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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 Dubai 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.

Dubai 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 Dubai Free Zone Business Setup 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 Dubai Free Zone Visa:
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 needed for Business Setup in UAE success. 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 & Dubai Free Zone Business Setup

It usually takes 2–5 business days to register a Dubai Free Zone Company, depending on the Free Trade Zone and business activity. The Dubai Free Zone Business Setup process is quick and efficient, with some zones offering same-day registration when all documents are ready.

Yes, in 2025 Free Zone companies allow investors, employees, and family members to apply for UAE residence visas.Yes, in 2025, you can easily obtain a UAE residence visa by setting up a Dubai Free Zone Company. Most Dubai Free Zones provide visa packages based on your office type:
  • Flexi-desk or virtual office: typically allows 1–3 visas
  • Executive office: allows 4–6 visas
  • Warehouse or larger facility: may allow up to 15 or more visas
The visa is generally valid for 2 years, and includes:
  • Entry permit
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID
  • Visa stamping

No, many Free Zones offer Flexi-desk or virtual office options, making it cost-effective for startups.These options are designed to meet the minimum legal requirements for obtaining a Dubai Free Zone Visa and business license.

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.

Yes, you can open a corporate bank account with a Dubai Free Zone Company. The process requires submitting documents such as your trade license, shareholder passports, Memorandum and Articles of Association, proof of office address, and six months of personal or company bank statements. All shareholders are usually required to be present during the application, and UAE residency is often needed for at least one shareholder or signatory.

Dubai Free Zones allow a wide range of business activities, including trading, consulting, IT services, logistics, manufacturing, media, e-commerce, and more. Each Free Zone has its own list of permitted activities, and some are industry-specific (such as media, healthcare, or technology), while others are general-purpose and allow multiple business categories.Under One free zone passport scheme companies licensed in one free zone can expand operations into other free zones across the emirate without requiring an additional licence.

A Dubai Free Zone Company (FZCO )or Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) can have between one and 50 shareholders. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in Dubai can have one shareholder, who can be either an individual or a corporate entity.Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

No, the Emiratisation law does not apply to Free Zones Company. This law specifically applies to registered private sector companies operating in the UAE Mainland. Free Zones companies are exempt from this New upadtion in 2025 is emiratization policy.

According to the UAE VAT Law, the free zone companies need to undergo VAT registration. They are also eligible to register under the group VAT system. As per the VAT implementation rule, the transfer of goods within designated zones by any Free Zone company remains completely tax-free.

While establishing a Dubai Free Zone Company through a Dubai Free Zone Business Setup provides many advantages, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. A Dubai Free Zone Company generally cannot trade directly within the UAE mainland without working with a local distributor. Each Free Zone also has its own specific regulations and restrictions that may limit certain business activities. Additionally, office space and visa quotas are controlled by the Free Zone authority, which can affect expansion plans. Some Free Zones may also have relatively higher renewal and operational fees compared to mainland setups. Despite these limitations, the benefits of owning a Dubai Free Zone Company still make it an excellent option for global entrepreneurs seeking tax advantages and a strategic business location.

The cost to open a Dubai Free Zone Company typically ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the Free Zone, type of business activity, and license category. Many Free Zones provide affordable startup packages for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and SMEs. The overall cost generally includes trade license fees, business registration, name reservation, and visa processing. Additional charges may apply for office space, shareholder visas, or special approvals. Partnering with experts in Dubai Free Zone Business Setup ensures a seamless and compliant process for establishing your Dubai Free Zone Company efficiently.

To register a Dubai Free Zone Company, you must submit a set of standard documents required by most free zones in Dubai. These typically include:
  • Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Business activity description stating the nature of the company
  • Visa or entry stamp copy (if available)
  • Application form provided by the selected free zone
  • Business plan (only required in specific free zones or high-risk activities)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if the applicant is a UAE resident)
    Some free zones may request additional KYC documents, but the core requirements above are usually enough to complete the Dubai Free Zone Business Setup registration process.

Start Your Dubai Free Zone Business Setup Today!

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