UAE Free Zone Company Formation

UAE Free Zones are the workhorse of any UAE structure: they let you operate, employ staff, bank, and obtain residency visas — with 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate tax on "qualifying income" (subject to substance tests). There are more than 40 free zones across the UAE, each with its own activity list, pricing, and reputation. Choosing the right one shapes everything from banking experience to operational flexibility.

We've structured Free Zone companies across DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ, JAFZA, and more. The "best" free zone isn't universal — it depends on your activity, your client base, your visa needs, and your banking objectives. Our role is to map the right zone to your business and handle every step from incorporation to ongoing compliance.

What you get

Free zone selection advisory — DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ, JAFZA, or others matched to your activity
100% foreign ownership across all free zones we work with
0% corporate tax on qualifying income (subject to substance and de minimis tests)
Residency visa allocation — typically 1–6 visas depending on the package
License and registration — Establishment Card, Trade License, e-Channel registration
Flexi-desk or physical office — depending on the zone's requirements
Corporate bank account introduction with tier-1 UAE banks
Ongoing compliance — VAT, accounting, ESR, UBO, license renewal

How we work

1
Zone selection
Strategy call to match your activity, headcount, and banking needs to the right free zone. We compare DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ, and others.
2
Application and licensing
We prepare and submit the application, including activity codes, articles, MOA, and supporting KYC. Typical timeline: 7–14 days.
3
Visa and residency
Investor or partner visa, Emirates ID, and medical clearance handled end-to-end for you and eligible family members.
4
Banking
We introduce you to the right banker, prepare the corporate KYC pack, and accompany the application. Account typically opens within 2–4 weeks.
5
Ongoing compliance
VAT registration where required, annual accounting, ESR returns, UBO filings, and license renewals — all handled.

Talk to a senior advisor

Free 30-minute strategy call. No obligation. Fully confidential.

Book a Call

Frequently asked questions

It depends. DMCC offers the broadest activity list and premium reputation. IFZA is cost-effective and fast. ADGM and DIFC are best for financial services with their English common law framework. RAKEZ suits manufacturing and lower-cost service businesses. We assess your specific situation on the strategy call.

Not strictly — you can hold a residency visa and not live full-time in the UAE. However, to access UAE tax residency benefits, most clients spend 90+ days per year and obtain a Tax Residency Certificate.

Free zone entities pay 0% UAE corporate tax on qualifying income (defined under UAE Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022). Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. The de minimis test requires that non-qualifying income stays below 5% of total revenue or AED 5M, whichever is lower.

Yes, but with structure: free zone entities can sell to mainland UAE through a local distributor, an approved channel, or by paying customs duty on goods. Direct invoicing to UAE customers in some activities may push that income into the 9% bracket.

Depends on the free zone and license package. IFZA starts at 1–3 visas; DMCC packages can include 6+. We help you choose based on family members and team needs.

Free zone setup costs range from $4,000 to $15,000+ in year one, depending on the zone, visa count, and ongoing compliance scope. We provide a precise fixed-fee quote on the strategy call.

For most international founders, the strongest structure is a layered one: a RAK ICC holding company at the top, owning a Free Zone operating company underneath, with residency visas through the Free Zone entity. Read our DIFC vs ADGM comparison if financial services is your sector.