What kind of set ups are available in Dubai / UAE?
First of all the future business owner needs to decide if he wants to set up in UAE mainland (i.e. outside free zone boundaries). In this case a local Emirati sponsor is needed. Currently the law still requires that the investor can only hold 49% and 51% is legally owned by the sponsor. This type of investment is usually governed by a written agreement in English and Arabic detailing the sponsor’s influence in the business and the level of sponsorship fee the investor has to pay on an annual basis. Due to the fact that commercial real estate prices are on a free fall, setting up outside a free zone can be cheaper than inside free zone boundaries. The benefit of Free Zones is 100% ownership, all assets stay with the investor. Free Zones are government entities. What is a Free Zone? According to the World Federation of Free Zones (FEMOZA) a Free Zone is a portion of a clearly defined and isolated land or setting, with a special tax, customs and imports regime, usually involving a status
