Free zone company setup: fast, flexible, fully yours
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simple packages with a flexi-desk and visas, and quick licensing. We compare the zones for your activity and budget, show every cost and handle the whole setup.
Five free zones, one honest comparison
Each zone has its own strengths, rules and prices. We recommend the one that fits your activity, visas and budget.
Dubai Free Zone
A Dubai address with a wide activity list and flexible packages.
- Combine several activities on one licence
- Popular for consulting, trading and e-commerce
- Packages from no visa upwards
Dubai Free Zone Premium
A prestigious central Dubai location and business community.
- Up to 3 activities on one licence
- Visa allocations added as you grow
- Strong brand for client-facing firms
Sharjah Free Zone
Cost-effective packages, with strong options for media and creative work.
- Low-cost starter licences
- Up to 5 activities
- Good fit for freelancers and media
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
Flexible licences for trading, services and industry.
- Up to 10 activities on one licence
- Up to 50 shareholders
- Options for warehouses and industrial land
Ajman Free Zone
Budget-friendly setup with fast processing.
- Competitive packages with visas
- General trading option available
- Close to Dubai
See current costs
Compare government fees for every zone line by line, then get a written quote.
What a free zone company can and cannot do
| Topic | In short |
|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership. No local partner needed. |
| Where you trade | Freely inside the zone and internationally. Selling goods into the UAE market usually needs a local distributor or a mainland licence. Rules for services to mainland clients vary by zone and activity. |
| Office | A flexi-desk is often part of the package. Larger offices or warehouses are available inside the zone. |
| Visas | The number of visas depends on your package and office. |
| Corporate tax | 0% on qualifying income only if all Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions are met. Other income is taxed at 9%. Read our tax guide. |
| Banking | Free zone companies can open UAE corporate bank accounts. Approval is always the bank's decision. |
From choice to licence
We compare zones on activities, visas, office and total cost, then reserve your name.
Passport copies and simple forms. We prepare the application for you.
Many zones issue the licence within a few working days once the file is complete.
Establishment card, residency visas, Emirates ID and your bank account file.
Free zone questions
Which free zone is the cheapest?
It depends on your activity and how many visas you need. A cheap licence without visas can cost more overall once you add visas. Our cost calculator compares the full cost.
Can a free zone company work with clients in Dubai?
For services, often yes, depending on the zone and activity. For selling goods into the UAE market, you usually need a distributor or a mainland licence. We check your case before you choose.
Do I pay tax in a free zone?
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax. They can pay 0% on qualifying income only if they meet all the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions. Other income is taxed at 9%.
Can I get a residency visa with a free zone company?
Yes. Your package sets how many visas you can apply for, and you can sponsor your family once your residency is issued.
Do I need to visit the UAE?
Many free zones allow the licence to be issued remotely. You need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID.
Can I change to mainland later?
Yes, you can add a mainland licence or branch as you grow. We plan the right path from the start.
Find your best free zone
Compare every zone's real cost in two minutes, then talk to a senior advisor.
