- 100% Ownership
- Multiple Shareholders
- Free Lease Agreement
- 0% Service Charges
- Free Consultation
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Free Zone Business Setup Dubai
Looking to start a free zone business setup in Dubai? Get 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and fast-track licensing with a Dubai free zone company. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding internationally, our experts handle the process end-to-end — so you can focus on growing your business.
What Is a Free Zone in Dubai?
A Free Zone in Dubai is a designated area where businesses enjoy benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulations. It’s the preferred choice for entrepreneurs who want a quick and cost-effective launch. With a free zone business setup in Dubai, you can operate internationally, sponsor visas, and open a corporate bank account with ease. Popular options include IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, and Shams each offering tailored solutions for different industries.
Why Start a Business in Dubai Free Zone?
100% Foreign Ownership
Dubai Free Zones offer full foreign ownership, enabling entrepreneurs to retain complete control and decision-making authority over their businesses.
Tax Benefits
Businesses in Dubai Free Zones benefit from zero personal and corporate income taxes, allowing entrepreneurs to maximize profits and reinvest in growth.
Customs Privileges
Free Zones provide customs duty exemptions for imports and exports, reducing operational costs and enhancing competitiveness in international trade.
Simplified Setup
Dubai Free Zones offer streamlined procedures with minimal paperwork, enabling entrepreneurs to establish their businesses swiftly and efficiently.
Types of Free Zones in Dubai
Multi-Industry Free Zones
General trading, services, light manufacturing:
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Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Ministry of Economy UAEBusiness Setup Consultants
Financial Free Zone
International banking, asset management, fintech:
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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Business Setup Consultants
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Technology & Innovation Free Zones
IT, telecom, R&D:
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Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
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Dubai Internet City (DIC) Invest in DubaiBusiness Setup Consultant
Media & Creative Free Zones
Advertising, design, production:
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Dubai Design District (d3) Invest in Dubai
Logistics & Aviation Free Zones
Cargo, warehousing, aerospace:
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Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
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Dubai South (Dubai World Central) Invest in DubaiUAE Government Portal
Education & Academic Free Zones
Training, higher education, research:
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Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
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Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) UAE Government Portal
Our Top 6 Recommended Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- World’s #1 free zone by fDi Magazine
- Allows crypto-commodities trading
- Dual license options
- Up to 6 business activities
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Oldest, flagship DP World zone
- ISO certified authority
- E‑commerce license available
- Extensive logistics support
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Cost-effective setup options
- Commercial & professional licenses
- Virtual office solutions
- No physical office needed
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Top-ranked global economic zone
- Dual license with DED
- Flexi-desk to warehousing
- E‑commerce license
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Leading financial hub
- English common law system
- Home to a stock exchange
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
- Largest IT hub in MENA
- E‑commerce license available
- Part of TECOM Group
Other Free Zones
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
- Smart city ecosystem
- Wide facility options
Dubai Design District (d3)
- Design & fashion hub
- Freelancer permits
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
- Integrated healthcare & wellness
- Medical research facilities
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
- Higher education cluster
- Freelancer permits
Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
- Industrial & logistics hub
- Host to global MNCs
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)
- Automotive marketplace
- Import/export focus
Dubai Cars & Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)
- Used-car trade hub
- Varied facility options
Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
- Floriculture industry hub
- Cold-chain management
Gold & Diamond Park (GDPP)
- Jewellery business hub
- 118 manufacturing blocks
Dubai Logistics City (DLC)
- Multi-modal logistics
- Education licenses
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)
- Maritime operations hub
- Six specialized districts
Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Media & creative hub
- Multiple facility options
Dubai Outsource City (DOC)
- Outsourcing industry zone
- Part of TECOM Group
Dubai Science Park (DSP)
- Life sciences cluster
- Research & development focus
Dubai Studio City (DSC)
- Production & entertainment hub
- Freelancer permits
Dubai Techno Park (DTP)
- Technology business park
- Member of EZW
Dubai Textile City (DTC)
- Textile trade centre
- Joint venture model
Energy & Environmental Park (Enpark)
- Clean energy tech focus
- Environmental solutions
International Humanitarian City (IHC)
- Humanitarian & aid hub
- Offices & warehouses
Dubai Production City (DPC)
- Media production hub
- Freelancer permits
Dubai Wholesale City
- Wholesale trade hub
Consider your business activity, desired license type, office space needs, visa quota, and capital requirements listed above. If you’re still unsure, call our team or fill out the form below our experts will help you select the perfect Free Zone for your venture.
