Level 19, DWTC, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai

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Sheikh Zayed Rd Trade Centre

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+971 4 516 2100

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Enjoy seamless, hassle-free Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones

Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai

Access one of the world’s most dynamic business ecosystems. Start your free zone company in Dubai and enjoy tax exemptions, 100% expat ownership and an investor-first infrastructure. The UAE is home to around 45 active free zones with over 30 located in Dubai itself. Free zones in Dubai are specialised, economic zones that are usually geared towards a specific industry.

Company registration in Dubai free zones is an easy and seamless process and is highly popular among freelancers, SMEs and start-ups. Dart is among UAE’s leading business setup consultants specializing in Dubai free zone company formation. Experience the best that Dubai has to offer for its businesses and become part of a global network.

What is a Dubai Free Zone Company?

A free zone company in Dubai refers to those business entities that are registered in designated economic zones throughout the UAE. These free zones are independent regulatory authorities that issue the license themselves. Free zone companies are ideal for international trade, consulting, technology and IT related activities.

Features of a Free Zone Company:

100% business ownership
0% Corporate Tax (registration is mandatory)
100% import/export tax exemptions
Full profit and capital repatriation
Flexible office solutions like virtual desks
Visa sponsorship for owners and employees
Cannot trade on UAE mainland without special license or branch office

Why Choose Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone?

Dubai free zones are a popular choice for company formation in the Middle East. Primarily, because they are known for being cost-effective with flexible, digital processing. These low startup costs often make it the first preference for freelancers, startups and Small and Medium Enterprises.

Additionally, free zones are known for providing specialised business ecosystems, networking opportunities within specific sectors and access to industry experts.

Dubai Free Zone Business Advantages:

From setup and structure to scaling and strategy, Dart provides practical and holistic support across your business journey.

Tax incentives: Free zones companies are exempt from paying Corporate Tax in the UAE, although registration is mandatory. They also enjoy 0% personal income tax
100% repatriation of profit: Free zone companies can repatriate 100% of their profits and capital to their home countries.
Quick and efficient setup: Freezones often offer digital license processing where you can register your business as fast as in 60 minutes.
Visa flexibility: Free zones allow for multiple visa allocations
Office Space Solutions: Access a range of workspace options, such as flexi-desks, shared desks, private offices and services business centers
Dedicated Ecosystems: Free zones often specialize in certain industries, and offer industry-focused work environments and growth opportunities.

Types of Dubai Free Zones Explained

Depending on the industry, free zones in Dubai can be sorted into these broad categories:

01 Technology & Innovation

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC)

02 Media & Creative

Dubai Media City
Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Production City (DPC)
Dubai Studio City

03 Healthcare & Science

Dubai Science Park
Dubai Healthcare City

04 Finance & Banking

Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)

05 Commodities & Trading

Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
Dubai Gold & Diamond Park

06 Logistics & Maritime

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Dubai South
Dubai Maritime City

07 Education & Academic

Dubai KNowledge Park
Dubai Academic City

08 General or Mixed Activities

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Types of Free Zone Company Legal Structure

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Branch Office

Popular Free Zones Dart Supports

Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone Business Setup

Located in the very heart of Dubai’s financial center lies DWTC free zone. The Dubai World Trade Center specialises in events, trade, virtual assets and technology. The free zone itself boasts massive convention centers and exhibition halls. In fact, GITEX, a leading tech trade fair, hosts 1.2 million people every year on DWTC grounds.
DWTC is known for its strategic proximity to the airport, Bur Dubai, Dubai Downtown and Business Bay. DWTC free zone is the perfect example of Dubai’s vision towards the future while retaining the grace of the past.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) Company Formation

IFZA is a fast-growing free zone with its headquarters in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It is known for its fast and affordable business setup and digital licensing process which allows for trade license registration within 2-4 business days. IFZA also lets you combine multiple business activities within the same license.
IFZA is a cost effective free zone specializing in general activities such as trading, service-oriented businesses and professional consultancies.

Business Setup Process

Dubai Free Zone Business Setup Process

The free zone company formation process is very efficient and streamlined because the free zones are the regulatory authorities themselves. This cuts through a lot of the bureaucracy and allows for a seamless and hassle-free setup.

