Start Your Business in a UAE Free Zone
UAE Free Zones are specially designated economic areas that offer foreign investors a favorable environment to set up and operate businesses. These zones are structured to promote international trade, attract foreign direct investment, and support sector-specific growth.
Free Zone Business Setup
The United Arab Emirates is home to over 45 specialized free zones, each designed to attract foreign investment and support business growth across various sectors. These zones offer a range of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, full repatriation of profits, and simplified company setup processes.
With world-class infrastructure, industry-specific environments, and minimal bureaucratic hurdles, UAE free zones provide the ideal launchpad for startups, SMEs, and multinational companies looking to expand into the Middle East and beyond.
Whether youāre in tech, trade, media, logistics, or finance ā thereās a UAE free zone perfectly suited for your business.
Unlock Growth with a UAE Free Zone License
Unlock the full potential of your business with a UAE Free Zone setup ā designed to provide maximum flexibility and complete ownership for foreign investors. Enjoy the benefits of zero taxes, fast licensing, and minimal regulatory hurdles that make launching your venture smoother than ever. With a variety of industry-specific free zones offering cutting-edge facilities and business support, you can confidently expand your operations both locally and internationally.
Whether you’re a start-up, freelancer, or multinational company, UAE Free Zones deliver the perfect blend of cost efficiency, world-class infrastructure, and global connectivity ā empowering you to thrive in a competitive market.
Start your business in the UAEās cheapest free zones with licenses from just AED 4,000 ā affordable, fast, and hassle-free!
Brightlink Makes It Simple to Start, Scale, and Succeed
Advantages of Setting Up a Business in a Free Zone
Choosing a Free Zone company setup in the UAE provides complete ownership, tax advantages, and a streamlined path to launch your business. Hereās why startups, freelancers, and international investors prefer the free zone option:
List Of Top Free Zones In UAE
Hereās a list of some of the top free zones in the UAE, known for their business-friendly environments and industry focus:
List of Free Zones Across the UAE
A comprehensive list of Free Zones across the UAE, categorized by emirate. Each of these zones is tailored for specific industries like media, tech, manufacturing, logistics, education, healthcare, and more.
Top UAE Free Zone Offers with Packages
Top Free Zone Offers in the UAE, with package highlights including license type, starting price, visa allocation, and key features ā perfect for entrepreneurs seeking budget-friendly and efficient setups:
SHAMS Free Zone
(Sharjah Media City)
starting from
AED 5,750
*T&C Apply
IFZA Dubai
(International Free Zone Authority)
starting from
AED 12,900
*T&C Apply
RAKEZ
(Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
starting from
AED 11,800
*T&C Apply
Ajman Free Zone
(AFZ)
starting from
AED 8,500
*T&C Apply
UAQ FTZ
(Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone)
starting from
AED 8,000
*T&C Apply
Fujairah Creative City
(Fujairah)
starting from
AED 14,000
*T&C Apply
UAE Free Zone Comparison Table (2025)
Feature / Free Zone | SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | Ajman Free Zone | RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | IFZA (Dubai) | DMCC (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
License Cost (from) | AED 5,750 | AED 6,000 | AED 6,100 | AED 12,900 | AED 13,000 |
Visas Included | 0 ā 6 | 0 ā 5 | 0 ā 6 | 0 ā 6 | 1+ |
Office Type | Flexi desk, shared office | Shared, private | Flexi, warehouse, offices | Smart/Flexi desk | Serviced offices |
Location | Sharjah | Ajman | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai | Dubai (JLT) |
100% Foreign Ownership | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
Business Activities | Media, consulting, trading | Trading, services | Industrial, services | Wide variety | Wide variety |
Reputation | Budget-friendly | Cost-effective | Industrial strength | Modern & flexible | Premium |
Audit Requirement | No (most cases) | No (basic license) | Yes (certain activities) | No (initially) | Yes |
Company Types Allowed | FZCO, FZE | FZC, FZE | FZC, FZE | FZCO | FZ-LLC, Branch |
Ideal For | Startups, media professionals | SMEs, traders | Industrial units, logistics | Startups & SMEs | Premium firms |
Notes:
- License Cost includes base business license with minimal visa allocation and no physical office.
- Visa packages increase the total cost depending on the number of visas and office requirements.
- All free zones offer easy repatriation of profits, no personal income tax, and import/export duty exemptions within the zone.
