Free Zone Company Formation
A fast, mostly digital setup with up to 100% foreign ownership and flexible workspace.
Starting from
AED 9,875
LIGHT package
- Typical timeline
- 3-7 working days
- Best for
- Service businesses, consultants, traders and online companies
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign
- LIGHT package
- From AED 9,875
About Free Zone Company Formation
The UAE has dozens of free zones, each built around certain industries. They offer quick licensing, simple paperwork and flexi-desk packages that keep costs low.
We compare zones on price, activities, visa quota and banking, then handle the application so you can start trading quickly.
Quick and digital
Most applications and signatures are online.
Flexible workspace
Flexi-desk, shared or dedicated offices to fit your budget.
Industry ecosystems
Zones built for media, tech, trading, finance and more.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Ownership
Up to 100%
Free zone structures generally support full foreign ownership.
Setup
Mostly digital
Many free zones provide online application and incorporation processes.
Workspace
Flexible
Depending on the zone, flexi-desk, shared and dedicated office options may be available.
Specialisation
Industry-led
Different zones focus on technology, media, trading, finance, logistics and other sectors.
Is this right for you?
Who is a free zone company for?
Consultants and professional service providers
Technology and online businesses
International trading companies
Start-ups looking for flexible workspace
Foreign founders seeking a UAE business presence
The free zone matters as much as the licence
The UAE has many free zones with different activities, pricing structures, office options and visa arrangements. Choosing based only on the lowest advertised price can create problems later.
We compare the available options against your activity, expected employees, visa needs, banking profile and customer markets.
- Compare permitted activities
- Review licence packages
- Check visa eligibility and quotas
- Compare workspace options
- Consider banking requirements
Understand where you will trade
A free zone company can operate within the scope permitted by its licence and applicable UAE rules. Certain mainland activities, goods and regulated sectors can require additional arrangements or approvals.
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Founder documents
- Passport copies
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of address
- Shareholder information
Business information
- Proposed company names
- Business activity
- Expected customer markets
- Business description
Workspace
The selected package should provide a workspace arrangement that satisfies the free zone's licensing and visa requirements.
Special approvals
Regulated or specialised activities may require additional documents or approvals.
What is included
- Free zone comparison and recommendation
- Online application and KYC
- Free zone licence
- Share certificates and incorporation documents
- Workspace lease
- Establishment card for visas
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
Choose the zone
We shortlist zones by activity, cost and visa needs.
- 2
Apply online
Passports and forms are submitted and verified digitally.
- 3
Sign and pay
Documents are signed and government fees are paid.
- 4
Licence issued
Receive your licence and establishment card.
Important to know
Before you proceed
Free zones are not interchangeable
Activities, fees, office requirements and visa quotas vary between zones.
Mainland trading may need additional arrangements
Certain goods and mainland activities require additional licensing, distribution or regulatory arrangements.
Banking depends on your profile
Banks independently assess the company's activity, owners, customers and source of funds.
Corporate Tax still needs review
Free zone status does not automatically mean every type of income receives a 0% Corporate Tax treatment.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppDirectly selling goods on the mainland needs extra arrangements, such as a distributor or a dual licence. Providing services across borders is usually simpler. We check your case.
UAE corporate tax applies, with a 0% rate for qualifying free zone income if conditions are met. All companies must register. We can assess your situation.
Ready to start with Free Zone Company Formation?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
All our services
Company Formation
- Business Setup in the UAE
- Establishing a Business on the Mainland
- Creating a Business in Free Zone
- Establishment of Offshore Company
- UAE Trade License: Issuance & Renewal
- UAE E-Commerce License
- UAE Industrial License
- Professional License Dubai
- Commercial License Dubai
- General Trading License
- Tourism License Dubai
- Holding Company License
- License Renewals in Dubai
- Nominee Services
- Flexi Desk & Virtual Office UAE
- Company Liquidation UAE
Banking, Taxation & Compliance
Visas & PRO Services
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