Business setup
Free zone company setup
Own 100% of your UAE company, repatriate your profits and sponsor residence visas, with a setup that can be completed largely remotely in one of the UAE’s leading free zones.
At a glance
Ownership
100% foreign
Corporate tax
0% on qualifying income
Setup time
Typically 2–4 weeks
Visas
Depends on package
Overview
How UAE free zones work
The UAE has more than 40 free zones, each run by its own authority with its own licences, fees and rules. Free zone companies can be fully foreign-owned, repatriate all profits and sponsor residence visas, which makes them the most popular route for international entrepreneurs.
Each free zone has its own character. Some, like DMCC and DAFZA, offer a premium Dubai address and strong bank recognition. Others, like IFZA, RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone, focus on affordable, flexible packages for start-ups and small businesses.
Free zone companies trade freely with each other and internationally. Selling goods directly to customers on the UAE mainland usually needs a local distributor, a mainland branch or a mainland licence, so where your customers are matters when choosing.
We compare zones on price, activities, visa allocation, banking acceptance and long-term costs, then manage the whole process with the zone you choose.
Key advantages
100% foreign ownership
Full repatriation of capital and profits
Residence visas for owners and staff
Largely remote setup
Packages from flexi-desk to warehouse
Potential 0% tax on qualifying income
Who it is for
Who free zones suit
01
International traders
Import, export and re-export businesses using the UAE as a regional hub.
02
Consultants & freelancers
Service businesses that need a licence and visa at a reasonable cost.
03
E-commerce
Online businesses selling regionally and internationally.
04
Tech start-ups
Software and digital businesses that want flexibility and low overheads.
05
Holding & regional HQs
Groups that want a UAE base for regional management.
06
Logistics businesses
Companies near ports and airports such as DAFZA and RAKEZ.
What we handle
Everything from licence to first visa.
Zone & activity advice
We match your activities, budget and visa needs to the free zone that fits best.
Trade name reservation
Name checks and reservation with the free zone authority.
Licence & registration
Full application, KYC and incorporation documents handled for you.
Establishment card
Immigration file opened so your company can sponsor visas.
Residence visas
Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping for owners and staff.
Bank account introduction
A bank-ready file and a direct introduction to a suitable bank.
Options
Free zones we work with
DMCC
Trade hub
Our home zone in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, strong for commodities, trading and professional services.
From
AED 42,500
IFZA
Flexible
A cost-effective Dubai free zone with a wide activity list and multi-activity licences.
From
AED 22,200
DAFZA
Airport
Beside Dubai International Airport, suited to logistics and high-value trading.
Price on application
RAKEZ
Value
Competitive packages in Ras Al Khaimah for trading, industrial and service companies.
Price on application
Ajman Free Zone
Budget
One of the most affordable routes to a UAE licence with visa eligibility.
Price on application
Compare
Comparing the free zones we work with
A high-level view to start the conversation. We give you exact package costs for your activity and visa needs.
DMCC
IFZA
DAFZA
RAKEZ
Ajman Free Zone
Location
JLT, Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Dubai International Airport
Ras Al Khaimah
Ajman
Known for
Commodities, premium address
Flexible, multi-activity licences
Aviation and logistics links
Industrial and trading value
Affordable start-up packages
Office options
Flexi-desk to dedicated office
Flexi-desk packages
Offices and warehouses
Flexi-desk to warehouses
Flexi-desk to offices
Relative cost
Higher
Medium
Higher
Lower
Lowest
Best for
Traders, crypto, HQs
Consultants and SMEs
Logistics and high-value trade
Industrial and SMEs
Budget-conscious founders
Fees, activity lists and visa allocations change regularly. We confirm current figures in your quote.
Costs explained
What your total cost is made of
Every quote we issue is itemised, with government and third-party fees shown separately from our own professional fees.
Licence and registration
Set by the free zone; depends on activities
Government
Price on application
Office or flexi-desk package
Linked to your visa allocation
Third party
Price on application
Establishment card
Needed to sponsor visas
Government
Price on application
Residence visas
Per person, including medical and Emirates ID
Government
Price on application
Setup and PRO service
Application, documents and follow-up
Emford
Price on application
Bank account support
File preparation and introduction
Emford
Quoted
How it works
Four clear steps, one point of contact.
01
1–2 days
Consultation
We recommend a zone, activity and package for your plans.
02
2–5 days
Name & approval
Trade name reserved and initial approval obtained.
03
1–2 weeks
Documents & KYC
We prepare and submit your application and due diligence.
04
2–4 weeks
Licence & visas
Licence issued, establishment card and visas processed.
Key considerations before you start
Points we review with every client before recommending a structure.
Where are your customers?
If most sales are to UAE mainland customers, compare a mainland licence before choosing a free zone.
Look at year-two costs
Renewal fees, office costs and audit requirements differ between zones, so compare total cost over several years.
Plan visas early
Your package sets how many visas you can hold. Upgrading later is possible but costs more.
0% tax has conditions
Qualifying Free Zone Person status needs adequate substance, audited accounts and qualifying income.
After setup
Ongoing obligations we manage for you
Setting up is only the start. These are the recurring requirements that keep your structure valid and in good standing.
Annual licence renewal
With your free zone authority
Office or desk renewal
Kept active to maintain the licence
Accounts and audit
Where your zone or tax status requires it
Beneficial ownership records
Kept current with your free zone
Corporate tax and VAT
FTA registrations and returns
Visa renewals
Tracked for owners and staff
What you will need
Typical documents. Your specialist confirms the exact list for your case.
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
Passport-size photographs
UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
Proof of residential address
Business plan (for selected zones and activities)
CV or bank reference (for selected zones)
Why clients choose Emford
Licensed by DMCCA as a Corporate Service Provider (DMCC-211871)
Approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122
Forming companies and structures since 2012
One dedicated advisor from setup to renewal
Frequently asked questions
Can a free zone company trade outside the free zone?
It can trade internationally and with other free zone companies. To sell directly to customers on the UAE mainland you generally need a mainland distributor, branch or licence. We will explain the options for your activity.
Do I need a physical office?
Most free zones offer flexi-desk or shared office packages that meet licence and visa requirements. Larger visa quotas require dedicated office space.
How many visas can I get?
The visa quota depends on your free zone and office package, starting from one visa on entry-level packages.
Which free zone is cheapest?
Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ are usually among the most affordable, but the cheapest licence is not always the cheapest over time. We compare total costs including visas, renewals and audit.
Can I change free zone later?
Yes, though it usually means setting up a new company and transferring assets and visas. Choosing well at the start saves time and cost.
Do I need audited accounts?
Some zones, such as DMCC, require annual audits. Companies seeking 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person status also need audited financial statements.
Related services
Talk to a specialist today
Free, no-obligation consultation with a clear, itemised quote.
Visit us
Our office in JLT
Address
Unit 1402-34, Swiss Tower, Cluster Y
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 12pm – 8pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone
Emford Global · Swiss Tower
Open in Google Maps ↗
Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lakes Towers