Dubai International Academic City Free Zone

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s largest free zone dedicated to higher education and the pursuit of intellectual growth. Launched in April 2007, DIAC was designed to cater to the needs of the region’s growing and diverse academic community. Home to numerous regional and international colleges and universities, it serves over 24,000 students from all around the world. With more than 400 undergraduate and post-graduate programs currently offered to students, DIAC continues to expand and grow as per the needs of its robust and talented academic community.

Types of Company Formation in Dubai International Academic City:

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

This is a company formed as an independent legal entity with its own shareholders. The minimum capital requirement for incorporation depends on business activity.

Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company

A branch is considered a legally dependent part of its parent company, even if its place of business is not in the main company’s headquarters. (No minimum capital required).

Freelancer

The Freelance permit offers the ability to operate as a freelance professional. The permit identifies you as a sole practitioner It enables you to conduct your business in your birth name as opposed to a brand name.

Business Advantages in Dubai International Academic City:

• 100% foreign ownership.
• 100% Freedom from taxes.
• 100% Repatriation of profits.
• Effortless visa issuance procedures for students, staff, and faculties.

Value Added Tax (VAT):

Value Added Tax (VAT) has been introduced across the UAE on 1 January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%.

Who should register for VAT?

A business whether situated in a designated zone or non-designated zone or outside a free zone should register for VAT if the taxable supplies and imports exceed the mandatory registration threshold of AED 375,000 within the preceding 12 months or it is anticipated that the total value of taxable supplies exceeds AED 375,000 in the next thirty 30 days. Upon registration, a tax registration number (TRN) would be issued to businesses by the Federal Tax Authority.

What is a designated zone?

A Designated zone is a specified fenced geographical area having security measures and customs controls in place to monitor entry and exit of individuals and the movement of goods to and from the area. Following free zones are declared as designated zones.

a. Free Trade Zone of Khalifa Port
b. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
c. Khalifa Industrial Zone
d. Jebel Ali Free Zone (North-South)
e. Dubai Cars and Automative Zone (DUCAMZ)
f. Dubai Textile City
g. Free Zone Area in Al Quoz
h. Free Zone Area in Al Qusais
i. Dubai Aviation City
j. Dubai Airport Free Zone
k. Hamriyah Free Zone
l. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
m. Ajman Free Zone
n. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone in Ahmed Bin Rashid Port
o. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
p. RAK Free Trade Zone
q. RAK Maritime City Free Zone
r. RAK Airport Free Zone
s. Fujairah Free Zone
t. FOIZ (Fujairah Oil Industry Zone)

What is a non-designated zone?

Any free zone which is not declared as a designated zone is a non-designated zone. In other words, a non – designated zone is any geographical area within the UAE that does not have any security measures and customs controls in place to monitor the entry and exit of goods and individuals. Eg. DMCC, Dubai Media City, DIFC, and Dubai Internet city.

What transactions are subject to VAT within Designated zones?

a) Goods transferred between designated zones shall not be subject to VAT. However, goods supplied by an entity in the designated zone to entities outside the designated zone are subject to 5% VAT.
b) Services provided by an entity to other entities inside the designated zone or outside the designated zone are subject to 5% VAT.
c) Professional fees for services are subject to VAT @ 5%.

What government/free zone fees (License/Visa/rent) are subject to VAT?

In the case of designated zones the trade license fees, visa fees, lease rentals will not be subject to VAT. And in the case of non-designated zones, the trade license fees and visa fees are not subject to vat however rent is subject to 5% VAT.

If you need additional assistance or have any questions, please contact the following:

Email: info@freezonesuae.com
Tel: +971 4 343 8022