01 · OWNERSHIP
Own 100% of your company
Most free zone authorities allow full foreign ownership across eligible activities.
TechnologySERVICE
TradingCOMMERCIAL
E-commerceCOMMERCIAL
= 1 free zone licence100% OWNED
Free Zone · Dubai & UAE
Business Setup in a Free Zone in the UAE by Avyanco
A free zone gives your company a UAE structure designed around your business activities, budget and ownership requirements. Most zones offer 100% foreign ownership and licences for technology, trading, e-commerce and other approved activities.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET licence #909402
- 40+ free zones covered
100%Foreign ownership in most zones
AED 12,500*Licence package from, per year
5 to 10Working days for simple applications
0%Corporate Tax for QFZP*
Fit check
Is a free zone right for your business?
A free zone suits international trading, professional services and digital business. It does not fit every model, so we check your customers and activity before recommending a route.
A free zone is a great fit if you…
- Want full foreign ownership, which most authorities allow
- Want to repatriate capital and profits, subject to applicable banking rules and laws
- Trade internationally: import, export and re-export under the relevant customs rules
- Need investor and employee residence visas within your approved quota
- Want 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person
Consider another route if you…
- Bid for some government contractsDubai Mainland →
- Run direct retail operationsDubai Mainland →
- Need dedicated premises such as a warehouseJAFZA →
- Run a regulated financial firmDIFC →
Overview
A UAE structure built around your business
Talk to Avyanco to compare the authorities, choose the right legal structure and prepare the application. We assess your visa requirements, tax obligations, office options and renewal costs before you commit.
Each zone is licensed by its own authority and clustered around a sector: commodities at DMCC, finance at DIFC, logistics at JAFZA, and cost-led SMEs at IFZA, Ajman and RAKEZ. Choosing on regulator, cost, visa quota and activity matters more than the headline price.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
40+ free zonesAcross all seven emirates
Best known forInternational trade, services and digital business
Why a free zone
Six reasons founders choose a UAE free zone
Full ownership, international trade, residence visas and a 0% tax route, all built around the regulator for your sector.
Profit repatriation
Capital and profits can be transferred, subject to applicable banking regulations and laws.
0%
Corporate Tax on qualifying income
For a Qualifying Free Zone Person that meets every condition. Other income is taxed at 9%.
Residence visas
Investor and employee visas for eligible companies, within the approved quota.
International trade
Eligible businesses can import, export and re-export goods under the relevant customs rules.
06 · ZONE CHOICE
A regulator built around your sector
Each zone has its own rules, fees, visa quota and activity list, so the right zone depends on what you do and who you sell to.
Licences & structures
Licence type and legal structure
LIC-01
Commercial
For distribution, trading and eligible import-export activities. Your licence should cover every activity the company performs.
Best forTraders
CoversImport and export
ApprovalsActivity based
- General trading
- Import, export and re-export
- Wholesale distribution
- Specialist commodity trading
LIC-02
Service or professional
For marketing, IT, consulting and other approved services, the usual category for service-led founders.
Best forConsultants
CoversApproved services
ApprovalsActivity based
- Management consultancy
- IT and software services
- Marketing and media
- Education and healthcare need external approval
LIC-03
Industrial
For production and manufacturing activities, which require the relevant approvals before the licence is issued.
Best forManufacturers
CoversProduction
ApprovalsRequired
- Manufacturing
- Assembly and packaging
- Approvals confirmed before filing
- Warehouse or premises where needed
LIC-04
E-commerce
For eligible online trading activities. We confirm the permitted activity codes and documents before submission.
Best forOnline sellers
CoversOnline trading
ApprovalsActivity based
- Eligible online trading
- Activity codes confirmed first
- Customs rules apply to goods
FZE
Free Zone Establishment
Suitable for a single shareholder. The legal form decides your documents, ownership and responsibilities, and we confirm eligibility against the authority's rules.