- Most free zones allow multi-year licenses with discounts for 2ā5 year commitments
How to Establish Your Business in UAE Free Zones
This section provides a thorough explanation of each step involved in setting up a business in a UAE free zone. Understanding these stages will help you navigate the process smoothly and ensure your company is compliant with all regulations from start to finish.
Choose the Right Free Zone
Evaluate your business needsāindustry focus, location, facilities, and costs. Different free zones specialize in sectors like tech, media, logistics, or finance. Pick one that aligns with your business goals.
Select Your Business Activity
Define the specific business activities your company will engage in (e.g., trading, consulting, manufacturing). This determines the license type youāll apply for and ensures compliance with free zone regulations.
Choose a Legal Entity
Decide on the legal structureāFree Zone LLC, branch of a foreign company, freelance permit, etc. Your choice impacts ownership, liability, and operational scope.
Reserve Your Trade Name
Propose a company name that complies with free zone naming rules (no offensive or restricted words). Submit it for approval to reserve it officially.
Submit Application & Documents
Complete the application form and provide necessary documents like passports, business plan, proof of address, and sometimes reference letters or bank statements, depending on the free zone requirements.
Sign the Lease Agreement
Most free zones require a physical or flexi-desk office space. Choose and sign a lease agreement for your office facility to fulfill licensing conditions.
Pay Fees & Obtain Initial Approvals
Pay the required fees for your license, registration, office lease, and visas. After payment, the free zone authority reviews and grants initial approval to proceed.
Receive Your Business License
Once all paperwork is verified and approvals are in place, you receive your official business license, authorizing you to legally operate within the free zone.
Apply for Visas and Open a Bank Account
With your license, apply for investor and employee visas as needed. Also, open a corporate bank account to handle your business finances smoothly.
Business License Options in UAE Free Zones
Commercial License
For companies involved in trading activities, including import/export, general trading, and buying/selling goods.
Service License
Issued to businesses offering professional services such as consulting, marketing, IT services, education, and maintenance.
E-commerce License
For businesses operating online stores or digital services, including online trading, marketing, and consultancy.
Freelance License
Designed for individual entrepreneurs and freelancers providing professional services, such as writers, designers, consultants, and IT professionals.
Media License
Tailored for media, advertising, and creative industry businesses involved in film, TV, radio, publishing, and digital content creation.
Industrial License
For companies involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or packaging of goods within the free zone.
Educational License
For institutes and organizations providing educational and training services.
Types of Legal Entities for Free Zone Companies
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
Most popular entity type in free zones.
Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Liability limited to the shareholderās capital contribution.
Requires minimum one shareholder and one director.
Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company
An extension of an existing company registered outside the free zone or UAE mainland.
Can conduct the same business activities as the parent company.
Not a separate legal entity but linked to the parent company.
Freelance License / Individual Establishment
Ideal for freelancers, consultants, and sole proprietors.
Allows one individual to operate legally in their professional field.
Typically does not require office space.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Single shareholder company.
Limited liability similar to LLC but owned by one individual or corporate entity.
Suitable for individual entrepreneurs or single-owner businesses.
How To Set Up A Business in UAE Free Zone
Starting your business in a UAE Free Zone opens the door to vast opportunities ā and Brightlink is here to ensure your journey is effortless and efficient.
In-Depth Guide to Navigating UAE Free Zones
TUAE Free Zones are not just about low-cost business setupāthey’re hubs of innovation, industry-specific networking, and global trade opportunities. Whether you’re a startup, tech firm, manufacturing unit, or service provider, free zones offer tailor-made ecosystems to support your business growth.
Strategic Industry-Focused Zones
Many free zones in the UAE are industry-specific, providing targeted resources and communities:
- Dubai Internet City (DIC) ā For IT and tech companies
- Twofour54 ā For media, gaming, and digital content creators
- Masdar City ā Focused on renewable energy and clean tech
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) ā Ideal for logistics, shipping, and industrial operations
- Dubai Healthcare City ā Specializes in medical and wellness industries
This specialization allows companies to benefit from cluster economies, industry events, skilled talent, and sector-specific partnerships.
