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Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai
Set up a free zone company in Dubai or another UAE free zone, with 100% ownership and a package that fits your budget and visa needs. Tell us what you need, and we'll connect you with consultants who handle free zone setups.
100% foreign ownership
Packages with or without visas
Flexi-desk and office options available
*Trade license without visa. Prices vary by free zone and are subject to change.
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Find Consultants for Every Step of Your Business Setup
- Trade License
- Company Registration
- Residence Visa Processing
- Emirates ID Processing
- Establishment Card
- Immigration Card
- Corporate Tax Registration
- Bank Account Assistance
- PRO Services & Govt Liaison
- Document Attestation
- Trade Name Reservation
- MOA / AOA Drafting
- VAT Registration
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Virtual / Flexi / Physical Office
- Ongoing Compliance Support
Compare Before You Choose
See the services different consultants offer in one place. Contact the ones that fit your requirements and discuss fees and timelines with them directly.
Why Set Up in the UAE
The Benefits of UAE Residency
Setting up your own company in the UAE can make you eligible for a residence visa. This lets you live and work in the country, sponsor family members, and access local banking, healthcare and education.
Live & Work
Live and work in the UAE under your company's visa.
Tax Environment
The UAE has a competitive tax system for businesses.
Global Reach
Access regional and international markets from the UAE.
Banking Access
Open a corporate bank account, subject to bank approval.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor eligible family members once you meet the requirements.
Visa Services
Find consultants who handle visa processing and renewals.
Simple 3-step process
Find your consultant in 3-Steps
Tell us what you need, compare consultants, and choose the one that suits your business.
- 01
Share Your Requirements
Fill in a short form with your business activity, preferred setup type and timeline. This helps us understand what kind of consultant you're looking for.
- Business activity & setup type
- Your timeline
Your Request
Quick online form
- Tell us your business activity
- Choose mainland, free zone or offshore
- Share when you plan to start
- 02
Get Connected with Consultants
We connect you with consultants who offer the services you need. Review your options, ask questions, and compare before you decide.
Consultant Match
- Request received
- Matched with consultants
- Consultants get in touch
- Compare your options
- 03
Work with Your Chosen Consultant
Choose the consultant that fits your business. Agree on scope, fees and timelines with them directly, and they'll guide you through the setup process.
License IssuedReady to trade
What is a free zone company?
A free zone company is registered with a free zone authority instead of the Department of Economy and Tourism. The UAE has many free zones, and several of the best known are in Dubai. Each one has its own rules, activities and packages.
Free zone company setup in Dubai is popular with entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and international businesses. It usually offers full foreign ownership, simpler package-based pricing and flexible office options.
Who is a free zone license right for?
A free zone license usually suits businesses that:
- trade internationally or serve clients outside the UAE
- work online, like e-commerce, consultancy, IT and media
- want a lower-cost start with a package price
- don't need a shop or office open to the public
- need a residence visa for the owner and a small team
Selling directly to UAE customers? A mainland company setup in Dubai may suit you better. Compare both in our guide: Mainland vs Free Zone.
Benefits of free zone business setup
100% foreign ownership
You can own your free zone company fully, with no local partner needed.
Package-based pricing
Most free zones offer packages that combine the license, office option and visas, so it's easier to plan your budget.
Flexible office options
Many free zones offer flexi-desks or shared offices, so you don't always need to rent a full office.
Visa packages
Choose a package with no visa, or with one or more visas for yourself, your partners and your staff.
Multiple activities on one license
Many free zones let you combine several related activities on a single license.
Tax benefits for qualifying income
Free zone companies may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if they meet certain conditions. Read more: Corporate Tax for Free Zone Companies.
Popular free zones in Dubai and the UAE
We can help you find consultants for setups in a wide range of free zones, including:
Dubai free zones
- DMCC
- IFZA
- Meydan Free Zone
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai South
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
Other UAE free zones
- Ajman Free Zone
- SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)
- SPC Free Zone
- RAKEZ
- Other free zones on request
The right free zone depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and whether you need a Dubai address. Your consultant can help you compare the options.