Shareholders1
LiabilityLimited
Best forSolo founders
- Individual or corporate owner
- Own legal personality
- Share capital set by the authority
- Simplest governance
FZCO
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC)
Suitable for multiple shareholders, subject to authority rules. The standard structure for partnerships and small groups.
Shareholders2+
LiabilityLimited
Best forPartners
- Individuals and/or companies
- Shareholder agreement advised
- Share capital set by the authority
- Flexible share split
BRANCH
Branch of an existing company
Suitable for an eligible UAE or foreign company that wants to operate through a registered branch without creating a separate subsidiary.
ShareholdersParent
LiabilityParent's
Best forGroups
- Same name as the parent
- Parent documents attested
- No new legal entity
- Eligibility confirmed with the authority
Choose a zone
Match your activity to the right zone
No single zone fits every business. The choice depends on four factors: your approved activity, your budget, the number of visas you need, and where your suppliers, clients or team are based.
| Zone | Emirate | Suits | Visa and cost range | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Dubai | Trading, commodities, professional services | Premium Dubai option. AED 50,000 minimum share capital for an FZCO | |
| IFZA | Dubai | SMEs, e-commerce and consultants | Zero-visa licence from about AED 12,900* | |
| Meydan | Dubai | Freelancers, small teams and consultants | Standard licence from AED 12,500* | |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Manufacturing, cost-conscious SMEs and trading | Value-focused northern-emirate option | |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | Media, creative and service businesses | Entry packages from about AED 5,760* | |
| SPC | Sharjah | Startups, trading, consultancy and e-commerce | Zero-visa package from AED 5,750*. One-visa package from AED 13,175* | |
| JAFZA | Dubai | Logistics, industrial business and trading | Premium logistics and warehouse option | |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | Financial services, funds and holding companies | Structured for regulated financial activities | |
| DIFC | Dubai | Banking, fintech, insurance and professional services | Structured for regulated financial activities |
Example: a UK consultant who needs one visa and works remotely may compare SPC, SHAMS, IFZA and Meydan. SPC publishes a one-visa package from AED 13,175*, and Meydan's standard licence starts at AED 12,500* before visa and office additions.
Example: a trading company importing goods through Jebel Ali may need JAFZA or DMCC instead, because customs processes, warehouse access and activity coverage vary by zone.
Compare
Free zone or mainland, and the new route to Dubai mainland
The right structure depends on where you trade, the activities you conduct and the premises your business requires.
| Factor | RouteFree zone | RouteMainland |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Most zones permit 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership available for many activities |
| UAE-wide trading | Historically restricted. Dubai offers a DET route | Trade across the UAE, subject to licensing |
| Office | Flexi desk or office package required | Office and Ejari requirements vary by activity and authority |
| Visas | Quota linked to the office or package | Quota based on office size and authority rules |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on qualifying income if QFZP conditions are met, otherwise 9% | 9% above the AED 375,000 taxable-income threshold |
| Cost | Lower entry packages are available, especially in Sharjah | Cost rises once office, approvals and local requirements are included |
| Next step | Start with a free zone → | Mainland guide → |
Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, eligible companies can conduct approved mainland activities. The fees mentioned are AED 10,000* a year for a branch licence and AED 5,000* for a temporary permit of up to 6 months. Confirm current fees and eligibility with Dubai DET; DIFC financial entities are excluded from the framework. Mainland income may also need a Corporate Tax review. Read our guide to mainland company formation.
Setup process
Six steps from first call to licence
The process starts with selecting a business model and ends with the registration and operating requirements that apply to your company.
- 1
Confirm the activity
We review your products, services, target audiences and regulatory requirements.
- 2
Select the authority
We compare legal forms, jurisdictions, office options, visa quotas and fees.
- 3
Reserve the company name
The authority checks the proposed name against naming rules and availability.
- 4
Obtain initial approval
We prepare the application and submit the information for initial approvals.
