INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMIC CITY
FREE ZONE
INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMIC CITY
FREE ZONE
Investors engaged in higher education activities can directly benefit from the landscape of business setup in Dubai International Academic City. The free zone holds the reputation of being the Middle East’s largest higher education hub which houses more than 27 top universities and over 27000 students. Dubai International Academic City has played a commendable role in placing Dubai at the top of the global education map.
The free zone has brought the leading international and regional universities from Australia, the UK, India and other parts of the world to Dubai. Top foreign education providers choose the Academic City on account of benefits such as advanced educational facilities, unique licenses, straightforward incorporation procedures, and excellent connectivity. Moreover, the services of trusted business setup consultants in Dubai help the investors start their operations quickly, without any hassle.
Regulatory Structure of Dubai International Academic City
Dubai International Academic City is part of the Tecom Group, which manages the free zone’s operations. However, the free zone is regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). The DDA oversees the key processes associated with business setup in Dubai International Academic City such as license issuance, license renewal, and liquidation.
Core Activities Permitted in Dubai International Academic City
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The core activities permitted in Dubai International Academic City are linked to major segments of the higher education sector. Understanding the activities helps investors to choose the right trade license corresponding to each business activity. Business set-up consultants in Dubai can help entrepreneurs by providing more information on business activities. Stated below is a list of the core business activities permitted in Dubai International Academic City:
- Higher Education Provider
- Non-Academic Services Provider
- Educational Support Services
- School
- Early Learning Centre
Types of Legal Entities in Dubai International Academic City
While setting up a business in Dubai, investors are required to determine an appropriate legal structure for their proposed company. The legal structure is generally determined based on the number of shareholders. New investors may find the selection of legal structure complex and that is why it is advisable to seek help from business setup consultants in Dubai. The following legal structures are recognised by Dubai International Academic City:
1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company
A Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) can be formed with at least two shareholders. It’s an independent legal entity, requiring at least one director. An FZ LLC in Dubai International Academic City is allowed to carry out any activity permitted by the DDA.
2. Branch office of a UAE Company
The branch of a UAE company doesn’t have an independent legal identity. Branches are required to carry out activities related to the parent company’s business.
3. Branch office of a Foreign Company
Companies incorporated outside the UAE are allowed to start a branch office in Dubai International Academic City. However, the branch must carry out the activities of the parent entity. Availing business setup services in Dubai is the best way to make branch company formation hassle-free.
4. Freelance Permit
Obtaining a freelance permit from Dubai International Academic City enables individuals to operate independently. Freelancers can register in Dubai International Academic City under their birth names instead of a company name.
Facilities in Dubai International Academic City
Foreign investors must check the facilities and infrastructure before choosing a free zone for business setup in Dubai. Choosing inadequate or wrong facilities can hurt the daily operations of a business, which may curtail the company’s growth in the future. However, business setup consultants in Dubai can help the entrepreneurs to select the right facilities. Stated below are some of the facilities offered by Dubai International Academic City:
1. Land Plots
Dubai International Academic City offers a diverse range of land plots to investors for various purposes such as education, mixed-use, retail & hotel plots, and student accommodation. The land plots perfectly align with the requirements of educational institutions, accommodation, residential apartments, dormitory facilities, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
2. Commercial Floor Space
Education providers and other investors from allied sectors can set up their businesses in the commercial spaces provided by Dubai International Academic City. Commercial spaces and campuses in Dubai International Academic City are strategically located and offer a vibrant environment for students and academics to grow and thrive.
3. Hot Desk
Hot desk in Dubai International Academic City implies shared desks that perfectly suit the requirements of freelancers or anyone looking for a space to perform their office tasks. Users of hot desks in Dubai International Academic City are eligible for one visa (per freelancer).
4. Executive Desk
One desk with a chair and a storage pedestal along with a cabinet with a key are being offered for clients who use executive desks in Dubai International Academic City. Executive desk users are eligible for two visas per desk. The cabin size of an average desk is 100 sq. ft. It is advisable to consult with business setup advisers in Dubai before choosing the facilities.
Process of Business Setup in Dubai International Academic City
The process of business setup in Dubai International Academic City is flexible and straightforward. Since it’s a free zone, investors can complete the process without any bureaucratic hassle. Having access to business setup services in Dubai can ease the company incorporation process. The entire procedure can be completed in the following steps:
- Select a business activity
- Determine the legal structure
- Reserve a tradename
- Submit the application form
- Sign the lease agreement
- Receive the license
- Apply for visas
- Open a bank account
Compliance Requirements in Dubai International Academic City
Businesses operating in Dubai International Academic City are required to comply with regulations including Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Anti-Money Laundering & Combatting Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT). Business owners need to ensure compliance even while applying for company liquidation in Dubai International Academic City. None-compliance will be severely dealt with administrative penalties and other severe consequences such as suspension of trade license and sharing of information with foreign competent authorities. Investors can avoid penalties by consulting with business setup consultants in Dubai.
Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai International Academic City
Company registration in Dubai International Academic City provides the following benefits to foreign investors:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of profits
- Complete exemption from corporate taxes
- No import and export duties
- Low operational costs
- Strategic location
- World-class office spaces
- Easy to obtain a visa for students, staff, and faculties
Get the Best Business Setup Services in Dubai, UAE
The process of business setup in Dubai International Academic City comes with benefits such as strategic location, excellent connectivity, robust infrastructure etc. However, availing of bespoke business setup services in Dubai from Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) can make the process easier. Applying through business setup consultants in Dubai such as JBC is the best way to accurately select activities, determine an appropriate legal structure and properly draft the legal documents. JBC’s bespoke company setup services in Dubai also include visa processing, assistance in bank account opening, and compliance services such as ESR, UBO, AML-CFT.