UAE Free Zone Company Setup
There are over 45 free zones in the UAE, and they are not interchangeable. Each has its own authority, fee schedule, activity list and visa allocation.Below are the zones we set up companies in, grouped by region, plus the offshore registries for holding and international structures.
100% Foreign Ownership
No local sponsor or partner required in any UAE free zone, with full repatriation of capital and profits.
Licences From AED 5,500
Entry costs vary widely by zone. Freelancer permits start around AED 5,500, with full commercial licences higher.
Flexible Facilities
Flexi desks, shared offices, private offices, warehouses and industrial land, with visa allocation scaling to your facility.
Remote Setup Available
Several zones allow full remote registration without visiting the UAE, with some completing in a single working day.
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What a Free Zone Licence Does and Does Not Allow
A free zone company is licensed by its own authority rather than an emirate's Department of Economic Development. That gives you 100% ownership, tax advantages on qualifying income and generally lower costs than a mainland licence.
The trade-off is market access. Free zone companies generally require a local distributor or a mainland branch to sell directly into the UAE mainland. If your customers are UAE businesses and consumers buying from you directly, check that constraint before you choose a zone.
Over 45 zones
Each free zone has its own authority, activity list, facility options and fee schedule.
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
- Zero corporate tax on qualifying income and zero personal income tax
- Full repatriation of capital and profits with no currency restrictions
- No annual audit requirement in most free zones
- Flexi desk options for businesses that do not need a dedicated office
- Visa allocation bundled into licence packages, typically one to six visas
- A local distributor is generally required to sell on the UAE mainland
- Corporate tax registration with the FTA is still mandatory
Free Zones We Cover
Start with the region that fits your business, then compare the individual zones inside it.
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Dubai Free Zones
Dubai Free Zones
Fourteen Dubai zones including DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, JAFZA, Meydan, Dubai South and DWTC, each with its own sector focus and cost profile.
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Northern Emirates Free Zones
Northern Emirates Free Zones
Ajman Free Zone, SHAMS, Umm Al Quwain FTZ and Fujairah Free Zone. The lowest cost entry points in the country, from AED 5,500.
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Offshore Jurisdictions
Offshore Jurisdictions
JAFZA, RAK ICC and Ajman Offshore for holding companies, international trade, IP ownership and asset protection.
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SHAMS Business Setup
SHAMS Business Setup
Sharjah Media City licences from AED 8,050 with over 2,000 activities under one licence and setup in 1 to 2 weeks.
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IFZA Business Setup
IFZA Business Setup
One of Dubai's most flexible free zones, with a broad activity list and competitive multi-year licence packages.
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DMCC Free Zone Business Setup
DMCC Free Zone Business Setup
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the region's leading zone for commodities, trading and professional services.
Compare Free Zones With Mainland and Offshore
A free zone is not always the right answer. If you need to invoice UAE customers directly, a mainland licence will serve you better.
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Business Setup Across the UAE
Business Setup Across the UAE
Every mainland and emirate setup route we handle, with unrestricted UAE trading and eligibility for government contracts.
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Dubai LLC Business Setup
Dubai LLC Business Setup
The mainland alternative, giving full UAE market access with 100% foreign ownership for most commercial activities.
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Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
For international business, asset holding and IP structures that do not need to trade inside the UAE.
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Corporate Tax Registration
Corporate Tax Registration
Free zone companies must still register for corporate tax. Qualifying entities may access a 0% rate on qualifying income.
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Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Open a UAE corporate bank account for your free zone company with support on documentation and compliance.
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Accounting & Bookkeeping
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Most free zones require no audit, but accounting records are still needed for corporate tax and visa renewals.
Not Sure Which Free Zone Fits?
Tell us your activity, visa requirement and budget, and we will shortlist the zones that actually match instead of the ones paying the highest commission. Book a free consultation today.
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