Set Up Your Business in UAE Free Zones
Tax-Free & Business-Friendly
In the UAE, you can choose from over 40 free zones spread across various emirates, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. These zones are known for their business-friendly environments, providing entrepreneurs with numerous advantages to thrive in the global market.
List of UAE Designated Free Zones (as of 2025)
Abu Dhabi
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
Free Trade Zone of Khalifa Port | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة التجارة الحرة لميناء خليفة | |
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة بمطار أبوظبي | |
Khalifa Industrial Zone | 01/01/2018 | منطقة خليفة الصناعية | |
Al Ain International Airport Free Zone | 18/06/2018 | المنطقة الحرة بمطار العيــن الدولــي | |
Al Butain International Airport Free Zone | 18/06/2018 | المنطقة الحرة بمطار البطين الدولــي |
Dubai
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة لجبل علــي (شمال – جنوب) | ||
Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ) | 01/01/2018 | منطقة العوير الحرة للسيارات دوكامز | |
Dubai Textile City | 04/04/2021 | 01/01/2018 | مدينة دبي للأقمشة |
Free Zone Area in Al Quoz | 01/07/2021 | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة فــي منطقة القوز الصناعيــة |
DAFZA Industrial Park Free Zone – Al Qusais | 01/01/2018 | منطقة القصيص الصناعية دوفزا | |
Dubai Aviation City | 01/01/2018 | مدينة دبي للطيران | |
01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة فى مطار دبي الدولــي | ||
International Humanitarian City – Jebel Ali | 18/06/2018 | المدينة العالمية للخدمات الإنسانية – جبل علي | |
Dubai CommerCity | 01/01/2021 | دبي كومبــرسيتي |
Sharjah
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة الحمرية | ||
01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة فى مطار الشارقة |
Ajman
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
01/01/2018 | منطقة عجمان الحرة |
Umm Al Quwain
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
UAQ Free Trade Zone – Ahmed Bin Rashid Port | 01/01/2018 | منطقة التجارة الحرة بأم القيوين فى ميناء احمد بن راشد | |
UAQ Free Trade Zone – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road | 01/01/2018 | منطقة التجارة الحرة بأم القيوين – علــى شارع الشيخ محمد بن زايد |
Ras Al Khaimah
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
RAK Port Free Zone | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة ميناء رأس الخيمة | |
RAK Maritime City Free Zone | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة مدينة رأس الخيمة الملاحية | |
RAK Airport Free Zone | 04/07/2019 | 01/01/2018 | المنطقة الحرة بمطار رأس الخيمة |
Al Hamra Industrial Zone –Free Zone | 04/07/2019 | منطقة الحمرا الصناعية – منطقة حرة | |
Al Ghail Industrial Zone – Free Zone | 04/07/2019 | منطقة الغيل الصناعية – منطقة حرة | |
Al Hulaila Industrial Zone – Free Zone | 01/01/2018 | منطقة الحليلة الصناعية – منطقة حرة |
Fujairah
Designated Zones | To | Effective From | المناطق المحددة |
01/01/2018 | منطقة الفجيرة الحرة | ||
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) | 01/01/2018 | منطقة فويز |
Key Benefits of a UAE Free Zone License
100% Foreign Ownership
Full control of your business with no need for a local sponsor.
01
Tax Exemptions
Enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax within free zones.
02
Import & Export Duty Exemptions
No customs duties on goods imported into free zones.
03
Full Repatriation of Profits
Easily repatriate 100% of your capital and profits.
04
No Currency Restrictions
Freely conduct international transactions with no currency controls.
05
Flexible Office Options
Choose from shared desks, serviced offices, or warehouse spaces.
06
Multiple Visa Options
Free zones offer flexibility in issuing visas for employees and investors.
07
Industry-Specific Zones
Access to free zones tailored for industries like technology, media, logistics, healthcare, and more.
08
Categories of Free Zones
Business in UAE Free zones can be categorized into designated and non-designated zones, each offering unique advantages.
Designated Free Zones
Designated Zones are specific free zones in the UAE that are considered outside UAE territory for Custom duty, VAT and Corporate purposes. Goods supplied within these zones are generally exempt from VAT unless they are used for personal purposes or leave the zone for the mainland. Services, however, are usually subject to VAT. Designated zones must meet strict criteria, including fenced boundaries, customs control, and compliance with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Non-Designated Free Zones
Industry-Specific Free Zones
Each free zone caters to specific industries, providing industry-related infrastructure, resources, and regulations.
Flexible Office Solutions
Free zones offer a wide range of office solutions based on your business needs.
Why Choose Us?
100% Ownership & Control
One of the biggest advantages of setting up in a UAE free zone is the 100% foreign ownership.
Tax-Free Environment
Businesses in free zones enjoy 0% corporate tax and 0% personal income tax, providing substantial savings for entrepreneurs and investors.
No Import/Export Duties
Free zones allow you to import raw materials, equipment, and goods duty-free.
Simplified Business Setup Process
Setting up a business in a UAE free zone is known for its fast and streamlined processes.
How to Set Up a Business in a UAE Free Zone
Select the Right Free Zone
Choose a free zone based on your business activity. Capital Zone offers expert advice to help you pick the most suitable free zone for your business goals.
Select Office Space
Choose from flexible office options, including virtual offices, serviced offices, and warehouses. Capital Zone can help you find the best office solution to meet free zone requirements.
Choose a Business Activity
Identify the type of business activity you want to perform. Free zones offer a wide range of activities, including trading, manufacturing, and services.
Apply for a Free Zone License
Submit your application for a Free Zone License to the relevant free zone authority. Capital Zone will assist with the entire process, ensuring a smooth experience.
Submit Required Documents
Gather necessary documents, such as passport copies, business plan, and proof of address, for company registration. Capital Zone can assist with the documentation process to ensure compliance.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your free zone license is issued, you can open a corporate bank account. Capital Zone offers guidance in setting up your banking services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UAE Free Zone License?
A Free Zone License allows companies to operate within a designated free zone area, enjoying tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership.
What are the benefits of setting up in a UAE Free Zone?
Free zones offer benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, duty-free imports/exports, and full repatriation of profits.
How long does it take to set up a company in a free zone?
On average, the business setup process in a UAE free zone takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the free zone and the nature of the business.
What types of business activities are allowed in UAE free zones?
You can conduct a variety of activities such as trading, manufacturing, consulting, e-commerce, and more, depending on the free zone you choose.
Can I operate outside the free zone in the UAE Mainland?
Free zone companies can operate outside the free zone by partnering with a mainland distributor or opening a branch in the mainland.
Can I get a UAE residency visa with a free zone company?
Yes, free zones offer residency visas for business owners and their employees.
What is the cost of setting up a business in a UAE free zone?
The cost varies depending on the free zone, business activity, and office space. Contact Capital Zone for a personalized quote.
Do I need to have a physical office in the free zone?
Most free zones require a physical address, but flexible office options like virtual offices are available.
Can I expand my business in the future?
Yes, free zones provide flexible business structures, allowing you to expand by adding more licenses, employees, or office space.
How do I open a bank account for my free zone company?
After obtaining your free zone license, you can open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank. Capital Zone can guide you through the process.