The UAE combines zero income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and a residency visa bundled with your business licence. Compare IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC, and ADGM to find the right free zone.
The UAE is the business hub of the Middle East and Africa: zero income tax, 100% foreign ownership in free zones, and a residency visa bundled with your company licence. Compare the main free zones to find your best entry point.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We review your business activity, budget, and residency goals to recommend the best free zone.
We submit your preferred company name for approval - typically 1-3 days.
Free zone licences issued within 3-10 business days depending on the authority.
We guide you through the residency visa and UAE business bank account application.
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.
Yes. Most free zone formations include the option to apply for an investor or partner UAE residency visa, which gives you the right to live in the UAE, open a UAE personal bank account, and obtain a UAE driving licence. The visa is a separate government process with additional fees, but it is processed alongside your company formation.
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.
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
IFZA Free Zone Setup