Set Up in the UAE and Access the Middle East
Compare IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC and ADGM for your business activity and separately confirm visa eligibility and personal-tax residence. A licence alone does not confer either status.
Who this is for
- Entrepreneurs relocating to Dubai who need a company and residency visa together
- Remote workers comparing UAE visa options and seeking separate personal tax-residence advice
- Trading, consulting, and service businesses looking for a zero-tax base
- Financial services firms and fintech companies who need ADGM's regulated framework
- Commodity traders and logistics businesses who want DMCC membership
- Businesses selling to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets
UAE free zones offer business-formation routes and may support a separate residence-visa application. Company licensing does not grant an immigration or individual-tax status; compare eligible routes before choosing a free zone.
Available services
IFZA - Lowest Cost Entry
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is the most cost-effective Dubai free zone for service, consulting, and digital businesses. Licences from AED 8,900/year with fast approvals.
RAKEZ - Flexible Activities
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers the widest range of permitted business activities at competitive pricing. Popular for trading, manufacturing, and service companies outside Dubai.
DMCC - Dubai Premium
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the UAE's most prestigious free zone - the global hub for commodities trading, diamond, gold, and high-value business services. Higher cost, maximum credibility.
ADGM - Financial Services
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the UAE's premier regulated financial centre. Required for fund management, fintech, crypto exchanges, and regulated financial activities in the UAE.
What's included
- UAE free zone company formation in your chosen free zone
- Trade licence and company formation certificate
- Establishment card and residency visa application support
- UAE business bank account opening assistance
- Dashboard tracking from application to licence issued
- Direct message support throughout the process
How it works
Free zone selection
We review your business activity, budget, and residency goals to recommend the best free zone.
Trade name approval
We submit your preferred company name for approval - typically 1-3 days.
Licence issued
Free zone licences issued within 3-10 business days depending on the authority.
Visa and banking
We guide you through the residency visa and UAE business bank account application.
Frequently asked questions
Which UAE free zone is best for a digital business?
IFZA and Meydan are the most popular for digital, consulting, and service businesses: lower cost, fast approvals, and flexible permitted activities. DMCC is preferred if your business involves commodities, trading, or requires premium Dubai branding. ADGM is specifically for regulated financial services. For most digital nomads and remote service businesses, IFZA is the best starting point.
Does a UAE free zone company include a residency visa?
The company service includes residence-visa application support, but licensing and immigration approval are separate. A company does not itself grant residence, tax-resident status, a driving licence or a bank account; confirm the chosen route and additional authority fees before applying.
Can I trade with UAE mainland businesses from a free zone?
Free zone companies can trade internationally and within their free zone, but direct sales to the UAE mainland require either a mainland distributor or a separate mainland trade licence. Most service-based businesses can operate freely from a free zone without needing mainland access. Physical goods trading to the UAE mainland requires a different structure.
Review before you continue
Check the listed scope, requirements, price note, and FAQs. Final decisions remain with the relevant bank, government authority, or institution.
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