Why Choose a UAE Free Zone?
Free zones are designated economic areas that offer foreign investors a business-friendly environment with maximum flexibility:
- 100% foreign ownership — no UAE national partner or local sponsor required
- Full repatriation of profits and capital (no restrictions)
- 0% personal income tax — permanently
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (Qualifying Free Zone Persons)
- No import/export duties within the free zone
- Streamlined visa processing for employees and investors
- World-class infrastructure — offices, warehouses, labs, studios
Packages
| Package | Price (AED) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA Free Zone — Zero Visa | 11,500 | License + flexi-desk, no visa quota |
| IFZA + 1 Visa | 14,500 | License + 1 investor visa + Emirates ID |
| DMCC / DIFC / Meydan Setup | Custom | Authority fees vary; we advise on best fit |
All packages include our professional fee. Government authority fees vary by free zone.
Top Free Zones We Work With
DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
The world's most registered free zone (JLT, Dubai). Ideal for commodities, gold, diamond, crypto, and financial businesses. Strong community and networking events.
DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre
Premier hub for financial services, law firms, and fintech. Common law jurisdiction with independent courts. Regulated by DFSA.
JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone
UAE's largest free zone. Ideal for logistics, manufacturing, import/export, and businesses needing warehouse space adjacent to Jebel Ali Port.
DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone
Located within Dubai International Airport. Ideal for aviation, aviation services, logistics, and time-sensitive trade.
IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
One of Dubai's most cost-effective free zones. Flexi-desk and virtual office options available. Popular with consultants, e-commerce businesses, and remote service providers. Zero-Visa package from AED 11,500.
Meydan Free Zone
Central Dubai location. Popular for e-commerce, trading, and service businesses. Competitive pricing and fast processing.
Sharjah Free Zones (SAIF Zone / Hamriyah)
Lower-cost option for businesses focused on Northern Emirates operations. Ideal for manufacturing and industrial activities.
Free Zone Setup Process
Step 1 — Free Zone Selection
We advise on the right free zone based on your business activity, budget, visa requirements, and physical presence needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — DMCC suits commodities trading; IFZA suits lean consulting businesses.
Step 2 — Application Submission
We prepare and submit all required documentation to the free zone authority:
- Shareholder passport copies and CVs
- Business plan (where required)
- Activity description
- Proposed company name (3 options)
Step 3 — License Issuance
Free zones issue licenses within 3–7 days of completed submission. We collect and courier your original license documents.
Step 4 — Visas & Emirates ID
Investor visa processing: entry permit, status change, medical fitness test, biometrics, Emirates ID enrollment. Typically 7–10 working days after license issuance.
Step 5 — Bank Account Opening
We introduce you to suitable UAE banks based on your free zone, business activity, and transaction profile. Bank approval timelines vary (2–8 weeks depending on the bank and risk profile).
Corporate Tax & Free Zones (2026)
The UAE's 9% Corporate Tax (effective June 2023) includes a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) regime: free zone companies that meet substance requirements continue to pay 0% CT on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
Registration is mandatory for all free zone companies — even those claiming QFZP status. Failure to register incurs an AED 10,000 penalty. We handle CT registration as part of our post-setup compliance.
Free Zone vs. Mainland: Key Differences
| Consideration | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Local Market Sales | Requires local distributor/agent | Unrestricted |
| Government Tenders | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Office Options | Flexi-desk available | Physical office required |
| Visa Quota | Fixed by package | Linked to office size (unlimited) |
| Setup Cost | Lower (from AED 11,500) | Higher (from AED 18,500) |
| Banking Ease | Moderate | Easier |
Annual Renewal
Free zone licenses renew annually. Our renewal service (AED 5,500) covers authority fees (at cost), compliance verification, and renewed license delivery. Renewal reminders sent at 60 and 30 days before expiry.
Office 225, Oud Metha Offices, Dubai Healthcare City +971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com