Dubai Humanitarian Freezone Company Setup

The Dubai Humanitarian, formerly known as International Humanitarian City (IHC), is a massive hub dedicated to emergency preparedness and response to global humanitarian crises. Established in 2003, its operates as a free zone in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Humanitarian offers a streamlined freezone company setup for organisations involved in humanitarian efforts.  This setup comes with enticing benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, exemption from corporate tax, and duty-free imports and exports. The Dubai Humanitarian offers a comprehensive infrastructure exceeding 135,000 square meters, including offices, warehouses, and various other facilities to support its members' daily operations and activities.

Whether you're launching a new humanitarian organisation or expanding your existing operations, Filings.ae streamlines your IHC Freezone company setup. Our expert team guides you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition and adherence to all Dubai regulations.

Dubai Humanitarian

Recently, marking 20 years of serving as a bridge of compassion and collaboration for the world, Dubai has renamed its International Humanitarian City as 'Dubai Humanitarian'. It is a global hub for humanitarian aid and relief efforts located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2003, it serves as a logistics centre for humanitarian organisations, including UN agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other entities involved in disaster response and relief operations. The primary aim of the Dubai Humanitarian is to facilitate the rapid and effective deployment of humanitarian assistance during emergencies and crises worldwide. It provides a range of services and facilities, including warehousing, storage, transport, and coordination support, to enhance the efficiency and coordination of humanitarian operations.

Benefits of IHC Freezone Company Setup

Choosing the IHC Free Zone offers many advantages for your humanitarian organisation and boosts its impact.  Here are some of the key benefits:

• Effortless Visa Management: IHC facilitates employment, dependent, and visit visas for your staff, simplifying your workforce management.
• Fundraising Support: The freezone provides a supportive environment for fundraising activities within the United Arab Emirates.
• Comprehensive Infrastructure: IHC boasts over 135,000 square meters of space, including offices, warehouses, open yards, a helipad, a kitting center, cold chain storage, a permanent showroom, event facilities, and secure parking.
• Temperature-Controlled Warehousing: Ensure the integrity of vital supplies with access to specialised cold storage solutions.
• Extensive Marketing: IHC promotes its members through dedicated website pages, social media mentions, member spotlights, annual reports, and community communications.
• Expedited Trade: The designated free zone status minimizes import and export lead times, further facilitated by IHC's location within the Jebel Ali and DWC cluster.
• Tax Efficiency: Enjoy exemption from VAT on transfers between IHC and other designated zones, and potential VAT refunds on local purchases and services related to your humanitarian work.
• Access to World-Class Facilities: IHC members have free access to training rooms, meeting facilities, and an event auditorium.
• Product Showcasing: Promote your essential goods within a permanent exhibition area at the IHC warehouses, maximizing visibility during official and educational visits.
• Emergency Response Coordination: Benefit from IHC's dedicated task force coordination for members engaged in emergency response activities.
• Airline Discounts: IHC negotiates special discounts on economy class flights for your members and guests, saving you money on travel costs.
• Hotel Benefits: Enjoy discounted hotel rates and a convenient free shuttle service to and from Ibn Battuta Mall.

By establishing a presence within the IHC Free Zone, your organisation gains a strategic advantage, operational efficiency, and a supportive environment to fulfil its humanitarian mission.

Types of Licenses Available in the IHC Free Zone

The IHC Free Zone caters to two primary types of entities:

• Humanitarian Organization License (Branch): It is ideal for established international NGOs seeking a Dubai branch to support global efforts. Requires proof of international humanitarian experience, excludes local operations in the UAE, and demands impartiality and neutrality in aid delivery.
• Commercial Entity License: It can be used to establish for-profit companies supporting humanitarian work. Applicants must demonstrate their business activities are directly linked to the humanitarian sector, either through a new Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) or a branch of an existing company.

Business Activities Involved in IHC Freezone

IHC or Dubai Humanitarian offers freezone companies many business activities to choose from. Here are some of the common business activity categories to be performed in IHC freezone, 

• Logistics and Warehousing: Companies providing storage, distribution, and transportation services for humanitarian aid.
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management: Organizations facilitating the sourcing and delivering of essential aid materials.
• Medical and Healthcare Services: Entities supplying medical supplies, equipment, and healthcare expertise for humanitarian response.
• Construction and Infrastructure Development: Companies involved in building and rehabilitation projects related to disaster relief and long-term recovery.
• Education and Training: Organizations offering training programs and capacity-building initiatives for humanitarian personnel.
• Communication and Technology Services: Entities providing communication infrastructure and technological solutions to support humanitarian operations.

This is not an exhaustive list. Connect with Filings.ae experts to know about the complete list and choose the preferred and appropriate business activity for your company.

