Investor guide

Overview of Investment Procedures

The process of setting up a legal entity in AFEZ is conducted by the AFEZ Authority in an efficient way. The AFEZ Authority (AFEZA) team will guide each investor through every step and assure that establishing a legal entity in AFEZ is as easy as possible.

STAGE 1 Investor submits a Preliminary Enquiry Form.

STAGE 2 AFEZA contacts and meets to guide applicants. 

STAGE 3 Investor submits a business plan and AFEZA starts a detailed assessment.

STAGE 4 Following the approval, a legal entity is established and licensed.

Based on the investor’s intention and readiness, the whole process could take from a few hours up to a few days. This guide demonstrates a collaborative approach and provides the investor with all needed information to start their businesses in AFEZ, including a step-by-step plan. 

One-Stop Shop Business Centre

In order to simplify the investment process, the AFEZA has established a one-stop shop business centre. This is the only place an investor would need to go for establishing and functioning of a legal entity in AFEZ. Functions of the one-stop shop business centre will include business appraisal, issuance of a license, visas, permits and certificates without any involvement of base economy authorities or agencies.

STAGE 1

Initial Inquiry 

Investor journey begins with the following actions: 

1. Investor contacts the AFEZA.
2. The AFEZA arranges meetings with the investor to guide them in the investor journey process, as well as inform them of AFEZ’s favourable business environment. 
3. Investor submits Preliminary Enquiry Form available on the AFEZ website. 
4. Within 2 working days the AFEZA informs investor whether its business is eligible or not.

STAGE 2

Advance Inquiry 

At this stage investor has the option of visiting the Alat Free Economic Zone: 

1. Investor is welcomed to visit the AFEZ site to further understand proposed opportunities. 
2. Based on the developed template, the investor submits business plan.
3. The AFEZA starts the assessment of business plan.

STAGE 3

Pre-Approval Discussions 

1. Further negotiations on the business plan continue. 
2. Property discussions commence with the AFEZA. 
3. Investor submits their final business plan for AFEZA review.  
4. After detailed assessment, the business plan is presented to the Board. 
5. Following the Board’s approval, the AFEZA starts detailed discussions on property options and an appropriate land plot is allocated to the investor.

STAGE 4

Registration and Licensing

1. Investor submits the necessary documents for registration of legal entity in accordance with the AFEZ legislation. Heads of Terms (HoTs) and Standard Terms of License (STOL) are agreed and signed between the AFEZA and investor. 
2. Investor establishes an AFEZ legal entity in accordance with the AFEZ legislation.
3. The AFEZA issues license and certificates to the established AFEZ legal entity. 

Establishment

The AFEZ Authority will constantly work with the investor to support the successful establishment of their legal entity, as well as their future activity in AFEZ. This may include:

• assistance in finding local skilled personnel; 
• identification of sub-suppliers and service providers;
• supporting new legal entities with their integration into the AFEZ business community. 

Following this process, the AFEZ Authority will continue to maintain regular contact with the established legal entity and provide ongoing support as required.