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Free Zone Business Setup
Home / Free Zone Business Setup

Dubai Free Zone Company Setup – A Complete Guide

What is a Dubai Free Zone Company?

  • A Dubai Free Zone Company is a business entity registered within one of Dubai’s 40+ Free Zones, offering 100% foreign ownership and tax advantages.
  • Ideal for startups, SMEs, and international businesses looking for cost-effective, streamlined company formation.

Benefits of a Dubai Free Zone Business Setup

  • 100% Foreign Ownership – No need for a local sponsor.
  • Tax-Free Environment – No corporate or personal income tax.
  • Quick Setup Process – Business registration in as little as 2-5 days.
  • Easy Visa Processing – Get a Dubai Free Zone Visa for you and your employees.
  • Full Profit Repatriation – No restrictions on sending profits abroad.
  • No Import/Export Duty – Ideal for trading businesses.
  • Business-Friendly Policies – Less bureaucracy and minimal paperwork.

Steps for Dubai Free Zone Business Setup

1. Choose the Right Free Zone

Dubai has 40+ Free Zones, each catering to different industries:

2. Select a Business Activity

Free Zones allow 2,000+ business activities, including:

  • Trading & E-commerce
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • IT & Technology
  • Manufacturing & Industrial

3. Register a Trade Name

  • Your business name should comply with Dubai Free Zone Authority guidelines.
  • Ensure it is unique and relevant to your business activity.

4. Apply for a Dubai Free Zone Business License

Types of licenses:

  • Trading License – For import/export businesses.
  • Service License – For consulting, IT, and professional services.
  • Industrial License – For manufacturing and production businesses.

5. Obtain Initial Approval & Submit Documents

Required documents:

  • Passport copies of shareholders & managers
  • Visa copies (if applicable)
  • Business plan (for certain Free Zones)
  • NOC (No Objection Certificate) – If currently employed in the UAE

6. Choose Office Space or Flexi-Desk Option

  • Free Zones offer virtual offices, shared desks, and physical office spaces.
  • Choose an option that meets your business needs and budget.

7. Pay Fees & Collect Your Business License

  • Once all documents are approved, pay the Free Zone company setup fees and receive your trade license.

Dubai Free Zone Visa – How to Apply?

A Dubai Free Zone Visa allows business owners and employees to live and work legally in the UAE.

Types of Free Zone Visas:

  • 1. Investor/Partner Visa – For company owners.
  • 2. Employment Visa – For employees working in the Free Zone.
  • 3. Dependent Visa – For family members of business owners/employees.

Free Zone Visa Process:

  • Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit
  • Step 2: Complete Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration
  • Step 3: Obtain the Residency Visa & Work Permit

Processing Time: 5–10 working days

Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost (2025)

The cost of setting up a Free Zone company depends on:

  • Free Zone Selection – Some zones are more affordable than others.
  • License Type – Trading, service, and industrial licenses have different pricing.
  • Office Space Requirement – Flexi-desk vs. private office.
Why Choose a Freezone Visa in Dubai?
A Freezone visa in Dubai is one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, and remote professionals looking to live and work legally in the UAE. It offers unmatched flexibility, freedom, and financial advantages that make it ideal for both startups and established businesses.e
Here’s why thousands of business owners are opting for a Freezone visa in Dubai:
01

100% Foreign Ownership

A Freezone visa allows you to fully own your company without the need for a local Emirati sponsor. This means complete control over your operations, finances, and growth strategy.
02

Tax-Free Income and Profits

With a Dubai Freezone visa, you benefit from zero personal and corporate income tax. You can also repatriate 100% of your capital and profits — making it a top choice for global investors.For global trade free-zones business set are ideal.
03

Quick and Easy Setup

Company registration and Freezone visa processing can be completed within 5 to 7 working days. With minimal paperwork and expert support from eFirst, the entire process is fast and hassle-free.
04

Strategic Business Location

Holding a Freezone visa in Dubai places you in one of the world’s most connected cities. Access markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa with world-class infrastructure, ports, and logistics.
05

Multiple Visa Quotas

Dubai Freezones offer flexible visa packages, allowing you to apply for multiple Freezone visas under your trade license. As your business grows, you can bring in partners, employees, and family members with ease.
Whether you're launching a tech startup, opening a consultancy, or working as a freelancer, a Freezone visa gives you the legal foundation and operational benefits to thrive in the UAE. From affordability to autonomy, the Freezone route is ideal for anyone serious about building a long-term presence in Dubai.

FAQs – Dubai Free Zone Company & Visa

It takes 2–5 business days for business registration, depending on the Free Trade Zone and business activity.

Yes, Free Zone companies allow investors, employees, and family members to apply for UAE residence visas.

No, many Free Zones offer Flexi-desk or virtual office options, making it cost-effective for startups.

Some of themost affordable Free Zones include:

As per the recent regulatory update under Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025 now allows Dubai Free Zone Company to expand into the mainland by opening branches. These branches are permitted to operate in the mainland market, provided they meet the required licensing conditions and comply with UAE commercial and tax regulations. This change offers Free Zone businesses broader market access and the ability to trade directly with mainland clients.

Start Your Dubai Free Zone Business Today!

Looking for hassle-free company formation in a Dubai Free Zone?

100% Foreign Ownership
Quick & Easy Registration
Tax-Free Business Benefits