Documents Required for IHC Freezone Company Setup

The registration and licensing process for companies within the IHC Freezone involves two stages, with specific document requirements for each stage. Here's a breakdown of the required documents for both Humanitarian Organization branches and Commercial FZ LLCs:

Humanitarian Organization Branch

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Certificate of Incumbency from HQ (listing headquarters' directors, trustees, etc.)
• Passport copies of headquarters' directors, trustees, and appointed Dubai branch manager
• Headquarters' Registration Certificate/License and MOA/Bylaw
• License copies or verification of any other branch offices (if applicable)
• Completed UBO Declaration form
• Headquarters' financial audit report from the last financial year
• Latest audited financial report (signed by auditor and management, including an independent auditor's report)
• List of contributors exceeding USD 15,000
• Reference letters or agreements with UN agencies or Humanitarian Organizations (if applicable)
• Business plan based on the provided template (excluding the guidance page)

Stage 2 (upon Stage 1 approval):

• Attested and notarized Good Standing Certificate
• Attested & notarized board resolution following the IHC template
• Attested & notarized copy of Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association, or by-laws (issued from headquarters, notarized & attested by UAE Embassy and legalized by Dubai's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Signature specimen of authorized signatory as per board resolution (signed in the presence of a relevant IHC employee)
• NOC from current sponsor (if the appointed manager holds a UAE residence visa)

Commercial FZ LLC

Documents are categorized based on individual or non-individual shareholders:

A. Individual Shareholders

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Passport copies of shareholders, board directors, secretary, and manager, along with CVs
• Reference letters or agreements with UN agencies or NPOs (if applicable)
• Bank reference letter for individual shareholders
• Business plan based on the provided template (excluding the guidance page)
• Completed UBO Declaration form
• Data of Shareholders (if the investor is a non-individual)

Stage 2 (upon Stage 1 approval):

• Shareholder resolution following the IHC template (signed in the presence of a relevant IHC employee)
• Signature specimen of authorized signatory (signed in the presence of a relevant IHC employee)
• NOC from current sponsor (if the appointed manager holds a UAE residence visa)

B. Non-Individual (Company) Shareholders

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Registration certificate or license copy of the shareholder company
• Certificate of Incumbency for the shareholder company (listing directors/authorized signatories)
• Copy of MOA/By Law
• Passport copies of appointed board directors, secretary, shareholders, and manager, along with CVs
• Reference letters or agreements with UN agencies or NPOs (if applicable)
• Latest audited financials of the corporate shareholder (signed by auditor and management, including an independent auditor's report)
• Business plan based on the provided template (excluding the guidance page)
• Completed UBO Declaration form
• Nominee shareholding self-declaration form
• Data of Shareholders (if the investor is a non-individual)
• Chart depicting the corporate structure of the entity (up to the ultimate owner)

Stage 2 (upon Stage 1 approval):

• Corporate Shareholders' Resolution following the IHC template (drafted by the corporate shareholders' board)
• Good Standing Certificate
• Copy of Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association, or by-laws (issued from headquarters, notarized & attested by UAE Embassy and legalized by Dubai's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Signature specimen of authorized signatories as per board resolution (signed in the presence of a relevant IHC employee)
• NOC from current sponsor (if the appointed manager holds a UAE residence visa)

Procedure for IHC Freezone Company Setup

Establishing an organisation in IHC Freezone has a series of well-define processes help entrepreneurs and business owners to set up a company at ease. Here’s the brief process of setting up a company in IHC Freezone,

Identify Your Legal Entity: Determine if you require a Humanitarian Organization License (branch) or a Commercial Entity License (FZ-LLC or branch).

Select Your Business Activity: Choose a business activity from the list of approved activities within the IHC Free Zone.

Apply for Initial Approval: Submit an application form and the required documents to the IHC Free Zone Authority.

Finalize Company Name and Structure: Obtain approval for a company name that complies with IHC Free Zone regulations. Decide on the company structure (FZ-LLC or branch) and share capital.

Prepare and Submit Required Documents: Gather and submit all necessary and appropriate documentation as per your chosen entity type - Humanitarian organization or Commercial entity.

Company Registration and Incorporation: Sign the company registration documents and pay the relevant fees once approved.

Obtain Residency Visas: Apply for residence visas for employees and authorised personnel.

Open a Corporate Bank Account: Establish a corporate bank account in Dubai to manage your company's finances.

Fulfill Ongoing Requirements:

• Maintain annual audits (optional for some entities)
• File an audited financial report to the IHC (Dubai Humanitarian) team within the next months for every financial year ending.

Choose Filings.ae for Seamless IHC Free Zone Company Setup

Streamline your IHC Free Zone company setup with Filings.ae's expert guidance. We navigate the entire process, from selecting the most suitable license type for your business activity to securing your business space within the Free Zone. Our team of specialists assists with all aspects of registration and licensing, including application preparation, document legalisation, and liaising with the IHC Free Zone Authority. We ensure your application adheres to all regulations for a smooth approval process. Additionally, we can help you process visas for your employees, obtain Emirates IDs, and open corporate bank accounts.  Filings.ae helps you establish a compliant and operational presence within the IHC Free Zone, allowing you to focus on your core humanitarian mission.  

Contact us today to start your IHC Free Zone company setup journey.