Free Zone Setup

Free Zone Company Setup

Establish your business in one of the UAE’s 40+ free zones with 100% ownership and favorable tax benefits.

Why Choose a Free Zone?

UAE free zones offer unmatched advantages for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in the Middle East.

100% Foreign Ownership

Full control of your business with no local sponsor required.

Tax Exemptions

0% corporate tax on qualifying income for eligible free zone entities. Standard 9% rate applies only to non-qualifying income above AED 375,000. 0% personal income tax, with full profit repatriation.

Customs Advantages

Duty-free import and export of goods within the free zone.

World-Class Infrastructure

Access to modern offices, warehouses, and business facilities.

Visa Sponsorship

Sponsor residence visas for yourself, employees, and dependents.

Regulatory Flexibility

Simplified licensing and streamlined government procedures.

Entity Types

Choose the right structure for your free zone company.

FZE: Free Zone Establishment

A single-shareholder entity ideal for sole entrepreneurs who want complete control of their business.

Single shareholder
Limited liability protection
Simple governance structure

FZCO: Free Zone Company

A multi-shareholder entity perfect for partnerships and joint ventures with two or more shareholders.

Two or more shareholders
Flexible ownership distribution
Ideal for partnerships

Popular Free Zones

We help you choose the right free zone based on your industry, budget, and business goals.

DMCC

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

Ideal for trading, commodities, and financial services.

JAFZA

Jebel Ali Free Zone

Perfect for logistics, manufacturing, and large-scale trading.

Dubai Internet City

DIC

Hub for technology, media, and digital businesses.

ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Financial free zone with a robust regulatory framework.

IFZA

International Free Zone Authority

Cost-effective setup with flexible packages for startups and SMEs.

Sharjah Media City

Shams

Affordable option for media, e-commerce, and creative businesses.

Setup Process

From choosing your free zone to receiving your license, total timeline is approximately 1-3 weeks, with many zones completing in just 5-7 business days.

STEP 1

1-2 days

Choose Your Free Zone

Select from 40+ free zones based on your industry. DMCC for commodities and trading, DIC for tech, JAFZA for logistics, IFZA for startups. We help you pick the best fit.

STEP 2

1 day

Select License Type

Choose the right license: trading, professional, industrial, e-commerce, or dual license depending on your business activities.

STEP 3

1-2 days

Submit Application & Documents

Complete the application and submit all required documents. Most free zones accept online submissions for faster processing.

STEP 4

2-5 days

Approval & Fee Payment

Receive approval from the free zone authority and pay applicable government and license fees.

STEP 5

1-2 days

Sign Facility Lease

Choose and sign a lease for your facility: options range from virtual offices and flexi-desks to dedicated offices and warehouses.

STEP 6

1-3 days

Receive License

Receive your trade license and certificate of incorporation. Your company is now officially registered.

STEP 7

5-10 days/visa

Visa Processing

Process residence visas for yourself, employees, and dependents including medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for a smooth application process.

Personal Documents

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Passport-size photographs
Completed application form
Business plan or activity description
Preferred company name options

UAE Residents (Additional)

Current UAE visa copy
Emirates ID copy
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor

Additional Documents

Bank reference letter (required by some zones)
Proof of home country address
CV/resume (required by ADGM and DIFC)
Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)

Free zone regulations, fees, visa allocations, and approved activities are set by each individual free zone authority and update periodically. Information current as of May 2026. Contact us for current requirements specific to your situation.

Free Zone Company FAQ

Common questions about setting up a free zone company in the UAE.

Ready to set up your free zone company?

Fifteen-minute call with the founder. We’ll match you to the right zone for your activity and walk the file through together.

Book a 15-minute consultation