Free zone company setup in Dubai and the UAE
100% ownership, 0% customs duty and flexi desk options in IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, RAKEZ, DAFZA and more.
A UAE free zone company setup is the fastest and most flexible way for international founders to start a business in the UAE. You keep 100% ownership, repatriate all profits, and can often operate from a flexi desk with no physical office.
Main Zone compares the free zones for your activity and budget, then handles the full free zone company formation, from license to visa to bank account.
Benefits of a UAE free zone license
100% foreign ownership
No local partner or sponsor required.
Tax efficiency
No personal income tax, and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons (subject to FTA rules).
0% customs duty
On goods imported into and re exported from the zone.
Full profit repatriation
Move your profits and capital out of the UAE in full.
Flexi desk and virtual office
Options that keep your running costs low.
Visas linked to your license
Investor, partner and employee visas.
Fast setup
Many free zone licenses are issued within days once documents are complete.
Popular free zones we set up in
Ask your advisor for a side by side comparison of any of these, or of the other UAE free zones.
IFZA company setupInternational Free Zone Authority, Dubai
A cost effective Dubai free zone with a wide activity list and flexible visa packages. A strong choice for consultants, service businesses, traders and startups that want a Dubai address.
DMCC company setupDubai Multi Commodities Centre
A premium free zone in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, known for commodities, trading, crypto and technology businesses. Ideal when brand prestige and a physical Dubai office matter.
Meydan Free Zone company setupMeydan, Dubai
A fully digital Dubai free zone with a central location and fast online processing. Popular with ecommerce brands, media businesses and service providers who want a simple, remote setup.
RAKEZ company setupRas Al Khaimah Economic Zone
One of the most affordable UAE free zones, with business centres, warehouses and industrial land. As a RAK headquartered consultancy, Main Zone offers hands on RAKEZ license and visa support.
Free zone license types
Free zone business setup cost
Free zone business setup cost in the UAE depends on the free zone, number of activities, number of visas and office type. Every Main Zone quotation is itemised, with government fees shown separately, and no hidden charges.
Read the full business setup cost guideFree zone company formation process
- ConsultationChoose your activity, free zone and visa quota.
- Application and name approvalWe prepare and submit your application and reserve your trade name.
- License issuanceReceive your trade license, Certificate of Formation, MOA and Share Register.
- Establishment Card and visasImmigration file, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
- Corporate bank accountWe prepare your KYC pack and introduce you to the right bank.
Free zone or mainland?
A free zone is usually the best fit if you trade internationally, sell online, provide services to clients outside the UAE or want a low cost UAE base with visas. If you plan to sell directly to UAE customers, open a shop or bid for government tenders, a mainland company may be better.
New since March 2025
Eligible Dubai free zone companies can also serve the Dubai mainland through a branch license or a temporary permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025). Your advisor will tell you whether this route is cheaper than a mainland company for your case.
Documents required
- Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
- Passport size photo
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Proof of residential address
- Business plan or activity description (for some zones and activities)
Full list in our documents checklist.
Free zone questions
It depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and preferred location. IFZA and Meydan suit cost conscious service and ecommerce businesses, DMCC suits premium trading and tech brands, and RAKEZ offers some of the most affordable options. We compare them for you.
Many free zone licenses are issued within a few working days once documents are complete. Mainland setups usually take one to three weeks, depending on approvals. Visas and bank accounts add extra time.
Most free zone companies can be formed remotely. You will need to visit the UAE for visa medicals and Emirates ID biometrics, and some banks require an in person meeting.
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and 5% VAT once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 a year. Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from 0% on qualifying income. Every new company must register for corporate tax within 3 months of incorporation. We handle registration and filings.
Start your free zone company this week
Tell us your activity and we will recommend the right zone, a fixed price and a timeline.
Related guides
Guide 01Business setup cost in Dubai: what you will actually pay in 2026
How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai? License, visa, office and bank costs explained, with real package prices and no hidden fees.
Read guide
Guide 03RAKEZ company setup: why Ras Al Khaimah is the smart value choice
Why Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is one of the UAE's most affordable free zones. Licenses, facilities, visas and steps, from a RAK based team.
Read guide
Guide 07IFZA vs DMCC vs Meydan vs RAKEZ: which free zone is best for you?
Compare four popular UAE free zones on cost, location, activities and visas, and find out which one fits your business best.
Read guide