How fast can a Free Zone company be set up?

Many free zones can issue a licence within a few working days once your documents are complete, though the exact timeline depends on the zone and your activity.

Do Free Zone companies pay UAE Corporate Tax?

Qualifying Free Zone Persons can access a 0% rate on qualifying income under the UAE's Free Zone tax regime — we'll assess whether your activity and income qualify before you rely on it.

Which free zone should I choose?

The right free zone depends on your business activity, budget, and whether you need physical office space or just a licence — some zones specialise in specific industries. We match you to a zone based on your actual requirements rather than a generic recommendation.

Can I get a UAE residence visa through a Free Zone company?

Yes — most free zone company packages include eligibility for one or more residence visas for shareholders and staff, with the exact quota tied to your licence package and office type.

Do Free Zone companies need an office space?

Requirements vary by zone — some mandate a physical desk or office, while others offer flexi-desk or virtual packages that satisfy the licence requirement without a dedicated space. We confirm what your chosen zone requires.

Can I convert my Free Zone company to a Mainland company later?

There's no direct 'conversion' — moving to Mainland generally means setting up a new Mainland entity and winding down or restructuring the free zone one, so it's worth planning ahead if you expect to need Mainland trading access later.

Free Zone

100% foreign ownership, fast incorporation, and a jurisdiction built for international business — without a local partner.

100% ownershipZero income taxFast setup

What a Free Zone licence gives you

UAE free zones are self-contained economic areas, each regulated by its own authority, built specifically to offer 100% foreign ownership without the Commercial Companies Law amendments Mainland companies rely on. Incorporation is typically faster than Mainland, office options range from a flexi-desk to a full floor, and many zones specialise by sector — media, technology, logistics, or finance. The trade-off: a free zone company generally cannot trade directly with the UAE mainland market without a distributor or a dual licence.

Setup usually starts with choosing a free zone that matches your activity, submitting your application and passport copies, then signing your lease — from a flexi-desk to a full office — before the free zone authority issues your licence. Most zones can complete this within a few working days once documentation is in order, though bank account opening and visa processing add their own timelines.

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Free Zones in Dubai

Dubai alone has dozens of free zones, each built around a different sector — here's the full picture before we help you pick the right one.

DMCC – Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

JAFZA – Jebel Ali Free Zone

DAFZA – Dubai Airport Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone

IFZA / Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai South

Dubai CommerCity (DCC)

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Dubai Media City (DMC)

Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Dubai Studio City

Dubai Production City

Dubai Outsource City

Dubai Science Park

Dubai Design District (d3)

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai Maritime City

Dubai Humanitarian

Dubai Gold & Diamond Park

Dubai Auto Zone / DUCAMZ

Dubai Industrial City

Dubai Aviation City

Expo City Dubai Free Zone

National Industries Park (NIP)

Key benefits

Full repatriation of profits and capital

Move profits and capital out of the UAE without restriction.

Preferential tax treatment

Qualifying Free Zone Persons can access a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income under the UAE's Free Zone tax regime.

Sector-specialised zones

Choose a zone built around your industry — media, tech, logistics, finance and more.

100% foreign ownership

Full ownership by design, in every free zone, for every eligible activity — no local shareholder required.

Fast incorporation

Many free zones can issue a licence within days once documentation is complete.

How to get started

Match activity to the right zone

We compare free zones by activity fit, cost, and visa allowance before you commit to one.

Submit application & documents

We prepare and submit your application, passport copies, and business plan (where required) to the free zone authority.

Sign lease & receive licence

Once your office package is confirmed, the authority issues your trade licence — often within days.

Bank account & visa processing

We support your corporate bank account application and manage visa processing for you and your team.

Who this suits

International trading, consultancy, media and e-commerce businesses
Businesses that don't need to trade directly with UAE mainland customers
Founders who want full ownership without a local partner
Businesses that value fast setup and flexible office options

When to consider another option

You need to sell directly to UAE mainland customers without a distributor — Mainland may suit better
You expect to sponsor a large number of visas beyond your package limit

Frequently Asked Questions

Not directly. Selling into the Mainland generally requires a local distributor or a dual licence — we'll walk you through both options if that's part of your plan.

Compare other jurisdictions

Mainland

Offshore

Ready to move forward?

BWCS matches your activity to the right free zone, compares costs across options, and manages the full licensing process.

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