Global Connectivity & Market Access
UAE Free Zones are strategically located near ports, airports, and major highways, offering seamless import-export access to:
- GCC countries
- Africa
- South Asia
- Europe
Zones like JAFZA (next to Jebel Ali Port) or RAKEZ (near Ras Al Khaimah Port) cater to companies focused on global distribution and logistics.
Digital-First Business Environment
Most UAE Free Zones offer fully digital portals to streamline:
- License applications
- Visa issuance
- Renewals and amendments
- Document submissions
- Government services (like immigration and labor)
This digitization reduces paperwork, speeds up processing, and allows you to manage your company remotely.
Business Support Services
Free zone authorities provide in-house support for:
- PRO and visa services
- Legal advice and documentation
- Banking introduction letters
- Accounting and audit guidance
- Office setup and expansion consulting
- Licensing upgrades or downgrades
These services are often bundled or subsidized to support new businesses.
Workspace Flexibility
Free Zones in the UAE offer tiered office solutions to suit businesses at every stage:
- Smart/Flexi Desks ā For freelancers and startups
- Co-working spaces ā For early-stage teams
- Private Offices ā For SMEs and consultancies
- Warehouses & Manufacturing Units ā For industrial setups
You can often scale your office type without changing your license.
Tailored Visa Packages
Most free zones offer custom visa quotas, depending on the size of your workspace. Common packages include:
- 0 Visa Package ā Ideal for holding companies or remote startups
- 1-3 Visa Packages ā For solo entrepreneurs and small teams
- Multi-Visa Packages ā For growing companies needing larger staff
Visas include employee sponsorship, family visa support, and investor residency options.
Regulatory Simplicity with International Standards
UAE Free Zones operate under independent authorities, allowing them to:
- Set their own business regulations
- Offer simplified company laws
- Register 100% foreign-owned entities
- Protect IP rights and data
- Provide dispute resolution and arbitration services
Many free zones follow international standards of legal and financial transparency, especially those catering to global investors.
Competitive Edge for Startups & SMEs
Compared to the mainland, Free Zones offer:
- Lower startup costs
- No need for local sponsors or Emirati partners
- Minimal audit requirements (depending on activity)
- Easy exit and liquidation processes
- Incubator and accelerator access in tech-focused zones
These advantages make Free Zones a go-to choice for lean, high-growth businesses.
Additional Services You May Not Know About
- Dual-licensing in select zones for expanded business reach
- Investor protection and arbitration services
- IP registration for tech or content creators
- Licensing for offshore activities (e.g., international consulting)
- Hybrid models that allow free zone presence + mainland trade
Required Documents for Setting Up a Business in the UAE Free Zone
Setting up a business in a UAE free zone involves submitting various documents to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. The exact documents may vary by free zone and business type, but generally include:
1. Passport Copies
- Valid passport copies of the shareholders, partners, and directors are essential for identity verification and processing visas.
2. Passport-Sized Photographs
- Recent color photographs of shareholders and managers, typically with a white background, are required for official documents and ID cards.
3. Proof of Residence
- A valid residential address proof (such as a utility bill or tenancy contract) from the home country or UAE, depending on the free zone requirements.
4. Completed Application Form
- The free zone authority provides a specific company registration application form that must be duly filled and signed by the applicant(s).
5. Business Plan
- Some free zones require a brief business plan outlining your business activities, market strategy, and financial projections, especially for startups and service-based companies.
6. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For UAE residents employed under another sponsor, a NOC or sponsorship release letter may be needed to set up a new business.
7. Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Shareholders Agreement
- Legal documents that define the ownership structure, responsibilities, and rights of shareholders. Some free zones draft these for you, while others require submission.
8. Initial Approval Certificate
- This is the preliminary approval from the free zone authority to proceed with company registration after the initial review of your application.
9. Office Lease Agreement
- Proof of your office space rental within the free zone is mandatory. Options often include physical offices or flexi-desks.
10. Bank Reference Letter / Bank Statements (sometimes required)
- Certain free zones request financial documents or bank references to verify financial standing or source of funds.
Note:
- The exact list and requirements can vary between free zones.
- Some free zones also require additional documents based on your business activity, such as professional qualifications or industry-specific licenses.
- All documents not in Arabic or English typically need to be legally translated and attested.
Start Your Business in UAE Free Zone with Brightlink
Your complete guide to launching and growing your business in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Partners
Ready to Start Your Business Setup in Dubai? Partner with Brightlink Consulting Today!
