Foreign ownership
Free Zone company structures generally allow full foreign ownership.
UAE Free Zone Company Formation
Find the right Free Zone for your business.
Compare suitable jurisdictions, licence activities, workspace options and visa requirements with practical guidance from our UAE setup specialists.
Dedicated authority
Each Free Zone manages its own licensing rules, facilities and procedures.
Setup support
Licensing, establishment card, visa and document assistance in one place.
Strategic location
Choose an ecosystem aligned with your market, sector and operational needs.
Understanding Free Zones
A flexible route to establishing your UAE company.
A UAE Free Zone is a defined economic jurisdiction governed by its own authority. Available activities, legal forms, facilities, visa allocations and application requirements differ between authorities, so the best option depends on how your business will operate—not simply the lowest advertised price.
We help you compare the complete setup: licence, activity combination, shareholder structure, workspace, immigration eligibility, renewals and any approvals your activity may require.
Our Free Zone Network
Compare the jurisdictions we support.
Explore six established options across Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
RAKEZ
A broad economic zone serving commercial, service, e-commerce, media, educational and industrial activities, with varied facility options.
Explore RAKEZ →
SPC Free Zone
An entrepreneur-focused jurisdiction supporting publishing, media, e-commerce and a wide selection of professional and commercial activities.
Explore SPC →
IFZA
A Dubai Free Zone option for consultants, service providers, traders and international founders seeking flexible company structures.
Explore IFZA →
Meydan Free Zone
A digitally managed Free Zone in a central Dubai location, suited to entrepreneurs across professional, commercial and creative activities.
Explore Meydan →
SHAMS
Sharjah Media City supports media, creative, digital and related entrepreneurial activities through flexible licensing options.
Explore SHAMS →
Dubai South
A strategic ecosystem associated with aviation, logistics, trade and commerce near major transport infrastructure.
Explore Dubai South →Ras Al Khaimah Economic ZoneRas Al Khaimah
RAKEZ Free Zone
A versatile economic zone for entrepreneurs, SMEs and larger operations that may require anything from a flexi facility to offices, warehouses or industrial space.
RAKEZ supports a broad range of licence categories, including commercial, service, e-commerce, general trading, media, educational, professional and industrial activities. This breadth makes it worth considering when the business needs multiple facility choices or expects to scale into more operational space.
Suitable forTrading, services, manufacturing, education and media
Facility optionsFlexi facilities, offices, warehouses and industrial sites
Key considerationActivity groups and facility requirements should be confirmed before application
Sharjah Publishing City Free ZoneSharjah
SPC Free Zone
An entrepreneur-oriented Sharjah jurisdiction offering a broad activity catalogue and a streamlined formation journey.
SPC began with a strong publishing and media identity and now supports more than 2,000 business activities across trading, services, e-commerce and other sectors. Its digital application process, shared-desk options and integrated business support can suit founders looking for a straightforward entry point.
Suitable forPublishing, media, e-commerce, trading and professional services
Setup approachDigital application with integrated formation documentation
Key considerationCompare activity groups, visa allocation and renewal inclusions
International Free Zone AuthorityDubai
IFZA Free Zone
A Dubai-based option for international entrepreneurs who value flexible activity selection and a professional business address.
IFZA supports commercial and professional licence structures across a wide variety of business activities. It is commonly considered by consultants, service providers, traders, holding activities and international founders who want a Dubai company with flexible workspace and visa choices.
Suitable forConsulting, services, trading and international ownership structures
Setup approachActivity and package selection through an authorised formation channel
Key considerationConfirm activity combinations, visa eligibility and office requirements
Meydan Free ZoneDubai
Meydan Free Zone
A centrally located, digitally managed Free Zone designed for founders who want an efficient Dubai formation experience.
Meydan Free Zone offers a large selection of business activities and a digital platform for company services. Its location near central Dubai and flexible office solutions can appeal to consultants, digital businesses, traders and entrepreneurs who place value on a recognised Dubai address.
Suitable forConsultancy, technology, marketing, education and trading
Setup approachDigital company formation and ongoing online account management
Key considerationReview activity groups, banking needs and residency requirements together
Sharjah Media CitySharjah
SHAMS Free Zone
A creative and media-oriented Free Zone that also serves a wider community of digital entrepreneurs and service businesses.
SHAMS is positioned around media, creative and digital enterprise. It can be relevant for content creators, marketing businesses, production activities, technology-led services and other entrepreneurs seeking a Sharjah Free Zone licence with flexible business options.
Suitable forMedia, content, creative services, marketing and digital businesses
Business environmentA specialised creative-media ecosystem in Sharjah
Key considerationCheck the exact permitted activity and any external approval requirements
Dubai South Free ZoneDubai
Dubai South Free Zone
A strategically connected business ecosystem developed around aviation, logistics, trade and access to major transport corridors.
Dubai South is located in the Al Maktoum International Airport corridor and includes dedicated logistics, aviation and commercial environments. It is particularly relevant to businesses that depend on warehousing, freight, e-commerce fulfilment, aerospace services or regional and international supply chains.
Suitable forLogistics, aviation, e-commerce, trading and cross-border operations
Facility optionsBusiness space, warehousing and specialised logistics infrastructure
Key considerationMatch the licence and facility to operational and customs requirements
Choosing a Jurisdiction
Look beyond the licence price.
The right Free Zone should support your activity today and your growth plans tomorrow.
- 01
Business activity
Confirm that the authority permits your exact activities and preferred combinations.
- 02
Market and operations
Consider customers, suppliers, mainland transactions and physical-location requirements.
- 03
Shareholders and visas
Plan the ownership structure and current or future residency requirements.
- 04
Facility and renewal
Compare workspace, establishment-card, immigration and annual renewal costs.
Formation Process
From initial idea to active company.
- 01
Consultation
Define your activity, ownership, visa and facility needs.
- 02
Jurisdiction selection
Compare suitable authorities and select the right package.
- 03
Trade name & application
Reserve the name and submit shareholder information and documents.
- 04
Licence issuance
Complete authority review, approvals and payment requirements.
- 05
Post-licence support
Arrange establishment card, immigration file, visas and other services.
Typical Documents
Prepare for a smoother application.
Requirements vary by authority, activity, legal form and whether a shareholder is an individual or company.
- Passport copies for shareholders and manager
- Recent personal photographs where required
- Proposed company and trade names
- Selected business activities
- Current UAE visa or entry details, if applicable
- Business plan or external approval for selected activities
- Attested corporate documents for corporate shareholders
Important compliance note
A Free Zone company is not automatically exempt from UAE corporate tax or VAT. Corporate-tax treatment depends on the applicable law and qualifying-income conditions, while only specifically listed Designated Zones receive special VAT treatment for certain supplies of goods. Always obtain advice for your particular activity and transaction model.
Let us find your best-fit Free Zone.
Share your activity, visa needs and budget for a practical jurisdiction comparison.