companies and registration requirements
Free Zone Company (FZC) – the minimum share capital from 50 thousand Dirhams, both physical and legal entities are able to serve as founders and shareholders, the number of shareholders from two to five.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – the minimum share capital is 100 thousand Dirhams, the minimum number of founders is one.
The branches of international or local companies which are already carrying on their business activity in the UAE. The share capital requirements are not applied to branches or representative offices of already registered companies.
The registration of international company on the territory of the Dubai Airport Free Zone may take, on average, 3 to 4 weeks.