- 5
Submit documents and payment
Shareholder documents, declarations and corporate papers go in, and the applicable fees are paid.
- 6
Receive the licence
We coordinate the establishment card, registration, eligible residence visas and next steps for a corporate bank account.
Many applications are handled remotelyImmigration and banking procedures may need extra steps, and timing depends on the authority and activity approvals.
Visa and bank account supportWe coordinate residence visas and prepare your documents for the corporate bank account.
Why Avyanco
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
11,500+Businesses formedMainland · Free Zone · Offshore
45+Free ZonesRAKEZ · IFZA · DMCC · DIFC · KEZAD
21+Years' advisory experiencePartner-led firm, founded 2020
4.8★Client rating745 verified Google reviews
Client stories
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
What's included
What we handle for your free zone setup
We compare jurisdictions on your actual requirements, not on package price alone. Government charges and our professional fee are always shown separately.
Fixed, itemised feesGovernment charges and our professional fee are shown separately and in writing, so you know the full cost before you commit.
- Government fees shown separately
- Professional fee quoted in writing
- One named advisor from start to finish
Licensing & legal
- Zone and legal structure comparison
- Activity mapping and permitted codes
- Company name reservation
- Incorporation documents prepared and coordinated
Banking & residency
- Visa and establishment card review
- Residence visa coordination
- Corporate bank account preparation
- Registration and next steps
Tax & compliance
- Corporate Tax registration requirements
- QFZP eligibility assessment
- VAT guidance when thresholds are met
- Audited financial statements for QFZPs
Documents
A short, clear document list
The documents depend on whether the shareholder is an individual or an existing company. Additional paperwork may be requested for specific nationalities or regulated activities.
6 documents
- Passport copyEvery shareholder
- Recent photograph
- Proof of residential address
- CV, business profile or NOCIf requested
- Proposed company name and activity detailsCompany
- Visa or entry detailsWhere applicable
- Parent company's certificate of incorporationParent company
- Parent company's constitutional documentsParent company
- Board resolution approving the new entity
- Certificate of good standing
- Authorised signatory's passport and authority documents
- Attestation or legalisation of documents
We review before we fileDocuments are checked against the authority's rules
Attestation guidanceForeign corporate documents may need attestation or legalisation, and we guide each step
Costs & tax
Transparent cost. Clear tax position.
Licence costs depend on the legal form, authority, activity, office option and number of visas. Compare whole packages: some zones bundle the licence, visa allocation and establishment card, and others charge them separately.
Example: one founder, one visa, flexi desk
Meydan, first-year costs in AED. *Indicative, subject to change
Meydan one-visa package (licence, visa allocation, flexi desk)AED 14,350*
Establishment cardAED 2,000*
Investor visa processingAED 4,000*
Medical and Emirates IDAED 2,250*
Avyanco professional feeQuoted separately
Estimated first-year totalAED 22,600*
UAE Corporate Tax0% / 9%
0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person that meets every condition. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. Companies outside the QFZP regime pay 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it.
QFZP rules explained →UAE VAT5%
Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000.
Designated Zone status: confirm with the FTAANNUALCorporate Tax return
QUARTERLYVAT returns
ANNUALAudited financials (QFZP)
ANNUALLicence renewal
ONGOINGUBO register
Year-one budget by company profile
| Company profile | Typical year-one budget | Usually included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa company, Sharjah value zones | From AED 5,750 to 5,760* | Licence and basic registration, visa excluded | SPC and SHAMS publish entry packages at this level. |
| Zero-visa company, Dubai | From AED 12,500 to 12,900* | Licence and basic registration, visa excluded | Meydan starts at AED 12,500*; IFZA's zero-visa licence starts around AED 12,900*. |
| One founder, one visa | From about AED 13,175 to 21,000* | Licence, visa allocation and, in some packages, establishment card | SPC's published one-visa package starts at AED 13,175*; Dubai one-visa packages are often higher. |
| Multi-visa or office-based company | From AED 20,000+ | Licence, higher visa quota and office or flexi desk | Cost depends on office size, activity and authority. |
A one-person company should also budget for Emirates ID and medical fees, a visa status change or security deposit, audit, accounting and corporate bank account charges. These are separate from the licence cost and vary with personal circumstances, so check them before you set up.
