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Best UAE Free Zones

With over 45 Free Zones in the UAE, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Let us simplify the process by helping you select the ideal location and guiding you every step of the way.

UAE Free Zones location map

Incorporate your business in one of the best UAE Free Zones

Setting up a business in one of the UAE’s Free Trade Zones is an appealing opportunity for foreign investors. However, selecting the most suitable Free Zone demands a strong understanding of the local market. Our business setup specialists are here to ensure your Free Zone company is registered smoothly and in full compliance with UAE regulations.

Discover the top Free Zones in the UAE and let us help you choose the ideal location for your business while crafting a strategy that maximizes your investment potential.

Ajman Free Zone Authority

AFZA is best suited for businesses in industrial and manufacturing sectors, entertainment products, service based operations, and electronic trading activities.

Dubai Design District (D3)

Businesses in sectors such as digital media, arts, design services, fashion, retail, luxury, and hospitality are best suited for establishing operations in D3.

Dubai Internet City

DIC is an ideal destination for high-tech companies and innovative start-ups.

Jebel Ali Free Zone

Ranked among the top 10 free zones globally, AFZA provides exceptional opportunities for logistics, import-export, and industrial businesses to leverage the advantages of a dynamic and thriving business hub.

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi

KIZAD delivers value through its integrated services, supporting a wide range of industries including metal products, paper and packaging, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare equipment.

Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone is a perfect hub for businesses in Marketing, IT, Arts, Events, Design, Fashion, Beauty, and other professional sectors.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

RAKEZ is a preferred destination for businesses in the education, industrial, media, e-commerce, and tourism sectors.

Sharjah International Airport Free Zone

Thanks to its proximity to Sharjah International Airport and five container ports, this Free Zone offers entrepreneurs seamless access to global markets, making it ideal for all types of businesses with hassle-free logistics.

Sharjah Media City

Shams provides smart, innovative services combined with a holistic, community-focused approach, catering to companies, freelancers, and entrepreneurs in the media, technology, and creative industries.

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

DMCC is one of the most prestigious Free Zones in the UAE, offering an ideal environment to set up, live, and grow your business. It provides licenses for a wide range of business activities.

Dubai International Financial Centre

Located in the cultural capital of the UAE, SPC is a globally recognized educational hub. In addition to fostering entrepreneurship, this Free Zone is dedicated to supporting the international printing and publishing industry.

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park

SRTIP Park Free Zone is a cutting-edge technological ecosystem focused on research and development, dedicated to fostering and commercializing innovative ideas.

Estimate your startup costs for launching a business in a UAE Free Zone.

Kick-start your business the right way by accounting for all essential setup costs in the top UAE Free Zones!

Step 1
Select the most suitable business activity for your company in the UAE.
Every Free Zone in the UAE has its own list of permitted business activities. Additionally, each Free Zone has different regulations regarding the number of activities that can be included under a single business license. Keep in mind that the more activities you select, the higher the license cost will be.
Step 2
Select the type of facility your business needs to operate effectively in the UAE.
If you don't anticipate significant business expansion in the near future, a shared or flexi-desk in a co-working space can be a practical choice. These options also meet the minimum facility requirements for obtaining a business license in the UAE.
Step 3
Assess how many UAE Residence Visas your business will need to support your team and operations.
Your UAE company will need a Residence Visa for each employee. The number of visas you can obtain depends on the type of facility you choose—shared desks offer a limited quota, and this varies across different Free Zones.
Step 4
Consider whether proximity to seaports or airports is essential for your business operations.
When setting up your business in the UAE, it's important to evaluate whether being near a seaport or airport is essential. Choosing a location with strategic access to major transport hubs can help reduce logistics costs especially crucial for trading companies.
Step 5
Determine whether a minimum share capital is necessary for your selected Free Zone and business activity.
A typical requirement when registering a company in the UAE is the deposit of a share capital amount. This must be placed either into your company’s bank account or directly with the respective Free Zone authority. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of this deposit to the Free Zone, depending on your specific business activity.
Step 6
Check if there are any limitations or requirements regarding shareholders in your chosen Free Zone.
Some Free Zones impose restrictions on shareholders of certain nationalities. However, one advantage of setting up a company in the Emirate of Dubai is the flexibility it offers allowing even shareholders from high-risk nationalities to be part of the business.
Step 7
Determine if submitting an annual audit report is mandatory for your business in the selected Free Zone.
Some UAE Free Zones require businesses to submit financial documents like an annual audit report, while others do not. Regularly providing these financial statements can make your company eligible for various benefits and improved credibility.
Step 8
Check the reputation of the Free Zone with local banks to ensure smoother processes when opening corporate accounts.
Consult with corporate service providers and experts before registering your business to ensure you can successfully open a corporate bank account in the UAE.
Step 9
If you're a UAE resident, check whether a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required for your business setup.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a letter from your current employer who sponsors your visa confirming they have no objections to you starting a business in a specific Free Zone.

Step 10
Develop a financial plan to estimate your yearly operating expenses, covering all essential business costs.
Identify all applicable fees for the first and second years of your business, including registration, license, establishment card, and facility rental costs. Also, estimate visa fees for both shareholders and employees you plan to hire in the first year. This will help ensure your company is properly set up and renewed on time each year.

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