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Setting up a Free Zone company in Dubai or the UAE is a great way to start your business here. This is a very popular option: the number of companies registering in Free Zones has increased by 30% compared to last year. This is because the UAE has been ranked #1 for entrepreneurship for the third year in a row in 2024.
Free Zones are one of the best places to start a business in the UAE because of all the tax benefits and how easy it is to set up a company.
Free Zones are one of the best places to start a business in the UAE because of all the tax benefits and how easy it is to set up a company.
Free Zone company formation in Dubai
What is a Free Zone?
Free Zones are special economic areas in the UAE where businesses can operate tax-free for up to 50 years, provided they meet specific requirements. While these zones offer numerous advantages, they come with certain restrictions — businesses can only operate within the Free Zone itself, conduct B2B operations within the UAE, or engage in international markets.
The UAE hosts more than 40 Free Zones, each tailored to specific industries with specialized support and first-class facilities. Popular options include the Dubai Airport Free Zone and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Click here for the full list.
The UAE hosts more than 40 Free Zones, each tailored to specific industries with specialized support and first-class facilities. Popular options include the Dubai Airport Free Zone and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Click here for the full list.
Benefits of setting up
a Free Zone company
in the UAE
a Free Zone company
in the UAE
- 100% foreign ownershipYou do not need a local sponsor anymore.
- Low taxes0-9% Corporate Tax, 0% personal income tax, 0% dividends tax if you meet certain criteria.
- Full profit repatriationYou can transfer all profits back to your home country without restrictions.
- Remote business setupThe process is fairly quick and streamlined with minimal paperwork.
- No import and export duties
- Long-term visa optionsYou can get a UAE residency for 2 to 10 years for yourself and your family.
If you're curious about Free Zones, reach out to us! We're here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect one for your business needs.
UAE Free Zone
company setup cost
- Business license fee: Depending on the Free Zone and business activity. Aprox. AED 10,000 – AED 50,000 ($2,800 – $13,700) per year.
- Office rent: Starts from AED 7,500 ($2,050) per year for a flexi-desk; private offices can cost much more.
- Visa costs: Around AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 ($950 – $1,900) per visa, including processing and medical tests.
Setup costs typically starts from
AED 15,000 ($4,100).
AED 15,000 ($4,100).
💡
How to start a business
in a UAE Free Zone?
When you work with us, you don't have to worry about doing everything manually. We'll take care of all the paperwork.
1. Create a business description
Write a detailed business description or business plan for your future company and send it to us by email.
Send business description to movingo
Send business description to movingo
2. We’ll schedule a call
Our expert consultants will review your business plan and schedule a call with you. We will understand your needs and create the best solution for your e-commerce business. Our goal is to help you save time and money during setup. We always give you at least two good options to choose from, so you can pick what works best for your business goals and budget.
3. You’re license will be ready within a week
Good planning is key — when we know what to do, things are done really efficiently.
Passport copy
Passport photo 33 x 44 mm
Portrait picture with passport
Every shareholder’s religion
Every shareholder’s educational qualification (profession & country of diploma issuance)
Document requirements for Free Zone company formation in Dubai
Every shareholder’s mother’s & father’s full names
Every shareholder’s home country full address
Every shareholder’s phone number
Every shareholder’s marital status
Last visit arrival stamp
3 potential company names in the order of priority
Best UAE Free Zones
With over 40 different jurisdictions for business in the UAE, choosing the right Free Zone can be challenging. That's why we offer a free consultation to help you select the best option for your specific needs.
Register on movingo platform
Our platform will then guide you through a quick and straightforward setup process.
Get access to our platform with a seamless registration process.
Complete your online application
Choose the best options for yor relocation, submit the application and track the process in real time.
Step 1
Start your new life in the UAE!
With Movingo starting anew is a personalized experience tailored to make relocation smooth and exciting.
Step 2
Step 3
Congratulations!
Your Freelance License has been approved! Welcome to the UAE!
Create an account
Email
Password
Sign up
Application
Form Submission
Documents upload
Fee Payment
Application Review
Success!
