Advantages of Setting Up a
Free Zone Business in UAE
Most Popular Free Zones in the UAE
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ free zone offers a highly cost-effective free zone business setup ideal for startups, SMEs, and industrial operations.
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone offers a budget-friendly free zone business setup for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and e-commerce businesses. With easy company formation, low overhead costs,
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
SPC Free Zone offers a unique free zone business setup for media, publishing, and e-commerce ventures.
Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)
Shams is a dynamic and modern free zone known for affordable and flexible business setup solutions,
Fujairah Creative City Free Zone
(FCC)
Creative City offers simplified free zone business setup tailored for media professionals, artists, designers, and consultants.
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone provides a premium business setup experience with a prestigious Dubai address and no requirement for a physical office.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of Dubai’s most flexible and investor-friendly free zones offering streamlined business setup
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DIFC is a globally recognized financial free zone, providing a robust legal framework, English-language common law system,
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC is an award-winning free zone offering world-class business setup for trade, commodities, crypto,
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIF Zone)
SAIF Zone is a cost-effective and business-friendly free zone located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport.
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority Sharjah (HFZA)
Named second best free zone of 2024, HFZA is the second largest industrial free zone in the UAE.
Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)
Formerly known as KIZAD, now known as KEZAD, this free zone offers a host of advantages for clients based on their business strategy
twofour54 Abu Dhabi Free Zone
For over 15 years, twofour54 free zone stands at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to develop a vibrant creative and media ecosystem.
Dubai Knowledge Park Free Zone (DKP)
DKP Free Zone is the world’s only Free Zone exclusively focused on Human Resource Management and learning excellence.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
DAFZA or DAFZ in short was established in 1996 as a dynamic business hub located at the heart of global trade
Get Your
Free Zone Permits
in UAE Today
G12 – Top Rated Free Zone
Setup Consultancy in Dubai
One-Stop-Shop for Your Business
Success in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Zone Business Setup in the UAE
A Free Zone company is a business entity registered within a designated Free Zone area in the UAE. These zones offer 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax (in most cases), and simplified licensing procedures, making them ideal for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
Key benefits include:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 0% corporate and personal income tax
- Full repatriation of capital and profits
- Quick and efficient business setup
- No local sponsor or partner required
- Wide range of license activities and visa options
The process involves:
- Choosing a suitable Free Zone based on your business activity
- Selecting the license type (commercial, service, industrial, etc.)
- Submitting your application with required documents (passport copy, business plan, etc.)
- Paying the relevant fees
- Receiving your trade license and company documents
With the support of a consultancy like G12, the process is seamless and typically completed within a few days.
Depending on the Free Zone and activity type, it usually takes 3 to 10 business days to complete the setup. Some Free Zones offer fast-track services for quicker licensing.
Some of the most in-demand activities include:
- E-commerce and online retail
- IT services and software development
- Marketing, media, and digital content creation
- Business and management consultancy
- General trading and import/export
- Real estate holding and investment
Free Zone companies can operate internationally and within their Free Zone without restrictions. However, to trade directly within the UAE mainland, you must appoint a local distributor or set up a mainland branch or LLC licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
The most sought-after Emirates for business setup include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each Emirate offers a variety of Free Zones that cater to specific industries such as media, technology, logistics, and consultancy. The choice often depends on your business activity, desired infrastructure, and budget.
No, you don’t necessarily need a Dubai-issued license to conduct business in Dubai. Many companies establish themselves in other Emirates—such as RAKEZ free zone, SPC free zone, or SRTIP free zone—and still legally serve clients in Dubai, especially for online services, consulting, and trading. These options are often more affordable while still allowing access to the Dubai market.
Not Ready to
Set Up Just Yet?
If you know anyone in your network who is looking
to register a company in the UAE, contact info@g12.ae
and receive up to AED 5,000 for every successful referral.
We promise best price guarantee
and 100% transparency.