How to Set Up a UAE Free Zone Company — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

How to Set Up a UAE Free Zone Company — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Setting up a UAE free zone company is straightforward if you know the exact steps. Most people go from application to licensed company in 3–14 business days. Here is the complete step-by-step process for 2026.

Before You Start — What You Need to Decide

1. Which free zone? — Use our Zone Finder Quiz or comparison table to choose based on your activity, budget, and visa requirements
2. Business activity / activities — What services or products will your company provide?
3. Company structure — Sole shareholder (FZ-LLC/FZE) or multiple shareholders (FZ-LLC/FZCO)?
4. Package — Flexi-desk (no physical office) or dedicated office?
5. Visa count — How many visas do you need at launch?

Step-by-Step UAE Free Zone Company Setup

Step 1 — Submit Application (Day 1)

Complete the free zone’s online or paper application form. You will need:

• Passport copy (all pages) of each shareholder and director
• Passport-size photo (white background, recent)
• Proposed company name (check availability first)
• Chosen business activities
• Home country address
• Signed application form

Some zones (IFZA, SPC, Meydan) accept fully digital applications via an online portal.

Step 2 — Initial Approval (1–3 Business Days)

The free zone reviews your application. If approved, you receive an “Initial Approval” letter/email. Some zones issue immediate approval; others take 2–3 days.

Step 3 — Pay Licence Fee (Day 2–4)

Pay the licence and package fees (flexi-desk, office, visa quota deposit). Payment is usually by bank transfer or credit card. Keep your payment receipt.

Step 4 — Submit Original / Notarised Documents (Day 3–5)

Depending on the zone:

• Some zones accept scanned copies throughout (fully remote setup)
• Others require original notarised/apostilled passport copies if you are a non-resident or if shareholders are corporate entities
• If setting up remotely from outside the UAE, a Power of Attorney (POA) notarised in your country may be required

Step 5 — Receive Trade Licence (Day 3–14)

Once documents are verified and fees paid, the free zone issues your Trade Licence (TL). This is the primary company document. It states the company name, activity, share structure, and the licensed premises address.

Step 6 — Apply for Investor Visa Entry Permit (Day 5–10)

If you need UAE residency:

• The free zone submits an investor visa / entry permit application to GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (other emirates) on your behalf
• You receive an entry permit valid for 60 days
• Travel to UAE on this permit (or status-change if already in UAE)

Step 7 — Medical Test and Emirates ID (UAE)

• Attend a UAE-approved medical test (Aster, Tamouh, etc.) — usually same-day results
• Register for Emirates ID biometrics at an ICA Happiness Centre or approved typing centre
• Emirates ID delivered within 3–10 working days

Step 8 — Open UAE Bank Account (Week 3–6)

With your Trade Licence and Emirates ID in hand, apply for a UAE business bank account. Recommended banks for new free zone companies: Wio Business (fastest, digital), Mashreq Neo Biz, RAKBANK, Emirates NBD. See our bank account tips guide for strategies to maximise approval chances.

Timeline Summary

Frequently Asked Questions