If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a strategic advantage to start your business in Dubai, a Dubai free
zone is an excellent choice. These designated economic areas offer a unique set of benefits and a
business-friendly environment designed to attract foreign investment. The primary appeal of a Dubai
free zone business setup is the ability to maintain 100% foreign ownership of your company
zone is an excellent choice. These designated economic areas offer a unique set of benefits and a
business-friendly environment designed to attract foreign investment. The primary appeal of a Dubai
free zone business setup is the ability to maintain 100% foreign ownership of your company
- 100% Foreign Ownership: This is one of the biggest drawcards. You can own your business entirely without needing a local partner or sponsor.
- Full Repatriation of Profits & Capital: You can freely transfer all your business profits and capital back to your home country.
- Wider Range of Business Activities: Access to a broader spectrum of commercial such as retail store, industrial, professional, and tourism-related activities.
- 0% Corporate & Personal Income Tax: Businesses operating within a UAE free zone are exempt from corporate tax after meeting the criteria.
- No Import/Export Duties: Goods traded within the free zone and for re-export are exempt from customs duties.
- Simplified Business Setup: The process to form a freezone company is streamlined, with dedicated authorities handling licensing and documentation.
A business setup in Dubai Free Zone provides foreign investors and entrepreneurs with a highly regulated yet flexible corporate environment. It offers 100% foreign ownership, robust tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory frameworks, making it an ideal choice for international business expansion.
Dubai free zone benefits include allowing for ease in catering to partnerships across the globe, exporting goods with minimal friction, and selecting from industry-specific free zone options that provide a tailored ecosystem for your business needs. Another point to note is that each of the Dubai free zones has specific business activities that can be performed within the free zone and globally only, thus restricting business activity in Dubai and the UAE mainland.
With 25+ free zones providing unique free zone benefits in Dubai while focusing on different industries, it gets complicated to understand and choose the right free zone for your business needs.
When it comes to selecting the right free zone for your business setup in Dubai free zones, there is a lot to consider, including costs, location, business structure, business activity, office space, expansion plans, etc. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, can help you save time and money by directing you and your business in the right direction and assisting you every step of the way while you are in the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world.
Business incorporation in Dubai free zones takes you away from all the hassle and complexities of mainland licenses and helps you achieve a streamlined free zone business setup in the UAE with endless possibilities. Within these designated Dubai free zones, foreign ownership takes the lead, and regulations are simplified and free zone-specific.
With Gatestone Group, Free Zone business setup in the UAE and specifically in Dubai free zones is quicker and more convenient, with 100% foreign ownership and tax optimisation. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, will help you choose the optimal Dubai free zone, secure your business license, and ensure compliance at every step of the way.
With Gatestone Group, Free Zone business setup in the UAE and specifically in Dubai free zones is quicker and more convenient, with 100% foreign ownership and tax optimisation. Gatestone Group, your chosen free zone consultancy in Dubai, will help you choose the optimal Dubai free zone, secure your business license, and ensure compliance at every step of the way.
Trading License
For import, export, and general trade operations.
Commercial License
For product sales, distribution, and trading.
Industrial License
For manufacturing and assembly units.
Service License
For consulting, professional, and service-based activities.
Freelance License
For individual professionals and contractors.
E-Commerce License
For manufacturing and assembly units.
Tech & Innovation License
For IT, AI, blockchain, and SaaS businesses.
Healthcare License
For medical and healthcare service providers.
Logistics & Freight License
For shipping, warehousing, and distribution.
Real Estate License
For IT, AI, blockchain, and SaaS businesses.
Dubai Free Zones

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Dubai Design District (D3)

Meydan Free Zone

Dubai Healthcare City (DHC)

Dubai International Academic City

Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

Dubai Outsource City

Dubai Science Park

Dubai Production City

Dubai Media City (DMC)

Dubai Studio City

Dubai South

Dubai International Humanitarian City
Dubai Free Zones operate under independent jurisdictional frameworks that provide investors with a range of financial, operational, and regulatory incentives, including:

