Dubai Free Zone Business Setup
Flexible trade licenses, 100% ownership, and 0% tax - in 30+ Dubai free zones! Move from an idea to company launch in just days with Dubiz free zone company formation experts in Dubai.
Business setup in Dubai free zone is highly popular among investors and entrepreneurs worldwide. Over 30 free zones operating in Dubai, and more under construction, offer benefits such as tax-free profits, 100% foreign ownership, world-class infrastructure, and full capital and profit repatriation.
Each free zone acts as a specialised economic area, governed by its own regulatory authority and business rules. Together, they support a wide range of sectors, including consulting, trading, tech startups, media businesses, and freelancing.
Typically, it takes 7–12 days to legally register free zone business setup in Dubai. However, with the expertise of Dubiz Business Setup, the process can be completed in as little as 3 to 6 working days, depending on the chosen business activity and required approvals.
What is free zone company formation in Dubai?
Forming a company in free zone means legally obtaining a business license with one of the free zone authorities in Dubai, like Meydan Freezone, IFZA, Innovation City, Dubai South, DWTC, or others.
Key facts to know:
Setup time:
3 to 6 working days
Starting cost:
AED 5,999* setup cost
Ownership:
100% foreign ownership
Visa eligibility:
Depends on visa package, 1 – 2 generally
Operational scope:
International, free zone, mainland with DET license
Corporate tax:
0% on qualifying income
Licensing authority:
Respective free zone authority
Choice:
30+ Dubai freezones
Office:
Rented, flexi-desk or shared workspace
Pick from Dubai’s top free zones
Types of business structures available in Dubai free zones
There are multiple types of business structures in the UAE allowed in freezone company formation in UAE. Choosing the right structure becomes essential as it impacts business operations, tax liability, and control mechanisms.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)
An FZ-LLC protects shareholders by limiting their liability to the amount they have invested in the company. This means your personal assets remain safe. You can have up to 50 shareholders in the company, minimum being 2.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A Free Zone Establishment is a single-owner business. It is ideal if you want to run your company independently. In some cases, foreigners may need to involve local service agents who help with registration without taking any company stake.
Branch/Representative Office
Already existing companies in other parts of the UAE, GCC, or foreign countries can expand their business setup in Dubai free zones by opening branches or representative offices here. Activities remain similar to the parent company.
What is the cost of business setup in Dubai freezone?
Dubai free zone license cost starts from as low as AED 5,999*, without a visa.
However, the cost is not fixed. Your business license type, visa requirements, number of activities, and the selected free zone matter.
Typically, your main costs will be:
- 01
Trade license fee
- 02
Trade name fee
- 03
- 04
Office cost
- 05
Document typing
- 06
Government permit fee
Get your best offer with us
Dubai free zone company setup packages with visa (h3)
| Free Zone | Price* | License | Activities | Certificate of Incorporation | Memorandum of Association | Lease / Workspace | 1 lifetime residence visa | Banking Assistance | Medical & Emirates ID | Establishment Card | E-channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA Business Setup | AED 17,700 | Up to 3 | NA in Dubai | ||||||||
| RAKEZ Business Setup | AED 14,010 | Up to 3 | |||||||||
| Ajman Business Setup | AED 10,800 | Up to 10 |
Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones
Here are the benefits of starting a business in a free zone in Dubai:
Strategic location:
- Close to ports, airports, and transport hubs, ideal for global trade.
Simplified UAE Freezone Company Formation Process
Here are easy steps for business setup in Dubai free zones:
STEP 1
Choose business operations
Determine the operations for your business. With more than 2,000 business activities permitted, there are many industries thriving in Dubai.
STEP 2
Select your ideal freezone
For your business, you must choose the ideal freezone, the one that offers the business license you need, that suits your budget and provides the needed facilities.
STEP 3
Determine the legal structure
STEP 4
Select a trade name
Next, you must determine and register a business name, which should be respectful of the naming rules of the nation.
STEP 5
Obtain initial approvals
You must secure initial approval from the respective freezone authority to go ahead with Dubai freezone company setup.
STEP 6
Get additional government approvals
Some business activities need approval from specific government bodies, like Ministries or other government departments.
STEP 7
Secure a workspace
Choose suitable office space for business which you can either purchase or rent, depending on the requirements and size of your business.
STEP 8
Submit the license application
STEP 9
License approval and issuance
Once your license application is reviewed and approved by the respective authority, your Dubai freezone license will be issued to you successfully.
STEP 10
Bank account and visa
What is the Cost of Business Setup in Freezone?
Dubai free zone license cost can start from anywhere around AED 6,000*.
The total Dubai freezone company setup cost however will depend on many factors such as number of visas needed, office space requirements, nature of business etc.
To Find The Exact Cost,
Types of Business Structures in UAE Freezones
There are multiple types of business structures in UAE allowed in freezones. Choosing the right structure becomes essential as it impacts business operations, tax liability, and control mechanisms.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)
Freezone Limited Liability Company provides benefits to shareholders by protecting their assets against company liabilities. The shareholders' liability is limited to the shares and assets they own in the company, with the maximum number of shareholders being 50.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A Free Zone Establishment is a sole proprietorship model where a single person can start and control a business. It is ideal for those who want to run the company entirely on their own terms with complete freedom.
Branch/Representative Office
Already existing companies can expand their business to freezones and set up branches or representative offices there. The existing company can be either a local or a foreign entity.
UAE Freezone Business License Options
Freezones in Dubai offer a variety of trade licenses. You can obtain the one that matches your specific business operations:
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Commercial License
Ideal for those involved in buying and selling goods and commodities, such as exporters, importers, retailers, and wholesalers.
Industrial License
Suitable for manufacturing and industrial activities, including businesses like textile and food manufacturing companies in UAE.
Service License
Allows professionals to deliver services based on their expertise and experience, such as legal advisors, teachers and consultants.
General Trading License
For businesses looking to trade in a wide range of goods and products, including import and export business setup in Dubai free zone.
E-Commerce License
E-commerce license is perfect for entrepreneurs entering the digital space to sell products online through websites, apps, social media, and more.
Freelance License
Ideal for independent professionals and freelancers offering services in fields like IT, marketing, web development, and more on a client-to-client basis without being tied to employment.
Consultancy License
Best suited for professionals offering advisory services, such as legal consultants, accountants, and business advisors.
Manufacturing License
Perfect for businesses involved in the production of goods, commodities, and other items.
Documentation requirement
- Trade name list
- A list of business activities
- A copy of the shareholders' passport
- Visa page or entry stamp
- A passport-sized photo taken according to UAE guidelines (size, backdrop colour, etc.)
- Attested copies of the registration certificate, incorporation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
- Tenancy contract
- Business plan
- Bank reference
- Additional documents as needed