Step-By-Step Free Zone Setup Process

Step 1

Choose and combine the activities for your business and outline the legal structure of your company (FZE/FZCO/Branch Company)

1 / 6 completed

Dart helps you at every step of your business setup process

Types of Dubai Free Zone Licenses

Commercial License

Activities related to general trading, buying and selling of goods, and import/export

Professional License

For freelancers, professionals, consultants and other service providers in the fields of IT, consulting, digital marketing, media, management and more.

Industrial License

Activities related to production of goods, manufacturing, storage and processing of goods

Free zones in Dubai also issue certain special licenses and permits for specialised activities. This includes e-commerce license, freelance permit, and tourism license

Dubai Free Zone Company Formation Cost

The free zone company formation costs in Dubai start from approximately AED 10,000* and can reach up to AED 50,000* for the first year. The average setup cost can be anywhere between AED 35,000 to AED 50,000* for standard structures.

Additional factors that can affect costs include the free zone itself, the license type, visas for employees, office space rentals and external approvals (if required). Free zones often have comprehensive packages that are cost-effective and can be customised per individual business requirements.

*T&C Apply

Office & Workspace Requirements in Dubai Free Zones

Free zones in Dubai offer a wide range of flexible workspace solutions for free zone companies. A registered physical address is required to get a free zone trade license. Office units can range from flexi-desks or sharing desks to services offices, private rooms and shell-and-core spaces. An Ejari is required to lease the office space.

Types of Offices and Workspaces

Flexi desks

Ideal for individual professionals, startups, freelancers, etc. It provides a registered address without requiring to lease an entire physical space

Serviced Offices

Also known as executive offices, they are usually fully furnished and private offices. Located within free zone business centers. They offer flexibility and immediate occupancy

Shell & Core Space

These are external fitted spaces with blank interiors. Ideal for large businesses requiring tailored, long-term workspace

Warehouses and Industrial Units

Ideal for activities involved in logistics, manufacturing, and trading

Who Should Choose Dubai Free Zone Company Formation?

Dubai’s free zones are an ideal business location for startups, international enterprises, import/export businesses, professional consultants and for global trade. It is also a popular choice because of 100% expat ownership offerings, removing the need to hand over 49% sponsorship to a local Emirati partner.

Additionally, freezones such as JAFZA and DAFZA provide easy access to major sea and air ports, international markets of the MENA region and a well developed logistics hub. Free zone companies are also exempt from paying 9% corporate tax in the UAE adding to the appeal of starting a business in Dubai’s free zones.

Startup Founders

SMEs

Tech and IT Companies

Freelancers and Consultants

Management Companies

Digital Service Providers

Corporate Tax and VAT for Dubai Free Zone Companies

Free Zone companies in Dubai can avail 0% corporate tax on qualifying income if they are registered as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP). This applies to compliance with substance requirements and the income earned from the free zone. 9% Corporate Tax is levied on non-qualifying income and non-compliant free zone companies on annual net profit of AED 375,000. 5% VAT is applied on taxable supplies for most free zones.

TAX

Corporate Tax For Dubai Free Zones

9% Corporate Tax applies on income from UAE mainland transactions (non-qualifying income) or if the company does not meet substance requirements.
0% Corporate Tax is applicable on trade between free zone entities or international dealings. Also applies to certain qualifying activities like logistics, manufacturing etc.
Corporate Tax is applicable on a threshold of taxable income exceeding AED 375,000
Activities like banking and/or insurance as well as property holdings on the mainland may not qualify for 0% Corporate Tax
All free zone companies in Dubai must mandatorily register for Corporate Tax regardless of whether they qualify or not.

VAT

VAT For Dubai Free Zones

5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all taxable goods and supplies in UAE
Certain free zones like JAFZA and DAFZA are designated zones considered outside the UAE, hence exempt from VAT on goods
VAT registration for Dubai free zone companies is mandatory if taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 and voluntary if it exceeds AED 187,500

Why Choose Dart for Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone?

Dart is home to Dubai’s top free zone business setup consultants. Located right in the iconic Sheikh Rashid Tower (the OG Dubai World Trade Center), Dart covers company formation and licensing across all major Dubai free zones. We are known for our transparent licensing, pricing and communication to ensure hassle-free and seamless setup.

