Free Zone Company
With over 40 free zones across UAE offering company formation solutions, it becomes challenging to figure out which free zone to set up your business in. Dubai offers more than 30 free zone and has some of the renowned free zones in the UAE. Dubai free zones offer world-class business amenities, flexible set ups options (flexi-desk and flexi-office).
While maintaining complete privacy with limited reporting requirements, foreign investors can own 100% of the share capital and are allowed to repatriate 100% the company’s profits. Investors can set up two types of free zone companies, a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and a Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO/FZ-LLC). The former allows for only one shareholder, while the latter provides for two or more shareholders. Or the option to set up a rep/branch office of a multinational company.
Our corporate team recognizes the need for specialist advice tailored to foreign investors who wish to establish in the UAE and is capable to advise you on the most suitable free zone option for your business in the UAE.
Fill out our application form to receive our professional advice on free zone company formation.
Ajman Free Zone
Set up in 1988, Ajman Free Zone is conveniently located near the Ajman port and the Dubai and Sharjah airports, ensuring easy inward and outward movement of products and transport. Ajman Free Zone offers customizable spaces that meet health, F&B and industrial business requirements. The free zone also provides offshore licenses for those looking to avail offshore company facilities. All in all, Ajman Free Zone offers efficient services for its clients with various business activities.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce Freelance Service Industrial Commercial Pioneer Offshore |
None |
Rental cost for office space varies depending on license package. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,200 |
1 |
Freelance License - AED 6,000 Service License – AED 16,135 Trading License - AED 13,535 General Trading License - AED 18,735 E-commerce License - 19,635 |
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone was established in 2002 with the aim of bringing together healthcare services to the society, attracting the best of global and regional names. It also aimed to develop a network of businesses ranging from hospitality to consultancies, as well as retail outlets. The city currently hosts high-tech hospitals and medical teaching centers, upscale malls, and luxury hotels. Specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields can also apply for 10-year residency visas through Dubai Healthcare City.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Service Professional Commercial |
Share capital amount differs based on license activity. |
Clinical Unit Commercial Unit Retail Unit Executive Desks and Offices C37 Coworking Spaces |
3-year visa available depending on license package. |
1 |
License fees vary depending on activity however the initial application fee is AED 3,100 and commercial license fees begin at AED 15,000. |
Dubai Internet City
Established in 2000, Dubai Internet City (DIC), provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to support the business development of information and communications technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East’s biggest ICT infrastructure, built inside of a free trade zone. DIC’s partnership with in5 centers, allows for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups to make use of its incubation program in order to avail in5 benefits.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce Software IT Service Internet, Multimedia Telecommunication & Network |
Generally, AED 10,000, however share capital amount might differ based on activity type. Share capital not required if it is a branch set up. |
Shared desks available for AED 25,000 per year. Exclusive desks available for AED 35,000 per year. Furnished executive office available for AED 96,000 per year. Unfurnished Commercial Office - AED 175 per sq. foot per annum. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,380 if person is in inside UAE and AED 4,992 if person is outside UAE. No. of visas is dependent on nature of office. |
1 |
Starting at AED 15,020. |
Dubai Media City
Established in 2000 as part of the TECOM Group, Dubai Media City (DMC) was set up to create a world-class environment for global and regional media companies as well as independent media professionals in the United Arab Emirates. Companies of every kind in Dubai Media City have been operating with collective synergy, including media and marketing services, printing and publishing, music, film, new media, leisure and entertainment, broadcasting and information agencies. DMC also offers Boutique Studios that are the perfect fit for TV stations and production companies, giving clients the option to rent an entire building which includes ground plus two floors.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ecommere Event Management Media & Advertising Freelance |
Share capital amount differs based on license activity. |
Office space ranges from 700 sq ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. at AED 190 per sq. foot per annum. |
3-year visa available depending on office space. |
1 |
AED 18,540 |