Free zone package prices
Free zone setup costs depend on the free zone, your activity, the number of visas and the license duration. Here's an example of starting prices for 1-year packages:
| Package | Starting from |
|---|---|
| Trade license (no visa) | AED 4,888 |
| Trade license + 1 visa | AED 10,800 |
| Trade license + 2 visas | AED 16,200 |
| Trade license + 3 visas | AED 20,700 |
Packages with more visas, and multi-year licenses of 2 to 5 years, are also available.
Example prices are based on selected UAE free zone packages with full advance payment. Prices vary by free zone, including Dubai free zones, and are subject to change. Health insurance, which is required for visas, is not included. Confirm your final quote before payment.
What's usually included in a free zone package
Inclusions vary by free zone, but a typical package can include:
Company registration
- Business license
- Lease agreement (flexi-desk or office)
- MOA / AOA (if applicable)
- Commercial registry
- Share certificate
- Certificate of incorporation
- Certificate of incumbency
- Bank letter to open an account
Visa services (visa packages)
- Establishment card
- E-channel registration
- Entry permit
- Visa status change (if applicable)
- Visa medical
- Residence visa
- Emirates ID
Your consultant will confirm exactly what's included in your chosen package.
How free zone company setup works
- Share your requirements: tell us your business activity, number of shareholders, visa needs and budget.
- Get connected with a consultant: we connect you with a consultant who handles free zone setups. They'll suggest suitable free zones and give you a quote.
- Choose your free zone and package: pick the free zone, activity, office type and number of visas.
- Submit documents: your consultant prepares and submits your application to the free zone authority.
- Get your license: once approved and paid, your free zone license and company documents are issued.
- Visas and banking: next come the establishment card, residence visas and your corporate bank account.
New to this? Read: How to Start a Business in Dubai
Documents usually required
- passport copies of all shareholders
- passport-size photos
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if you're in the UAE
- Emirates ID, if you're a UAE resident
- proof of address (some free zones)
- corporate documents, if the shareholder is a company (these usually need to be attested)
Requirements vary by free zone. See the full checklist: Documents Required to Start a Business in the UAE
Visas for free zone companies
Free zone packages can include one or more residence visas. The number of visas usually depends on your package and office type. Once you have a residence visa, you may also be able to sponsor your family.
See our visa services or read: How Many Visas Can My Company Get?
Why use Company Setup Consultant?
- Many free zones, one enquiry: tell us what you need, and we'll connect you with consultants who handle free zone setups across Dubai and the UAE.
- Compare before you commit: review packages and prices before you decide.
- Mainland and free zone covered: if mainland suits your business better, see mainland company setup in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
What is a free zone company in Dubai?
A free zone company is registered with a free zone authority rather than the Department of Economy and Tourism. Free zone companies usually offer 100% foreign ownership and package-based setup, but they may have limits on trading directly with the UAE local market.
How much does free zone company setup cost?
Free zone packages start from AED 4,888 for a trade license without a visa. The final cost depends on the free zone, your activity, the number of visas, the office type and the license duration.
Can I get a visa with a free zone license?
Yes. Most free zones offer packages with one or more visas. The number of visas usually depends on your package and office type.
Do I need a physical office in a free zone?
Not always. Many free zones offer flexi-desk or shared office options. Some activities, or a higher number of visas, may need a dedicated office.
Can a free zone company trade in mainland Dubai?
Free zone companies usually cannot trade directly with the local market without a distributor, an additional permit or a mainland branch. The rules depend on the free zone and your activity.
Which free zone is best for my business?
There is no single best free zone. The right choice depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and whether you need a Dubai address. A consultant can help you compare options.
Ready to set up your free zone company?
Tell us about your business activity, budget and visa needs, and we'll connect you with a consultant who handles free zone setups in Dubai and across the UAE.
Send Your Enquiry