Our end-to-end support starts from the very first consultation right to the post setup services such as Tax Registration, visa applications, banking and compliance. Dart takes care of all the legalities of forming your free zone company in Dubai so you can do what you do best - focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The free zone company formation can take as fast as 2-4 working days for simpler licenses. More complicated structures and activities can take anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks.

Yes, Dubai free zone companies can trade in mainland UAE through the following methods:

Opening a branch company on the mainland
Use a local distributor or agent with a Dubai mainland license
Acquire a Dual License through the DET (Department of Economy and Trade)
Free zone companies can engage in B2B trade with mainland companies (qualifiers applied)

Yes, flexi desks are a popular choice of work space for Dubai free zone companies as they consist mainly of freelancers, consultants and startups. This allows them to minimise overhead costs and provide a legal office address to conduct business.

Free Zone businesses in Dubai enjoy 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income if they are registered as a Qualified Free Zone Person (QZFP). Non-qualifying income, such as that from trade with UAE mainland, has 9% tax applied on annual net profit over AED 375,000.

+971 4 516 2100

Level 19, DWTC, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai

Mon-Fri: 09:00am - 06:00pmenquiries@dartuae.com

Chat with us

The support team is always
available 24/7

Chat via Whatsapp

Chat via Viber

Chat via Messager

Office Address

19th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre -
Sheikh Zayed Rd Trade Centre

Phone Number

+971 4 516 2100

Business Emails

enquiries@dartuae.com

What Are You Looking For?

Search by title or keyword to find what you need (Min. 3 Characters)

Browse by Category:

Enjoy seamless, hassle-free Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones

Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai

What is a Dubai Free Zone Company?

Features of a Free Zone Company:

100% business ownership
0% Corporate Tax (registration is mandatory)
100% import/export tax exemptions
Full profit and capital repatriation
Flexible office solutions like virtual desks
Visa sponsorship for owners and employees
Cannot trade on UAE mainland without special license or branch office

Why Choose Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone?

Additionally, free zones are known for providing specialised business ecosystems, networking opportunities within specific sectors and access to industry experts.

Dubai Free Zone Business Advantages:

From setup and structure to scaling and strategy, Dart provides practical and holistic support across your business journey.

Tax incentives: Free zones companies are exempt from paying Corporate Tax in the UAE, although registration is mandatory. They also enjoy 0% personal income tax
100% repatriation of profit: Free zone companies can repatriate 100% of their profits and capital to their home countries.
Quick and efficient setup: Freezones often offer digital license processing where you can register your business as fast as in 60 minutes.
Visa flexibility: Free zones allow for multiple visa allocations
Office Space Solutions: Access a range of workspace options, such as flexi-desks, shared desks, private offices and services business centers
Dedicated Ecosystems: Free zones often specialize in certain industries, and offer industry-focused work environments and growth opportunities.

Types of Dubai Free Zones Explained

Depending on the industry, free zones in Dubai can be sorted into these broad categories:

01 Technology & Innovation

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC)

02 Media & Creative

Dubai Media City
Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Production City (DPC)
Dubai Studio City

03 Healthcare & Science

Dubai Science Park
Dubai Healthcare City

04 Finance & Banking

Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)

05 Commodities & Trading

Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
Dubai Gold & Diamond Park

06 Logistics & Maritime

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Dubai South
Dubai Maritime City

07 Education & Academic

Dubai KNowledge Park
Dubai Academic City

08 General or Mixed Activities

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Types of Free Zone Company Legal Structure

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Branch Office

Popular Free Zones Dart Supports

Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone Business Setup

Located in the very heart of Dubai’s financial center lies DWTC free zone. The Dubai World Trade Center specialises in events, trade, virtual assets and technology. The free zone itself boasts massive convention centers and exhibition halls. In fact, GITEX, a leading tech trade fair, hosts 1.2 million people every year on DWTC grounds.
DWTC is known for its strategic proximity to the airport, Bur Dubai, Dubai Downtown and Business Bay. DWTC free zone is the perfect example of Dubai’s vision towards the future while retaining the grace of the past.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) Company Formation

IFZA is a fast-growing free zone with its headquarters in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It is known for its fast and affordable business setup and digital licensing process which allows for trade license registration within 2-4 business days. IFZA also lets you combine multiple business activities within the same license.
IFZA is a cost effective free zone specializing in general activities such as trading, service-oriented businesses and professional consultancies.

Business Setup Process