100% ownership. Zero compromises.
Free Zones are delineated economic areas designed to enhance international business by offering expatriates full foreign ownership, streamlined administration and sector-specific infrastructure.
Six steps from idea to trading licence.
Choose a business activity
Match your intended trade to the activity list of the free zone authority.
Select a free zone
Sector, location, cost and visa quotas all influence the right choice.
Choose and register your company name
Reserve a compliant name with the relevant authority.
Apply for your licence
Prepare documents, MOA and initial approvals.
Obtain a visa
Investor and employee visas, Emirates ID, medical screening.
Open your corporate bank account
Introductions to our network of 10+ national and international banks.
Free zones across the seven emirates.
- -JAFZA
- -DAFZA
- -DIFC
- -DSOA
- -Dubai South (DWC)
- -DMCC
- -Dubai Media City
- -Dubai Internet City
- -KIZAD
- -ADAFTZ
- -SAIF (Sharjah Airport)
- -SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)
- -AFZA (Ajman)
- -RAKEZ
- -Fujairah Free Zone
- -FCC (Fujairah Creative City)
- -UAQFTZ (Umm Al Quwain)
Nine reasons founders choose a free zone.
- -100% foreign ownership
- -Repatriation of capital and profits
- -Corporate and personal income tax exemptions
- -Exemption from import & export duties
- -Affordable energy and workforce
- -Streamlined administrative services
- -On-site customs inspections
- -Rapid incorporation - as quick as four hours
- -Sector-specific infrastructure and clustering
What to keep in mind.
- 01
Free Zone companies cannot trade directly with the UAE mainland market and must engage a local distributor. A 5% customs duty applies to local trade.
- 02
Understand each free zone's incentives, activities and share-capital rules before committing.
- 03
Free zone authorities support company administration and workforce recruitment - leverage that.
Which free zone fits your business?
Answer five short questions. We'll return with the right zone, licence type, banking route and visa quotas - with a fixed quote.
Talk to a consultant