0% Corporate Tax: how QFZP status works and how it is lost
A Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) may get 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, subject to meeting specific conditions:
- Earn qualifying income
- Maintain adequate UAE substance
- Stay within the de minimis threshold for non-qualifying revenue
- Comply with transfer pricing rules
- Maintain audited financial statements
- Do not elect the standard Corporate Tax regime
The de minimis threshold is the lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million. If the company fails these conditions, it loses QFZP status for that tax period and the next four, and non-qualifying income may be taxed at 9%. Every free zone company should assess Corporate Tax registration, QFZP review, filing and record-keeping, and QFZPs must prepare and maintain audited financial statements. Our corporate tax team assesses your eligibility for QFZP benefits.
FAQ
Questions founders ask about free zones
Can I set up a free zone company without visiting the UAE?+
Yes. Many authorities support remote company setup in a free zone. Identity verification, immigration and banking may involve in-person procedures or additional requirements.
What does a free zone licence cost for a one-person company?+
Licence costs vary with the activity, authority, office and visa requirements. Government packages start from about AED 5,750* in the lowest-cost Sharjah zones and from AED 12,500* in Dubai, before visas. A founder with one visa and a flexi desk should budget more: the Meydan example on this page totals about AED 22,600* in the first year, including the establishment card, investor visa, medical and Emirates ID. Request a quote that covers licensing, registration and renewal.
How many residence visas can a company get?+
The visa quota depends on the package, authority, office arrangement and eligibility. Confirm the permitted allocation before you apply.
Do I need a physical office for a free zone setup?+
Not always. Some activities qualify for flexi desks, while others need dedicated warehouses, offices or approved facilities.
How long does a corporate bank account take?+
It depends on the shareholder details, due diligence, business activity and source-of-funds documents. Incorporation does not guarantee bank approval.
Is Corporate Tax or VAT registration required?+
Corporate Tax obligations may apply whether or not qualifying income receives the 0% rate. VAT registration depends on the applicable thresholds and taxable turnover.
Can I move to another zone or the mainland later?+
Yes, after a free zone setup you can move to another zone or the mainland. It depends on licensing approvals, cancellation procedures, restructuring requirements and tax implications.
What happens if I renew my licence late?+
Late renewal leads to penalties or restrictions on company services. Confirm deadlines and outstanding fees with your authority.
Keep reading
All insights →Guides to help you decide
COMPARISONIFZA vs DMCC vs Meydan: Dubai Free Zone Comparison (2026)Read guide →
COSTSBusiness Setup Cost in Dubai 2026: Fees ComparedRead guide →
STRUCTURESWhat Is an FZE Company? Free Zone Establishment ExplainedRead guide →
TAXQualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP): 0% UAE Corporate Tax ExplainedRead guide →
Start today
Tell us your activity, and we'll shortlist your zone.
Share your shareholder details, business activity and visa requirements. We compare the suitable jurisdictions and expected costs, and quote in writing with government fees and our professional fee shown separately. No obligation.
- The right zone for your activity, not just the cheapest
- Itemised cost across licence, office, visas and tax
- Bank, visa and Corporate Tax / VAT support end to end
Talk to Tanya, business setup consultantTypically replies within one business day
DET licence #909402FTA-registered tax agents11,500+ businessesFixed fee · no hidden costs
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Cabinet Decision 59/2017 (Designated Zones) · Dubai Executive Council Resolution 11/2025 · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of any UAE free zone authority and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. Zone rules, fees, QFZP eligibility, Designated Zone status and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with the zone authority and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.