UAE Free Zone Company Setup
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A UAE free zone gives you 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (QFZP), duty-free imports and full profit repatriation. With 46+ free zones across seven emirates, the real question isn't whether to use a free zone — it's which one. This page compares the leading zones and helps you choose.
Legarithm guides you through every step — choosing the right zone, structure and licence, then banking, visas and tax — as a UAE-registered corporate services provider, not a middleman.
Why set up your UAE free zone company with Legarithm
Choosing a UAE free zone is easy to start and easy to get wrong. The costly mistakes happen around zone choice, activity selection, banking readiness and QFZP tax classification — the same fee stays 0% or jumps to 9% depending on how you set up. That’s where a registered adviser earns their fee.
As a registered UAE corporate services provider working directly with RAKEZ, IFZA, Meydan and Dubai zones, we match you to the right free zone for your model, then handle licence, visas, banking and tax as one team — no sub-agents, one flat quote — and we’ll tell you honestly which zone fits you best.
Key benefits of a UAE free zone
UAE Free Zone is a strategic asset. By positioning your business in a fruitful environment, you gain access to top clients and a framework designed to enhance your business growth.
Choose your UAE free zone
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
Lowest cost + industrial zones and a 3-year visa. Best for cost-led traders, consultants and manufacturing.
Set up in RAKEZIFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis)
A Dubai address on a budget, up to 3 activities on one licence, strong bank recognition.
Set up in IFZAMeydan (central Dubai)
Fastest — a licence in ~60 minutes (Fawri), central-Dubai address, 2,500+ activities.
Set up in MeydanWhich free zone fits your business
Consultant, agency or professional services
Trader or e-commerce
Manufacturer, logistics or warehousing
RAKEZ (Al Hamra/Al Ghail/Al Hulaila) and other Northern-Emirates zones — dedicated industrial land and the lowest entry cost.
Finance, funds or regulated activity
Media, creative or content
SHAMS or Dubai media zones for cost-efficient creative licensing.
UAE free zones compared
| Zone | Location | From (market) | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Lowest | 24h–7 days | Cost, trade, industry |
| IFZA | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Mid | 5–7 days | Dubai address, services |
| Meydan | Central Dubai | Mid | ~60 min (Fawri) | Speed + central Dubai |
| DMCC | Dubai (JLT) | Higher | 1–4 weeks | Commodities, prestige |
| DIFC / ADGM | Dubai / Abu Dhabi | Highest | Weeks | Regulated finance |
*Most consultants, traders and digital businesses choose RAKEZ (cost), IFZA (Dubai address) or Meydan (speed). Finance and commodities go to DIFC/ADGM or DMCC. Not sure? Tell us your business and we’ll recommend the right zone.
We'll set up your UAE free zone company efficiently and in full legal compliance.
Our experts guide you through the whole process — zone choice, licence, visas, banking and tax — so your company is compliant and ready to operate from day one.
Company structures & licences
Pick the structure that fits your ownership and banking — we match your activities to the right licence and zone.
FZ-LLC
A free-zone LLC with one or more shareholders — the usual choice for most businesses.
FZE
A free-zone establishment with a single shareholder.
Branch
A UAE or foreign parent operating under its existing legal identity.
Eligibility Criteria & Papers
- A unique trade name
- A defined set of business activities (typically up to 3–5 per licence)
- At least one director / shareholder
Step-by-step setup roadmap
Free zone cost benchmarks
| Package | Market benchmark (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa (freelancer) | 5,500–8,000 | Solo remote workers |
| 1-visa (standard SME) | 12,500–15,500 | Startups & consultants |
| 3-visa (commercial) | 22,000–28,000 | Small trading teams |
| Premium Dubai hub | 35,000+ | Finance & professional firms |
*Indicative market benchmarks — Northern Emirates (RAKEZ) are generally cheaper than Dubai. We give a flat, all-in quote for your chosen zone after a 20-minute call.
UAE free zone FAQ
Still have questions?
What is a UAE free zone?
A UAE free zone is a designated economic area offering 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (QFZP), duty-free imports and full profit repatriation. There are 46+ free zones across the seven emirates, each with its own authority, activities and pricing.
Which is the best UAE free zone?
What is the cheapest UAE free zone?
Northern-Emirates zones like RAKEZ are generally the cheapest, with zero-visa packages from around AED 5,500. Dubai zones cost more but offer a Dubai address. We give a flat, all-in quote for your chosen zone after a short call.
Free zone vs mainland — which do I need?
Choose a free zone for 100% ownership, 0% qualifying-income tax and international/B2B business. Choose mainland for direct B2C retail to UAE consumers, your own onshore premises, or government tenders. Free-zone companies can still invoice mainland B2B clients.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a free-zone company?
Yes. All UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership for individuals and corporate shareholders — no local partner — with full profit repatriation.
What company structures are available?
FZ-LLC (one or more shareholders), FZE (single shareholder) and a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. We recommend the structure that fits your ownership and banking needs.
How long does free-zone setup take?
Is corporate tax really 0% in a free zone?
0% applies only to qualifying income when you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions — adequate substance, de-minimis limits, transfer pricing and audited accounts. Non-qualifying or mainland income is taxed at 9%. Corporate-tax registration is mandatory even at 0%.
How many visas can I get?
Your visa quota depends on the zone, package and office size — from zero-visa freelancer licences to multi-visa commercial packages. You can add visas and upgrade your office as you grow.
Do I need a physical office?
Not for many services — a flexi-desk or smart office gives you a registered address and visa eligibility. Some activities or a bank’s preference may require a dedicated office.
Can a free-zone company open a UAE bank account?
We Are Always Available
Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.
Cyprus, Nicosia
Arch. Makarios Av. III, No. 1-7, Mitsis Building 3, 3rd floor, Office 302, 1065 Nicosia
Estonia, Tallinn
Tallinn, Harju maakond, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
UAE, Dubai
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE
Ukraine, Kyiv
Kyiv, Mykhailo Boychuk Street, Office 3011, 01103, Ukraine
United States, New York
228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, USA
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