Setup your Freezone Business in Dubai Today! Take advantage of our expert guidance and seamless services to establish your business in Dubai's thriving market. Begin your entrepreneurial journey now!
Free Zone Business Setup Comparison
| Feature / Type | Free Zone | Mainland | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership (in most sectors) | 100% foreign ownership |
| Business Scope | Within the free zone or internationally | Anywhere in UAE and globally | Outside UAE only |
| Office Requirement | Flexible / shared desk available | Mandatory physical office | No physical office required |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes (varies by package) | Yes (based on office size) | No UAE visa eligibility |
| Tax Benefits | 0% corporate & income tax | 0% up to AED 375,000 income, then 9% | 0% tax (unless operating in UAE) |
| Bank Account | Yes – corporate account supported | Yes – corporate account supported | Limited – subject to approval |
| Regulatory Authority | Free Zone Authority | DED (Department of Economic Development) | Offshore Regulatory Body |
| Best For | Startups, SMEs, E-commerce, Freelancers | Full-scale UAE operations & contracting | Holding, investment & international trade |
8 Steps for Freezone Business Setup in the UAE
Select Free Zone
Choose a suitable Free Zone based on your business activity and location preferences. Each Free Zone may have specific regulations and benefits.
Choose Business Activity
Determine the type of business activity you wish to start with. Additionally, you can choose multiple activities in some free zones, as different free zones specialize in various industries.
Select Legal Entity
Decide on the legal entity, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single owners or a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders.
Apply for Initial Approval
Submit the initial approval application along with three optional business names and get initial name approval done in one business day
Apply for License
Submit a license application to the chosen Free Zone authority. Specify the type of license you need, such as trading, manufacturing, or services.
Office Space and Facilities
Choose a suitable Free Zone based on your business activity and location preferences. Each Free Zone may have specific regulations and benefits.
Submit Documentation
Provide necessary documents, including passport copies, business plan, and application forms. Non-resident shareholders may require additional documentation.
Obtain Approvals
Once documents are submitted, the Free Zone authority reviews and processes the application. Once approved, you’ll receive the business license and can commence operations.
Best Selling Freezone Packages
Zero Visa
Starting From AED 4,999 Only
Easy Installments AvailableÂ
- Trade License
- 100% Ownership
- 0% Service Charges
- Free Lease Agreements
- Call Answering Service
- Address in Downtown, Dubai
- Luxury Meeting Room Facility
- Dedicated Phone Number
T&C Apply
One Visa
Pay UpfrontAED 6,750 Only
Easy Installments AvailableÂ
- Trade License
- 100% Ownership
- One Visa
- Medical and Emirates ID
- Emigration Card
- Multiple Share Holders
- Multiple Business Activity
- Free Lease Agreements
- Virtual Office
- Meeting Room Facility
- Dedicated Phone Number
T&C Apply
Corporate PRO Service
Starting From AED 999 per MonthÂ
Easy Installments AvailableÂ
- Investor & Employment Visa Services
- Trade License New / Renewal
- Trade License Amendments
- Medical & Emirates ID Services
- Medical Insurance Services
- Occupational Health Card
- International Driving License
- Legal Attestations Services
- VAT and TAX Registration
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Special Government Approvals
- New Branch Formation in GCC
T&C Apply
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Freezone license FAQ
Do I need a local sponsor to start a business in Dubai?
No, many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership — especially in Free Zones and selected Mainland sectors. A local sponsor is only required for specific business types.
How long does it take to get a business license in Dubai?
With the right documents, your license can be issued in just 1–3 working days, especially for Free Zone and Commercial Licenses with no special approvals.
Why choose a Free Zone over Mainland or Offshore setup?
Choosing a Free Zone setup gives you full foreign ownership, no customs duties within the zone, quick licensing, and cost-effective packages — especially ideal for startups, freelancers, or e-commerce businesses. Unlike Mainland, there’s no need for a local partner, and unlike Offshore, you get a UAE trade license and visas.