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was established in 2002, to provide the physical, market and financial infrastructure required to set up a commodity marketplace in Dubai. Some of the commodities DMCC permits with respect to trade are Gold, Precious Stones, Base Metals, Crypto and Coffee, to name a few. DMCC offers individuals and corporate entities the options to set up a new company, open a branch office and even transfer an existing business. Packages provided by DMCC are as follows:
- Jump start Package – ideal for startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs
- Prime Plus Package – created for medium and large businesses
- Basic Biz Package – ideal for individual entrepreneurs
- JLT Resident Package – designed specifically for JLT residents
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Trading Service Industrial |
AED 50,000 |
Flexi Desk: AED 16,800 per year. Serviced Office: AED 35,000 per year. Physical Office: AED 50 - 150 sq. ft. per year. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,335. |
1 |
License packages range from AED 34000 - AED 85000 Initial Application: AED 1035 Registration: AED 9020 License: AED 20285 |
Dubai South Free Zone
Established in 2006, Dubai South Free Zone is an ideal area for company setup. It is part of a master-planned city centered around the new Al Maktoum International Airport, which is projected to be the world’ largest. Dubai South has a privileged location for import-export firms as goods can go from sea to air in just four hours due to its proximity to the Al Maktoum airport and the Jebel Ali Port along with a wide array of activities within the Aviation sector. Dubai South also consists of six dedicated areas serving the various types of e-commerce business needs such as last mile centers, e-fulfilment centers, repair & return centers, supply centers and office solutions.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Trading Aviation Education Freelance Service Industrial |
Share capital amount differs based on license activity. |
Rental cost for office space and/or flexi desk included in registration and licensing fee. |
3-year visa available depending on license package. |
1-5 |
AED 27,335 incl. Office Space |
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus
Dubai’s integrated technology free zone, Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC), is the largest tech startup coworking campus in the Middle East. Located in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, DTEC is at the epicenter of entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. DTEC is a platform for corporates to engage with tech focused UAE startups in a win-win outcome with a set of programs that support corporates in their digital transformation. DTEC also offers access to venture capitalists and is home to industry specialized accelerators like Intelak and Dubai Smart City Accelerator. Thus, it is a prime choice for startups and entrepreneurs.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Service Trade (Ecommerce) |
AED 10,000 |
Rental cost for office space and/or flexi desk ranges from AED 18,375 to AED 53,900 depending on size, location and availability. |
3-year visa available for AED 4,800. |
1 |
Service License fees available for AED 5,000. Trade License fees available for AED 8,000. |
Dubai World Trade Center
Established in 2015, Dubai World Trade Center Authority, (DWTC) provides an ideal environment for start-ups, SMEs, and large corporations. It is strategically situated in the heart of the city’s Central Business District at the Dubai Trade Center. DWTC provides different licenses for commercial, general trading, professional and event management activities. Due to its proximity to the Dubai International Financial District, it offers companies with great networking opportunities and allows them to benefit from a competitive and well-regulated ecosystem to compete even more effectively both locally and regionally.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce Event Management Media and Advertising Freelance |
AED 50,000 |
Office space ranges from 700 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. at AED 190 per sq. foot per year. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,200 if person is in inside UAE and AED 2,000 if person is outside UAE. No. of visas is dependent on nature of office. |
1 |
Ranging from AED 16,800 to 48,000 AED |
International Free Zone Authority
Strategically situated within one of the UAE’s dynamic business gateways, IFZA Dubai is a single point of contact for all Free Zone business formation and administration services. Distinguished as the only B2B-focused Free Zone in the UAE, IFZA Dubai is also uniquely positioned as a knowledge hub through the IFZA Academy, the first institution of its kind in the region dedicated to providing the most reliable industry knowledge, skills and experience for the Free Zone industry.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Trading Professional Industrial Commercial Branch Office |
None |
Flexi desk space for AED 8,640 per year. Dedicated office for AED 13, 440 per year. Private office for AED 18,240 per year. |
3-year visa available depending on license package. |
1 |
License packages starting from AED 13,900 to AED 29,900. |
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Formed in 1995, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority offers warehouses, offices and even plots of land for individuals and corporates looking to set up businesses in the Free Zone. With 100% tax exemption from all export and import duties and 100% recruitment of expatriates, combined with 24/7 hotline and emergency services, SAIF Zone proves to be an ideal company formation solution for industrial and trading companies.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Trading Commercial Ecommerce Service Industrial |