100% foreign ownership

100% repatriation of capital and profits

100% exemption from customs duty

0% corporate tax on qualifying income

No personal income tax

No withholding taxes

There are no import or export duties

Easy access to the global market

Developed business communities

There are no currency restrictions

Easy UAE corporate bank account opening

Fast and easy company formation procedures in the UAE-free zones

Independent laws and UAE free zone regulations

Numerous options at competitive costs

Easy regional and global market access
The Process of Free Zone Company Formation
The journey to establish a freezone company formation is straightforward and can be completed in a few
steps:
steps:
01.
Selecting the Right Free Zone
Choose the Right Free Zone: Dubai has over 30 free zones, each specializing in different industries, from media and technology to finance and logistics. Selecting the one that aligns with your business activity is crucial.
Consider zones like DMCC (commodities), JAFZA (industrial & trading), DIFC (financial services), and DAFZA (logistics & aviation).
02
Clarify Business Operations & Organizational Framework
Select Your Business Activity and Name: Define your business activities and reserve a unique company name with the chosen free zone authority.
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Single shareholder entity.
- Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO): Multiple shareholders.
- Branch Office: An extension of an existing foreign or UAE mainland company.
03
Documentation & Registration Process
Submit Your Application: Provide the necessary documents, which typically include passport copies of shareholders and directors, a business plan, and other forms as required.
Business plan and feasibility study for regulatory approval.
Shareholder and director identification documents.
04
Obtain Business License & Regulatory Approvals
Get Your License and Lease an Office: After your application is approved, you will be issued your Dubai free zone license. Most free zones offer flexible office solutions like shared desks or coworking spaces.
05
Corporate Bank Account & Business Operations Initiation
Corporate bank account setup with UAE-based financial institutions.
Office space leasing as per Dubai free zone business setup mandates.
Visa processing and employee onboarding.
The cost of opening a company in Dubai free zone varies based on several factors, including your chosen
free zone, business activity, and visa requirements. The overall cost can be broken down into:
free zone, business activity, and visa requirements. The overall cost can be broken down into:
- License Fees: This is the main expense, and it varies significantly between free zones.
- Visa Costs: Fees for investor and employee visas will be an additional cost.
- Office Space: The cost depends on whether you opt for a flexi-desk, a shared office, or a private office.
- Registration & Administrative Fees: There are one-time fees for company registration and other administrative tasks.
Starting your business in Dubai’s vibrant economy has never been easier. With the benefits of a business
setup in Dubai free zone, you can leverage a tax-efficient environment with 100% ownership and a clear
path to global markets.
setup in Dubai free zone, you can leverage a tax-efficient environment with 100% ownership and a clear
path to global markets.
Why Choose Gatestone Group for Your Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone?
As a trusted business setup consultant, Gatestone Group offers comprehensive incorporation services tailored to Dubai Free Zone business setup, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- End-to-End Business Setup Consultation
- Regulatory Compliance & Licensing Support
- Sector-Specific Free Zone Selection
- Corporate Banking & Tax Advisory
- Visa Processing & Employee Onboarding
For expert guidance on business setup in UAE Free Zone, contact Gatestone Group today and launch your Dubai Free Zone company with confidence.
FAQs
- How many Free Zones are there in Dubai?Dubai has over twenty Free Zones, each catering to a specific industry. Some of them include DAFZA, JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, and others.
- Who can opt for business setup in Dubai Free Zone?Both local and foreign investors are welcome. Foreign investors can have complete ownership without needing a local sponsor.
- What kinds of companies are permitted to open in a free zone in Dubai?Trading, manufacturing, technology, media, healthcare, and logistics are just a few of the enterprises that can be formed in Dubai free zones. Each free zone is often focused on a specific sector.
- What types of businesses can be set up in Dubai Free Zones?Dubai Free Zones support industries such as trading, IT, fintech, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and consultancy, ensuring a versatile and globally competitive business environment.
- Do I need a local sponsor for a business setup in Dubai Free Zone?No, foreign investors retain 100% ownership without an Emirati partner or local sponsorship.
- How long does the Dubai Free Zone business setup process take?The incorporation process typically takes 7 to 14 business days, depending on the specific free zone regulations and document submission.
- Can I open a corporate bank account for my UAE Free Zone company?Yes, once your business license is issued, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE, subject to compliance verification.
- Are there renewal requirements for Dubai Free Zone business licenses?Yes, companies must renew their free zone business licenses annually and maintain compliance with UAE regulatory standards.
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Contact Us
- Office 1416, The Binary by Omniyat Marasi Drive Street, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- +971 4 450 1023
- +971 52 410 0849
- +44 7385 807 875
- +971 52 410 0849
- info@gatestonegroup.com
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