Business legal structures
for Free Zone
for Free Zone
-
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Single shareholder company. -
Free Zone Company (FZC/FZ LLC)
Multiple shareholders. -
Branch Office
Expansion of an existing foreign company.
We can help you determine which form is best for your needs and provide other tips that can save you time and money.
Would you like to discuss?
Would you like to discuss?
Free Zone company
formation requirements
Minimum one shareholder
Business activity selection
Business activity selection
Office space (virtual, flexi-desk, or physical office)
Basically you don't need a visa for the Free Zone, but you definitely need one to open a business bank account. Here are some visa options that may help you:
UAE Free Zone residence visas
Investor Visa
Golden Visa (Talent)
Golden Visa (Property Investor)
Talented freelancer visa
Dependent Visa – For family members of the business owner.
Golden Visa (Talent)
Golden Visa (Property Investor)
Talented freelancer visa
Dependent Visa – For family members of the business owner.
We have done a detailed review of all UAE visas. You can also contact us and we will advise you in detail on all types of visas and find the right one for you.
Expert handling of all regulatory documentation
Streamlined visa processing for you, your family, and your team
Choosing the ideal Free Zone for your business needs
How can movingo help with your Free Zone setup?
movingo provides end-to-end company registration services across all 40+ UAE jurisdictions:
Beyond the initial setup, we support your long-term success with comprehensive accounting and legal services. Ready to turn your business vision into reality? Let's schedule a call to discuss your plans.
UAE Freezone company
formation reviews
formation reviews
Dubai Free Zone
business setup insights
business setup insights
Free Zone company
formation FAQ
Free Zone company setup
It is a designated economic zone in the UAE, offering tax benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and streamlined setup processes.
Free Zone companies provide a physical presence in the UAE, while Offshore companies are primarily for international operations and do not allow for local business activity.
100% foreign ownership, tax brakes and other tax benefits, customs duty exemption, full repatriation of profits, fast and easy setup process.
Free Zones offer an affordable, efficient, and investor-friendly environment with minimal bureaucracy and operational flexibility.
Free Zone company ownership & structure
Yes, Free Zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local partner.
Depending on your business goals and other factors, you may choose FZE, FZC/FZ-LLC and Branch Office structure.
Free Zone companies can trade directly with Mainland businesses.
Yes, we can help you with paperwork and processing.
Licensing & legal requirements
A Free Zone license allows businesses to operate within a designated area and do approved activities.
100% foreign ownership, tax brakes and other tax benefits, customs duty exemption, full repatriation of profits, fast and easy setup process.
Many Free Zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office option, so you don't need a physical office space.
Depending on the Free Zone, licenses can be processed in 2 to 10 business days.
IT, e-commerce, media, trading, logistics, manufacturing, consulting, and more.
Costs & cheapest Free Zone options
Setup costs typically starts from AED 15,000.
Dubai Silicon Oasis, Meydan Free Zone, and International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) offer some of the most cost-effective packages.
Freelancer permits and service licenses in Free Zones like Meydan and Shams start at around AED 5,500 ($1,500).
Setup process & timeline
The process can be completed within 2 to 10 business days. This depends on the Free Zone and the approvals required.
Yes, once the incorporation process is complete, you will receive your business license.
Business operations & compliance
You can operate within your Free Zone, conduct international business, and engage in B2B transactions with UAE Mainland companies.
Yes, each Free Zone has a specific list of permitted activities.
There are no customs duties within Free Zones. However, a 5% import duty applies when moving goods into the UAE Mainland. We've covered more on this topic in this article.
Annual trade license renewal, financial audits (where applicable), visa renewals, and mandatory accounting and Corporate Tax reporting.
It typically ranges from 2 to unlimited visas.
Yes, we handle all visa applications, residency permits, and employee sponsorships.
Yes, if the company’s annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 ($102,100); VAT registration is mandatory.
Yes, if they are engaged in qualifying activities and meet the criteria of a Qualified Free Zone Person.
Yes, a Free Zone company can obtain a Tax Residency Certificate, provided it meets the economic substance requirements and maintains a physical presence in the UAE.