Free Zone Company Setup
Compare UAE free zones by cost, focus and facilities. We set up in all the major zones and register you for corporate tax and VAT afterwards.
- 15Free zones
- 100%Ownership
- AED 5,499Packages from
UAE free zones at a glance
| Free zone | Emirate | Known for | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Dubai | Commodity and general trading | From AED 14,999 |
| IFZA | Dubai | Consultants and freelancers growing into companies | From AED 12,999 |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | Start ups and solo founders | Quote on request |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Manufacturers and industrial projects | From AED 5,999 |
| SHAMS, Sharjah Media City | Sharjah | Content creators and freelancers | From AED 14,999 |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | Start ups and small businesses | From AED 6,299 |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | Budget conscious start ups | From AED 5,499 |
| DAFZA | Dubai | Air freight dependent trading | Quote on request |
| JAFZA | Dubai | Logistics and distribution | From AED 14,999 |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | Financial services and funds | From AED 14,999 |
| DIFC | Dubai | Banks, asset and wealth managers | From AED 14,999 |
| RAK DAO | Ras Al Khaimah | Web3 and blockchain start ups | From AED 14,999 |
| KEZAD | Abu Dhabi | Manufacturing | From AED 14,999 |
| SRTIP | Sharjah | Technology and R&D | From AED 6,499 |
| UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Start ups | From AED 5,999 |
Indicative Balance Brite package prices with no visa. We confirm current fees in a written quote.
Free zone guides
What matters when picking a free zone
Your activity
Each zone has its own activity list and some specialise.
Your customers
Where they are decides whether a free zone works.
Visas
Packages and facilities set the visa count.
Running costs
Renewal, office and audit costs each year.
Banking
Some zones are better received by banks.
Tax
Qualifying Free Zone Person rules and audit duties.
Corporate tax in free zones
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods.
Price a free zone setup
Business setup cost calculator
Pick a jurisdiction and visas for an indicative total.
Estimated total
Estimate only, for guidance. It is not tax advice for your specific case.
Free zone questions
Which free zone is cheapest?
Among the zones we work with, Ajman Free Zone, UAQ, RAKEZ, SPC and SRTIP have the lowest starting packages.
Do free zone companies pay corporate tax?
They must register and file. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on other taxable income.
Can a free zone company sell in Dubai?
Services can often be provided to mainland clients. Goods sold into the mainland go through customs, usually via a distributor.
Which free zone is best for a holding company?
ADGM, DIFC, DMCC and IFZA are common choices, depending on cost and the assets being held.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Not sure which free zone? Ask our setup manager
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.