Free Zone Company Setup Services in the UAE

100% foreign-owned free zone company formation across the UAE's major free zones, matched to your industry and trading needs.

UAE free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and, for many activities, a simpler setup process than the Mainland. We help you choose the right free zone for your activity and budget, whether that is DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, Meydan or another jurisdiction, and manage licence issuance end to end.

Free zone entities have their own VAT and Corporate Tax considerations, including qualifying free zone income, which we assess as part of setup so you understand your tax position from day one rather than discovering it at filing time.

What to Compare Between Free Zones

Permitted activities and whether yours is licensed
Licence, registration and renewal costs
Visa allocation and office or flexi-desk options
Annual financial statement or audit requirements
Whether the zone allows trading on the mainland and on what terms
Banking appetite for companies in that zone

Zones We Work In

We support companies in DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA and Meydan, with remote clients in other zones. Read the zone guides for DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA and Meydan.

Ongoing Obligations

A free zone licence is not tax-free by default. Registration for Corporate Tax, a possible VAT registration and annual statements or an audit are usually required.

This service is part of our Business Setup practice. See the full overview: Business Licensing & Office Setup Support in the UAE.

Often needed together with: Mainland Company Setup Services in Dubai, Offshore Company Setup Services in the UAE, Branch Office Setup Services in the UAE, Corporate Bank Account Opening Services in the UAE.

Also see: Accounting & Bookkeeping Services in Dubai, Corporate Tax Registration & Filing Services in the UAE, Government & PRO Approval Services in the UAE.

Where We Provide This Service

Accounting services in Bur Dubai · Accounting services in DMCC · Accounting services in JAFZA · Accounting services in IFZA · Accounting services in Meydan · Accounting services in Abu Dhabi · Accounting services in Sharjah

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
Free zone matched to your activity, budget and target market
Qualifying Free Zone Person status assessed from the outset
Licence, visa quota and office solution arranged together

Our Process

Compare free zones against your activity and budget
Reserve trade name and submit licence application
Choose your office or flexi-desk solution and visa quota
Collect your licence and establishment card

Frequently Asked Questions

Which free zone is best for my business?

It depends on your activity, budget and whether you need physical office or warehouse space. We compare the relevant free zones against your specific needs rather than defaulting to one.

Can a free zone company trade with Mainland UAE customers?

Yes, though direct Mainland trade generally requires either a Mainland branch or a local distributor, depending on the activity. We advise on the right structure if Mainland trade is part of your plan.

How many visas can I get with a free zone licence?

Visa quota depends on the free zone, your office or flexi-desk package, and sometimes your share capital. We confirm the exact quota available before you commit to a package.

What is a Qualifying Free Zone Person and why does it matter?

It is a Corporate Tax status that allows qualifying income to be taxed at 0% instead of the standard 9% rate. Not all free zone income qualifies, so we assess this as part of setup, not after your first filing.

How long does free zone company setup take?

Many free zones can issue a licence within three to ten working days once documents are submitted, though this varies by free zone and activity.

Can I switch from a free zone to a Mainland licence later?

Yes, though it is a formal restructuring rather than a simple amendment. We can advise on the process and timing if your business outgrows the free zone.