AED 150,000 |
Office space and warehouses depending upon type pf license. |
3-year visa available depending on office place. |
1 |
AED 18,540 |
Sharjah Media City
Having launched in 2017, Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and established businesses to set up companies with a special focus on media centric activities. However, SHAMS provides business solutions for industrial and trade related activities and has monthly promotional offers at feasible prices for anyone looking to incorporate.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Trading Service Industrial Holding Freelance |
None |
Shared desk option only starting from AED 3,675 per annum. 3-year visa available for both employees and partners at a cost of AED 3,234 and AED 3,675 respectively. Additional immigration fees may apply. |
3-year visa available for both employees and partners at a cost of AED 3,234 and AED 3,675 respectively. Additional immigration fees may apply. |
1 |
Starting from AED 11,500 |
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Established in 2017, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the leading investment hubs in the UAE that offers customizable solutions to free zone, non-free zone businesses and branch offices. From freelancers and startups to SMEs and industrialists, RAKEZ’s multinational community is flourishing in over 50 industries. RAKEZ provides special promotions for women entrepreneurs and connects investors to growing markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe as well as South and Central Asia.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Trading Service Educational E-commerce Industrial Commercial Professional Holding |
Share capital amount differs based on license activity. |
Rental cost for office space, flexi desks and warehouses is included in the registration and licensing fee. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,950. |
1 |
Fees range from AED 11,440 to AED 118,828 depending on the nature of license and business activity. |
Dubai Airport Zone
Established in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is wholly owned by the government of Dubai and supports foreign businesses by helping them establish their operations in Dubai. DAFZA is a dynamic business hub located at the very heart of global trade and offers a variety of business setup options (including office spaces, warehouses, light industrial units and food outlets) along with complete administrative assistance with regards to visas and other necessary documentation to ensure foreign businesses can enjoy hassle-free setup and operations.
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Trading Service Industrial Dual License with DED |
AED 1 |
Smart Desk available for AED 16,625 per annum. Premium office available for AED 62,500 per annum. Standard office available for AED 110,175 per annum. |
3-year visa available for AED 4,196 if person is in inside UAE and AED 2,696 if person is outside UAE. |
1 |
Starting from AED 41,695 |
Dubai Knowledge Park
Set up in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) aims to promote and facilitate the education sector in the UAE in order to develop a knowledge-based economy. DKP is one of two educational free zones in Dubai and is a unique hub that offers business activities in primarily the education and consultancy sector. Licenses issued under education segments require prior approval from the KHDA (Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority).
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Education and Consultancy Freelancing Service |
Share capital amount differs based on activity type. |
Minimum office space is available for 500 sq. ft. where AED 175 is charged per sq. ft. per year. |
3-year visa available for AED 3,820. |
1 |
Starting at AED 20,640. |
Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) was established in 2002 and is a leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The DIFC is only one of two financial free zones in the UAE and contains a robust independent judicial system & regulatory framework, a global financial exchange and inspiring architecture. The DIFC district also features ultra-modern office space, retail outlets, cafes & restaurants, art galleries, public green areas and hotels, marking it as a location where business meets luxury. All financial activities conducted in or from the DIFC are regulated by an independent regulator called the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
| AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES | MIN. SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS | FACILITIES | VISA AVAILABILITY | MIN. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | REGISTRATION & LICENSING FEES (APPROX.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Financial Non-Financial Retail |
Share capital requirements differ based on license activity. |
Rental costs vary depending on the units offered which are as follows:
Office Space Kiosks Fine Dining Units Hotel Units |
3-year visa available for AED 5,250 if person is in inside UAE and AED 3,820 if person is outside UAE. |
1 |
Starting at AED 40,000 |
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