Free Zone Company Formation in the UAE:
Zones, Licences and Setup
A free zone company is licensed by a zone authority rather than the Department of Economy and Tourism. Free zones generally allow 100% foreign ownership, but each has its own activity list, premises rules and limits on trading in the mainland. Maven& compares zones against your activity, customers, premises and visa needs, then handles your licence, visas and bank account.
- 100% foreign ownership in most free zones
- Zone chosen for your activity and customers
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- UAE free zone setup partner
Foreign ownership
Generally available in UAE free zones, with extra approvals for regulated activities.
Free zones we cover
DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, Dubai South, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS and SPC.
Team from start to launch
One consultant handles your application, approvals, visas and bank account introductions.
- Choosing a zone
How to choose a free zone
Overseas-focused service and consulting firms
Zones such as IFZA, Meydan and DMCC suit businesses whose clients are mostly overseas or online.
Logistics, trading and aviation
Dubai South, DAFZA and RAKEZ suit businesses that move goods or need warehouses and airport access.
Media, creative and publishing
SHAMS and SPC in Sharjah suit media, content and publishing businesses.
Technology and electronics
Dubai Silicon Oasis suits technology and electronics businesses that want a technology park.
Which rules apply to every free zone company?
Free zones share a framework but differ on premises, activities and approvals. Check these points before you choose.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is generally available, with no UAE national partner needed for a standard setup.
- Premises: every free zone company needs a registered address in the zone, from a flexi-desk to an office or warehouse.
- Mainland trading: a free zone licence does not automatically allow unrestricted trading in the UAE mainland.
- Regulated activities: healthcare, education and finance need approval from the relevant authority.
- Corporate tax: 0% applies only to qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
- Compare free zones
Compare the main UAE free zones
The right zone depends on your activity, customers, premises and visa needs. This table is a starting point, not a recommendation.
| Zone | Location | Best known for | Premises |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai | Commodities, trading, holding and services | Registered address in the zone |
| IFZA | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai | Consultants, traders and startups | Flexi-desk to office |
| Meydan | Meydan City, Dubai | Digital setup, e-commerce and consultants | Digital setup with workspace options |
| Dubai South | Around Al Maktoum Airport, Dubai | Logistics, aviation and e-commerce | Flexi-desk, office or warehouse |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai | Technology and electronics | Leased office space |
| DAFZA | Next to Dubai International Airport | Established traders, aviation and technology | Leased office, warehouse or unit |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Industrial, trading and cost-conscious businesses | Flexi-desk to warehouse and land |
| SHAMS | Sharjah Media City, Sharjah | Media, creative and freelancers | Flexi-desk or office |
| SPC | Sharjah | Publishing, content and e-commerce | Office or flexible space |
Read the free zone vs mainland guide or browse the UAE free zones directory.
- Company structures
Three ways to set up in a free zone
Company (FZE)
For solo owners
- One shareholder
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Premises sized to your visa plan
- Entity names differ by zone
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Company (FZCO)
For partners and co-founders
- Two or more shareholders
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Shareholding set out in the MoA
- Same premises and visa rules apply
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
a Company
For existing businesses
- Extends a company incorporated elsewhere
- Parent company documents need attestation
- Licensed under the parent company name
- The parent company carries the liability
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does free zone company formation in the UAE cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every government and service fee before you commit.
- Licence and activity fees
- Premises or tenancy costs, where required
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Extra approvals, if your activity needs them
- Annual renewal and accounting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a free zone company in 5 steps
Choose your activities
We list your activities and check which zones allow them and which need approvals.
Compare zones
We compare zones on activity, premises, visa quota, tax position and fit with your customers.
Reserve a name and apply
We reserve a compliant name and submit the application to your chosen zone.
Receive your licence
After approvals and fees, the zone issues your trade licence and incorporation documents.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up accounting and tax registration support.
Documents required for free zone company formation in the UAE
Most applications need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your case.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you are a resident
- Three proposed names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Source of funds details, where the authority or bank asks for them
- Approval documents, where your activity is regulated
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for free zone company formation in the UAE
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right activity, structure and authority
Rules differ by activity and authority. We check your activity, structure and approvals before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- FAQs
free zone company formation in the UAE: frequently asked questions
A free zone company is a legal entity licensed by a free zone authority, such as DMCC, IFZA or Meydan, rather than by a mainland economic department. It generally offers 100% foreign ownership and is tied to its zone for premises and licensing.
Yes. Free zones generally allow 100% foreign ownership, so you do not need a UAE national partner for a standard setup. Regulated activities can need extra approvals.
Not automatically. A standard free zone licence does not give unrestricted mainland trading rights, so trading with UAE customers depends on your licence, any dual licence or permit, and approvals. A mainland company may fit better if most customers are in the UAE.
Yes, they must register. A free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it is a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and 9% on other income above AED 375,000. See corporate tax registration and filing.
You need a registered address in the zone. Options range from a flexi-desk to a private office or warehouse, and the choice affects how many residence visas you can sponsor.
Yes. A free zone company can sponsor residence visas for owners and employees, with the number linked to your premises and package. See free zone residence visas.
The cost depends on your activity, premises, visas and approvals, so there is no single price. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
The timeline depends on your activity, authority, documents and approvals, and visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. We confirm your activity and structure, prepare the application, manage approvals and follow the process through to licence, visas and bank account. Final approvals are always the authority\u2019s decision. Contact us for an itemised quote.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to start with free zone company formation in the UAE?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a plan built around your business. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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