Freezone
Business Setup in Dubai Freezone Start Your Company with Ease
Dubai is one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs, attracting thousands of investors and entrepreneurs every year. Among the different options available, business setup in Dubai freezone stands out as the most flexible and cost-effective. With benefits such as:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Zero personal and corporate taxes
- World-class infrastructure
Dubai’s free zones are the ideal launchpad for new businesses, SMEs, and global corporations. If you’re planning to start a company in Dubai, UAE, choosing a free zone is often the smartest first step.
At
Setupzo, we specialize in making business setup in Dubai freezone simple, flexible, and fully compliant with free zone regulations.
Whether you are
starting a new business in Dubai, UAE, or expanding your operations globally, from choosing the ideal free zone for your industry to handling trade licenses, visas, and bank account opening, our experts manage the entire process on your behalf. With us, you enjoy 100% ownership, tax benefits, and a smooth start to your entrepreneurial journey in Dubai’s thriving free zones.
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Why Choose Free Zone for Business Setup in Dubai?
A free zone company formation in Dubai offers unique advantages that you won’t get in mainland or offshore setups.
- 100% foreign ownership – no need for a local sponsor.
- Tax benefits – enjoy 0% personal and corporate income tax.
- Full repatriation of profits and capital.
- Customs duty exemption on imports and exports.
- Easy visa processing for you and your employees.
- Industry-specific zones designed for trading, logistics, media, IT, healthcare, and more.
These benefits make the free zone ideal for international investors who want to operate globally while taking advantage of the UAE’s pro-business environment.
Types of Free Zones in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is home to over 30 free zones, each designed for a specific industry. This gives entrepreneurs the flexibility to choose the right location for their business activities.
Some of the most popular free zones include:
- DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – Best for trading & commodities.
- DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) – Ideal for import/export & logistics.
- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) – Flexible packages for startups.
- Meydan Free Zone – Affordable licenses for SMEs.
- Dubai South Free Zone – Perfect for aviation, logistics, and e-commerce.
- JAFZA(Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Best for large-scale trading and shipping.
Whether in consulting, e-commerce, trading, or manufacturing, Dubai’s free zones offer the right setup for you.
Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
With Setupzo, the process of free zone company formation in Dubai becomes even easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide we follow for all our clients:
Step 1 – Choose the Right Free Zone
Each free zone serves different industries. At Setupzo, we help you select the right one that matches your business activity and budget.
Step 2 – Select Business Activity & Legal Structure
You can choose from activities like trading, consultancy, services, or e-commerce.
Legal structures include:
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment) – single shareholder.
- FZCO (Free Zone Company) – multiple shareholders.
- Branch Office – for existing international companies.
Step 3 – Submit Documents for Approval
Required documents typically include:
- Passport copies of shareholders.
- Visa or entry stamp copy.
- Business plan (for some free zones).
- Application form.
Step 4 – Get Trade License
Once approved, your free zone company formation in Dubai license will be issued in 3–7 working days.
Step 5 – Open Bank Account & Start Operations
At Setupzo, we assist in opening a corporate bank account so you can begin trading right away.
Cost of Business Setup in Dubai Freezone
The cost of starting a business in Dubai freezone depends on:
- The free zone you choose.
- Type of license (trading, service, consultancy, industrial).
- Number of visas required.
- Office space (flexi-desk, shared office, or private office).
- Average cost: AED 12,000 – AED 25,000.
At
Setupzo, we provide customized packages to fit your needs. We help you calculate the exact cost before you start.
Free Zone vs Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
When considering company formation in Dubai, let’s compare free zones vs mainland.
| Feature |
Free Zone |
Mainland |
| Ownership |
100% foreign ownership |
Requires local partner (51%) |
| Tax Benefits |
0% corporate & personal |
tax Subject to VAT & corporate tax |
| Business Scope |
Limited to inside the free zone & international trade |
Can trade anywhere in the UAE & globally |
| Setup Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
| Flexibility |
Limited activities per free zone |
Wider scope of activities |
Free zones are perfect for startups, SMEs, and international businesses. The mainland is ideal if you want to trade directly within Dubai and the UAE market.
Advantages of Starting a New Business in Dubai, UAE Freezone
If you’re an entrepreneur or a first-time investor, a Dubai, UAE free zone is the easiest entry point for setting up a new business.
- Low-cost license packages for startups.
- No need for a physical office in some free zones.
- Quick registration and licensing.
- Support for visas and banking.
This is why many investors choose to start a business in a Dubai, UAE free zone rather than a mainland setup when launching their first venture.
Documents Required for FreeZone Business Setup in Dubai
To get started, you’ll need:
- Passport copies of all shareholders.
- Visa or entry permit copy.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Application form.
- Business plan (in some cases).
At Setupzo, we ensure that your paperwork is handled smoothly, saving you time and effort.
How Setupzo Helps with Free Zone Company Formation
At Setupzo, we specialize in making your company formation in Dubai free zone fast, simple, and stress-free.
- Choosing the right free zone.
- Business license application.
- Visa & PRO services.
- Bank account opening.
- Ongoing compliance support.
With years of experience, we guide you through every step, ensuring your business setup in Dubai is smooth and compliant with government regulations.
Free zones like IFZA, Meydan, and Sharjah Media City (close to Dubai) offer affordable packages for startups and SMEs.
Yes. Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership without needing a UAE national as a sponsor.
On average, it takes 3–7 business days once documents are submitted.
No, freezone companies cannot directly trade in the mainland. However, they can work with a local distributor or open a mainland branch.
No, a sponsor is not required in free zones.
Mainland allows direct trading within the UAE market but requires a local partner, while free zones provide 100% ownership and tax benefits but are limited to specific activities and regions.
