Showing 0 free zones · Forex
Browse and compare 0+ UAE free zones across all 7 emirates. Filter by location, activity, and cost.
Showing 0 free zones · Forex
The UAE has over 50 free zones spread across all seven emirates, each designed to attract foreign investment with 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax, and full profit repatriation. Free zones operate under their own regulatory frameworks and are ideal for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations looking to establish a presence in the Gulf region. Costs start from approximately AED 5,750 per year for the most affordable options.
Each emirate offers a distinct ecosystem of free zones tailored to specific industries and business needs:
Selecting the right free zone depends on four key factors: your business activity, your budget, your visa requirements, and your target market. Use the filters on this page to narrow down free zones by emirate, setup cost, and visa quota. You can also use our free zone comparison tool to see side-by-side costs and benefits.
Key questions to ask: Does the free zone license your specific activity? What is the minimum share capital? How many visas are included in the base package? Can you open a UAE corporate bank account?
Answers to the most common questions from entrepreneurs and investors.
The UAE has more than 50 active free zones across its seven emirates. Dubai alone has over 30, while Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Qaiwain each host additional free zones catering to a wide range of industries.
The most affordable free zone licenses in the UAE start from around AED 5,750 per year, available through SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), SPC Free Zone, and UAQ Free Trade Zone. RAK-based free zones such as RAKEZ also offer very competitive entry-level packages. The total cost depends on your license type, office space requirement, and visa quota.
Yes. All UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership of companies registered within them. This is one of the primary advantages of free zone formation compared to mainland UAE, where certain activities may have different ownership structures depending on the business activity.
UAE free zone companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) criteria under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (effective June 2023) benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% corporate tax. Personal income tax does not apply in the UAE regardless of residency status.
Free zone companies operate within a designated economic zone and can trade freely within that zone and internationally, but must appoint a local distributor or agent to sell directly to the UAE mainland market. Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE without such restrictions. Free zones typically offer faster setup, lower costs, and simpler regulatory requirements than mainland setups.
Dubai Internet City (DIC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), in5 Tech (operated by TECOM), and IFZA are among the top choices for technology startups. DMCC also has a strong tech ecosystem. For more affordable options, SHAMS and SPC Free Zone offer tech licensing at lower price points. The best free zone depends on your team size, funding stage, and whether you need a physical office or a flexi-desk setup.
Tell us about your business — our experts will match you with the right UAE free zone.