Free Zone Business Setup
Your Complete Guide to Free Zone Business Setup in the UAE
Benefits of a Dubai Free Zone Business Setup
- 100% Foreign Ownership – No local sponsor is required.
- Tax-Free Environment – No corporate or personal income tax.
- Fast Company Formation – Business registration completed in as little as 2–5 days.
- Simple Visa Processing – Easily obtain Free Zone visas for you and your employees.
- Full Profit Repatriation – Send profits abroad without any restrictions.
- Zero Import/Export Duty – Ideal for trading and distribution businesses.
- Business-Friendly Regulations – Minimal paperwork and reduced bureaucracy.
What is a Dubai Free Zone Company?
- A Dubai Free Zone Company is a business established within one of Dubai’s 40+ Free Zones, providing full foreign ownership and attractive tax benefits.
- It’s a preferred choice for startups, SMEs, and global businesses seeking a cost-efficient and simplified company setup in the UAE.
Steps for Setting Up a Dubai Free Zone Business
1. Choose the Right Free Zone
Dubai is home to 40+ Free Zones, each tailored to specific industries:
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Media City (DMC)
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
2. Select a Business Activity
Dubai is home to 40+ Free Zones, each tailored to specific industries:
Trading & E-commerce
IT & Technology
Consulting & Professional Services
Manufacturing & Industrial Activities
3. Register a Trade Name
Your company name must follow the Dubai Free Zone Authority guidelines.
Ensure the name is unique and clearly related to your business activity.
4. Apply for a Dubai Free Zone Business License
Common license types include:
Trading License
Industrial License
Service License
5. Obtain Initial Approval & Submit Documents
Required documents usually include:
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
Visa copies (if applicable)
Business plan (for certain Free Zones)
NOC (No Objection Certificate) if you are currently employed in the UAE
6. Choose Office Space or Flexi-Desk Option
Free Zones provide multiple workspace options such as virtual offices, flexi-desks, shared desks, and physical office units.
Choose the option that best fits your business needs and budget.
7. Pay Fees & Collect Your Business License
Once your documents are approved, pay the Free Zone setup fees.
You will then receive your official Free Zone business license and can begin operations.
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
Investor / Partner Visa
Employment Visa
Dependent Visa
Dubai Free Zone Visa Process
Step 1 :
Step 2 :
Step 3 :
Processing Time: Typically 5–10 working days
Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost (2025)
The cost of establishing a Dubai Free Zone Business depends on factors such as:
Free Zone Selection
Office Space Requirement
License Type
Why Choose a Freezone Visa in Dubai?
100% Foreign Ownership
A Free Zone visa lets you own your company outright without requiring a local Emirati sponsor, giving you full control over your operations, finances, and business growth.
Tax-Free Income and Profits
With a Dubai Free Zone visa, you enjoy zero personal and corporate income tax, along with 100% repatriation of capital and profits—making it a preferred option for international investors. Free Zones are also ideal for businesses involved in global trade.
Quick and Easy Setup
Company registration and Free Zone visa processing can be completed within 5 to 7 working days. With minimal documentation and expert support from QBS, the entire procedure is quick and effortless.
Strategic Business Location
Holding a Dubai Free Zone visa positions you in one of the world’s most globally connected cities, giving you seamless access to markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa through world-class infrastructure, ports, and logistics.
Multiple Visa Quotas
Dubai Free Zones provide flexible visa packages that allow you to apply for multiple visas under your trade license. As your business expands, you can easily bring in partners, employees, and even family members.
FAQs – Dubai Free Zone Company & Dubai Free Zone Business Setup
A Dubai Free Zone company is a business established within a designated economic zone that offers benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified setup procedures.
Most Dubai Free Zone setups are completed within 5–7 working days, depending on document readiness and the Free Zone chosen.
No. Free Zone companies offer full foreign ownership, meaning no Emirati sponsor or partner is required.
Common Free Zone licenses include Commercial, Service, Industrial, E-commerce, and Media/IT licenses. Each Free Zone offers licenses suited to specific industries.
Yes. Free Zones offer flexible visa packages, allowing you to obtain visas for owners, employees, partners, and family members.
Kickstart your Dubai Free Zone business setup today!
Looking for hassle-free company registration in a Dubai Free Zone? We’re here to help.