Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai
Start your company in a Dubai Free Zone with no local sponsor, full foreign ownership, and quick approvals. Get your trade license in just a few days
✅ Affordable Packages Starting from AED 5,750 ✅ Zero Corporate & Personal Tax ✅ Easy Investor Visa & Bank Account Setup ✅ Over 30+ Free Zones to Choose From
Why Choose a Free Zone Company in Dubai?
Setting up your company in a Dubai Free Zone is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start a business in the UAE. Whether you’re a small startup or an international investor, Free Zone business setup in Dubai offers unmatched advantages.
Benefits of Free Zone Company Setup
100% Foreign Ownership
No need for a local Emirati sponsor. You can fully own your business as a foreign investor.
Quick & Easy Setup Process
Free Zone company formation usually takes just 2 to 5 working days with minimal paperwork.
Zero Corporate & Personal Tax
Enjoy a tax-free environment with 0% corporate and personal income tax in most Free Zones.
No Import or Export Duty
Get a tenancy contract (Ejari) in a commercial area.
Multiple Free Zones to Choose From
Over 30+ specialized Free Zones in Dubai, catering to various industries like tech, media, healthcare, and logistics.
Investor Visa Eligibility
Free Zone companies can sponsor investor and employee visas easily, allowing you to live and work in the UAE.
Free Zones are ideal for global investors seeking flexibility. You can easily apply for an Investor Visa Through Business Setup in Dubai or Start Business as a Foreigner in Dubai without needing a local partner.
Looking for the cheapest options? Visit our Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai page. Not sure if Free Zone is right for you? Compare with our Mainland Company Setup in Dubai guide.
Comparison Table (Free Zone vs Mainland)
Before you decide, it’s important to understand the key differences between a Free Zone company and a Mainland company in Dubai. Each option offers unique benefits depending on your business goals, ownership needs, and trading activities. If you want to learn more about Mainland companies, check out our detailed guide on Mainland Company Setup in Dubai.
|
Free Zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Foreign Ownership | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (unless certain cases) | |
| Office Requirement | ❌ Not Mandatory | ✅ Required | |
| Customs Duty | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | |
| Trade Within UAE | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full |
Free Zone Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Setting up a Free Zone company in Dubai offers a cost-effective way to start your business with many advantages. The total cost depends on the Free Zone you choose, the type of license, office space requirements, and visa packages. Generally, Free Zone business setup costs start from AED 5,750 and can go up depending on your business needs.
Key Cost Components
- Trade License Fee
- Office Space Rental (Flexi Desk, Executive Office, or Warehouse)
- Registration and Documentation Fees
- Visa Fees (Investor and Employee Visas)
- Additional Services (e.g., bank account opening, PRO services)
| Cost Component | Starting Price (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade License Fee | 5,750 | Varies by Free Zone and activity |
| Office Space Rental | 15,000 | Flexi desk options available |
| Registration Fee | 1,000 | One-time fee |
| Investor Visa Fee | 3,000 | Includes medical and Emirates ID |
| Employee Visa Fee (per visa) | 2,500 | Optional, depends on number needed |
| PRO Services | 2,000 | Document processing & approvals |
Want to compare costs? Check our full guide on Dubai Business Setup Cost.
Ready to start your company? Learn about the Free Zone Business Setup Process.
Documents Required for Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai
To start your Free Zone business setup in Dubai, you’ll need to prepare several key documents. These may vary depending on the Free Zone authority, your chosen business activity, and visa requirements. For a detailed checklist, please refer to the Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth registration process.
Basic Documents Required
Use checkmark bullets or icons with a clean layout:
- Passport copy of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photograph with white background
- Entry stamp or UAE visit visa copy (if available)
- Business name and activity details
- Emirates ID and UAE residence visa (for UAE residents)
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney (if someone else is handling the application)
- Tenancy contract (if physical office space is rented)
For more help on completing the setup, check our full Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai guide.
Investor Visa Option with Free Zone
When you register a Free Zone company in Dubai, you become eligible to apply for a UAE Investor Visa, allowing you to live, work, and sponsor dependents in the country. Free Zones offer a streamlined visa process, making it easy for business owners and investors to establish legal residency. To learn more about the process, visit our guide on Investor Visa Through Business Setup in Dubai.
Benefits of Investor Visa Through Free Zone
- 2 to 3-year renewable UAE residency
- Ability to sponsor family and domestic staff
- Open personal and corporate bank accounts
- Access to UAE healthcare and education
- Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE
The number of visas you can obtain depends on your chosen Free Zone and office space type. Some Free Zones offer visa packages with Flexi-desk options.
Want to understand the full bank accounts process? Visit our dedicated page: Open Business Bank Account in Dubai
Start Your Business in UAE Today!
Are you ready to launch your business in the UAE? Ideas Business Setup is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
📞 Call us now:
Tel: +971-42-658-333
Mobile: +971-50-786-5300
+971-50-633-3647
📧 Email us: ideas121@gmail.com
🌍 Visit our website: https://ideasuae.com/
Let’s bring your business idea to life in the UAE! 🚀
If you’re considering a Free Zone company in Dubai, you may also be interested in other services that support a smooth and compliant business launch. Below are useful resources and related options to help guide your setup process:
- Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai
- Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- Investor Visa Through Business Setup in Dubai
- Open Business Bank Account in Dubai
- Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai 2025–2026
- Why Dubai for Business?
- Start Business as a Foreigner in Dubai
- Dubai Business Setup Cost in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions – Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai
Dubai Free Zones provide full foreign ownership, tax benefits, fast business registration, and easy visa procedures. They’re ideal for international businesses, e-commerce companies, and freelancers looking for affordable startup options. Each Free Zone also caters to specific industries, making it easier to align with your business goals.
Free Zone companies are generally allowed to operate only within their designated zone or engage in international trade. To do business within the UAE mainland, you’ll need to appoint a local distributor or establish a Mainland branch. Understanding these restrictions helps you choose the right setup for your expansion plans.
You’ll need passport copies, visa or entry stamp, business name approval, and a brief business plan. Some Free Zones may also request educational or professional certificates, depending on the license type. It’s best to confirm the list with the specific Free Zone authority where you plan to register.
Popular options include DMCC, IFZA, Dubai South, and Dubai Internet City. Each Free Zone caters to different industries, so your choice should match your business activity and budget.
Free Zone companies can trade internationally and with other Free Zone entities. To do direct business inside the UAE mainland, you may need to work with a local distributor or register a mainland branch.
Yes, Free Zone companies can sponsor Investor Visas and Employee Visas. The number of visas allowed depends on the office space or package you choose.
👉 Learn more: Investor Visa Through Business Setup
Most Free Zone licenses are issued within 2 to 5 working days after submitting the required documents. Some zones offer express services for faster setup.
The cost to set up a Free Zone business in Dubai starts from AED 5,750. The final cost depends on the Free Zone, license type, office space, and visa requirements.
👉 Check full pricing here: Dubai Business Setup Cost
