IFZA (Dubai)
Flexible free zone popular with consultants, traders, agencies and tech start-ups; wide activity list and remote setup.
IFZA setup guide →
Free zone company formation
Free zone company setup in Dubai and the UAE
100% foreign ownership, fast licensing and flexible office options — in IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, RAKEZ and more. We help you pick the zone that fits.
Why founders choose a free zone
The UAE has more than 40 free zones, each with its own authority, activity list and pricing. They're designed for international business: you keep full ownership, repatriate profits freely and can often set up within days, without a physical office.
The trade-off is market access. A free zone company mainly trades within its zone, internationally, or with other businesses. If you plan to sell goods directly to UAE consumers, a mainland company or a dual licence may suit you better.
Tax: the honest picture
Free zone companies are within UAE Corporate Tax and must register. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income, but only if it meets conditions such as real substance in the zone, audited financial statements and limits on non-qualifying revenue. Other income is taxed at 9%. We plan your structure with this in mind from day one.
Popular free zones we work with
A short guide — the right one depends on your activity, visas, budget and clients.
Meydan Free Zone (Dubai)
Digital-first setup with flexible packages, suitable for service and e-commerce businesses.
Meydan Free Zone setup guide →DMCC (Dubai)
Large business district in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, strong for trading, commodities and professional services.
DMCC setup guide →DIFC (Dubai)
Financial centre with its own common-law courts and the DFSA as regulator — for financial services, fintech and holding structures.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
International financial centre applying English common law, regulated by the FSRA — for asset managers, holding companies and foundations.
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
Cost-effective option for SMEs, trading and industrial businesses, with warehouse and land options.
RAKEZ setup guide →SHAMS (Sharjah)
Media City free zone suited to media, creative and digital businesses and freelancers.
SHAMS setup guide →Ajman Free Zone (Ajman)
Long-established zone next to Ajman Port — trading, light industrial, freelancer and e-commerce licences with warehouses and offices.
Ajman Free Zone setup guide →SPC Free Zone (Sharjah)
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone — publishing and media, plus general trading, e-commerce and professional licences.
SPC Free Zone setup guide →SAIF Zone (Sharjah)
Airport free zone suited to logistics, import/export and distribution.
How do you set up a free zone company in the UAE?
Choose the zone
We shortlist zones for your activity, visas and budget and compare total cost.
Submit documents
Passport copies, application forms and business details — mostly online.
Licence approval
The free zone approves your activity and issues the licence and establishment card.
Start operating
Visas, bank account, Corporate Tax registration and bookkeeping set up.
Not sure which free zone fits?
Answer five quick questions in our free zone finder for an indicative starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free zone company tax-free?
Not automatically. Free zone companies must register for Corporate Tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income if it meets conditions such as adequate substance, audited financial statements and limits on non-qualifying revenue; other income is taxed at 9%. VAT applies as normal.
Which free zone is best for my business?
It depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and who your clients are. IFZA and Meydan suit consultants and service businesses, DMCC suits trading and commodities, DIFC and ADGM suit regulated financial services and holding structures, and RAKEZ and SAIF Zone suit industrial and logistics businesses. We compare them for your case.
Can I set up a free zone company remotely?
Yes, most free zones allow remote application and e-signing. You'll need to visit the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics, and usually for the bank meeting.
Can a free zone company sell to mainland customers?
Services to mainland businesses are often possible. Selling directly to mainland customers usually needs a mainland distributor, branch or licence. Since 2025, Dubai free zone companies (other than DIFC financial entities) can also apply to DET for a mainland permit or branch licence for approved activities. We check your business model before choosing a zone.
How quickly can I get a free zone licence?
Many free zones issue the licence within a few working days once all documents and approvals are in place. Visas and the bank account then follow.
Free: the UAE company setup checklist
Every decision, document, licence step, visa, bank and tax deadline on two printable pages. Enter your details once and the download opens straight away; we follow up only to offer a short consultation.
Which free zone fits your business?
Book a short online meeting. We'll compare two or three zones for your activity and send a written quote for the best fit.
After setup: keeping the free zone 0% rate
The 0% rate depends on substance, audited financial statements and the type of income. Read the QFZP conditions explained, or see bookkeeping for free zone companies on pbz.ae.
Important: This page is provided for general information and knowledge purposes only, as at 11 October 2026. It is not legal, tax, immigration, financial or other professional advice, and it is not a recommendation or suggestion to take, or not take, any action. UAE laws, government requirements, fees and processes change frequently and can depend on your specific facts, so verify the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before making any decision. Any service from ProBiz Setup is provided only under a written engagement. See our full disclaimer.